Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence

Chapter 89: Chapter 89: The Storm Griffin’s Opportunity

Raylo stood atop the tallest tower of Ironthorn Castle, looking down at the fortress that had just changed hands.

His original plan was to pack up all the supplies and prisoners here and transport them back to Black Stone Territory to bolster his own strength.

However, the Duke had unexpectedly given him the entire Ironthorn Territory as compensation!

It seemed his estranged father wasn’t as cold and heartless as he had appeared when he left.

This was completely beyond Raylo’s expectations.

He rubbed his chin.

Although Ironthorn Territory was only half the size of Black Stone Territory, its land and resources were far more abundant. In addition to vast farmlands, it also had a medium-sized iron mine.

If managed well, its future value would be immeasurable.

But he couldn’t bite off more than he could chew.

Black Stone Territory’s own development was still in its infancy. Now, with the addition of Ironthorn Territory, his manpower and energy would face an immense challenge.

Raylo turned and looked toward the square below, where Knight Bolin was directing soldiers to organize supplies.

Bolin was one of his earliest followers—loyal, reliable, and steady in his work.

Especially recently, he had demonstrated impressive abilities in both internal administration and military training.

”Bolin!”

Raylo called out.

Hearing the summons, Bolin immediately jogged up the tower, his armor making a soft clatter.

”My Lord, you were looking for me?”

Raylo nodded, gesturing at the bustling scene below.

”This operation is a bit bigger than we anticipated.”

Bolin followed Raylo’s gaze.

”Yes, My Lord. Ironthorn Castle has a great deal of supplies, especially ore and reserve grain. The number of prisoners is also higher than we estimated.”

”That’s all secondary.”

Raylo smiled.

”The latest news is that the Duke has granted the entire Ironthorn Territory to us, to Black Stone Territory.”

”What?!”

Bolin’s eyes widened in utter disbelief, which was quickly replaced by a look of wild joy.

”This... this is wonderful! Congratulations, My Lord!”

”The joy is ours to share, Bolin.”

Raylo clapped him on the shoulder.

”However, this also means the burden on our shoulders is heavier. I must return to Black Stone Territory to oversee things personally, as many matters will need to be rearranged. Therefore, I need you to stay here in Ironthorn Territory and manage things for me for a while.”

Bolin was stunned for a moment, then he puffed out his chest.

”If you trust me, My Lord, I will not fail my duty!”

”I trust you.”

Raylo’s tone was firm.

”I will leave a portion of the Knights and soldiers to assist you. Your tasks are, first, to pacify the populace and restore order as quickly as possible. Second, to take inventory of the resources here and prepare for long-term management. And third, and most importantly, guard this place well. Don’t give anyone with ill intentions an opportunity to take advantage.”

”Rest assured, My Lord!”

Bolin said solemnly.

”As long as I, Bolin, still draw breath, there will be no trouble in Ironthorn Territory!”

”Good.”

Raylo nodded in satisfaction.

”We will discuss the specific details later. For now, go and select one hundred reliable soldiers and fifty Knights. I will order them to follow your command.”

”Yes, My Lord!”

Bolin accepted his orders and departed, his steps a little lighter than before.

For him, this was undoubtedly a huge opportunity and challenge.

Raylo watched Bolin leave and breathed a sigh of relief himself.

With Bolin holding down the fort in Ironthorn Territory, he could at least set his mind at ease for the time being. Once the Duke’s official decree was delivered, he could merge the administration of Black Stone Territory and Ironthorn Territory.

Soon, Raylo had arranged everything.

Raylo set out on the journey back to Black Stone Territory with a vast contingent.

In the procession, aside from the Knights and soldiers of Black Stone Territory, were several hundred dejected prisoners from Ironthorn Castle and wagons loaded with all sorts of precious supplies.

These supplies included not only gold, silver, and jewels, but also large quantities of fine Weapons and armor, as well as some Magic Materials and books that Raylo had specifically picked out.

The procession moved slowly, which was to be expected when escorting a large number of prisoners and supplies.

Raylo was in no hurry. He could use this time to properly digest the gains from this expedition and make more detailed plans for the future.

He glanced at the prisoners, who were tied together with ropes and stumbling forward.

Most of them were Knights and elite soldiers who had served under Baron Mengde.

Raylo had no intention of turning them into slaves. He planned to absorb those who behaved well or possessed special skills into Black Stone Territory. The rest could serve as a labor force for its construction projects.

He hadn’t started on this matter yet.

Once the Duke’s order for Baron Mengde’s execution arrived, these Knights and soldiers would be left without a lord to whom they owed allegiance, making it much easier to win them over.

The afterglow of the setting sun, like shattered gold foil, scattered across Black Stone Territory, gilding it in a warm halo.

After the ordeal in Ironthorn Territory, setting foot on the soil of Black Stone Territory once more filled Raylo with an indescribable sense of being home.

The procession slowly entered the castle, and the soldiers and subjects who had remained behind erupted in earth-shattering cheers, welcoming their triumphant Lord.

Raylo offered a few words to the crowd, then handed over the subsequent arrangements to his adjutant.

After dinner, Raylo walked straight to the open ground behind the castle.

Sure enough, the Storm Griffin was lying there, resting.

Nearby, the Dragon Thorn Fruit Tree swayed in the evening breeze, giving off a faint, exotic fragrance.

”Go, bring all the Energy Potions stored in the warehouse,” Raylo ordered an attendant beside him.

The attendant dared not delay and hurried off to carry out the order.

Before long, several attendants arrived in the clearing, carrying a heavy chest. They opened it carefully, revealing neatly arranged potion vials that glinted with a faint blue light in the twilight.

Raylo nodded in satisfaction and turned his gaze to the Dragon Thorn Fruit Tree.

The tree, which had originally borne four plump fruits, now only had three.

One of them had been ”sampled” by a certain thief on the very night it was transplanted.

At this thought, Raylo’s gaze drifted involuntarily to a second-floor window of the castle not far away.

Moonlight was lying there lazily, its silver fur glowing with a soft sheen in the dusk.

It was currently flicking its tail out of sheer boredom, seemingly unable to muster any interest in the activity in the clearing.

Although Moonlight’s true form was a Silver Dragon, perhaps from spending too much time transformed as a large cat, it had picked up a feline personality.

Most of the time it was busy with its own affairs, but whenever Raylo looked for it, he could always find Moonlight in some inconspicuous spot, quietly watching and keeping him company.

Raylo withdrew his gaze and reached out to pick a Dragon Thorn Fruit from the tree.

The fruit was about the size of a fist, crimson all over, and covered in fine thorns that weren’t prickly to the touch, instead feeling warm and smooth.

The instant Raylo picked the fruit, a fervent gaze shot toward him.

The Storm Griffin was now staring eagerly at the Dragon Thorn Fruit in Raylo’s hand. Its sharp, eagle-like eyes were filled with longing, as if the crimson fruit were the most delicious delicacy in the world.

Its massive Iron Beak opened and closed slightly as a low gurgle rumbled in its throat. It was practically drooling.

Apparently, the Storm Griffin had coveted the Dragon Thorn Fruit for a long time, but it didn’t have the guts of Black Stone Territory’s ”Little Overlord,” Moonlight, and hadn’t dared to take a bite.

Seeing this, Raylo couldn’t help but chuckle.

He tossed the Dragon Thorn Fruit lightly in his hand, then threw it.

”KREE!”

The Storm Griffin let out an excited cry, raised its long neck, and precisely caught the falling Dragon Thorn Fruit, swallowing it in one gulp.