Lind remembered having read a farming novel from an island nation before, in which the protagonist, when facing political enemies, prioritized finding someone to assassinate before consolidating power or seeking weaknesses.
It was very much in line with Lind’s stereotype of islanders enjoying violent uprisings.
However, Lind did not admire this strategy at all and even looked down on it; assassination could certainly be done, but making it the main strategy was just absurd.
Assassination should only be employed as a last resort when in a disadvantageous position, because once it starts, it cannot be stopped, and someone always has to pay for the assassination.
Relying on assassination to achieve a specific target was simply as difficult as climbing to the heavens, and in the end, the outcome would likely be worlds apart from expectations.
And now, these natives gave Lind this feeling.
Someone had to pay the price for this assassination.
“I’m really fine! Look, Lind, I can already grip a sword and wield a hammer with this arm!”
Lena sat on the bed, one hand pressed against her bandaged shoulder, and her shoulder was continuously moving her arm to swing.
One had to say that due to the existence of divine arts, the technology in this world was very advanced; as long as one did not hit a vital point, they could spend money to recover someone.
Thanks to the almost unlimited holy water, the toxins and plagues from stone arrows did not cause much trouble. Although the toxin would make professionals weak in an instant, it seemed that Lena had nearly fully recovered.
The defenses of the Lars Knights were excellently reflected in Lena; although the stone arrows broke through her knightly defenses, Lena relied on her solid physical condition to withstand them.
“No, you need to rest well for the next few days and listen to the sisters.”
“But didn’t we just attend a meeting?”
“Exactly why you need to rest well.”
Lind firmly pushed Lena back onto the bed.
“Lind, your expression is a bit scary right now.”
Hearing Lena say this, Lind froze for a moment before relaxing completely.
“Sorry, I was just a bit tense. You need to listen to the sisters; for now, don’t do anything else. Put the design plans for the magic powered train aside for now.”
“Then is it okay if we hug?”
Looking into Lena’s earnest eyes, Lind had to say, “Alright, sketching the design plans is fine. The rest can wait until I return.”
After saying goodbye to Lena, Lind left the room, put on his military cap, and lowered its brim.
The guards behind him immediately followed.
“Gather all military personnel and notify officials in various regions; we are now entering war mode; the spring offensive has been advanced.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Lucanus.”
“Here, my lord.”
“Take your punishment and then come back for a meeting.”
“Understood.”
Although Lucanus had been punished for inadequate protection and even had most of his privileges revoked, even the guards for Lind had been replaced with those from the Lars Family, he appeared unusually excited.
Before the news of the assassination spread to Graywhite Territory, Lind had already attended the high-level meeting with a nearly vibrant Lena, and under Lucanus’ guidance, there was no chance for any rumors to arise.
And now, Lind had called a military and political meeting, which was the real matter at hand.
The hall was very warm, with a decorative bonfire burning brightly, reflecting the Northern Wind Bear banner hanging on the wall.
Lind, dressed in a black uniform and cloaked, stepped onto the podium. Those present were the leading figures in the military. Although only the Third Battalion was led by Old Lars’s White, many of the mixed soldiers had previously sworn allegiance to the Lars family.
Everyone knew that this time would likely not be a meeting, but rather an announcement. If it were just a meeting, Lind would sit equally with each leader.
Standing on the high platform, Lind’s gaze was like iron as he scanned everyone present.
“Doug Lars, they have already begun to act.”
At the conference, as Lind spoke, the venue immediately fell silent.
According to Lucanus’ intelligence, this assassination was related to Doug Lars, but little else.
However, it didn’t matter; even if Doug Lars was wronged, he would have to bear this blame.
Lind needed an enemy, a clear enemy, one that could unite the entire territory; as for who this enemy was, that was irrelevant, but someone must pay for Lena’s injury.
“These bastards who forget their roots still covet the so-called legitimate position. They have killed their own kin without knowing repentance; they collude with the Demon Clan, wanting to continue killing the Duke’s other bloodlines, intending to seize our land, plunder our resources, and trample on our dignity!”
Lind pounded on the podium, scattering the notes left on it like falling snowflakes.
“This is not a warning; they have already begun to do this! Their actions are like filthy rodents that dare not see the light, their disgusting stench has already revealed their ugly deeds.”
“This is a declaration of war!”
Lucanus timely stepped forward, briefly discussing the defenses Doug had built and recent conflicts at the border.
“But they have forgotten who is the true master of the Northern Border!”
“We must not only defend our homeland but also let them understand that the fury of the North will sweep away all obstacles in our way! We will let these vermin know that there is no place for them in the Northern Border’s winter! We will crush all enemies who dare to invade us and show them that the North never fears war; we will reclaim the glory of the North!”
“Long live the North! Long live victory!”
The hall erupted with deafening cheers, especially from those conservatives who thought the radicals were too conservative.
“Long live the North! Long live victory!”
Lind stepped down from the stone platform and approached White.
As the only Old Lars person among the military leaders, White clearly understood what Lind meant.
“From now on, we will live and die together. Moving forward, we will make history.”
Lind’s voice was not loud, but his tone was firm. White’s lips moved slightly, and his tall frame trembled uncontrollably, something that should never happen to a knight capable of precise body control.
White knelt down, bringing his hands together before Lind.
“For you… my lord.”
Lind placed his hands over White’s, signifying acceptance of White’s loyalty.
In this outsider, White seemed to see the legendary Lars who opened up the Northern Border.
It didn’t matter anymore; for White, the old Lars faction and Lind’s own power had become meaningless. From now on, there would be no distinction between the two factions, and White would only pledge allegiance to Lind.
“My knights, are you ready to welcome victory?”
“Victory forever!”
“Victory forever!”
Graythorn Territory began to rumble.
