Having completed the dispersal of seeds across the three marked locations, Kael watched with satisfaction as vibrant patches of young forest emerged in each spot.
What's more, these three groves showed signs of rapid expansion. At their current growth rate, Kael estimated that within a month, dense forests would flank three sides of Laifei City—transforming into impregnable natural fortresses.
Of course, he'd strategically positioned the Sinflowers to serve as defensive bulwarks while leaving accessible pathways, ensuring the city wouldn't be sealed off.
"My lord, this is... extraordinary," Jett admitted, his tone brimming with genuine admiration.
Kael shrugged matter-of-factly. "Let's return to the city. Jett, immediately dispatch troops to guard these three areas. No one must interfere with the Sinflowers' growth—and ensure absolute secrecy."
"Understood! You have my word, my lord!" Jett's chest swelled with determination. This was the first direct order from the Count, and he'd stake his life on fulfilling it.
As Jett hurried off, Kael and Amelia exchanged a glance before heading back to the city lord's manor.
"Amelia, Laifei City is practically held together by patches and prayers," Kael sighed, rubbing his temples as he leaned against her. The flood, the Sinflowers... even he felt the weight of it all. Yet every effort was worthwhile. To establish himself on the continent, he needed not just personal strength but a formidable faction—and now, he'd laid the groundwork.
Amelia, ever perceptive, massaged his shoulders reassuringly. "Don't worry. Finn and the others should arrive soon. They'll share the burden." Back when Kael left the ancient ruins, he'd instructed Amelia to contact Finn, Ethan, and Grace, hoping they'd join him in Laifei Plains.
While Ethan (a legendary mage) and Grace (an imperial princess) were unlikely to come, Finn had pledged to bring a contingent from Flamecrest Academy. By his estimates, their arrival was imminent.
Still, Kael wasn't idle. Another pressing matter loomed: his promise to deliver food and supplies within three days. This vow had galvanized the citizens—but failing to fulfill it would shatter their hard-won trust.
Time ticked steadily onward...
Yet the city lord's manor remained eerily silent. Kael seemed to have forgotten his promise entirely, staying secluded without a single public appearance.
Gradually, unease spread among the citizens.
Whispers swirled through the streets, claiming the new lord's vows were empty boasts… These rumors, paired with Kael's inaction, gained unsettling credibility.
A tense, restless atmosphere seeped into Laifei City.
Kael was well aware of the public's mood but offered no reassurance. He waited, knowing only tangible results could silence doubt.
By the second day, the rumors had exploded into full-blown panic. Some citizens, seemingly incited, even considered fleeing the city.
Jett, frantic as an ant on a hot skillet, rushed to report to Kael. After a measured silence, Kael responded calmly, "Jett, identify those spreading rumors in the city. Arrest them if necessary."
Jett's eyes lit up. He realized: Laifei likely harbored spies from rival factions—these very rumor-mongers!
Given Laifei Plains' strategic location, bordering both the Guyi Empire and Mide Kingdom, such espionage was inevitable.
"Understood, Lord Count! I'll handle it immediately!" Jett nodded.
Watching him depart, Kael acknowledged Jett's competence—his execution was swift and thorough. A man worth nurturing, he mused.
Thanks to Jett's efforts, numerous spies were apprehended, allowing Kael to purge the city's undercurrents of dissent.
Yet by the third day, though rumors had dwindled, the citizens' hope had nearly evaporated. Laifei stood still, its silence deafening.
"If food supplies were truly being transported, how could the city lord's manor remain silent until now?"
Jett grew frantic. "My lord, it's already the third day. Many citizens are doubting whether you can deliver the provisions today. If—"
"There is no 'if,'" Kael cut him off, glancing at the sky. "It's about time. Come, let's head outside the city—we'll greet our food and supplies!"
Jett was stunned. "My lord, you…" Before he could finish, Kael had already strode out, Amelia walking briskly beside him. Jett hurried after them, his mind racing. How in the world did the lord arrange this?
The city's garrison hadn't moved an inch. How could provisions possibly reach Laifei without anyone noticing?!
As Kael exited the city gates, a crowd of civilians had already gathered outside the manor, waiting to see if he would fulfill his promise.
Spotting Kael, they trailed after him, their numbers swelling like a rolling snowball. Kael couldn't help but smile.
"These folks really don't trust me, do they…" He chuckled inwardly. He knew it wasn't distrust—just years of hardship in the Laifei Plains had shattered their confidence. Though his earlier actions had been flawless, this moment was his true test.
Standing atop the city walls, Kael gazed into the distance. By his calculations, it was time.
"Look! Food carts ahead!" A sudden commotion erupted as someone pointed to the horizon, their voice shrill with disbelief.
There, stretching across the land, was an endless line of grain wagons—not one or two, but thousands!
Wheels rumbled, kicking up clouds of dust as the procession advanced, a breathtaking sight. Every cart was piled high with grain, all heading straight for Laifei.
"It's really food—and so much of it! This… this can't be real!" The crowd erupted into gasps, eyes bulging at the spectacle. Some nearly jumped out of their skin.
A thousand wagons meant an unending supply—enough to feed the entire city for a month!
What a grand gesture! An absolutely monumental feat!
The entire city of Laifei erupted in astonishment and jubilation, swept into a sea of awe and joy.
Jett stood numb with shock. It seemed nothing could stump this enigmatic young Count anymore—every problem crumbled before him like dust.
As the endless line of grain wagons rolled in, their leader strode straight up to Kael. He was a soldier in polished armor, standing rigidly at attention. Beside him waddled the rotund Jindick, his jiggling layers of fat barely contained as he grinned and scrutinized Kael with twinkling eyes.
"Could this fatso Jindick be the one who delivered all this grain?" Jett wondered silently. He recognized the man, but quickly dismissed the thought. While grain wasn't exorbitantly priced, it was a banned commodity—smuggling it was tantamount to treason!
Judging by their approach from the direction of the Guyi Empire, Jindick would never risk his neck for Kael. Unless… the Count has connections to the Empire's upper echelons? That would explain the unimpeded delivery.
The realization made Jett regard Kael with even deeper reverence.
And Kael did have those connections—the highest, in fact. His junior sister was none other than Grace, the Empire's jewel and true heir apparent!
With Grace's influence, the Guyi Empire had turned a blind eye. Coupled with Jindick's oily maneuvering, transporting grain had been child's play.
Kael's heart leapt at the sight of the portly merchant. Where Jindick went, rivers of gold followed.
Money. With it, Kael could finally erect his Arcane Tower and forge a faction worthy of his ambitions.