On the fourth day, Roland summoned the Fortress and the nearby Noble of all sizes into the Castle Hall.
Though most people were aware of the news, he felt compelled to reiterate it in person—the Western Frontier had now been handed over to a new master.
When he declared his return to Border Town and handed the fortress over to the eldest son of the Golden Flower family, the crowd erupted in murmurs. Yet no one dared to speak up at this critical moment—the Duke's head still hung at the city gate, and Tiefek's crushing defeat had left even opportunists powerless to seek external help.
Except for Knight from the honeysuckle family who was redeemed, all other captured Knights refused ransom and were to be escorted back to Border Town with the mercenaries. Under Roland's plan, the mercenaries were to be sent to mine as labor reformers, while Knights would be recruited after evaluating their repentance—after all, most were literate and could serve as educators for basic education. Of course, they were permanently barred from using weapons for life.
This would allow the honeysuckle clan to firmly suppress the four major families. Their military strength would be sufficient to defend both the Changge Fortress and their own earldom. As for the undercurrents beneath the surface, Roland thought, that was Pei Luo's concern.
In recent days, he had also dispatched his personal guards to apprehend a group of officials responsible for the starvation and freezing deaths of Border Town residents two years ago, including Chancellor of the Exchequer Ferrino. They would face public trial in Border Town. The only regret was that Count Hiltary Med, the mastermind behind the plot to burn the provisions and kill the Ash Dogs, met his end on the battlefield without trial.
Transportation between Changge Fortress and Border Town has now been fully restored. Over the next week, more than ten sailboats will deliver supplies daily to Border Town. Roland surmised Barov would be swamped with tasks—receiving coins looted from the Duke, settling a large number of immigrants, and checking if the temporary wooden sheds Karl had built were ready.
The thought made him eager to return to Border Town immediately and take charge of the upcoming farming venture.
After hosting the Nobles for lunch, Roland was about to take a nap when the castle received a special guest.
The high priest of the Long Song Fortress Church.
Roland was suddenly drowsy.
Unlike Border Town, the Church has established a long-standing presence here, not only building a church but also stationing a high priest. This is the primary reason Prince chose to return to Border Town for stable development—under the Church's persistent indoctrination, any civilian could become their spy, rendering any public participation plans vulnerable, while the risk of witches being discovered would multiply exponentially. Unless the church is uprooted, his reforms would face insurmountable obstacles.
The Church's close attention to Lord's fortification replacement was a natural response, while Roland found it peculiar that they had waited until now to send representatives. The envoy was no ordinary figure—this High Priest, a Church high-ranking official, oversaw a region whose jurisdiction resembled that of a secular duke.
He met with them in the hall as usual.
Archpriest Taylor, a middle-aged man in a Church-standard white robe with blue trim, was around forty. His impeccably groomed attire and bearing, coupled with his courteous manner, made him appear like a refined noble. Anyone would feel at ease conversing with him—unless they were on the side of witches or royalty.
The high priest must be wearing a high-quality God's Stone of Punishment. To prevent any mishaps, Roland specifically instructed Nightingale to stay away from the priest's location before their meeting.
After Taylor bowed, Roland invited him to take a seat and instructed his attendant to bring tea.
No matter what one thinks in their heart, the superficial work must still be done properly.
"Your Royal Highness, I send blessings on behalf of the Holy City," Taro said with a smile. "You have truly become the Lord of the West. May God bless you." "Thank you," Roland replied casually. "It seems you don't care at all about me killing Duke Laine and seizing the Long Song Fortress." "We rarely interfere in secular disputes. A wise ruler is one who improves people's lives. The Church doesn't focus on a monarch's royal lineage. In fact, promotions here aren't based on status. I was just a farmer's son before, yet now I hold the position of high priest in the Church," he chuckled. "Let me be frank, Your Highness. I doubt any farmer's son could become a duke." If he staged a rebellion against the royal family, he might even become the King himself. Roland thought this to himself but didn't argue. Instead, he changed the subject: "So you're here today just to offer blessings?" "Blessings are only part of it. I also bring cooperation." "Cooperation? What kind of cooperation?" "We can help you expand your territories and influence within our means." "Wait..." Roland frowned. "You just said the Church rarely interferes in secular matters." "Minimal interference doesn't mean complete non-interference," the High Priest continued calmly. "Your brother Tefiko's conflict with Princess Jiasia of the Three Kings has plunged the southern territories into chaos. As I've said, the Church will recognize him as a worthy ruler if he ensures peace for the people. And you're exactly that kind of person." Roland froze. Was this a plea to help him claim the throne? He instinctively asked, "Why?" "Your leadership in defending Border Town against the evil beasts and surviving the Demon's Month proves your courage and capability. The ample provisions from Willow Leaf Town show your compassion in preventing famine and cold. Possessing these three noble virtues while being of royal blood—that's why we chose you." Roland didn't believe the reasons at all, but the words confirmed that even when Border Town lay isolated in a snowbound island, the Church still kept watch over this remote land.
"How can I assist? Should we dispatch the Inquisition Army to fight for me?" "We also wish to quell the conflict swiftly, but doing so would provoke the majority of the Nobles 'resentment. Thus, we can only provide material aid," the High Priest said, pulling two pills from his robe—one red and one black. "These are the Holy City's God's Chamber—equivalent to the elixirs produced in your alchemy workshops. The red pill grants your troops temporary superhuman strength, while the black pill multiplies their tolerance for pain, cold, and heat. With these, your army will be invincible. The Church only charges the basic production fee," he paused, "a gold dragon. These two pills can serve as experimental samples to prove my words." "What reward do you seek? Expanding your congregation and establishing churches across all territories?" "That would be ideal, but quelling the conflict is our primary goal. Once the people are at peace, they will naturally embrace God." Roland accepted the pills. "It sounds divine, but I have no immediate plans to contest the Graycastle crown. Both Tefiko and Jiasia are my blood relatives, and I refuse to harm them." "I understand," the High Priest smiled, "but sometimes familial bonds cannot resist the lure of power, especially when you become an obstacle in their quest for it." The pill is just the beginning. We have much more to offer. If you decide to take that step, feel free to come to the church and find me. "With that, he stood up, bowed, and said," I have brought the Church's resolution. May God be with you, Your Highness."