Wizard: Stronger through Marriage Chapter 3: The Calamity of Refugees

"Uncle, please remember this for me."

David acquiesced, offering no objection. He remained uncertain about the precise function of his Golden Finger. Should it indeed possess the ability to bind multiple targets unconditionally, allowing him to enhance his bloodline’s strength through dual cultivation, then acquiring more wives would become a necessity. Naturally, not just any woman would suffice. The very nature of the Golden Finger dictated that dual cultivation with his wives was paramount, necessitating partners who were both obedient and sensible. With a secure domestic front, he could focus on his cultivation and face formidable enemies with composure.

"Understood."

The Gray Wolf Knight acknowledged his command. Despite Young Master David having awakened the Frost Wolf Bloodline, it was crucial to produce offspring swiftly to ensure the continuation of the Frost Wolf Clan's lineage.

"Has anything significant occurred within the territory recently?" Sensing a slight awkwardness in discussing such personal matters, David shifted the topic.

"Frosty Winter is drawing near."

"Beyond the looming threat from the Northern Nobles, our primary concern at present involves the influx of refugees from the north. It’s possible that wandering knights could infiltrate their ranks and launch a surprise assault on Frost Wolf Ridge," the Gray Wolf Knight elaborated.

Each winter, the frigid temperatures from the Ice Kingdom to the north intensify, with indications that this year's cold snap might be exceptionally severe, consequently driving more refugees northward, thereby introducing considerable unpredictability. Furthermore, they had valid suspicions that the Northern Nobles might employ mercenary groups or individual wandering knights to blend in with the refugee population and attack Frost Wolf Ridge. With the demise of the old Duke and the waning influence of the Frost Wolf Clan, numerous families were poised to seize opportunities, particularly the Ice Bear Clan, which harbored a long-standing ambition to supplant the Frost Wolf Clan.

David’s brow furrowed. The Frost Wolf Clan’s predicament was dire, teetering on the edge of extinction, especially with the old King gravely ill and the Silver Moon Kingdom descending into potential civil war. The Frost Wolf Clan could easily become collateral damage in the ensuing conflict. Consequently, he felt an urgent need to rapidly enhance his strength and decisively dismantle his enemies’ machinations to ensure the safety of Frost Wolf Ridge and himself.

Fortunately, it was only early autumn, granting him some time before the onset of Frosty Winter.

"Uncle Leo, I shall dedicate myself to cultivating the Frost Wolf Breathing Technique. I also need to prepare a greater quantity of Frost Wolf Secret Medicine." The cultivation of the Breathing Technique primarily depended on one’s innate bloodline power, but the strategic use of secret medicine could significantly boost its efficiency, leading to more rapid advancement in strength. This was precisely why commoners in this world faced immense challenges in achieving cultivation success, while only nobles could afford to train knights, given the staggering resource requirements involved! Even for the Tier One Frost Wolf Breathing Technique, its core component was a herb known as Wolf Blood Grass, which grew only in locations where extraordinary wolves had shed blood. Despite not needing the highest quality variant, its demanding cultivation conditions alone rendered it prohibitively expensive, often requiring the annual tax revenue of a minor lord just to procure a single plant. Even now, the Frost Wolf Clan faced difficulties in accumulating sufficient quantities.

"Rest assured."

"The Frost Wolf Clan has consistently endeavored to gather materials for the Frost Wolf Secret Medicine," the Gray Wolf Knight stated with solemnity. However, due to the clan’s declining fortunes and the deliberate obstruction tactics employed by the Ice Bear Clan, many supply channels had been compromised, significantly increasing the difficulty.

David was acutely aware of this reality, clenching his fists. The immutable law that the weak are preyed upon held true in every world.

Following the Gray Wolf Knight’s departure, David performed a single sequence of the Frost Wolf Breathing Technique before proceeding to the castle. A palpable sense of urgency propelled him; he needed to discern the exact capabilities of his Golden Finger and rapidly increase his power!

After the exertion of practicing the Frost Wolf Breathing Technique, David requested a servant to fetch water, intending to enjoy a relaxing bath before strategizing his next move. With a splash, David poured water over himself. Suddenly, he paused, his voice deepening as he inquired, "Who is there? Reveal yourself." Just as he spoke, a young maid emerged. Despite the autumn season, she was clad in thin attire, her face flushed. "Master, this servant is here to assist you with your bath..." The maid appeared visibly nervous yet stepped forward with resolve. David remained silent for a moment, having consistently sensed that this maid, Jesse, had been attempting to seduce him, either deliberately or inadvertently, and now she had directly presented herself. While he felt indifferent towards such a calculating woman, a sudden thought of his Golden Finger prompted a change of heart, and he said, "Enter then."

With palpable delight, Jesse eagerly stepped forward, assisting him in scrubbing his back.

"You wish to serve me?" David inquired directly.

Jesse, fully comprehending the young master's intentions, nodded without a moment's hesitation.

In the very next instant, David emerged from the bath, scooped up the maid, and proceeded towards the bed, eager to gauge the efficacy of his newfound Golden Finger.

Shortly thereafter, he concluded a cycle of cultivation. However, his expression grew somber as the system's notification indicated the completion of cultivation with absolutely no further advancement.

"So, does the cultivation target possess specific prerequisites?" he mused.

"Liya, due to the faint trace of the Frost Wolf Bloodline within her, can assist me in activating my own Frost Wolf Bloodline and bolstering its strength."

"But Jesse is merely a common individual, meaning even with cultivation, she offers no enhancement?" he deduced internally.

"Master..." Jesse adopted a coquettish demeanor.

David offered a gentle nod. Following another round of their intimate exchange, the system remained unresponsive to any improvements, thereby solidifying his suspicions.

Lying on the bed, Jesse appeared exhausted, yet a subtle sense of pleasure bloomed within her, as she surmised the young master harbored such desires.

Indeed, by offering herself to him, her master had readily accepted her. Her next aspiration was to win his favor and quickly bear him offspring, thereby forging a path into the Frost Wolf Clan.

"Go and rest now," David announced calmly as he stood.

"Thank you, master."

After Jesse's departure, David sought out Liya.

"There's a maid named Jesse within the castle."

"Arrange for the steward to have her reside in the old Frost Wolf Clan residence," David instructed Liya.

Personal maids were traditionally allocated to the old residence once their young masters came of age; this was indeed the established custom.

David felt that elevating Jesse, who was originally just an ordinary maid, to the status of a personal maid was sufficient.

Liya stood stunned upon hearing this directive, a flicker of flustered emotion crossing her face.

This action was typically performed by the mistress of the castle, signifying that Young Master David truly considered her the lady of the castle.

"Are there any issues?" David pressed.

"No, there are none."

Liya took a deep breath, her expression radiating utmost seriousness.

"Hm, also, appropriately reprimand the other maids."

David also intended to leverage this situation to admonish those maids who harbored petty schemes, fully recognizing the paramount importance of a stable rear!