Witches: Starting as a Lord Marrying a Wife

Winter snow fell endlessly.

In just a few days, the land was blanketed with a thick layer of snow.

Standing by the window in his study, David looked out, his brows furrowed.

This year's winter was far colder than usual, and he worried that the refugees might not survive.

But he had done all he could. From here on, it was up to them to persevere.

"It's a pity there's no healing mage," he murmured.

In this world of extraordinary powers, such abilities far surpassed the technologies of his previous life.

A single healing mage could replace most doctors and save countless lives.

A plant-based mage could act as the ultimate agricultural scientist, greatly enhancing agricultural productivity.

Mages also mastered various miraculous spells, all of which could propel the development of society.

David recalled an old saying:

In the real world, technology is the primary productive force.

But in this world of extraordinary power, mages are the primary productive force!

Unfortunately, aside from Amy and the shadow witch he encountered before, he hadn't found any traces of other mages.

"Your Grace."

"You're still worrying about the refugees?"

Rena's soft voice broke his thoughts, her eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity.

In recent days, their relationship had grown significantly closer. The Frost Wolf Duke often spoke to her about matters of the territory.

"Yes."

David nodded. "Frost Wolf Ridge needs more people to build and grow."

Rena sighed softly at his words. "You've done enough. The rest is up to them."

"Take a break," she said, stepping behind him and pressing her cool, pale fingers against his temples in gentle massage.

David turned around, catching her hand with a smile. "Is this an invitation?"

"Your Grace!"

Rena's face instantly turned bright red.

Without waiting for a reply, David scooped her up and set her on the desk.

He had done all he could for now. His focus would shift to improving his own strength to provide greater protection for Frost Wolf Ridge.

As for combat mages, their extraordinary powers surpassed most firearms from his previous life.

---

[You have completed a session of training. Gained +45 Snow Demon Soul points.]

[Snow Demon Soul: Tier 2 (551/1000)]

After days of hard work, the experience bar for his Tier 2 Snow Demon Soul was nearly full.

Once it broke through to Tier 3, his mental strength would receive a significant boost through feedback.

---

[Ice Element Affinity: Intermediate (3230/10000)]

[Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline: Tier 4 (9508/10000)]

Both his Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline and Ice Element Affinity were progressing steadily. The former was nearing the critical threshold for advancing to Tier 5.

With Rena now by his side, David's dual cultivation schedule was packed.

Unfortunately, the proud princess remained somewhat reserved, forcing him to stagger their sessions. He knew he'd need to work harder to win her over completely.

---

Silver Moon Calendar, Year 658.

Only five days remained in the Month of Winter.

Finally, the relentless snowfall stopped, and sunlight returned to the land.

Seeing the rare sunshine, David breathed a sigh of relief.

The statistics showed that only twenty refugees had succumbed to the harsh winter—most of them the elderly, weak, or ill. For Frost Wolf Ridge, this was an excellent outcome.

Once winter was over and spring arrived, these refugees would have survived the coldest trial.

David thought the coming days might pass in relative peace.

But shortly after the snow stopped, the sound of a horn echoed across Frost Wolf Ridge in the night.

This horn was only blown in the event of an enemy invasion that posed a direct threat to Frost Wolf Ridge, signaling a full-scale alert.

David was in bed with Rena when they both opened their eyes at the sound.

Exchanging a glance, they quickly rose. Rena helped him dress swiftly.

"I'll check it out. Wait for me," David said, planting a quick kiss on her forehead before striding out of the castle and heading toward the rear mountain.

---

Awooo—

The Snow Wolf sensed its master's approach and let out a low growl, bowing its head.

By the time David rode the Snow Wolf to the manor's gate, the Grey Wolf Knight and the Frost Wolf Knights had already assembled.

"Master David, it's a wolf pack," the Grey Wolf Knight reported gravely.

The area around Frost Wolf Ridge was heavily forested, and the Black Forest was home to thousands of gray wolves.

Normally, these wolves would never approach Frost Wolf Ridge, but now they were actively invading.

"So, this is another scheme by the northern nobles?" David narrowed his eyes.

Several territories surrounded the Black Forest, but Frost Wolf Ridge had always been the strongest under the Frost Wolf family's protection.

Wolves were cunning, instinctively avoiding strongholds like Frost Wolf Ridge as a target.

The gray wolves wouldn't have known that the Frost Wolf family had declined, meaning some external force was likely driving them toward Frost Wolf Ridge—just like with the refugees.

"Master David?" The Grey Wolf Knight looked concerned.

David snorted coldly. "Let's go. We're going to tame these gray wolves."

In the past, they would have had no choice but to fight the wolf pack directly.

Even if they repelled the wolves, Frost Wolf Ridge would suffer significant losses.

But now, with the Frost Wolf Pact, David could test whether this spell-like ability could tame ordinary gray wolves.

---

At the refugee camp, the militia had already taken up their positions.

Each carried a sharpened wooden spear and stood behind the wooden palisades, facing the approaching wolf pack.

Though clearly nervous, none of them retreated.

"We've almost made it through the winter. There's no way we're falling to these mutts now!" Refugee leader Mark growled, his gaze resolute.

Hearing his words, the other militia tightened their grips on their spears.

A knight squire maintaining order among the camp gave Mark an approving nod before addressing the group loudly.

"Winter is almost over. This is the final test." 

"If you survive this battle, the gates of Frost Wolf Ridge will open to you. You will become part of Frost Wolf Ridge!"

Hearing this, the refugees' eyes lit up.

Over time, they had developed a sense of belonging to Frost Wolf Ridge.

They longed to stay, to become citizens of the Frost Wolf Duke's domain.

Motivated by the knight squire's words, the refugees steeled themselves, gripping their spears tightly and preparing for a life-or-death struggle against the wolves.

Mark took a deep breath, glancing back at his wife and children behind him. For their safety and future, he couldn't afford to falter!