Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Recognition and Rewards

The northern war finally paused slightly in the autumn wind.With the Empire's army advancing step by step, Duke Edmund had achieved his strategic objectives.Eliminate the remnants of Snow Swearers within the Empire's control zone, consolidate the northern defense line, and gradually drive the enemy to Ice Sea County and Snowfall County.Those two counties will become the main battlefield for the decisive battle next year.And now it's time to summarize the achievements and confer honors.All dukes, generals, and noble lords gathered at Frost Halberd City to put a period on this two to three months-long war.Louis arrived at Frost Halberd City a day earlier than scheduled.As soon as he entered the city, he was summoned directly to the conference hall of the main castle.This was his second meeting with Duke Edmund.The last time was half a year ago when he came here to register territory information and followed protocol.Back then, Edmund had only entertained him casually.In his heart, he just thought of this young noble as an ambitious little guy, only slightly better than those useless offspring from the South.But this time, the atmosphere was completely different.Even though the lad in front of him hadn't changed in appearance, and his cultivation was still low.But when he stepped into the hall, Edmund smiled with satisfaction, "The battle at Qingyu Ridge was beautifully done."He personally walked up to Louis, rare as it was, and patted him on the shoulder.This gesture was something he usually reserved only for legion commanders or trusted advisors."Leading over a hundred knights, you launched a night raid on a stronghold, annihilating eight hundred Wolf Riders. They were the elite of the Snow Swearers.Luring the enemy, setting ambushes, using Magic Explosion Bullets, collapsing mountain bodies, your tactics are more ruthless than the other."He said this with a bit more laughter in his tone, "It's not something typical of someone your age."And in the face of such praise, Louis did not display any excitement or show the exuberance common among young people.He merely bowed slightly, "If Qingyu Ridge were lost, the rear would surely descend into chaos. I only did what was necessary."His attitude was humble, but the confidence in his bones couldn't be hidden.This aspect made Edmund even more satisfied."Bond and Gibson both praised you in their letters as 'the future pillar of the Northern Territory.' I originally thought they were currying favor.But now I admit," he nodded slightly, his expression turning serious, "even if I were in your position, I might not have done better."Edmund paused for a moment, a smile accompanied by a tinge of reflection tugging at his mouth."It seems my old eyes are really going blind, almost lumping you in with those pompous soft-boned nobles.""Baron Calvin - this time, you've truly been a great help to me."Saying this, he once again reached out and patted Louis on the shoulder, "I think you'll like the reward I've prepared for tomorrow's recognition ceremony.".The banquet hall of Frost Halberd City is splendidly arrayed today.All around the walls hang the war banners of the major Northern nobles, fluttering in the air, silently proclaiming their respective glory and heritage.The sound of the horn echoed, the hall doors slowly opened.Silver Armored Knights filed in from outside, marching in unison into the hall, pushing the atmosphere to the peak with their solemn rhythm.Duke Edmund walked into the hall under the gaze of the crowd, his tall figure like a city wall.He slowly ascended to the main platform, and everyone instinctively stood to salute.The recognition ceremony officially began.And in the front-row seat below the platform, a young man sat quietly.Louis Calvin, a Baron of Expansion from the South.The only young noble in the front row of the hall who does not belong to the Northern Noble Families.Amidst a group of veteran nobles, counts, and viscounts with large territories and extensive qualifications.Thus Louis seemed exceptionally conspicuous."Who is that?