Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence

Chapter 126: Chapter 120: Post-war Gains and Administrative Talent

As night fell, the bonfire crackled.

Raylo sat in the seat of honor, while Ed reported on the spoils from the side.

”My lord, we didn’t seize many supplies this time.”

”But we did find over five thousand Golden Dragons and plenty of jewelry. It seems those men were no strangers to kidnapping and extortion.”

Ed paused, taking a box from a nearby Knight.

”However, Stone Crow had a few Magic Artifacts that seem rather interesting.”

Ed took out the first item: a fist-sized, jet-black stone, its surface covered with irregular pits.

”My lord, according to Stone Crow’s interrogation, this is a Stone of Silence. It can create a small zone of absolute silence where no sound can enter or escape. The effective range isn’t large, only about three to five meters across.”

Raylo nodded. ’An interesting little trinket.’

The second item Ed produced was a dark teal rope, about as thick as a thumb. It was coiled up and looked completely unremarkable.

”This rope...”

Just as Ed started to speak, the rope came to life. The tip lifted slightly, probing the air like the head of a snake.

HISS!

A nearby Knight jumped in alarm, nearly drawing his sword.

A flash of surprise crossed Raylo’s eyes.

”A Magic Rope. It can be controlled with Magic Power to wrap around and bind a target like a living snake. It’s extremely durable and difficult to cut with a normal blade.”

”Not bad. Also quite interesting,”

Raylo said with a laugh.

The final item was a pair of dark brown leather gloves. The back of each was inlaid with a diamond-shaped, teal Crystal Stone that had a faint energy flowing across its surface.

”This is a pair of Repulsive Force Gloves.”

Ed picked up the gloves and made a motion with them.

”When activated, the Crystal Stones on the front of the gloves instantly release a shockwave of Repulsive Force, pushing away enemies within three meters or deflecting incoming arrows. However, after each use, the Crystal Stones need time to recharge—about a quarter of an hour.”

Raylo examined the artifacts and chuckled. ”As expected of a Mage. Stone Crow certainly had his share of strange gadgets.”

He kept the other two artifacts and tossed the Repulsive Force Gloves to Ed.

”Ed, these gloves are for you.”

”This gadget might come in handy when you’re charging the enemy or find yourself surrounded.”

Ed reached out and caught them.

”Thank you, my lord.”

The next day broke with the first light of dawn.

The morning light pierced the thin mist, coating the blood-stained stone platform in a pale golden sheen.

Raylo stood on high ground, the morning breeze stirring his black hair.

Behind him, Baofeng was preening its tawny Iron Feathers, occasionally letting out a low rumble.

”Bolin.”

Bolin hurried forward.

”My lord.”

”I’m putting you in charge of Crow’s Nest Valley for the time being.”

Raylo’s gaze swept over the captured bandits being held under guard below.

”Continue to inventory the spoils and make sure nothing is missed. Take these captives back to Ironthorn Castle. They’ll be imprisoned and interrogated there first.”

He paused, his tone even.

”Interrogate them thoroughly and sort them according to their crimes. The first group: those guilty of heinous acts who deserve death. The second: those with lesser crimes who must serve time in prison. As for those who were coerced into joining and have no innocent blood on their hands, give them a chance.”

Bolin looked up, waiting for further instructions.

”The first two groups are to be sent in batches to Master Barnaby’s laboratory, according to his needs.”

”The last group will be enlisted into the Sin Soldier Camp. If they can achieve merit in the future, they can be transferred to become official soldiers of the Black Stone Territory. I can give the most exceptional among them a chance to reform and pledge their loyalty anew.”

”I understand!”

Bolin replied in a solemn voice.

This method not only eliminated the bandit menace and supplied Master Barnaby’s... special needs for his experiments, but also provided the Black Stone Territory with a potential source of soldiers. It was killing multiple birds with one stone.

Raylo gave a slight nod.

”Ed, let’s head back to Black Stone Castle.”

”Yes, my lord!”

Ed was already prepared.

A moment later, several Storm Griffins took to the sky, their massive wingspans casting flowing shadows in the light of the rising sun.

