“…… What are you up to, my dear? ”

At night, Lottie softly pushed open the wooden door of the study on the second floor of the wooden castle and walked in with a glass of hot milk.

Art raised his head slightly, glanced at Lottie, then put down the quill pen in his hand, and reached out to take the milk that Lottie had brought to his hand. "It's nothing, it's all about the construction of the valley~"

Lottie walked over to Art and fiddled with the map of the valley on the table, examining it carefully. "New Village~", "Shangdao~", "Nanguan Military Fort......" Lottie looked at the markers on the map and read out loud from time to time. I was fascinated by the map of the valley in front of me.

Since she spends most of her time in Wooden Castle, Lottie's knowledge of the southern side of the valley is limited to a few villages in the valley. Further south, I've only occasionally heard Art mention it, and I only have a general idea. Now, seeing the whole picture of the valley on the map, Lottie can't help but yearn for the south side of the valley.

"My dear, is the entire valley on the map your countydom?" Lottie felt a hint of excitement in her heart and turned to look at Art.

Art reached out and grabbed Lottie's slender waist, deliberately betraying Guanzi, and said, "This is the core secret of the valley, how can I tell you so easily."

"Can't even I know?" Lottie reached out and stroked Arte's handsome face, a hint of pleading in her eyes. The candlelight shines on that smooth and delicate face, and it is still charming.

"This~" Art was speechless for a moment. Looking at Lottie's delicate appearance, the line of defense in her heart was about to be broken.

Just as Art was lingering, Lottie's soft lips fell on his forehead~

"Okay, okay, I said, I said~ However, you have to promise me one thing first......" Art wanted to use this as a condition.

"What's the matter?"

"You say yes first."

Lottie didn't speak, her instincts telling her that her husband must be going out again. As a provincial earl, Art hardly had a good rest for a day, either busy with military affairs or entangled in government affairs. As a wife, Lottie certainly feels sorry for her husband, but she understands his plight better.

Seeing Lottie twist her head, Art was about to speak, but then stopped.

In this way, neither of them spoke. Silence, silence.

After a few moments, Lottie finally spoke. "Are you leaving the valley again?" he asked.

"Leaving the valley?" Art was a little surprised, "You think that?" ”

"And what do you want me to promise you?" Lottie felt a little aggrieved and pushed Arte's hand away and stood aside alone.

"Honey, I just wanted to ask for your permission. I plan to take someone to survey the entire valley again in two days, so that the government office can be built in the later stage, and I am afraid that I will not be able to accompany you and George for a while. Before I opened my mouth, you were already a little unhappy~" Art looked straight at Lottie, hoping to get her consent. After all, he promised his wife two days ago that he would be by their side.

"Are you really just going to the south side of the valley?" Lottie suddenly turned around and asked.

"When did I lie to you. As I think you know, the importance of the valley as the heart of the county cannot be overstated. As the Earl of a province, it is my duty to carve out the valley. There are tens of thousands of people behind me, and if I don't bother to make the valley territory a happy land, then what's the point of them following me? ”

"As you can see, the entire Marquis of Burgundy is still unstable, and my territory has a poor foundation and a weak foundation. If you don't hurry up and complete the construction of the valley, what will I use to protect you and defend my territory in the event of an accident......" Art poured out all his bitter water in one breath.

Lottie, who was standing on the side, slowly walked behind Art, hugged him, and said, "Honey, I'm just worried that your body can't bear it." You're working day and night like this, I'm really worried about you~ Since this is your decision, as your wife, I should also support you......"

Seeing that Lottie was finally relieved, Art's slightly frowning brow relaxed.

"Thank you, my dear, for being so considerate of my distress." Art reached out and touched Lottie's face......

…………

The next day, Art gathered Cooper and the others together and told them of his decision to go to the south of the valley again, which was undoubtedly opposed by them.

“…… Sir, you have been working so hard for the affairs of the valley recently, and I think it is better to send a few officials from the government to take some people to investigate. Why should you go there yourself? Cooper tried to dissuade him, unwilling to see Art embark on another journey into the southern wilderness.

"Yes, sir. If you don't feel at ease, I'll take someone to investigate it myself. There are many officials in the government who are good at this matter, so let them do it. Scott, who was sitting on the sidelines, also disagreed with Art going in person.

"Alright, let's stop arguing." Art stretched out his hand to stop a few people. "I understand your feelings, but I have to do it myself." Art was unusually resolute.

"There are two reasons for this. First, several of you government officials are currently shouldering heavy responsibilities, and the construction of the valley cannot be separated from you for a moment. You are gone, who will lead the people to build the territory? Second, the planning and construction of the valley is very important and cannot be changed at will once it has been decided. Only after I have a complete understanding of the situation in the valley can I decide how to plan and build it later. Besides, none of you know the Southern Valley better than I do, so it's only fitting that I'll be there myself. ”

"But~" Cooper tried to dissuade him again, but Art stopped him.

"Old butler, I am not here during this time, and the affairs of the government will be handed over to you. If the Legion has anything important, let them report it to me. I'll mark up the route so you can find me when the time comes. Art motioned for everyone to raise their glasses, poured a large glass of beer into his stomach, and burped in satisfaction.

"Master, in that case, we won't say anything more. But now that the weather is hot, wild beasts are rampant in the south of the valley, and poisonous snakes and poisonous insects are infested and impermanent, do you consider bringing more manpower and equipment~" Although Cooper is old, he is still meticulous and careful.

"Well, this time is different, I will conduct a thorough and detailed survey of the valley, which does require a lot of manpower and supplies. Now, old butler, you will arrange for five or six of the officials of the government to come with me, who are good at drawing maps and who can ride horses. In addition, I will draw some hunter-turned-soldiers from the army to follow me. First, it can keep everyone safe, and second, it can help clear the way. This will also allow me to complete the survey of the valley as soon as possible. ”

Cooper and the others nodded repeatedly.

"By the way, sir, the weapons workshop has recently created a lot of tools for clearing the wasteland, I think you may be able to use some with you." Cooper suddenly mentioned.

"Okay, you can arrange it, and we'll pick it up when we pass through the workshop area."

"Yes."

"Alright, let's go get ready. We'll be off in two days. Ron, you go to the army and pick some of the men to go with us. Also, call Matthew, that guy knows a lot about the valley and can help. ”

"Yes, my lord." And they all stood up and answered.