Witches: Starting as a Lord Marrying a Wife

"Alright."

Rena's eyes flickered as she observed David.

She suspected that the Wolf Duke was gathering ingredients for the benefit of their future offspring, and she had no objection.

As per their agreement, if their child inherited the Snow Siren bloodline, they would return to Crystal Song Kingdom and become its new monarch. From the moment she accepted this arrangement, her destiny had been tied to the Wolf family, and she did not believe David would genuinely assist her knightly training.

David carefully reviewed the list Rena provided.

The key ingredient for the Snow Siren Elixir was the scales or feathers of an ice-affinity magical beast, combined with Frost Grass, a plant that only grew in frigid environments, ice crystal stones imbued with cold energy, and a unique frozen spring water.

These rare components could only be found in extreme cold regions, making the elixir incredibly challenging to produce.

"I'll help you gather these materials," David promised before leaving.

He summoned the Gray Wolf Knight and tasked him with gathering intelligence on the required items. If there was a way to acquire them, it was worth trying.

"Master David," the Gray Wolf Knight hesitated as he examined the list.

The resources of Frostwolf Ridge were already stretched thin, and assembling the components for the Tier 4 Frostwolf Elixir would consume a significant portion of their remaining funds. Helping Princess Rena train as a knight seemed like an unnecessary luxury.

"Just keep an eye out for now. The territory… it will recover eventually."

David's voice carried a quiet determination.

The root of the problem was their poverty; this needed to be addressed urgently.

Once the Gray Wolf Knight left, David returned to his training room to continue honing his abilities.

His mastery of the Frostwolf Breathing Technique had reached a plateau. Breaking through required either relentless effort or the transformative awakening of his Frostwolf bloodline to Tier 5. For now, he set it aside.

With the Snow Siren Spirit awakened and the Snow Siren Breathing Technique in hand, this was an excellent opportunity to experiment and see what results it might yield.

Unlike the Frostwolf Breathing Technique, which relied on imitating wolf-like movements, the Snow Siren Breathing Technique resembled meditative practices from martial arts worlds.

David sat cross-legged, activating the Snow Siren Spirit in accordance with the breathing technique. Cold energy flowed through his body, channeling through his veins and enhancing his physical form.

With each breath, icy mist exhaled from his mouth.

Around him, ice elemental energy began to coalesce, drawn into his body through the breathing technique before merging with the Snow Siren Spirit.

This process, which involved absorbing and refining natural energy to bolster spiritual power, mirrored the practices of wizards.

Thanks to his Intermediate Ice Affinity, the training effect was further amplified, drawing in even more ice elements that flowed into him like an unstoppable tide.

The Snow Siren Spirit pulsed, manifesting as a faint Frostwolf shadow.

The process also resonated with his Frostwolf bloodline, triggering a cascade of energy throughout his body.

A low wolf's howl escaped David's lips.

The surging vitality and icy energy combined to strengthen his Frostwolf bloodline, propelling it closer to a higher evolutionary stage.

Although still technically at Tier 4, the power emanating from his Frostwolf bloodline now rivaled the peak of its tier.

When David opened his eyes, silver light flickered in their depths. The single session had elevated his Snow Siren Spirit, enhanced his ice affinity, and significantly bolstered his mental strength.

With this heightened spiritual power, his control over ice magic became even more precise.

"Remarkable. No wonder the Crystal Song royal family has ruled for generations."

David marveled at the potential of the Snow Siren Spirit and the Snow Siren Breathing Technique. At its peak, his mastery of ice magic might rival that of a high-ranking wizard.

However, earning Rena's genuine acceptance—and her willing allegiance to the Wolf family—would take considerable effort.

Several more days passed.

David did not touch Rena after their first night together. Instead, he resumed his routine with Lya and Amy, maintaining his usual lifestyle.

[You have completed a training session. Frostwolf Bloodline +65.]

[Frostwolf Bloodline: Tier 4 (8108/10000).]

In the training room, Lya leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.

Despite her recent improvements, keeping up with David's pace had grown increasingly challenging. His ever-growing strength made every session more demanding.

"Master David, does Rena still refuse?" Lya asked as she clung to him, her voice filled with concern.

She understood David's principles. Without mutual consent, he wouldn't force himself on anyone—Fire Dance and Water Lily were prime examples of his restraint.

Initially, Lya had hoped Rena would share the burden, but the proud princess seemed unwilling to embrace her new role.

"Give her time. For now, I only need you."

David grinned, lifting Lya effortlessly and pressing her against the wall.

After yet another session, David finally exhaled in satisfaction.

Lya, flushed and smiling, nestled contentedly in his arms.

As the days went by, Rena began to relax.

Though her demeanor remained reserved, her interactions were no longer as cold as before.

Meanwhile, Roman Knight officially took up residence in the castle, assuming responsibility for its security. His presence allowed him to stay close to Princess Rena, ensuring her safety.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Roman asked, his face etched with concern.

"I'm fine. Lord David has treated me well," Rena replied, offering him a rare smile.

For her, the past few weeks in the castle had been the most peaceful in a long time. Despite their arrangement beginning as a transaction, David had shown her unexpected kindness, treating her as an equal.

In many ways, David's actions mirrored those of a devoted partner—he made her feel like a true mistress of the household.

Though she shared this role with Lya and Amy, Rena found herself increasingly at ease in her new life.