Pioneer Lord: I Have Conquering System

In the center of the Wind Speech Tribe stood a small, classical marble palace. The patina of history gave it a solemn and dignified air, but at this very moment, a grand banquet was being held inside.

Amber light radiated from the surrounding wall sconces, bathing the entire hall in brilliant light.

A long rug was spread across the floor, and walking on it felt like treading on clouds.

Down the center of the spacious hall sat a long table, draped with a red tablecloth woven from the finest silk and decorated with exquisite candles.

Beautiful Elf Maids flitted about like butterflies, serving a variety of sumptuous dishes.

The surrounding chairs were filled with a diverse crowd of people.

The various leaders of High Cliff Castle and officers of all ranks from the Thorn Corps were all seated.

"Regardless, you have done us a great service. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask. Whatever it may be, the Elves will never be stingy in our generosity toward a friend," Ash Wind Speech said, her expression grave.

To be frank, the Lion Hunter Knight had only come to aid the Wind Speech Tribe because of Fulina, but regardless of his reasons, the fact that he had saved them was undeniable.

"More than that, I think the simple fact that we are all alive is what’s truly worth celebrating," Levi said with a smile, sidestepping the Elf Queen’s offer.

’What’s that saying again? A favor is the most priceless currency. If I were to accept a reward now, my aid to the Wind Speech Tribe would just become a transaction.’

’Our relationship would be purely transactional. But as long as I don’t demand payment, they will forever be in my debt for saving them.’

’Truthfully, this Elf Tribe doesn’t have anything I particularly desire. The only thing I might covet, the Magic Crystal Ore, I can simply ask Fulina for. There’s no reason to waste such a significant favor.’

"In this sacred moment, let us celebrate our shared victory with an ancient rite. May this battle be forever recorded in the annals of history and passed down for all time."

Levi rose and raised his wine glass. Under the candlelight, the burgundy wine shimmered with a brilliant luster that seemed to draw one’s gaze into its depths.

CLATTER!

The men from High Cliff Castle and the officers of the Thorn Corps, who had been busy feasting, scrambled to their feet, knocking over a swathe of chairs and benches.

Only a few Elves, slow to react, also followed the crowd and rose to their feet.

"To our shared victory!" Fulina said with a smile, raising her glass and downing the wine in one hearty gulp.

The sounds of drinking echoed through the hall. With a helpless sigh, Ash also drained her glass.

How could she not understand that a great debt of gratitude was difficult to repay? That was precisely why she had taken the initiative to offer a reward, but unfortunately for her, the man simply had no need for it.

"Be seated."

Thanks to their Lord’s prior instructions, the band of brutes from High Cliff Castle did not embarrass Fulina.

At an order from Fulina, the highest-ranking person present, everyone sat down again and resumed their feasting and drinking with boisterous laughter.

"My Lord," Si Kai said, sidling up to him with a suggestive grin, "after this war, your name will probably resound throughout the entire Northern Territory. I bet you’ll get so many letters from noble ladies that your drawers will be overflowing."

"A rising Pioneer Noble with formidable military strength, and most importantly, you’re single! You’ll be a hot commodity for every unmarried woman in the Northern Territory."

"Unfortunately, reality is rarely so kind," Levi said with a noncommittal smile. "The nobles who might see me as a good match are weaker than I am, so a marriage alliance would offer no substantial benefit. As for the nobles more powerful than me, they look down on a minor Baron of Exploration. Even if they were to propose an alliance, it would only be with one of their less important children as a token gesture to win me over."

’Compared to being tied down to some noble family, I’d rather not marry at all.’

’Besides, I have a little spud waiting for me at home.’

’The potential of a Princess of the Fallen Kingdom is far greater than that of these noble ladies. I just have to wait for the opportune moment, when fortune is on my side, and then I, Lord Li, can also raise the banner: "Restore the kingdom, overthrow tyranny, and support the legitimate succession!"’

’Then I can become a King myself. After all, the Emperor’s seat changes hands, and maybe next year it’ll be my turn.’

’A soldier who doesn’t dream of becoming a general is no good soldier. Naturally, a Lord who doesn’t dream of becoming a King is no good Lord.’

"That’s true enough," Si Kai mused, then nodded.

This world was a pragmatic place, after all. The vast majority of marriages among the nobility were essentially transactions of mutual benefit.

The so-called adoration from a noble lady usually only came with the tacit approval of the family backing her.

A Duke’s daughter would almost never marry down to a Baron. The groom would have to be a Count at the very least, and a loyal, talented Vassal to boot.

"Enough of that," Levi said, raising his glass. "We’ve been at war for half a month. It’s time to celebrate. We’ll deal with all that tomorrow. Come on, let’s drink, you and I."

"Haha! I can’t match your strength, my Lord, but I won’t admit defeat when it comes to drinking!" Si Kai also cast those thoughts aside, laughing as he drained his cup in one gulp.

The post-war celebration lasted late into the night, until the moon was shrouded by dark clouds and a light snow began to fall.

Levi’s face was a little flushed. Seizing this rare opportunity, everyone was eager to drink the Lord of High Cliff Castle under the table.

In the end, every single officer from the Thorn Corps who challenged him was carried back by their comrades. Si Kai, in particular, was so drunk he was spouting utter nonsense, until an exasperated Fulina had her men toss him back in his quarters.

Only Zat, who knew his Lord’s drinking capacity all too well, shook his head smugly from the side. ’Back in High Cliff Castle, the boss drank all several hundred of our men under the table by himself. These few dozen guys thought they could take him? They have no idea who they’re dealing with.’

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!