Despite many people living in the territory now.

Adult men with suitable physical conditions number at least around five thousand.

Wanting to enlist two thousand adult men to become full-time armed soldiers still feels very difficult for Lynn.

Converting this calculation.

It's nearly losing one-fifth of the total population's healthy labor force of adult men!

This is why his current territory has several industries that can generate economic income.

The fine salt from the Salt Factory, the liquor from the Brewing workshop, and the glazed glassware from the Glaze Production.

Otherwise.

Just supporting these soldiers who are undergoing full-time training would bring enormous pressure!

He temporarily suppressed the thoughts in his mind.

Lynn leaned over the table, holding a quill and sketching the excavation device on paper.

With the current technological level in the territory, the only tool to improve excavation efficiency is the combination device utilizing pulleys and winch.

Through multiple people turning the winch and using the principle of pulleys, it saves effort while changing the direction of force application.

Thus improving the excavation speed and efficiency.

To achieve even faster and more efficient excavation, the industrial level of the entire territory needs further development to produce a Steam Engine, and then make crude steam shovels or steam rock drills.

Or produce some excavating tools using Magic Ore.

Otherwise, manual excavation and coordination with auxiliary devices would be the main reliance!

Although merely auxiliary devices, compared to other mineral excavations, they are still extremely advanced technology!

While Lynn sketched and annotated the blueprints for auxiliary devices.

Night gradually deepened.

A knocking sound echoed outside the study.

Accompanied by Kuisi's gentle reminder.

"Sir, the hot water is ready, you can soak now."

Lynn responded, put down the quill, and walked out of the study.

Entering the private chamber, he took off his clothes.

Lynn stepped into the bathtub, letting the hot water cover his body.

Beside Lynn, Kuisi's hands placed on his shoulders, skillfully massaging with just the right amount of pressure.

...

On the other side.

Under the night sky.

In a forest.

Around burning campfires, soldiers in Leather Armor sat scattered around.

The originally exquisite Leather Armor had evident sword and knife cuts.

Some soldiers wrapped their bodies with layers of Linen Cloth serving as bandages to stop their bleeding.

Although none of them voiced any complaints.

Their faces clearly showed signs of fatigue and embarrassment.

Godfrey walked past a squad of soldiers with a furrowed brow.

After inspecting them, Godfrey arrived at the only tent in the woods.

Without stepping inside, he stood by the tent's curtain entrance.

"Master, the soldiers have been tallied."

As he finished speaking, Lawrence's voice came from inside the tent.

"Enter!"

Godfrey extended his right hand to lift the curtain and stepped inside.

Entering the tent, Godfrey stood rigidly before a desk.

He bowed slightly and continued, "Master, only one thousand remain against the Red Dragon Riders' impact from Duke of Red Dragon…"

Lying on soft animal skins, Lawrence casually responded, "There are still a thousand, not bad, enough for another fight!"

"I understand, you may leave."

Godfrey remained standing at a distance.

Since he heard no footsteps of departure, Lawrence slightly opened his eyes, looking at Godfrey.

"Is there anything else?"

Godfrey took a deep breath and spoke directly, "Master, as your Knight Commander and advisor, I must offer my advice!"

"If we continue to stay in Duke of Red Dragon's territory, the remaining thousand Sword and Shield Corps soldiers will be buried here!"

Lawrence slowly sat up, his eyes narrowed, staring directly at Godfrey.

"What do you intend to say?"

Facing Lawrence's piercing gaze, Godfrey showed no hint of fear and stated firmly,.

"Master! We posed as Duke Cangyu's soldiers, slaughtered the townsmen, and attracted the Red Dragon Riders."

"Obviously, our presence and actions have been noticed by the Duke of Red Dragon!"

"He has dispatched his elite Cavalry Corps to annihilate us, indicating his anger!"

"It doesn't matter if we can penetrate this time or not, nor does it matter if we can stir Duke Cangyu and Duke of Red Dragon's conflict."

"Our task and purpose have already been achieved!"

"Continuing to drag on here is no different than courting death."

"Master, I know you have determination, but there's no need to die to prove yourself."

"There are more things awaiting you within the Ducas Clan."

After the advice.

Godfrey lowered his head, waiting for Lawrence's reply.

Lawrence remained silent, still staring at Godfrey, seemingly pondering something.

After half a minute passed.

Lawrence calmly spoke, "As Knight Commander and advisor, what is your suggestion?"

Hearing this, Godfrey felt slightly relieved.

It seemed Lawrence was not displeased or furious about his proposed retreat?

He straightened his posture a bit and continued, "Master!"

"Retreat!"

"My idea is to leave Duke of Red Dragon's territory at the fastest speed, returning to the Marquisate."

"Now, we only need to wait for the maneuverings of big figures in Triumph City and the fermentation of this event."

"Even if we slaughtered many townsmen in the duchy, as long as we perished here, it's tantamount to Duke of Red Dragon avenging those dead townsmen."

"Only by massacring the townsmen and escaping unscathed can we make Duke of Red Dragon feel pain with no outlet for relief!"

Lawrence's eyes sparkled, just about to speak.

Suddenly, rushing footsteps approached quickly from afar.

Accompanied.

Was a soldier frantically entering the tent, quickly reporting.

"Report, Commander!"

"A large cavalry contingent with abundant torches are heading toward the camp!"

Seated on the animal skins, Lawrence's eyes widened, standing up immediately.

He shouted, "Godfrey, rally the soldiers, swiftly prepare to retreat!"

Having received Lawrence's order, Godfrey responded promptly.

"Yes, Master!"

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