Iron Harvest: When Farming Becomes Conquest

In the seventh year of Roman's lordship.

This spring, the Black Iron King and the Pope's line of defense used to suppress Roman was shattered, and the River Valley had a moment to breathe.

Roman wasted no time.

He first arranged for an expedition to Wandong.

Then he convened a full military meeting.

Commanders of squad leader rank and above were all in attendance.

There was only one directive from Roman at the meeting!

That was, the Heavenly Destiny had arrived!

...

Roman stood before the throne, his posture upright, his gaze like a torch, his words solemn and sacred.

"The last shackle that imprisoned us has disappeared, but this is not the end, rather the beginning.

"Everyone! We have the ability to give this land a fresh start, to make this world start anew!

"Since the time of the Conqueror, the likes of which the world has never seen, the birth of a New Era is in our hands.

"There is no need to doubt, for this is the manifest meaning of Heavenly Destiny—to take all lands under my rule.

"We need not save this decaying and backward land.

"It is beyond cure! Filled with deep-seated illness and oppression! Beyond saving!

"Now, in the name of the order of Heavenly Destiny! Break the chains of enslavement! Disperse the dark skies! Open a world that is enlightened and rational, just and fair!

"We must accomplish it with utmost speed! To pioneer it!

"If not, our kin will continue to suffer in darkness, oppressed and enslaved from father to son, through generations without seeing dawn!

"The heavy burden of Heavenly Destiny falls on our shoulders!

"It is time for us to do what we must do!

"We are but one step away from reshaping the earth's order, from expelling the ignorant old night era! Just one step!!"

Roman fiercely swung his right fist, roaring like a lion:

"Let our legion launch the attack!

"Let the war begin from here!!

"Let the flames blaze fiercely!

"Let the war flames burn across this land! Burn away all rot! Burn out all diseases!!"

...

This was a large-scale territorial expansion operation.

The force from the River Valley was almost entirely deployed.

Thousands of warriors set out, with only one target—the Lion Territory!

Roman did not split his forces; he planned to tackle the Lion Territory first.

The River Valley's logistics couldn't support multi-line operations on one hand.

And on the other hand, the Filin Family belonged to the upper echelon among the many Black Iron nobles.

The comprehensive mobilization of troops and resources put tremendous administrative pressure on both cities.

Unlike in the past, this time it was a long-term expedition to be stationed for a considerable period.

Even Roman did not know when this expedition would return.

During this grand expedition, a large crowd of residents always followed and watched along the way.

In Roman's territory, the ratio of the military to civilians was always high.

Out of a total population of over two hundred thousand, Roman repeatedly selected about sixteen or seventeen thousand young men to join the army.

But due to years of high-intensity wars, there were less than ten thousand soldiers alive now.

This meant all able-bodied young men were in the army.

Simultaneously, these soldiers had basically settled down with families.

Even soldiers who joined two or three years ago had children, and they could trace back tens of thousands of family members behind them. If deceased soldiers' families were included, accounting for nearly a hundred thousand family members was not surprising.

To accommodate the emotions of these people, Roman ordered work to stop for three days allowing family members and soldiers to bid farewell.

It's worth noting that though the family members were reluctant, they were neither worried nor afraid.

The reason was simple—the soldiers were all children from poor families.

For the poor, poverty and enslavement were more terrifying than death.

...

The aged Tama held her son's hand. She was nearly forty, her face dark and furrowed.

She said, "Edmund, you must fight well for the Lord, kill well on the battlefield."

"Mother, you should call him Your Highness," the Guard Captain, Edmund, corrected once more.

They used to live under Count Kant's rule, later moved to the River Valley, when Roman had not been crowned king, everyone called him Lord, as did they.

"Right, right! Without His Highness, there is no us today. Edmund, you must know gratitude and repay your debt," the mother urged.

"I will." That was the last sentence the son said to his mother before the expedition.

...

Brennie hugged her husband closely, raising her head to kiss his face.

She said in his ear, "The child and I will be waiting for you at home."

"I'll try my best..." Ivar replied seriously. He glanced at his son, the child barely a year old, unsteady on his feet and looking bewildered.

"If I don't return, raise our child," Ivar had no concerns for after-death affairs.

He knew their revered Highness would arrange everything.

...

"Your two brothers died on the battlefield, dying for His Highness and for us. Now it's your turn, don't run away, or I'll break your legs," the father told him.

Lena was a new recruit for just half a year, not yet seventeen, with a pointy head but strong limbs. After being expelled from school, he enlisted, until now only having participated in small-scale battles and never personally killing anyone.

His comrades called him 'Simple Lena.'

"All actions follow commands, all acquisitions..." Lena nodded dully. Having experienced little, he was filled with fear for this expedition, constantly mouthing the army's discipline.

...

"Bort, keep up! Hel, return to formation... My fellow countrymen, you should go back too." Ed loudly reminded his team members.

He was one of the few soldiers without a family, also the captain of the thirteenth regular squad.

This squad was half destroyed in that ambush, originally full of 300 members, now only over a hundred remained.

Roman didn't cancel this squad's organization number.

Because, other squad's orders also had vacancies, some unlucky squadron leaders and squad leaders only had a few soldiers under them, practically commanders without an army.

Roman told them the outside world was full of recruits, as long as suitable young men were found, they could enlist directly.

Yes, Roman released the right to recruit.

But only allowed full staff, no overstaffing.

Roman arranged a think tank in each squad, all new enlisted recruits had to be screened by this think tank, and in case of deserters or those who disobey management, the think tank had the authority to dismiss the latter's military status, ensuring the loyalty and purity of the soldiers.

Some reluctant family members sent their regards for over ten miles, ultimately persuaded to return by numerous sergeants.

Roman was also among those seeing off, the last to leave, he had to set an example for the departing army.

Roman watched the marching troops, in high spirits, smiled gently: "This action has no talk of triumph, you will be waging southern and northern wars."

Green said: "War is the destiny for all Conquest Knights."

Aaron asked: "What about you?"

Roman shook his head and said: "Not now, Aaron, I have to keep an eye on the Dragon Clan, lest the homeland gets stolen."

He thought for a bit, patting Aaron's shoulder.

"Alright, after you pacify the Lion Territory, I'll find time to visit you."

Green laughed: "Then call for the twin witches, in half a month the Filin Earl's castle will become yours at the latest…"

A sharp gaze swept from behind, Green felt like thorns in his back, immediately changed: "become Princess's palace."

They all knew the Lion Territory was meant to be Iota Hina's belonging, personally gifted by Roman, as a token of appreciation for the White Steel Princess's selfless support.

Roman told Princess Tashina who walked over: "Princess Tashina, now is the time for you to achieve great things."

"You are very faithful."

"I never make empty promises."

"Lord Roman, your Heavenly Destiny order truly opens my eyes. Do you plan to use this against the divine order? Do not forget, the divine beings remain the greatest order of this era! Who knows if you or I will survive in the end."

"Princess, everyone in the world is a slave to their era, but I aim to enslave this era."

Iota Hina gazed deeply at Roman, as if to imprint his face into her eyes.

Finally, she nodded gently: "Farewell, Lord Roman."