It was early March, and everything was coming back to life.
With a cheer, the first Lord's Mansion in the Valley Knight Territory was successfully completed.
Art, dressed neatly, led the way with light steps into his first mansion. This was his first “residence” in this era. This building was by no means luxurious; it was even less grand than the homes of slightly wealthier gentry in Sap Fort. However, it was the most extravagant building this valley had seen in hundreds of years of abandonment, and it was also the first residence Art had owned since coming to this world. Of course, the former hunter's cabin didn't count.
This stone-based, wooden-structured mansion, from the Lord's Hall to the kitchen and offices, appeared bright and clean. Art did not adopt the traditional enclosed architectural style of the era. Instead, he opened many gridded windows for light in the newly built mansion. Every room in the mansion, except for the storeroom and secret chambers, had windows. This architectural style was not initially approved by everyone, who felt that a mansion with windows everywhere had obvious flaws in defending against enemy attacks or bandits. However, Art dismissed their confusion with a single sentence: “If enemies and bandits have already made it into the Wood Fort Lord's Mansion, do you all still plan to hide in this mansion and cling to life?”
Entering the Lord's Hall of the mansion, the first thing that caught the eye was a twenty-foot-long, five-foot-wide wooden long table. Several long benches were placed on either side of the table, and at the head of the table, a leather-covered armchair brought back from Talburg was placed. This was the seat of the Bilton Fort owner, but now it had become Art's exclusive seat. Behind the main armchair was a wooden wall, embedded with a wolf head and two crossed broken swords. The Lord's Hall had two rooms on each side, which were the Lord's office, storeroom, kitchen, and large guest room. To the left of the entrance, a wooden ladder led to the second floor, which was Art's private space. Unless they were personal guards or servants, no one else was allowed to enter without permission.
Art first approached the head of the long table in the hall and sat down in the leather-covered armchair. Then, he waved his hand, signaling his subordinate officers and Civil Affairs stewards to sit on either side.
After everyone was seated, Art scanned the people around the long table. As per custom, on Art's right side were the army Commanders: Odo, Angus, Roan, Bass, Kazak, and Tuba, in order. Simon, Commander of the independently organized Border Outpost, Obert, Captain of the Patrol Team, and Felix, Commander of the guest army, were also present as officers. On Art's left were the Civil Affairs stewards: Cooper, Sartre, Lawrence, Scott, Bard, Thomas, Lynn, Yewen, and Raven, in order. Hamish, the parish priest and Apostle of God, should have also been invited, but Art and Hamish had reached an unspoken agreement of mutual non-interference between church and secular affairs, so Hamish consciously declined Art's polite invitation.
Everyone seated in the Lord's Hall were Art's army and Civil Affairs officials, comrades who had shared life and death with Art. Art wanted to share the joy of their achievements with them to further consolidate morale.
Art gently tapped the edge of the table. Once everyone quieted down slightly, he smiled and said, “Gentlemen, Emma has already taken people to the kitchen to prepare food. You will soon enjoy a sumptuous meal. But before we celebrate the completion of my mansion with a feast, I want to discuss a major upcoming matter with you all.”
“I'm sure you've all guessed what I want to talk about. That's right, it's about marrying Miss Lottie, the only daughter of Baron Galvin of Sap Fort.”
Everyone chuckled softly.
Art's voice continued, “According to my agreement with Baron Galvin and Miss Lottie, once the Lord's Mansion is completed, I am to go to Sap to welcome Miss Lottie to the Valley Knight Territory to complete the wedding. Now that the mansion is built, I must fulfill my promise.”
“The first matter is setting the date. Yesterday, I already discussed it with the Old Butler and Father Hamish. The wedding date is tentatively set for the last day of March, but the final wedding date still needs the consent of Baron Galvin and Miss Lottie.”
“The second matter is inviting guests to the wedding. The important commoners and army of our Valley Knight Territory go without saying. The main thing is to invite some distinguished guests from outside to attend the wedding ceremony. This requires careful consideration. I drafted a list of invitations yesterday. I'll read it to you all.”
“First, the furthest, to the north, Earl Baldwin and Bishop Olov. Then, Viscount Hres of Glarus County, where we were once stationed, and Viscount Pierre of Tinietz County. After that, Baron Antaias and Knight Croy of Andermatt Fortress. As for the distinguished guests from Sap Fort, Baron Galvin and Miss Lottie will need to decide. Originally, I also wanted to invite Baron Belian from the south, but the south is currently in turmoil, so Baron Belian probably won't be in the mood to attend a minor knight's wedding.”
“What do you all think?”
Everyone pondered and discussed for a moment. Cooper stood up and said, “Lord, everyone else is fine, but Earl Baldwin and Bishop Olov might be—” Cooper hesitated.
Art nodded, indicating he understood Cooper's meaning, and replied, “I know what you mean. Earl Baldwin probably won't attend my wedding, but Bishop Olov, although he may not come in person, should send someone to attend on his behalf. Cooper, for an important event like a wedding, whether Earl Baldwin and Bishop Olov attend or not, we must extend a sincere invitation to them. Whether they attend or not is their business; whether we invite them or not is our business. This concerns attitude and etiquette.” Art almost explained to Cooper that he was flattering them.
Cooper understood.
“I plan to have Felix handle the first matter. The wedding date is tentatively set for the last day of March. You will return to Sap Fort tomorrow and convey my intentions to your father and sister. Please also bring back the list of distinguished guests from Sap Fort at that time. Additionally, if Lord Galvin and Miss Lottie have any special requests or arrangements for the wedding, please bring those back as well.”
