Demon hunter's Cooking Manual

Jason turned to the signalman and said,

"Speak!"

"The New Federation's reinforcements to 'Fort Swallow'—the third, fourth, and fifth infantry brigades have gone missing!"

The signalman reported truthfully.

Jason glanced at Little Reed.

The latter immediately relayed the orders from his horse.

"Clive, lead the Scout Cavalry to investigate."

"Remember, be very careful!"

The personal valet warned.

The previous disappearance of the scouts had clearly left this valet quite shaken.

"Understood!"

The commander of a hundred from the Harbor Guard immediately turned and left.

Then, the personal valet turned to the signalman.

"Notify General Anno to bring half of the Harbor Infantry Corps to 'Fort Swallow' for garrison duty, and be quick about it!"

"Yes!"

The signalman bowed, saluted, and then swung onto his horse again.

"Lord Gerard, please take a brief rest."

"We will depart shortly to return to Hans Port."

Little Reed subtly pointed to the civilians of 'Fort Swallow' and whispered quietly.

Jason nodded in understanding.

Resting was naturally just a pretext.

Comforting the people was the real intention.

In this regard, Jason was not skilled.

Fortunately, there was no need for Jason to make speeches or the like; he only needed to ride on horseback, leading the Harbor Guard and the Harbour Defense Army straight through the grand avenue of 'Fort Swallow'.

The 'Fort Swallow' residents who had been frightened by the New Federation and the Undead Army watched the advancing troops, their expressions gradually calming down.

Especially at the very front of the procession was Jason, replacing Gerard.

The Golden Griffin, Gerard.

He was like a reassuring pill.

The anxiety and fear within the hearts of the 'Fort Swallow' residents vanished without a trace.

Jason, with his perceptive abilities more than triple that of an ordinary person, keenly sensed such a change.

Regarding the phrase, "merely standing there could elevate morale," Jason now had a much deeper understanding.

In his mind, Gerard had always been a gentle big brother.

But in the eyes of others, he was the undefeated commander, the fearless god of war.

Temporarily replacing such a figure, Jason felt the pressure mounting.

"Gerard, you need to wake up soon," Jason thought to himself.

Lady An Lu was also in the procession.

This lady too witnessed the change in the 'Fort Swallow' civilians, and at this moment, she greatly wished to walk side by side with Gerard, to show the residents that the lineage of the Duke of 'Fort Swallow' was still present.

But she could not.

Or should I say…

She did not dare.

On the battlefield, on the path of triumphant return, who could walk shoulder to shoulder with Gerard?

No one!

The former risked certain death.

The latter?

Unworthy!

Perhaps only a heroic spirit would be qualified for such a role.

If she rashly went forward, not only would she not gain glory, but she would also be despised.

With a helpless sigh in her heart, Lady An Lu grew even more eager to proceed with the marriage alliance.

It was the safest, most expedient way to preserve the 'Fort Swallow' lineage.

Especially in the next moment—

"Victory to Lord Gerard!"

"Victory!"

"Victory!"

When such cheers erupted, Lady An Lu's face stiffened, then grew more helpless.

What could she do?

She was truly desperate.

The things she was proficient at, when facing an existence like Gerard, would surely fail.

As for schemes and tricks?

Unless she desired to completely cut off the 'Fort Swallow' lineage.

Marriage alliance! Marriage alliance! Marriage alliance!

This thought kept emerging from the depths of the lady's heart.

She even began to consider the idea of presenting a fait accompli.

Lady An Lu, lost in thought and looking down, did not realize that Little Reed was quietly observing her the whole time.

Several unexpected incidents had long since put Reed's mind at ease about Jason's strength and valor.

However, this personal attendant was well aware that, among the nobility, strength and bravery were only part of the equation; the rest was a matter of weighing options and plotting intrigues.

Having grown up in Nightless City, Lord Jason was undoubtedly not adept at these things.

Therefore, Reed needed to deal with them.

The troop had traveled from the city gate along Fort Swallow's main road, all the way to the Inner Castle of Fort Swallow.

Here was the core area of Fort Swallow.

Once it was the gathering place for the nobility to conduct their discussions.

In it, there was a small military encampment.

Unfortunately, it had also been set alight by Gulate's igniting of the gunpowder store.

As a result, compared to the outer city area, this place was even more dilapidated due to the explosion, saying it was in ruins would not be an exaggeration.

Lady An Lu, looking at the 'home' before her, naturally burst into tears, and a low cry began to sound.

However, Reed was quick to react, immediately offering a handkerchief.

"Please accept my sympathy,"

the personal attendant said, then turned his horse to look back at Jason.

Seeing someone comforting her, the surrounding Harbor Guard soldiers also turned their heads away.

Lady An Lu, holding the handkerchief, wiped the corner of her eyes.

When her face was covered by the handkerchief, Lady An Lu bit her teeth tightly.

She had originally hoped to gain sympathy to obtain more.

The best outcome would be a moment of weakness from Gerard leading to a promise.

But now?

All she had gained was a handkerchief.

How infuriating!

Lady An Lu, filled with anger in her heart, resumed her sorrowful facade as she removed the handkerchief.

Unfortunately, the Harbor Guard surrounding her did not glance back even once.

Their attention was all focused ahead.

Concentrated on their commander, Gerard.

As for anything else?

They had no room for it in their eyes.

Reed dismounted and took hold of Jason's reins.

This was one of the personal attendant's duties; even if Gerard didn't need it, Reed still had to do it, and the same applied now that Jason was temporarily assuming Gerard's role.

"Be wary of Lady An Lu,"

Reed whispered quietly.

"Hmm,"

Jason nodded.

He had noticed Lady An Lu's odd behavior.

While he understood it, he would not compromise his principles out of sympathy.

Because he believed Gerard would do the same.

As for himself?

With the mask of Jason on, nobody dared to mess with him.

In Nightless City, there was no room for sympathy.

It was a luxury far too costly.

Quite possibly, with the price of one's life.

Looking into Jason's calm eyes, Reed breathed a sigh of relief.

He was very concerned that Jason, due to his sympathetic nature, might run into trouble.

After all, it took Gerard several losses to learn this lesson.

Now that Jason had grasped it, his life in that orphanage must not have been easy, right?

Reed suddenly understood the guilt that Gerard felt towards Jason.

It was incredibly cruel to face the harshest realities of the world without any protection at a young age.

Reed glanced at Jason, whose face bore the mask of Gerard, and sighed softly in his heart.

Then, he immediately found a relatively intact room for Jason, and after arranging a guard, Reed quickly added:

"You should rest for a bit,"

"I'll prepare some food for you,"

"Fort Swallow has some special dishes."

"Special dishes?"

"I look forward to them,"

Jason showed interest.

He never refused food—except for "Starry Sky."

While Reed temporarily left, Jason did not sit idly by.

Instead, he looked at the "Charles Burning Technique," proficient level.

He had not forgotten the essential condition needed to better play the role of Gerard.

"[Yes/No] Spend 18 points of satiety, 1 point of Excitement of Feast, to upgrade Charles Burning Technique (Proficient → Master)?"

"Yes!"

...