System: Build My Own Territory-Chapter 706 - 244: Ten Magic Ore Stones (10,000)

The night grew deeper.

A squad of cavalry continued forward in the path illuminated by the torchlight.

The horses galloped at great speed, the torches held by dozens of soldiers forming an angle of one hundred and forty degrees due to the blowing wind.

The sound of the roaring flames kept echoing.

The thundering hooves resonated and reverberated in the wilderness.

In front of them loomed the outline of a massive black city wall.

There, lay Bordeaux City!

Although it was already curfew time with the city closed.

But this squad of cavalry passed through the city gate, entering in single file.

Galloping on the muddy roads of the outer district, crossing the cobblestone roads of the inner district.

Finally.

The cavalry entered Marquis Ducas’s Castle.

Mark Ducas dismounted from his tall horse at the front.

He turned to look at the dozen others who were also dismounting.

Mark spoke in a somewhat weary voice: "Gentlemen, it’s late, you may go and rest."

Godfrey bowed slightly and replied in unison with those behind him, "Yes, Your Excellency Marquis."

Mark nodded slightly and was the first to leave.

Godfrey glanced at the crowd and signaled that they could disperse.

He started walking towards the residential area of the castle.

At the rear, Danke noticed and hurriedly caught up.

He couldn’t help but ask: "Sir, are you..."

Godfrey didn’t think much, casually replied: "I’m going to check on the Marquis... the master!"

"I thought I’d die out there, never expected to return, I’m going to see the master."

"This journey was exhausting, you can rest too, no need to accompany me."

Danke didn’t hesitate, "Sir, I’m still young, not that easy to tire!"

Godfrey’s mouth opened slightly, eventually giving up on persuading.

Later.

Godfrey led Danke, passing through corridors, and rooms.

Finally, they stood before a door guarded by soldiers.

Though they encountered several patrol squads on the way.

Once the soldiers saw it was Godfrey and Danke, they merely nodded in acknowledgment before moving aside.

As the Knight Commander of the Ducas Clan and Knight Danke, they had the privilege to walk through the Marquis’s Castle.

Godfrey reached out his right hand, knocked on the door, his deep voice sounding.

Knock knock~

With a respectful tone, he called, "Master Donovan."

There was no response from behind the door.

Godfrey furrowed his brows and knocked once more.

Knock knock~

Just as he was about to speak again, a response came from within the room.

"Enter."

A trace of relaxation swept through Godfrey’s heart, he turned to look at Danke.

Without needing any words, Danke lowered his head slightly in acknowledgment.

Danke naturally understood, Godfrey intended for him to remain outside.

Retracting his gaze, Godfrey gently pushed open the door and walked into Donovan Ducas’s bedroom.

Upon entering.

The strange yet familiar scent of incense and herbs immediately invaded his senses.

Accompanied by a slight hint of rotting flesh!

Godfrey couldn’t help but furrow his brow, crossing the carpet towards the distant large bed.

As he walked, his gaze scanned the surroundings.

The wafting incense smoke gently swirled within the room, weightless as though frozen in time.

The windows were sealed shut, only the vent left open, the air was oppressive.

The room was dim, with only two soon-to-be-exhausted oil lamps emitting a faint glow.

Upon reaching four or five meters from the bed, Godfrey halted.

Turning his gaze, Godfrey looked at the form lying side-turned on the bed.

He confirmed, the room’s rotting scent emanated from Donovan Ducas before him!

Godfrey spoke with utmost respect: "Master Donovan... Godfrey has returned."

The Donovan on the bed heard his voice and slowly turned.

The face full of wrinkles and fatigue faced Godfrey.

Donovan spoke: "Lawrence, did you bring Lawrence back?"

Feeling Donovan’s piercing gaze, Godfrey’s body bent, "Master, Lord Lawrence has returned."

"Currently, leading the Sword and Shield Clan’s troops and many vassal soldiers, stationed at Windmill Ridge Canyon."

Donovan’s voice sighed slightly, "It’s good he’s back, good he’s back!"

Godfrey kept his head lowered, not daring to meet Donovan’s eyes directly.

Once Donovan’s voice subsided, Godfrey finally spoke: "But, Master..."

"Over three thousand soldiers of the Sword and Shield Corps remain at the Duke of Red Dragon’s Duchy."

Donovan’s previously melancholic face suddenly grew tense, his entire demeanor became sharp.

Godfrey felt a rush of fear, promptly kneeling on the carpet.

"I apologize, Master, it’s my inability as Godfrey that I could not bring them back."

"Godfrey accepts any punishment from you, without complaint!"

Looking at the kneeling Godfrey, Donovan’s gaze stayed piercing.

The room that was already cold turned dead silent.

After several seconds.

Donovan lightly sighed, "Stand up, you’re just a Knight Commander merely following orders, it’s not your fault!"

"You managed to bring Lawrence back, that’s no shame to me, Donovan Ducas."

Godfrey slowly stood, ears bent low.

Donovan continued: "Godfrey, with over three thousand Sword and Shield Corps dead, has Mark shown any indication?"

Upon hearing this, Godfrey’s expression became hesitant.

Donovan furrowed his brow, his voice stern: "Speak."