"Cutting off half a head and still not dead..." Laine remarked, "As expected, the power of this Undead Grand Mage is extraordinary."

"After suffering severe injuries, Kemler went mad, tearing apart all his Magic Scrolls, unleashing all his Magic Power to repel the Knights’ siege and Francois’ pursuit, fleeing alone into the depths of the Gray Mountain Range. Wounded, Kemler’s power greatly diminished, leaving him delirious and insane, but whenever he was sane, he never gave up on returning, trying to regain the Staff of Nagash," Mogiana, holding onto Laine’s large hands placed on her, finished the tale.

"In fact, four years after the battle of La-Mesnil Abbey, he gathered another Undead Legion to attack La-Mesnil Abbey. Due to fearing Francois’ presence, Kemler instead entered Brittania through the Aisloron Forest, but the outcome was his Undead Legion was annihilated once again. It was only due to the winter climate and the wood elves lacking the assistance of tree spirits that Kemler barely escaped. He is now lurking in the Black Stone Stronghold north of Karak Breeze Castle, which used to be a very sturdy Dwarf City, but the Dwarves’ consistently declining population meant that holding Breeze Castle against Green Skin and Ratman attacks was good enough," Mogiana’s tone carried a slight irony, "The stubborn dwarves refuse to leave their homeland despite the threats."

"Even so, we cannot underestimate this Undead Grand Mage. It has been over a decade now, and Kemler must have rebuilt a massive Undead Army; he’s only hiding in the Black Stone Stronghold, waiting for the right moment," Laine pondered the cause and effect, somewhat puzzled, "But for some reason, in a series of previous wars, he had the chance to strike from behind but remained silent, with no movement from the Black Stone Stronghold."

"Kemler’s mind alternates between clarity and fogginess; he’s lost the ability to seize opportunities in battle," Mogiana answered casually, knowing little more about Kemler. "Perhaps he’s planning something, whatever the case, we must be cautious."

After chatting with Mogiana for a while, Laine took out a Dwarf-made pocket watch, a gift from Dwarf Engineer Dugen the Ironman. A glance told Laine it was already eight in the evening, and it was time for him to head back.

Mogiana naturally noticed Laine’s actions, her golden eyebrows knitted tightly, turning her head away, "Are you in a hurry to spend the night with Surya? She does keep a close eye on you. Does she have a curfew at night, keeping you out of the bedroom if you get back late?"

"That’s not the case; Surya isn’t strict with me in that regard." Laine thought the jealousy was palpable and hurried to explain, "I just promised Surya I’d be back after dinner; I can’t break my word."

"Then let me send a message to your Surya, telling her you won’t be returning tonight?" Mogiana still pressed.

"Mogiana~ I still have some matters to deal with when I return tonight... Or you could come out with me? There are plenty of vacant rooms at the vineyard, stay for a couple of days," Laine suggested, gently caressing Mogiana’s small hand, feeling helpless at her little temper tantrum, needing to coax her, "I’ll be staying at the vineyard for a while, and no outsiders are there."

"Go out with you? I’m not the mistress of your vineyard; Surya is," Mogiana replied, her tone peculiar, "Here, you belong to me; outside, you belong to Surya."

"Am I like a ball?" Laine quipped, "Being kicked back and forth between you and Surya? Do I have a deed of sale with your seal and Surya’s seal? Can ownership transfer anytime?"

"Pff~" Mogiana was amused by Laine, and after a few seconds, she decided, "Alright then."

"Hilphain!" The Lake God Witch called into the small forest within the valley, and the Unicorn Hilphain stepped out, moonlight speckling its horn. The all-white unicorn was Mogiana’s personal mount, having guided Laine when Mogiana, betrayed by a tree spirit, was injured.

Accompanying Hilphain was a Griffin.

This Griffin was as large as an ox, with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. Its silver head and sharp eyes, golden fur becoming lush, talons firmly on the ground, and brown wings spread wide. Seeing Laine and Mogiana, it cried out in joy, flapping over to the pavilion and lowering its head.

Mogiana gently petted the Griffin’s head, "Impres is growing up. Just let it grow for another year or two, and it can be a mount for you on the battlefield."

"Wooaargh~" The Griffin Empress cried, licking its golden fur with its tongue, nuzzling Mogiana before allowing Laine to pet it. Usually trained by Mogiana and Laine, and occasionally ridden by Surya, it flapped its wings in happiness when Laine came to see it, opening its mouth to gather a blue-white lightning ball.

"!!!" The Griffin spit out a bolt of lightning, shooting it skyward, then flapped its wings to the other side of the pavilion. Under the Lake Fairy’s secret training, this Griffin now possessed magical attacks.

"Let’s go out." Laine lifted Mogiana onto Hilphain.

"Mm." Mogiana leaned over to plant a kiss on Laine’s face, then sat sidesaddle on Hilphain. Laine also mounted his pure-blooded Elf Warhorse Grape, which neighed playfully as Laine got on, raising its front hoof toward Impres to perform a curious gesture.

The Griffin seemed provoked, running a few steps to spread its wings, taking flight through the sky, keeping pace with Laine and Mogiana.

......

The next day, at Count Glamorgan’s domain, in the morning at the vineyard’s three-story office.

In Laine’s temporary office, Laine sat behind a sandalwood desk, with Lake God Witch Mogiana seated beside him as an observer. Countess Surya was still resting, while the Dark Elf Maid stood behind Laine.

Ollica and Mogiana exchanged glances rife with electrical sparks, Ollica’s expression a mix of disdain and contempt, while Mogiana’s was mingling thin anger with jealousy.

A nobleman sat opposite Laine, reporting on the vineyard’s situation. He resembled a middle-aged gentleman, wore a suitable tailcoat, donned a black beret, and had round glasses fixed with gold wire, "My Count, new grape varieties have been planted and cultivated: Serpentine Pearl and Black Pinot, and the famous Cabernet Sauvignon imported from Winford has also been planted."

"Very good." Laine reviewed the vineyard’s financial report briefly, "Well done, Pino. Thanks for your hard work during this period."

"Serving the Count is my honor." The middle-aged gentleman bent in a bow.

Jean De Pino, a Master Winemaker from the Winford Court, replaced the late Durand as the vineyard steward under Laine’s jurisdiction, managing it with great order. This master winemaker was exceptionally skilled and an important member of Surya’s dowry Servant Corps.

Laine was somewhat reluctant to entrust the vineyard to someone under Surya’s influence, as her power permeated every aspect of his domain, but in terms of wine, the Duchies of Winford and Boldro produced the best in the Old World.

This sort of thing should be left to the professionals.

Following detailed reports, Steward Kasenberg came in from outside, "My Count, King Belgar Iron Hammer of the Angland Clan has arrived and wishes to see you."

"I see. Well... Pino, let’s wrap up for today." Laine gestured to the master winemaker to leave, "Please show King Belgar in."

"Yes." The estate steward exited.

Two minutes later, Belgar entered, "Laine, my boy, my first batch of clansmen has arrived here. You’re in charge of arranging their accommodation and meals. This time, a group of elite Rangers and Dwarf veterans have come; are you interested in meeting them?"

"Let’s go. We can also discuss how to help you and your people take back the Black Stone Stronghold." Laine rose from his seat.

"Great, Dwarves love straightforward humans like you, unlike those sharp ears, who are always so apprehensive."

"Right this way, King Belgar."

"Lead on, Laine."