"It should be over, Lina. Arrange for people to clean up the battlefield. I don't want this bloody smell to attract other monsters later and cause us more trouble. Oh, and don't let those cavalrymen chase too far."
Link gently patted Lina's shoulder, speaking in a calm tone.
"Yes, Lord Link."
Lina nodded slightly, a somewhat relaxed expression on her face.
After the pack of Icefield Wolves retreated, her tightly strung nerves finally relaxed considerably. At least from the current battle situation, for them, it was a perfect victory.
Casualties were within a controllable range, and they had successfully repelled the wolf pack.
At this moment, heavy footsteps came from deep within the forest. Link looked up and saw Agnes had already left the forest and was returning with large strides.
On her ferocious, crimson armor, she carried three huge, snow-white wolf carcasses. The wolves' fur was charred black by the flames, and their bellies were cut open with three-foot-long wounds, their foul-smelling internal organs subtly exposed.
"Well done, Agnes!" Link praised her sincerely... A victory celebration after the Ice Plains Wolf attack was, of course, essential. Link decided to make use of the available resources and have a delicious wolf meat barbecue.
This would both reward the hardworking Soldiers and compensate for the recent unappetizing meals.
Link selected the tenderest wolf leg meat from the Wolf King, carefully slicing it into pieces. Afterward, it was meticulously prepared, removing excess fascia and impurities.
Then, Link picked up clean branches, skewered the pieces of wolf meat, and placed them over the blazing flames of the bonfire.
Soon, wafts of fragrant meat aroma permeated the air, stimulating everyone's appetite.
Barbecue is very simple; as long as the heat is controlled well, even if the only seasoning is simple salt, the taste is still quite good.
Link smiled and handed the grilled wolf meat to Agnes, Lina, and the Soldiers gathered around.
Everyone sat together, just like old times gathering with friends for a barbecue, the atmosphere casual and warm, smiles on every face.
The lean meat of these magical beasts contained rich energy, which could nourish and strengthen the body. Such an opportunity was rare and certainly not to be wasted.
After the Soldiers had eaten their fill, if there was any wolf meat left, it would be distributed to the residents in the city, so that everyone could share in the joy of this victory.
The barbecue feast gradually drew to a close.
The warm yellow glow of the bonfire still infused the surroundings with a touch of laziness and comfort.
Link had specially prepared extra grilled meat and vegetables, carefully arranged them on a plate, and presented them to Agnes.
The grilled meat on the plate sizzled with oil, and the grilled vegetables were brightly colored and fragrant, showing his thoughtfulness.
"You were the greatest contributor tonight. Thank you for your hard work, Agnes."
Link's gaze was burning, a smile playing on his lips, his voice gentle and sincere.
The moment Agnes took the plate with both hands, Link's eyes flashed. Seizing this fleeting opportunity, he took a big step forward.
Then, amidst the surprised and somewhat ambiguous gazes of the surrounding Soldiers, he rather forcefully bent down and kissed Agnes's luscious red lips.
This kiss carried endless affection and possessiveness, fervent and intense.
Such a powerful and charming woman, who could not be captivated?
At any rate, Link didn't mind the feeling of being protected by Agnes; he enjoyed this sense of security from being guarded.
In his heart, such a powerful and beautiful woman was destined to belong only to him.
"Good night, and rest well ~"
Link released Agnes, raised a hand, and gently rubbed her gradually reddening cheek, his actions gentle and doting.
Then, he turned and walked towards the Lord's Mansion, leaving behind the astonished or envious gazes of the Soldiers.
Among the crowd, Lina watched Link and Agnes's intimate actions, and an inexplicable ripple of emotion arose in her heart.
She felt as if something was blocking her chest, a dull, indescribable discomfort.
What kind of feeling was this exactly?
Could it be... what others called jealousy?
She couldn't quite explain it, only that the feeling was truly unpleasant.
Upon returning to the Lord's Mansion, Link first took a hot bath with the help of the maids, letting the warm water pour down from his head, washing away his exhaustion.
By the time everything was settled, the night was already deep and dark, and all was silent.
It was already past midnight; it wouldn't be long before dawn.
Only the occasional hoot of an owl in the distance added to the sense of solitude.
The fatigue accumulated during the previous battle now surged like a tide, wave after wave, constantly assaulting his nerves, transforming into waves of drowsiness.
Link even forgot to check the bika points harvested from this battle. Overwhelmed by drowsiness, all he wanted now was to get a good night's sleep.
Returning to the bedroom, Olivia lay quietly on the bed. Moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a sacred glow upon her face.
Link thought she was asleep. Exhausted as he was, he had no energy for anything else, so he tiptoed to the bed, slowly lay down, and gently pulled Olivia into his embrace.
Olivia seemed to sense his presence, stirred slightly, found a more comfortable position, and snuggled into his arms.
In the quiet night, holding Olivia's soft and graceful body, he soon fell into a deep, sweet sleep.
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