Wizard: Starting as a Lord Marrying a Wife

Morning arrived with the sharp blare of a horn, breaking the stillness of Frostwolf Ridge.

David, startled, felt his fiery mood from the night before dissipate instantly as he turned toward the northern horizon with a furrowed brow.

"Lord David, what's happening?" Leah asked, confusion evident on her face.

"There might be trouble," David replied, standing quickly and throwing on a robe before heading to the door.

Outside, Fire Dance stood silently with a bundle of fresh linens in her arms, her expression as impassive as ever. Water Lotus, meanwhile, was busy setting up the breakfast table.

"You both tend to the ladies," David instructed. "I'll handle this myself."

Without waiting for the twins to assist him, he hurriedly dressed and rushed downstairs to the castle's reception hall, where the Grey Wolf Knight was already waiting.

"What's going on?" David asked directly.

"There are refugees," the knight reported.

David relaxed slightly at the news but quickly issued orders. "Send people to guide them to the temporary settlement. Have the scribes record their details as they arrive."

"The settlement is already being watched over," the Grey Wolf Knight assured him.

The two left the castle together, discussing plans as they walked. The looming refugee crisis posed a significant threat to Frostwolf Ridge, and David needed to address it efficiently to ensure his domain remained stable.

If he lost Frostwolf Ridge, he would have no choice but to wander the wilderness with his family—a scenario he was determined to avoid.

---

At the Frostwolf Ridge refugee settlement, the term "settlement" was generous. It was little more than a crude encampment nestled in the shelter of rocky outcrops within a forested area. A collection of tattered tents and makeshift stone walls provided minimal protection against the northern winds.

Still, to the refugees, this was a haven, sparing them from aimlessly wandering the wilds and freezing to death in the open.

Stacks of straw were visible in the camp, and the sight of this precious resource brought tears to the eyes of many refugees. Unlike other lords who had driven them away, the lord of Frostwolf Ridge not only allowed them to stay but provided shelter and straw to help them weather the winter.

"Everyone, stay in line!"

"Come forward to register. Once registered, you'll each receive a piece of black bread."

A scribe shouted instructions, his breath visible in the frosty air. Despite the early winter chill, the refugees obediently queued up, some even helping maintain order in hopes of securing their share of food.

When David and the Grey Wolf Knight arrived, they saw a long line of refugees waiting patiently. After registering, they were given food and straw before finding a place to settle within the camp.

"Any eligible maidens should form a separate line," the Grey Wolf Knight announced suddenly. "The castle is looking to recruit maids. If the lord selects you, it's a chance to rise to greatness."

A stir rippled through the crowd. After a moment, a dirty-faced girl stepped forward, hesitating before joining the new line. Encouraged by her example, more girls followed suit.

The scribe, following instructions, had the girls wash their faces with water before recording their details meticulously. Watching this unfold, David couldn't help but feel like he was witnessing a medieval marriage market.

He knew the Grey Wolf Knight's intentions. The knight had been tirelessly trying to ensure that the Frostwolf family would produce an heir soon.

Unfortunately, ordinary individuals couldn't contribute to David's cultivation, making the effort futile in that regard.

After collecting the girls' information separately, David and the Grey Wolf Knight turned their attention to their primary goal: recruiting militia from the refugees.

"The settlement needs a militia to maintain order," David announced. "Those willing to join can sign up now."

His words immediately caught the attention of the able-bodied men in the crowd. The promise of regular meals made the opportunity highly appealing.

The Grey Wolf Knight personally oversaw the recruitment process, selecting individuals who appeared healthy and capable of fighting. While it was inevitable that some wandering knights or mercenaries with hidden agendas would slip through, there were likely genuine knights among them as well.

By organizing the refugees into a militia, they could not only monitor one another but also establish a semblance of order within the settlement.

Once the refugee crisis subsided, those who proved themselves could potentially be integrated into Frostwolf Ridge's formal militia, strengthening the territory in the long term.

---

Meanwhile, within the camp, a hushed conversation took place.

"Your Highness, are we really staying here?" a wandering knight whispered anxiously to the dirty-faced girl beside him, unable to hide his worry.

Since the rebellion of Duke Icecrown, the knight had been escorting the Crystal Song Kingdom's princess as they fled for their lives.

Though they had managed to cross into the Silver Moon Kingdom, Icecrown's forces relentlessly pursued them. They weren't sure if Frostwolf Ridge would be a safe haven.

"For now, this is the best hiding place we have," the girl—Princess Crystal Song—replied calmly.

"The Frostwolf family once ruled the North. Though they've declined, they must still have some strength left. Perhaps they can offer us protection."

Her gaze lingered on the line of maidens registering for work at the castle. With her beauty, she could easily secure a position as a maid.

"Your Highness, you're the princess of Crystal Song Kingdom!" the knight protested, his expression aghast.

Even though the kingdom had fallen to Duke Icecrown's rebellion, her noble status remained unchanged. As a princess bearing the Snow Spirit bloodline, she was recognized as royalty among the northern ice tribes, capable of uniting all ice clans.

"Don't worry," she reassured him. "I have no intention of becoming a maid. I'm merely thinking of how best to gain the Frostwolf Duke's assistance."

The princess frowned thoughtfully. Her current strength was insufficient to fend off Duke Icecrown's pursuit. She needed allies to ensure her survival and eventually reclaim the Crystal Song Kingdom.

To do so, she would first have to secure the supp

ort of the Silver Moon Kingdom—and Frostwolf Ridge seemed like the perfect starting point.