The Evil Moon had passed, and a week later, Blackhammer had regained its calm. The snow was still pouring down towards the northern city, but there was no fear in the hearts of the people. They saw Rhodes as a hero, a savior. It was their high lord who sniffed out the danger in advance, led people all the way, and found reinforcements from Heidelberg and Ring City, so that Blackhammer Castle survived, and the soldiers of Blackhammer Castle survived.

Civilians who volunteered to stay and fight were rewarded handsomely, even more than they could have earned for five years of labor. For this reason, Rod was ruthless and emptied the small treasury in half. It may seem meaningless and worthless, but it is actually very important, and those who remain will tell their relatives, friends, or people in other small towns about this "great" battle. At the same time, show them off your performance in battle and the rewards you have received, which will favor more people to stay in Blackhammer.

In the vast and sparsely populated north, population is so important, the vast north has abundant resources, and what is needed is labor, it is the population. So, even though the cost is huge, Rhodes still finds it valuable.

In addition, those who died bravely in the battle, Rhodes asked Muros to arrange and give them a generous burial. If there are still family members left in Blackhammer Castle, these people can receive a minimum subsistence guarantee from the Treasury every month to ensure their livelihood. After all, the main labor force in the family, the man, died. What do women and children feed themselves on? Rhodes didn't want more and more prostitutes in his castle......

"At your request, the banquet has been prepared, and the letter was sent two days ago, and by this time, it is estimated that the lords of Heidelberg and the Ring City have received the news. ”

"Okay, you've worked hard all this time, Muros. You are my most trustworthy person, and Erson will bless you. ”

The icy wind swept across Rod's cheeks, and he took a deep breath and said in a grateful tone to his butler Mulros. The latter bent slightly, showing respect. And Rhodes kindly helped him to stand firm.

"By the way, Dennis's room ......"

"The ice hasn't melted yet, but don't worry, no one has been up there, and the corridor has been sealed. The guards were on duty in turns, not knowing what was happening above. The two soldiers who saw the room that day, I have told them to keep it a secret and not to say it for the rest of their lives. ”

Muros replied in a whisper.

"That's good, alas, she deserves a happy childhood. I only have such a daughter, and I don't want to lose her. ”

There was a bit of sourness in Rod's words, which moved the old housekeeper. Because he once had children of his own, and they were fathers and felt the same way. It strengthened his determination to keep a secret for Rhodes.

After arranging everything, Rhodes changed into his robe and went to his basement, where the hot springs of Blackhammer Fort were located.

Push open the damp stone door and walk down the circular staircase one level to the hot spring pool. It is a small pool the size of half a bedroom, and the warm spring water rises from the ground, creating a constant stream of heat here that warms the entire castle. The stone walls have been covered with steam for many years, making them moist and shiny, and some tiny algae plants have grown between the cracks in the stones. This breath of life comforted Rhodes, and compared to the ice and snow outside, it was simply a warm house. This feeling reminded Rhodes of his distant homeland, in that concrete room, when there was heating, and when everything was fine...... And now, I have been in this bloody world for nearly four months. The past days are gradually fading away, it seems to be a dream, but everything at this moment is the real reality......

Rod sighed, took off all his clothes, and soaked himself in the hot spring pool. The long-lost heat came to my heart, and the warm current flowed through my skin, which was very comfortable. It is no wonder that those nobles and wealthy people in the south will go north in the cold winter to soak in various hot springs. Hot spring baths in winter are a great treat.

This pool is not large, and it is considered to be Rhodes's private place. No one will be here, and Rhodes is relieved.

However, just as Rhodes was enjoying the long-lost relaxation, there was a slight sound of footsteps in the damp corridor. No one will come here!

"Who's there?"

Rhodes was immediately on alert, and the roar echoed through the basement like the roar of a grizzly bear.

However, there was no response for half a day, until a rippling mist rose in the humid air. A thin figure gradually appeared in the air in front of him.

"So what are you doing?"

Caroline's voice came from the mist, and gradually, the whole person walked out of the wave-like mist. The scene in front of him left Rod speechless...... When did this cargo get here? Could it be that she was here just now? So, she took off her clothes and went into the water just now......

"When did you get here? Why didn't I see that?"

Rhodes was halfway out of the water, and asked Caroline in an accusatory tone.

And Caroline just looked innocent, she was wearing a light shirt, holding a bath towel in one hand, and she was unhurriedly wiping her long wet hair.

"I've always been there...... I just wanted to try what the hot springs of Black Hammer Fort are like, and whether they can cure all diseases as the legend says......"

Caroline pouted, looking innocent.

And Rod finally saw clearly, she was indeed here a long time ago, she should have come in secretly, soaked here for most of the day, heard someone come in and quickly disguised herself with magic, and then got dressed and prepared to leave, but people can hide, but the voice can't be hidden, and Rode's sharp hearing detects it. It is said that Rod's hearing is inherently different from ordinary people......

"Don't you know that trespassing on someone's private property is rude?"

Rhodes snapped. He almost got up, but remembered that he had nothing underneath him, and had to sit in the pool and talk to Caroline.

"Now I know. ”

She replied, trying to squeeze an apologetic smile into her eyes.

"You...... As soon as your father comes back, you will be taken away, you are a distinguished guest here, I can't take care of you, let your father take care of you. ”

Rhodes said. Frost Witches are usually very serious beings, but Caroline, the daughter of the Lord of Heidelberg, is clearly an outlier. Her curiosity seemed to be stuck at the age of twelve or thirteen, and she was full of curiosity about everything.

You must know that the frost constitution of the Frost Witch is not suitable for bathing in hot springs. This is in contrast to their frosty constitution. Fortunately, Caroline was not a high-level frost wizard, otherwise, she would have soaked the entire pool of water into ice...... Moreover, no Frost Witch would do this, Rhodes knew that in Kislev, the high-level Frost Witch had long been connected to the underground ice crystals, and they bathed in ice fountains, and obtained more powerful frost energy in the cold ice fountains of Kislev, instead of jumping into the pool to enjoy the hot spring bath in order to enjoy it like Caroline...... Fortunately, her body temperature is not too low, and she can recover not long after soaking.

"Oh, oh, even if he comes, it's useless, the Frost Witch is free, and no one can do anything to me as long as I don't do anything bad to the queen. Caroline said, squeezing a smile at Rod, "Also, this hot spring is good, but unfortunately I will lose my magic after soaking in the hot spring." Don't worry, I won't come back next time. ”

With that, he put on his clothes and trotted out of the basement. And Rod consciously or unconsciously recalled the beautiful posture of the witch in front of him just now...... Caroline, who was grinning, didn't notice that this was the second time she had walked away in front of Rod......