The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

The Stargazy Pie looked like a culinary nightmare, especially with several sardine heads all staring upward, which was quite horrifying. However, seeing Morgiana's expectant expression, Ryan could only pick up his knife and fork. On a personal level, Morgiana had a special relationship with him; on an official level, she was his superior, and all the Holy Grail Knights of the kingdom pledged their loyalty to her. So, under the Lake Witch's hopeful gaze, Ryan smiled wryly and nodded, "This dish looks a bit scary."

"Northern cuisine is like this. This dish is easy to make, simple, and the ingredients are cheap. If there are no sardines, herring will do." Morgiana adjusted her dress and sat beside Ryan. "Try it. I can assure you, it won't taste bad."

After a few bites, Ryan found the dish quite tasty. He realized that the Stargazy Pie wasn't bad at all, just that its appearance was unappetizing.

For dessert, Morgiana served Yorkshire pudding, a famous northern Bretonnian delicacy.

By now, night had fallen. Bright moonlight bathed the valley where the Lake Fairy Tower stood. The valley was always shrouded in mist, filled with grasses and flowers blooming in every season, day or night. Fireflies dotted the landscape.

Morgiana, her long dress trailing on the ground, held Ryan's arm as they strolled through the valley, chatting about the kingdom's recent political affairs. Ryan had intended to leave after dinner, but Morgiana, in her "considerate" manner, insisted they take a walk to aid digestion.

"Sir Eugene, the head knight of the Holy Grail Knights' Kurona branch, reported to me that most northern dukes support Lawn as the next Knight King. In fact, after Richard appointed Lawn as regent, Richard has practically ceased to perform his kingly duties." Morgiana informed Ryan. "Since Lawn took charge, the situation in the north has improved significantly. Towns and villages destroyed by barbarian invasions are slowly being rebuilt, runaway slaves are returning to their places under the reassurance edict, and some chivalric expeditions have returned to replenish the number of fallen knights."

"I know that. Recently, the Empire has also entered a period of stability. After their failed invasion, the northern barbarians will need at least three to four years to recover. The greenskin disturbances are mainly limited to the Duchy of Carcassonne and the Duchy of Bastogne. This is a good opportunity. I plan to assemble a large coalition with François to attack the Blackstone stronghold after the spring plowing next year." Ryan shared his plans with Morgiana.

"Heinrich Kemmler, he was a famous necromancer, once a human." Morgiana nodded, pulling Ryan to sit in a pavilion within the valley. Feeling the cold wind, she recounted Kemmler's past: "He was once an outstanding human wizard, back before Ludwig the Savior established the Imperial College of Magic, before the Great Holy War."

"Mm," Ryan indicated he was listening, though Morgiana only said a few introductory words before smiling silently, her sharp gaze fixed on Ryan.

You know what to do, right?

Ryan fully understood Morgiana's meaning. He lifted the Lake Witch, placing her on his lap, signaling her to continue.

Morgiana was slightly taller than Emilia, around 5'5", fitting snugly against Ryan's chest as he held her. Now satisfied, Morgiana clasped Ryan's hand and continued: "Due to the Empire's attitude of exterminating and capturing these wizards at the time, Kemmler had no choice but to stay in the Border Princes. His exceptional magical talent quickly made him a powerful wizard, but he also realized that humanity's short lifespan would prevent him from mastering magic and reaching its limits. So Kemmler made a significant decision."

"...I won't be human anymore?" Ryan joked.

"That's a strange way to put it, but you're essentially right, Ryan." Morgiana cozily nestled in Ryan's arms, her bare feet swinging under her long dress, indicating her good mood. "To extend his lifespan, Kemmler began studying necromancy tirelessly. By the age of forty, he could single-handedly awaken an entire undead army and command them."

"When he could no longer satisfy his needs with the necromantic knowledge he had, he began leading his army to plunder religious sanctuaries and wizard towers, growing stronger through a series of wars. But his enemies also grew in number. To defeat this terrible necromancer, the Border Princes sought support from the Empire, forming a large army that defeated Kemmler and his undead army at the Battle of a Thousand Skulls. Forced to leave the Border Princes, Kemmler wandered the Grey Mountains with his undead army. During his wanderings, Kemmler found an artifact he desired—the Staff of Nagash, stored in the La-Maisonnel Abbey. What followed you know: François led the Winford Duchy's knights to defeat Kemmler at the Battle of La-Maisonnel, with François decapitating half of Kemmler's head in the decisive duel."

"Having half his head chopped off and still not dying...," Ryan muttered, "Indeed, this necromancer's power is extraordinary."

"After being severely injured, Kemmler went mad, tearing apart all his magic scrolls and unleashing all his magic to repel the knights and François, fleeing alone into the depths of the Grey Mountains. Kemmler was greatly weakened and became delirious, but whenever his mind cleared, he never gave up trying to reclaim the Staff of Nagash." Morgiana held Ryan's hands, finishing the story.

"In fact, four years after the Battle of La-Maisonnel Abbey, he gathered another undead army to attack the abbey. Fearing François, Kemmler entered Bretonnia through the Athel Loren Forest. However, his undead army was again annihilated, only narrowly escaping because it was winter and the wood elves lacked treant support. Now, Kemmler hides in the Blackstone stronghold north of Karak-Breezeholm, once a very sturdy dwarf fortress. But the dwarves' declining population means it's good enough for them to hold Breezeholm against the greenskins and Skaven." Morgiana's tone carried a hint of sarcasm: "Stubborn dwarves refuse to leave their homes, even when threatened."

