After spending about ten days, Laine finally led his army back to his own domain.

It was already mid-October, and even autumn was about to pass. In about two to three weeks, Baron Gene's Domain would welcome the first snow of winter.

The army of Winford Duchy also arrived near Gene Town.

The time for parting had come.

"Well, we part ways here, Laine. I must thank you once again. It was your command that allowed most people to return home safely," Francois coughed a few times, expressing his gratitude to Laine: "I won't say much else. After a war, you and your soldiers need rest. You are always welcome to find me at Helunhilde if you need anything."

"Very well, thank you very much, my Duke, Yuri, Miss Surya." Laine also earnestly thanked the Duke's family. Without their efforts, he would not have managed so easily.

The Knightly War left Laine and his army exhausted; while he could personally endure it, his army could not.

For the foreseeable future, Laine decided to focus on recuperation and development.

In fact, the war potential of the medieval peasant system was just like that; except for the Elves, few forces could withstand continuous warfare. In contrast, humans could bear the consumption of population, and the peasant population could recover quickly. Training knights took time, but humans reproduced more easily than Elves in any case.

Laine bid farewell to Julius and Surya one after another, as well as many knights of the Winford Duchy who participated in this war. Although there were some losses, most knights and peasants gained considerably in this war, and the wages were paid in full, so everyone had a smile on their face.

Surya shook hands with Laine to say goodbye, "I look forward to seeing you again next time, and also, I hope you don't forget my invitation."

"I won't forget it, but I think I need some time to consider it, as this is only my first year here," Laine smiled and said, "I might need to stabilize my own people."

"Regardless, Helunhilde welcomes you."

"Thank you, and please take care of Amelia for me."

"Rest assured, she will be sent back just as she was, still that lovely child." The female knight smiled brightly and winked at her maid, "Isn't that right, Sylvia?"

"Uh, it seems this has nothing to do with me, Miss!" The stern maid blushed furiously and hurried to explain.

Francois merely watched all this with a smile, without any intent to stop it.

The Duke of Winford eventually left with his army, while Laine and the others remained.

After a few months, the former Gene Town had taken on a completely new appearance. More wooden buildings were erected, tall stone walls gradually replaced the original low wooden walls, and the prosperous town and ample work attracted many free people to settle. The profound influence brought by these quality populations would take time to manifest fully.

After distributing the wages and spoils, the peasant army gradually disbanded. After more than two months of campaigning, they finally returned to their homes. A generous income and a decent haul filled the faces of these peasants, who had previously managed only a basic subsistence, with smiles. Some peasants weighed the small amount of silver they had won and bags full of silver coins, thinking they could have roast chicken for the New Year.

At the same time, two peasant infantrymen were fortunately promoted to sergeants. The Ranger Knight Hex took out the roster and shouted loudly, "Amade? Barre?"

"Yes, Master Knight!" The two peasant soldiers hurried to the front of the ranks.

"Amade from Ancient Wood Village, killed two Horned Beasts, twelve Inferior Horned Beasts, and one Razor Beast in this Knightly War. By order of the Baron, Amade is promoted to sergeant! He will move into the castle on a selected day!"

"Barre from Dufang Village, killed one Centaur, five Inferior Horned Beasts, and wounded one Great Horned Beast in this Knightly War. By order of the Baron, Barre is promoted to sergeant! He will move into the castle on a selected day!"

"Yes!" The two peasants knelt with excitement, barely holding back their tears, only bowing their heads, "We are willing to serve the Baron with our lives!"

Laine nodded, indicating he understood: "Show your actual performance then."

The brief enfeoffment ended, and the Tax Officer Gaspardon came up to greet him, "My Baron, the harvest was good this year. Following the seventeen percent tax you set, we collected about 650 Gold Crowns worth of grain."

Olivier, who was injured, returned to rest first; Hex went to handle the aftermath of the army's disbandment, while the rest, Laine and Gaspardon, walked into his castle.

Most parts of the castle's interior were still under construction. Wooden floors began to replace the damp and cold stone floors, the corners that had been in disrepair for years were gradually reinforced, and many workers were still working. The pungent smell of paint inside the castle made the Baron somewhat uncomfortable: "The castle is still under repair. When is it expected to be completed?"

"The main body of the castle is basically finished. The painters will continue to repaint your castle, my Baron. You can send someone to purchase a painting or sculpture to exhibit your trophies in the room, showing your martial valor," Gaspardon followed behind the Baron: "I'm not very clear on specific matters regarding the castle."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.