Raylo rode Baofeng, with Ed flanking him as a guard. The rest of the Griffins followed closely as they flew swiftly toward Black Stone Castle.

Raylo didn’t plan to invest too much effort into repairing and developing Ironthorn Castle.

The fortress was more symbolic than practical. With Ironthorn Territory now incorporated into the Black Stone Territory, its true value lay in its vast lands and resources.

The wind howled in their ears as the landscape rushed past below.

Soon, they had flown out of the rugged mountains of Crow’s Nest Valley and entered a vast, open plain.

This was the heartland of the Ironthorn Territory.

Looking down from high above, the view opened up dramatically.

Vast, neatly planned wheat fields rippled in the morning light like golden-green waves, brimming with the promise of a bountiful harvest.

A wide river snaked through the fertile land like a silver ribbon.

That was the Black Water River.

The river nourished its banks, where lush grasses grew and cattle and sheep dotted the landscape. It was a picture of vibrant life.

Ed, captivated by the sight, couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

”My lord, this Ironthorn Territory... it’s truly prosperous.”

Raylo’s gaze was profound as he looked down upon the land below.

Compared to the barren, rocky land of the Black Stone Territory, with its scarce farmland, the Ironthorn Territory was a promised land flowing with milk and honey.

Food had always been the Black Stone Territory’s greatest weakness, forcing them to purchase large quantities from outside sources each year.

”The Warriors of the Black Stone Territory shouldn’t have to be satisfied with black bread and cheap wine.”

”This land will allow us to feed more people.”

As if sensing its master’s thoughts, Baofeng let out a piercing cry that echoed across the plain.

The annexation of the Ironthorn Territory was more than just an expansion of land; it was a solid foundation for the future development of the Black Stone Territory.

With this land, the Black Stone Territory would no longer have to worry about grain.

”In the Northern Territory, harsh lands are many, and fertile lands are few,”

Raylo said slowly.

”If managed properly, the Ironthorn Territory could become the breadbasket of the entire Northern Territory.”

Ed’s eyes shone with excitement upon hearing this.

The whistle of the wind began to fade as the familiar silhouette of Black Stone Castle appeared on the horizon.

Even before they drew close, Raylo noticed an unusual amount of activity in the square before the castle. Dozens of identical, heavy-laden carriages were lined up in neat rows, their wheels caked with the dust of a long journey. Several flags, each bearing the emblem of a golden set of scales and a compass, fluttered in the wind.

”It looks like Lady Anna’s caravan has arrived.”

A small smile touched Raylo’s lips.

Baofeng let out a low roar, as if announcing its return, then landed smoothly on the open ground before the castle.

A well-dressed, middle-aged man wearing the same insignia on his chest as the flags on the carriages hurried over to greet him, followed by several similarly dressed assistants.

”Lord Raylo, good day.”

The man placed a hand over his chest and bowed, his demeanor both respectful and efficient.

”I am a Steward from the Golden Compass Trading Company. I have come on Lady Anna’s behalf to ensure the safe delivery of these goods.”

”Thank you for your trouble, Steward.”

Raylo leaped from Baofeng’s back.

”Lady Anna has been most thoughtful.”

”Her Ladyship says these are all essential for the development of the Black Stone Territory. Here is the detailed manifest, for your review, my lord.”

The Steward handed him a thick roll of parchment.

”Princess Lillian’s portion is already on its way to the Amber Territory, led by my colleague.”

Raylo took it, unrolled it, and glanced over the contents.

The list was incredibly long, densely packed with all sorts of goods.

From grain, cloth, and medicinal herbs to Iron Ingots, refined ore, and even semi-finished Alchemy Materials and Magic Tools—it was a dazzling array of nearly everything the Black Stone Territory desperately needed for its development.

The amount of grain and ironware, in particular, was large enough to solve their most urgent problems.

”Excellent.”

Raylo nodded slightly, handing the manifest to Ed at his side.

”Ed, take some men and work with the Steward to conduct a detailed inventory and handover. Make sure everything is properly stored in the warehouse.”