"Even so, we must not underestimate this necromancer. Over the past decade, Kemmler must have rebuilt a large undead army, hiding in Blackstone stronghold, waiting for the right moment." Ryan pondered the implications, puzzled: "But for some reason, despite opportunities to strike in previous wars, he remained quiet, and Blackstone stronghold showed no signs of activity."

"Kemmler's mind is erratic; he has lost the ability to seize opportunities," Morgiana replied casually, her knowledge of Kemmler limited. "Or he is plotting something. Either way, we must be cautious."

After chatting for a while, Ryan checked the dwarf-made pocket watch he received as a gift from the dwarven engineer, Dugan-Ironheart. It was already 8 PM, and he needed to return.

Morgiana noticed Ryan's movement, her golden brows furrowing. She turned her head away: "In a hurry to spend the night with Sulia? She watches you closely, doesn't she? Does she set a curfew, locking you out of the bedroom if you're late?"

"Sulia doesn't control me that strictly." Ryan sensed a strong hint of jealousy. He quickly explained, "I just promised Sulia I'd be back after dinner. I can't break my word."

"Should I send a message to Sulia saying you won't be coming back tonight?" Morgiana continued to insist.

"Morgiana, I have some things to handle tonight... Or, you could come with me? There are plenty of empty rooms at the winery. You could stay for a few days." Ryan gently stroked Morgiana's hand, feeling helpless at her stubbornness. "I'll be staying at the winery for a while. There won't be any outsiders."

"Go with you? I'm not the mistress of your winery; Sulia is." Morgiana's tone was odd: "Here, you belong to me. Out there, you belong to Sulia."

"Am I a ball, being kicked between you and Sulia? Do I have a contract with both your seals on it, ownership switching at will?" Ryan joked.

"Pfft," Morgiana laughed, taking a few seconds to decide. "Alright then."

"Silverhoof!" Morgiana called, and from the woods, her unicorn Silverhoof emerged. Its horn shimmered in the moonlight, the pure white unicorn being Morgiana's exclusive mount. When Morgiana was betrayed by a treant, it was the injured Silverhoof that guided Ryan.

Following Silverhoof was a griffon.

This griffon was as large as an ox, with an eagle's head and a lion's body, silver head, sharp eyes, and golden fur. It excitedly screeched upon seeing Ryan and Morgiana, spreading its brown wings and rushing to the pavilion, extending its head.

Morgiana gently stroked the griffon's head: "Empress is growing up. In a year or two, it will be ready to join you in battle as a mount."

The griffon Empress screeched, licking its golden fur, rubbing its head against Morgiana, then letting Ryan pet it. Trained by Morgiana and Ryan, it occasionally allowed Sulia to ride it. Seeing Ryan, it happily flapped its wings, a blue-white lightning ball forming in its mouth.

"!!!" The griffon shot a lightning bolt into the sky, then flew to the other side of the pavilion, showcasing its magical attack capabilities.

"Let's go," Ryan said, helping Morgiana onto Silverhoof.

"

Mm." Morgiana kissed Ryan's cheek, then side-saddled on Silverhoof. Ryan mounted his purebred elven steed, Grape, which playfully neighed and made a strange gesture towards Empress.

Feeling provoked, Empress ran a few steps, spread its wings, and flew, following Ryan and Morgiana.

The next morning, in the Count of Glamorgan's territory, at the winery office on the third floor.

In Ryan's temporary office, he sat behind a sandalwood desk with Morgiana beside him, listening in. Countess Sulia was still resting, and the dark elf maid stood behind Ryan.

When Olica and Morgiana exchanged glances, there were sparks of hostility. Olica looked disdainful and contemptuous, while Morgiana's thinly veiled anger showed jealousy.

A nobleman, dressed in a well-fitted tailcoat with a black beret and a monocle fixed with gold wire, sat opposite Ryan, reporting on the winery's situation: "My lord, the new grape varieties, Syrah and Pinot Noir, have been planted and are being cultivated. The famous Cabernet Sauvignon imported from Winford has also been planted."

"Very good," Ryan said, reviewing the winery's financial report. "You've done an excellent job, Pinot. Thank you for your hard work."

"Serving you is my honor, my lord." The middle-aged gentleman bowed.

Jean de Pinot, a Winford court winemaking master, had replaced the deceased Durand as the head steward of Ryan's vineyard, managing the winery efficiently. This master winemaker was highly skilled and an important member of Sulia's dowry staff.

Ryan was somewhat reluctant to let Sulia's people manage the winery, as her influence already permeated his territory. However, when it came to wine, the Duchies of Winford and Bordereaux produced the best in the Old World.

Better leave it to the professionals.

After listening to a series of reports, the butler Carstenberg entered: "My lord, King Belegar of the Angrund clan has arrived. He wishes to see you."

"Yes, I know. Pinot, that will be all for today." Ryan waved the winemaking master off: "Please bring King Belegar in."

"Yes." The vineyard steward withdrew.

Two minutes later, Belegar entered: "Ryan, my boy, my first batch of clansmen has arrived. You need to arrange their accommodations. This group includes elite rangers and veteran dwarves. Are you interested in meeting them?"

"Let's go. We can also discuss how to capture Blackstone stronghold for you and your people." Ryan rose from his seat.

"Good. Dwarves like straightforward humans, unlike those finicky elves."

"Please, King Belegar."

"Please, Ryan."

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