Night quietly faded away as the horizon gradually revealed a soft gray-white, like the first glimmer of hope's dawn.
The first ray of sunlight pierced through the gaps in the treetops like the hand of a deity, gently caressing this valley that had endured the baptism of war and draping it in a golden veil.
Wulfrik stood atop the high ground, his gaze deep and determined as he watched the soldiers below methodically cleaning the battlefield.
In his heart, there was both joy from victory and plans for the future.
Just then, Sir Renard—the Sowerbright family's military commander—arrived with his men, accompanied by several mining officials.
After receiving word the previous night, Sir Renard had worried for Wulfrik's safety and led a cavalry force through the darkness to reach this place.
Originally, upon receiving the message the night before, Sir Renard had been deeply troubled, fearing that Wulfrik might meet with misfortune.
So he had unhesitatingly led his cavalry, traveling through the night solely to ensure Wulfrik's safety.
When they arrived and heard that Wulfrik had achieved complete victory, only then did the anxiety in his heart begin to settle.
Sir Renard strode toward Wulfrik, his eyes full of surprise and admiration.
"Young Master Wulfrik, you actually eliminated the Black Mountain bandits and captured the iron mine in a single night?"
Wulfrik smiled slightly and nodded. "Thanks to the brave fighting of the Fourth Infantry soldiers and the assistance of Garcia and Wagner."
Sir Renard patted Wulfrik's shoulder, saying with satisfaction, "Brilliantly done! This way, the Sowerbright family has not only eliminated a threat but also acquired an iron mine—our strength will increase greatly!"
Wulfrik nodded, then lowered his voice. "The iron mine must be kept strictly secret. Otherwise, once word leaks out, I'm afraid it will attract covetous glances from other powers."
Sir Renard's expression grew serious as he said solemnly, "Young master, rest assured. I'll personally arrange for reliable people to take over the mining operations and absolutely won't let word get out."
Wulfrik nodded with satisfaction, then looked at the captured bandits and asked, "How should we handle these people?"
Sir Renard sneered. "By convention, bandits are either executed or enslaved."
"But right now the family lacks manpower, so why not have them work in the iron mine? It would count as atonement."
Wulfrik pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement. "Good idea. Let them use labor to atone for their sins."
Just then, a soldier hurried over to report: "Young Master Wulfrik, we discovered a cellar in the bandits' camp with quite a few people locked inside—they appear to be civilians they had kidnapped!"
Wulfrik frowned and immediately said, "Take me to see."
In the cellar, Wulfrik saw dozens of civilians in tattered clothes with haggard faces.
Some were strong young men; others were helpless women.
Their eyes were filled with fear and despair, as if they had lost all hope of living.
Wulfrik's heart sank as he stepped forward, saying gently, "Don't be afraid. We're the Sowerbright family army. The Black Mountain bandits have been eliminated—you're free."
Hearing these words, the cellar first fell silent, then erupted in long-suppressed cries and cheers.
They all knelt on the ground, saying through grateful tears, "Thank you, my lord! Thank you for saving us!"
Wulfrik quickly helped them up, saying gravely, "This is what we should do."
"Rest well for now. I'll arrange for someone to escort you home later."
After leaving the cellar, Wulfrik's expression was somewhat grim.
"These bandits truly deserved their punishment."
Sir Renard sighed. "The bandits have run rampant for years—nearby villages have suffered greatly."
"Being able to completely eradicate them this time truly eliminates a menace."
Wulfrik nodded, then ordered, "Arrange for someone to record these civilians' identities and help them return home as much as possible."
"If any are homeless, we can temporarily settle them in villages near the castle."
Sir Renard nodded in agreement and immediately set about making arrangements.
...
Afterward, Wulfrik had Garcia lead the infantry soldiers in building a camp there to prepare for the upcoming iron mining operations.
The rescued civilians were also gradually escorted home under soldier protection.
Wulfrik, along with Sir Renard and Guard Captain Wagner, led the cavalry back to Argentum Eagle Castle first.
Mining iron ore wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight—it required patience and careful planning.
Upon returning to Argentum Eagle Castle, Wulfrik immediately had the maids prepare hot water.
He couldn't wait to remove his armor, stained with dust and blood, and take a comfortable bath.
It was now midsummer, and having spent a night at the bandit camp without bathing the day before had made him extremely uncomfortable.
After bathing, Wulfrik felt completely refreshed and invigorated.
After changing into clean clothes, Wulfrik entered the dining room.
The table was already set with abundant food: fragrant roasted beef, tender and juicy roasted chicken, colorful vegetable salad, and fresh fruit... along with a bottle of aged wine that gleamed temptingly in the lamplight.
Wulfrik's two younger brothers, Cashel and Albert, were already seated at the table, having waited for some time.
As soon as Wulfrik entered, his second brother Cashel eagerly asked, "Big brother, I heard you personally led troops last night to eliminate the Black Mountain bandits and captured an iron mine, too?"
"Is this true? You're so amazing!"
Cashel's eyes sparkled with admiration, his tone full of excitement and pride.
Albert beside him didn't speak, but his constantly moving eyes showed he was also very curious.
Though at only five years old, he didn't yet understand what this meant.
Wulfrik smiled and nodded, sitting down at the table. "Yes, thanks to the soldiers' bravery and everyone's assistance, we were able to achieve this victory."
Hearing Wulfrik's confirmation, Cashel clapped his hands excitedly, while Albert followed his brother's example. Though his movements were clumsy, his face bore an innocent, brilliant smile.
During the meal, Wulfrik detailed the previous night's battle, including the soldiers' brave performance.
His account left Cashel completely entranced, while Albert, though understanding little, occasionally exclaimed "Wow!" adding childlike charm to his brother's story.
"Big brother, I want to become a hero like you and contribute to our family's glory."
Cashel's eyes sparkled with longing as he clenched his fists, as if already seeing himself clad in armor and wielding a sword heroically.
Wulfrik smiled and ruffled Cashel's hair, encouraging him. "As long as you study swordsmanship diligently and maintain an upright and brave heart, you'll definitely become an excellent knight."