Although Lind did not want to deploy the knights for Lena, it does not mean that this group, which only follows Lena into the mountains to hunt and construct water wheels every day, is useless.
On the contrary, all of these knights are elites personally selected by Lena. In terms of social status, these knights are all nobles, true knights, not ordinary soldiers.
Fifty professional cavalry are a force that can stride across the battlefield, even in the war-torn Northern Border.
Not to mention facing a group of refugees who are utterly defenseless; these refugees couldn’t even break through the knights’ defenses.
At this moment, Isha felt profound despair. These are not the half-hearted mercenaries or black gloves from Count Yager’s castle but real professional soldiers, the elite of the Lars Family, the largest noble in the Northern Border.
The leading female knight also moved. With her helmet on, Isha could not see the knight’s expression, but the presence of the knight on horseback was immensely oppressive.
“All rebels here, listen!”
The female knight’s voice, bolstered by magic, reverberated throughout the refugee camp.
“I am Lena Lars, the granddaughter of Duke Lars, and I am here to convey a message from the lord of Graywhite Territory to you.”
Because the pressure exerted by these knights was terrifying, the refugees did not dare to make a sound, including Isha, who was especially nervous, particularly when the leading female knight referred to the refugees as rebels.
“Although you are rebels, you are also refugees. According to the relief decree issued by my grandfather, Graywhite Territory is obliged to provide you relief, so you can go to the nearby Graywhite camp to receive relief food.”
Lena’s words left the refugees stunned. How could they be called rebels just a moment ago and then be told they could receive relief food now?
Before Isha could step forward to ask, Lena continued to shout, “Although you will receive relief food, you are still rebels, so the lord of Graywhite Territory has decided that after you receive your relief food, you must remain in Graywhite Territory to work and atone for your sins.”
“You can only have two meals a day and are allowed to rest only one day a week on prayer day. Only on prayer day can you drink meat soup.”
At this point, the entire refugee camp became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Isha, who had initially thought of saying something, forgot to step forward and stood there in a daze.
However, Lena seemed to stumble. Although she had confidently promised Lind that she would convey everything, facing a crowd of over a thousand people, she inevitably began to feel nervous.
At that moment, Susan urged her warhorse to Lena’s side and thoughtfully handed her a small piece of paper.
Lena felt no embarrassment and loudly read the words on the paper.
“You must work from the first crow of the rooster until sunset, and to atone, you are only allowed to do those leftover jobs that pay little!”
“In Graywhite Territory, all stealing, bullying, and robbery are prohibited. If you violate this, you will be treated as rebels.”
“I swear to enforce the above agreement in the name of the Lars Family, and those who wish to receive relief food must be prepared!”
Lena tried to make her voice as authoritative as possible, and after finishing her speech, Susan quietly retreated, as if afraid that her actions would affect the young lady’s image.
In the Northern Border, the Lars surname is one that cannot be overlooked. The Lars family, which has dominated the Northern Border for hundreds of years, has accumulated deep prestige. Even illiterate farmers who have never left their villages know that the largest noble in the Northern Border is the Lars.
“Long live the Lars Family!”
“Long live Graywhite Territory!”
These refugees are simple-hearted, and as soon as Lena invoked the name of the Lars Family, they immediately believed it. Even the most loyal refugees around Isha were somewhat shaken, as they had just heard Bruno say that the relief food was indeed being prepared nearby.
Seeing the refugees, who had previously looked desperate and helpless, suddenly light up with hope, Lena was somewhat confused.
From Lena’s perspective, Lind’s conditions were excessively harsh. What kind of life do the people in Graywhite Territory live now?
They can have three meals a day and rest if they complete their daily work, with extra rewards and credits for additional work. On prayer day, they not only eat meat but also have awards for outstanding workers each week.
Yet these soon-to-be refugees entering Graywhite Territory would not enjoy this, which seemed too harsh.
But the refugees did not care about those details. Since Lena spoke so plainly, they understood right away: in Graywhite Territory, they could not only receive relief food but also have work with two meals a day!
This was not punishment; it was a reward!
Moreover, this female knight before them is the granddaughter of Duke Lars. Could she possibly deceive them in the name of the Lars Family?
Seeing the crowd becoming increasingly fervent and somewhat fanatical, Isha cast a pleading glance at Old Jack, who nodded helplessly.
Food is of utmost importance. At this point, they could only take it one step at a time.
Isha hurriedly moved forward and spoke to Lena, “Lady Lars, I am the leader of these refugees. I will help maintain order, so please take us to the relief center in Graywhite Territory.”
Then Isha pointed to one side of the refugee camp and continued to implore Lena, “Please forgive me; there are some injured who cannot move and the elderly who lack strength. Could you please send someone to bring over a batch of food first? I will have some people stay behind, and the remaining people will follow you to Graywhite Territory.”
Lena nodded, looking sympathetically at the direction Isha pointed out where many frail older people, women, and children were.
“I will have someone bake some bread and bring it over. There’s no need to hurry; the lord of Graywhite Territory said that people are the most important.”
“You are the kindest and most generous noble I have ever met.”
Isha, who had learned etiquette in the royal capital, properly bowed to Lena.
“No need for that.”
Lena removed her helmet and said happily, “In the royal capital, I was called the disgrace of the nobility. You are the first to praise my kindness.”
Isha was taken aback. Knowing little about the nobles, she was unaware of how many granddaughters Duke Lars had. The most renowned one, of course, was the one Isha had heard of, the one who had been abandoned by the Fourth Prince—Lena.
“I had also heard rumors about you during my studies in the royal capital, and I am very sorry that I once slandered you.”
Facing Isha’s sincere apology, Lena calmly replied, “All of that is in the past. There’s no need to dwell on it. One day, I will return to the royal capital and reclaim what belongs to me.”
