章 19: Chapter 19: The Search for the Witch’s Wealth
The following morning, David headed to his study, where the Grey Wolf Knight was already waiting.
The news of a Shadow Witch infiltrating the castle had left the knight deeply shaken.
The Frostwolf Knights guarded the castle diligently, yet an assassin had managed to slip through their defenses. Were it not for David's newfound strength, the outcome could have been disastrous.
A wielder of shadow magic, the assassin was like a panther lurking in the darkness, poised to strike when least expected.
"Lord David, we couldn't find her," the Grey Wolf Knight reported grimly.
David nodded, unsurprised. Though the Shadow Witch had escaped, her injuries from his frost-infused attacks would have made fleeing difficult. She was likely far from Frostwolf Ridge by now.
"Stay vigilant," David instructed before sitting at his desk. He picked up a quill and parchment, his mind still replaying the witch's striking features.
With a few swift strokes, he sketched her likeness on the parchment. When finished, he handed it to the Grey Wolf Knight.
"Have this posted throughout the territory. If she's still in Frostwolf Ridge, we'll find her."
During the day, shadow magic was weaker, and the territory's population census system made it difficult for anyone to remain hidden.
The Grey Wolf Knight glanced at the sketch. Though it was only a rough drawing, it captured the witch's beauty with striking accuracy.
As the knight left to distribute the posters, David returned to reviewing administrative documents.
With winter in full swing, most activities in the territory had slowed. The common folk stayed indoors to weather the cold, leaving the refugee camp as the primary concern.
The camp had grown significantly in recent weeks, sparking concern about food supplies.
Though the use of organic fertilizer had brought a bountiful harvest to Frostwolf Ridge, resources were not infinite.
"The snow will start soon. Once the roads are blocked, no more refugees will arrive," David said calmly.
His ice element affinity allowed him to predict the weather with remarkable accuracy.
With current reserves, even black bread made from tree bark and bran would suffice to sustain the camp through winter.
David's thoughts turned to what would come after.
Turning the refugees into farmers seemed a logical step. With the use of organic fertilizer, even previously barren land could be cultivated.
Additionally, the territory's mines required workers. Mining would be crucial for Frostwolf Ridge's economic growth and the accumulation of wealth.
David also contemplated adapting simple technologies from his previous life, such as cement, to aid in the territory's development. Without money, advancing his knightly training would be impossible.
---
Days passed without further sightings of the Shadow Witch, giving David some relief.
During this time, he pursued information about witches and discovered an intriguing lead.
His late father, the former duke, had once destroyed a coven of witches and seized their accumulated wealth.
This revelation shed light on why the Shadow Witch might have targeted him.
Unfortunately, his father had left no record of where the witch's treasure had been hidden. It could have been concealed—or destroyed—leaving David with nothing but speculation.
If he could recover this treasure, it might provide the resources necessary to embark on genuine wizardry training, granting him access to unparalleled power.
The allure of a wizard's strength was undeniable.
Though the church painted witches as evil, their might could not be dismissed. Tales of ancient wizard empires suggested that their power rivaled that of gods, with knights serving as little more than their subordinates.
David cared little for the church's opinions; his only interest lay in the extraordinary power wielded by wizards.
"Damn it, I can't give up now. Even if I have to turn Frostwolf Ridge upside down, I'll find that treasure," he vowed, instructing the Grey Wolf Knight to continue the search.
---
With tensions high, David stayed within the castle, focusing on his training.
The Frostwolf Knights patrolled tirelessly, ensuring the castle's security. Only those with abilities like the Shadow Witch's could hope to breach its defenses.
That afternoon, Amy's voice echoed from the loft as she read aloud.
Seated nearby, Fire Dance and Water Lotus listened intently, faint smiles forming on their faces. Their expressions, once lifeless, now carried hints of warmth and vitality.
Meanwhile, in the training room, Leah clung to the wall, aiding David in strengthening his Frostwolf Bloodline through dual cultivation.
David's knightly training had hit a bottleneck at the peak of Tier 3. To accelerate his breakthrough, he dedicated all his training time to dual cultivation with Leah.
[You have completed a session of dual cultivation. Frostwolf Bloodline +71.]
[Frostwolf Bloodline: Tier 4 (6756/10000).]
Unnoticed, his progress toward Tier 5 had already surpassed the halfway mark. At this pace, his breakthrough would not take long.
"Lord David," Leah murmured between heavy breaths.
David exited the system interface and leaned closer, whispering, "Leah, I love you so much."
Her cheeks flushed, but she bravely met his gaze and reciprocated his affection, initiating yet another round of training.
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