The Exiled Lord: My Maid is a Battle Goddess

Phield muttered, "We’ll start with high-end luxury goods. No exporting coarse salt or even refined salt for now."

For one, low-grade salt was tied to the interests of many nobles—conflicts of interest would be severe. For another, production was still extremely limited, and selling inferior salt would drastically compress profit margins. It was better reserved for internal use within the territory.

"My lord, I’ve returned from reconnaissance."

After scouting Starnight City, Ashina immediately reported back to Phield. "There’s been no unusual movement among the monsters in Starnight City. The streets are completely clogged with corrupted corpses—getting an army inside won’t be easy."

Without an army to share the burden, relying solely on the Divine Chosen would not only consume enormous energy but also pose significant risks.

Since Alice was still unconscious, Phield’s original plan—to use her unique ability to set the entire city ablaze—was no longer feasible.

"Ah... life is full of surprises."

Phield rubbed his head in frustration. Worse still, Alice required a second-tier Divine Chosen to keep watch over her, which was another drain on resources.

If not for the fact that Rosalia had nearly squeezed her swollen all over and she still hadn’t woken up, Phield would have suspected this was all part of Alice’s scheme to drag Nightfall Domain down.

"When she wakes up, she’s getting a harsh punishment," Phield grumbled.

"Forget that for now. We need to take control of Starnight City’s walls. Only then can we gain the initiative in reclaiming the city."

"Also, inform Ben and Kaor to recruit another hundred men. Focus on training them in archery and crossbows—prioritize those who used to be hunters or have excellent eyesight."

The plate armor seized earlier was just enough to equip the current forces. Expanding the number of heavily armored infantry would strain resources, so Phield decided to recruit archers instead and wait until more equipment became available before forming additional infantry units.

After making all the arrangements, Phield set out with Rosalia, Tisiana, and the Corrupted Greatsword Warrior, arriving beneath the walls of Starnight City.

The towering but damaged walls loomed overhead, as if submerged in a sea—countless writhing tentacles clung to their surface, while corrupted birds and bat-like monsters circled above.

"Rosalia, your family built the city so well fortified—so why didn’t you even bother building a proper wall around the manor?" Phield asked, his tone almost accusatory.

Rosalia proudly lifted her chin, tossing her beautiful hair. "Because everyone in my family is a great beauty, always under the protection of high-ranking nobles. Even if our enemies had designs on Nightfall Domain, they would at most attack Starnight City. No one would dare offend our family’s manor."

Unfortunately, neither beasts nor corruption cared about such things.

The closer they got to Starnight City, the more deafening the howls of corrupted corpses became.

"The plan is to clear all corrupted corpses from the walls. Do not enter the city itself."

Phield spoke seriously. "Tisiana, your mobility is the best. If Rosalia or the others run into trouble, you must assist them immediately."

Beside him, Rosalia stuck out her tongue at Tisiana, but didn’t insist on refusing help.

"Don’t worry. Miss Rosalia is a... good person. I won’t be biased."

Tisiana spread her wings. With a single beat, she lifted off the ground and flew toward the top of the wall.

"Being able to fly is really convenient," Phield said enviously. Knights could only achieve flight at the sixth tier, when they could manifest wings through magic.

Tisiana ascended rapidly, the stench of decay growing ever stronger.

"Screech!"

Two bat-like banshees feeding nearby caught the scent of fresh flesh. Letting out excited shrieks, they launched themselves from the wall and charged straight at her.

"The Silver Iris Longsword!"

A circular magic array flickered on her wrist as a slender, elegant longsword materialized. Empowered by the resonance between Divine Chosen of the same divine alignment, the Silver Iris Longsword carried thirty percent more force than when wielded by Phield.

With a single slash, radiant light erupted, instantly engulfing one of the banshees. Accompanied by the tearing sound of flesh, the creature was split clean in half, its body scorched into charred remains by holy light as it fell.

The second banshee barely had time to react before its head was severed, crashing down lifelessly.

"Rest in peace."

Tisiana offered a brief prayer, never slowing her rapid ascent.

"Those are corrupted birds? There are way too many of them."

The earlier battle had clearly drawn attention. Countless weak but numerous flying creatures surged toward her like a swarm of locusts.

Tisiana abruptly slowed, flicking her right wing. A flurry of pristine white feathers shot outward.

"Rustle, rustle!"

The black cloud of corrupted birds was instantly thinned, but their assault continued unabated.

"Not done yet."

Unfazed, Tisiana channeled her divine power. New feathers continuously regenerated, launching out in storm-like barrages that cut down wave after wave of corrupted birds.

Below, Phield witnessed what looked like a torrential downpour of black rain.

"Huh? We’ve never seen this many corrupted birds in the territory before."

Rosalia deflected falling carcasses with her chains, frowning. "Strange—they’ve never attacked the territory."

Phield thought for a moment before speculating, "They likely have a strong aversion to environments without mist—probably even more so than corrupted corpses."

Channeling his magic, Phield shouted toward the figure darting through the sky, "Tisiana, release your holy light! It might drive them away!"

Tisiana was being chased relentlessly by the swarm. Hearing Phield’s words, she didn’t hesitate and immediately unleashed her divine power.

"Crackle—!"

A burst of flame ignited in the air. The leading corrupted birds were instantly set ablaze, turning into fireballs, while the rest shrieked in agony and scattered.

"Phew... that was close."

Tisiana wiped her sweat. Constantly firing feathers had nearly stripped her wings bare—after all, regrowth took time.

With the corrupted birds dispersed, the remaining banshees posed no threat. Tisiana quickly secured aerial dominance.

"Good enough," Phield said with satisfaction. "Next, Rosalia—follow the plan. Clear out the corrupted corpses inside the walls and the towers, and seal all the entry points at the base."

The wall wasn’t just a solid structure. Beyond the stone exterior, it contained internal rooms, corridors, and towers. Soldiers could fire arrows from the top—or through the numerous arrow slits embedded in the walls.

"Leave it to me. But can you throw me up there? Climbing will take too long."

Rosalia lifted her skirt slightly in a graceful bow before slipping into the Greatsword of Gluttony.

"Got it. The Ring of Sin—enhance!"

Phield instantly understood. Drawing the greatsword, his magic surged violently. Under the amplification of the Ring of Sin, his strength multiplied exponentially.

With a shout, he hurled the Greatsword of Gluttony like a spear toward the wall.

Mid-air, Rosalia emerged from the blade, casting out her chain to hook onto the battlements—and pulled herself up.