”Yes, my lord!” Ed took the manifest, his expression jubilant. The arrival of these supplies was like a saving grace for the Black Stone Territory.

The Steward smiled. ”My lord, in addition to the goods, Lady Anna has also found three talented individuals with administrative skills for you. They arrived with the caravan, hoping they can be of service to you, Lord Baron.”

Raylo had been worrying about this very issue. His territory was expanding too quickly, and he was short on administrative talent.

”Oh? Please, bring them forward.”

The Steward stepped aside, and three figures stepped out from behind him.

The one in front was a middle-aged man of about forty with a serious expression. Dressed in simple but neat linen clothes and with a steady gaze, he took a step forward.

”My name is Elvin. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Baron. I previously served in the Kingdom Administrative Hall. I have some knowledge of documentation and law and am skilled in the daily management of a territory’s government.”

Beside him stood a woman of about the same age with a slightly tan complexion. Her clothes and demeanor were both very modest.

”I am Martha. Greetings, my lord. I grew up on my family’s farm and have some experience with crop planting, livestock improvement, and water conservancy projects.”

The last was a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and the characteristic shrewdness of a merchant. He rubbed his hands together with an amiable smile.

”Robert, my lord. In my youth, I traveled with merchant caravans. Later, I managed businesses in mining and furs across several cities. I’m fairly familiar with trade and resource exploration.”

Raylo sized up the three of them one by one, his mind already made up.

These three were exactly the kind of talent he needed most!

This gift from Lady Anna was more precious than dozens of carts filled with supplies.

A smile graced his face.

”The three of you, please, no need to be so formal. The Black Stone Territory is in its infancy, with a hundred things to do. We are in great need of people. Your arrival is a godsend to me.”

He considered for a moment before making a swift decision.

”Mr. Elvin, I appoint you Scribe of the Black Stone Territory, responsible for coordinating the territory’s administration, promulgating decrees, and managing official documents and archives.”

A flicker of excitement appeared in Elvin’s eyes as he bowed and said,

”I will not fail to live up to your trust, my lord.”

”Lady Martha.”

Raylo turned to her.

”I appoint you Minister of Agriculture for the Black Stone Territory. The territory’s vast lands require an experienced manager. I am putting you in charge of planning for our grain, livestock, and irrigation.”

A faint blush rose on Martha’s tan cheeks, and she nodded emphatically.

”Rest assured, my lord. Martha will see to it that the granaries of the Black Stone Territory are filled to the brim!”

”Mr. Robert.”

Raylo looked at him last.

”The mineral resources of the Black Stone Territory have yet to be fully exploited, and our trade with the outside world needs to be expanded. I appoint you as the Commercial Advisor for the Black Stone Territory, responsible for mineral prospecting, developing trade routes, and financial planning.”

Robert placed a hand over his chest and said,

”Thank you for your trust, my lord. Robert will contribute all his strength to the prosperity of the Black Stone Territory.”

Looking at these three talented individuals, each with their own expertise, Raylo felt a sense of elation.

With their help, he could free himself from tedious administrative tasks. The territory’s development would also become more efficient and effective under the guidance of these professionals.

He turned to Ed.

”Ed, arrange for accommodations for our three new Civil Servants. Make sure their compensation is generous.”

”Yes, my lord!”

Ed accepted his orders and departed.

With the addition of these professionals, it was as if new blood had been injected into the Black Stone Territory. All its affairs gradually began to fall into place.

Raylo knew that true understanding comes from practice, so he had Elvin, Martha, and Robert spend a week conducting a detailed survey of the Black Stone Territory.

To ensure their safety, Raylo assigned two Knights and a fine horse to each of them.

As for himself, he began preparing for the impending assassination attempt by the Shadow Blade Organization.

With Moonlight and Baofeng at his side, Raylo was confident that even if this ”Night Owl” was a Tier Four Sky Knight, he would be powerless against him.

But, as the old saying goes, a thief may try to steal for a thousand days, but you can’t guard against him for a thousand days.

’Still,’ he thought, ’I need to seize the initiative. The best strategy is to nip this danger in the bud.’