“The second matter will be carried out by the Sentry Cavalry. I will personally prepare some invitation documents for the wedding and give them to you. You will ride swiftly to each location to deliver the documents and my sincerity. It is not safe everywhere now, so there must be no fewer than two Sentry Cavalry members for each delivery. Roan will arrange this matter. You must personally deliver the invitations to Bishop Olov and Earl Baldwin. Additionally, I will have Cooper prepare a gift for you to take to the Bishop and the Earl. Today is the fifth day of March. You must deliver the invitation documents within ten days.” Roan stood up and accepted the order.
Art continued, “The third matter is preparing the necessary supplies for the wedding. Lord Galvin is a Baron, and since he is willing to marry his only daughter to me, I naturally cannot let him lose face. Moreover, I want to prepare a somewhat grand wedding for Miss Lottie. I plan to allocate five thousand fenny for the wedding expenses. The valley currently has sufficient grain, but there are almost no supplies here for hosting a wedding banquet, so we need to purchase a large quantity from outside. From small items like candles for decorating the wedding venue to large items like tents for distinguished guests to rest in, Cooper will discuss the specific list of purchased materials with several Civil Affairs stewards. You can also let your wives offer suggestions; women's thoughts are always more meticulous. After Felix returns from Sap Fort, we will listen to any requests from Lord Galvin and Miss Lottie. Once the goods list is confirmed, the caravan will immediately set off to purchase the necessary wedding supplies from outside.”
“The fourth matter is stability before and after the wedding period. This issue seems to have little to do with the wedding, but it is my biggest concern.”
Art paused.
“Gentlemen, before this wedding, although our army has been fighting everywhere, the entire valley has been developing quietly. In troubled times, only dormant insects are not pursued by falcons. However, once this wedding is held, the entire valley will be exposed to the eyes of the world. At that time, there will certainly be no shortage of envious evil wolves eyeing the valley. We must think of these things in advance.”
Everyone was simply genuinely happy about the upcoming celebration but forgot about the hidden dangers behind it, especially the army Commanders. They had been fighting outside for the past year and knew that the outside world had turned into darkness, and this valley, like a world apart, was their last paradise. They could not tolerate evil wolves eyeing them nearby.
“Lord, we must not let the greedy wolves from outside enter the valley! We finally have a peaceful land. If anyone dares to harbor ill intentions towards the valley, I will be the first to stand up!” To everyone's surprise, when Art spoke of the potential crisis the valley might face after the wedding, the most intense reaction did not come from the army Commanders, but from Lynn, the usually quiet Vice Steward of the Garrison Affairs.
It was not surprising. Lynn was one of the first northern refugees to enter the valley. He had a wife and a pair of young children. A year ago, when recruiting displaced people in Tinietz County, his family did not meet the conditions, but Art made an exception and recruited him. Now, Lynn's family has not only obtained land in the valley and harvested enough food to be self-sufficient, but he himself has also been appointed as a Vice Steward by Art, enjoying a full monthly salary. This kind of life was something he had never dreamed of. As one of the first and most benefited “commoners” in this valley, in just one year, he had already become one with this valley.
“Lynn, the Lord is discussing how to deal with potential crises. Why are you so agitated?” Cooper felt Lynn was losing his composure and gently reprimanded him.
Lynn also realized he was somewhat out of line, quickly bowed to Art in apology, and then sullenly sat back on the bench.
Art was not annoyed by Lynn's gaffe. Instead, he nodded towards Lynn encouragingly: “Actually, Lynn spoke very well. His emotions were a bit agitated, but his feelings for this valley paradise are sincere. We need commoners like this. If now or in the future every one of our commoners and Soldiers can have the same feeling of coexisting with the valley as Lynn, then our fist will always be tightly clenched.”
Everyone nodded. Lynn, encouraged, flushed red, and became even more emotional, but he did not lose his composure again.
Art waited for everyone's emotions to recover, then continued: “What I'm talking about is the crisis we might face. As long as we are fully prepared in advance, the crisis can be smoothly resolved… ”
“First, be prepared to respond. During the wedding, except for one squadron remaining with the Valley Guard to maintain order in the valley, all others will patrol and stand guard outside the valley. The Soldiers still training in the new recruit squad will also be temporarily incorporated into the legions, Patrol Team, and Border Outpost to strengthen the army's power, and will be recalled after the wedding.”
“Second, ensure a proper welcome for distinguished guests. Bandits are rampant everywhere now, and guests coming to the wedding are very likely to be harassed by bandits. I cannot control other road sections, but once guests enter the Tinietz County border, we must ensure there are no bandits harassing them along the way. This matter is also entrusted to the army. Odo and the Sergeant are responsible for formulating a plan: first, send troops to patrol along the way, and second, greet and escort guests within the county border.”
“Third is to strictly control personnel entering the valley. Except for invited distinguished guests and their families, no one else is allowed to enter the valley. This matter is also handed over to the army. Moreover, invited distinguished guests should not be allowed to go to the Valley Land. If anyone wants to go, just say the road is too far and wild beasts are present.”
“Odo and Sergeant, you two should quickly discuss an effective plan with the squadron leaders for the above three matters, and then we will discuss it further.”
“As for the problems faced after the valley is exposed, we will discuss them then based on the specific situation. The specific matters of the wedding will be handled by Cooper with the Civil Affairs stewards, and Odo will represent the army to cooperate with Civil Affairs to complete the wedding.”
“Emma, you can bring the food out now.”