The two of them continued negotiations for three days, with Derek remaining firm and unyielding. Wilson was frustrated and almost left several times, but Derek's repeated response was, "Let’s go to war if you want."

Such stubbornness was something Wilson couldn’t handle. By this point, the barbarians had also figured out who Derek was—a ruthless man who had personally killed over ten thousand of their kin in the past. They had no respect for people who spoke big words, but they feared and hated someone like Derek, whose hands were stained with so much blood. Wilson knew that Derek meant what he said, and if a fight broke out, the two countries’ alliance would surely be destroyed, and he had no confidence in defeating the man in front of him.

Derek's battle record was terrifying; no other general dared claim to be stronger than him. Meanwhile, the Saint Miele Legion had been active, carrying out raids and skirmishes against various barbarian groups, and resentment within their ranks was boiling over. After a few more incidents, Wilson finally relented.

"I concede. Let my men go, that’s my bottom line. Otherwise, I’d rather go to war."

Though Wilson had backed down, he couldn’t let his men remain detained, or his reputation would be ruined. Derek understood this and knew that once he cornered Wilson, there would be no turning back, and the alliance would probably go out the window.

"Fine, but you’ll have to do something for me," Derek said.

Wilson, now more miserable than ever, realized that this was just another trap. He grudgingly agreed, knowing the risk involved but with no other choice.

And thus, the large-scale population migration began. The brutal barbarians gathered all the serfs in Saint Miele Province, intending to take them back to their homeland. They took a longer route, going in the opposite direction for several days. By the time the Saint Miele Legion arrived, they were face-to-face with the barbarians.

After tough negotiations, both sides finally reached an agreement. All the captured serfs were to be settled locally, and the barbarians would start handing over the defense lines.

Interestingly, the place where the serfs were settled was called the Augustus Territory.

When Derek returned to his land, he found that tens of thousands of mouths had been added. He showed mercy and offered them aid, announcing a new plan to open up the surrounding lands for cultivation, allowing the serfs to gain their freedom. As for the food shortage, the Lord of Rock Kingdom had already promised to provide several years' worth of grain. What was there to worry about?

While the Saint Miele Legion was recruiting soldiers and taking control of the defenses, Derek began relocating people to his lands and started construction. He planned towns, built military camps, trained blacksmiths and other technical workers, and conscripted the freed serfs to form his private army. Of course, the liberation of the serfs didn’t cause much of a stir—many didn’t even realize what it meant.

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However, over time, when the serfs realized they no longer had to live under the constant threat of death without consequences, and could own private property and decide their own fate, they gradually started supporting their great lord.

For now, Derek had enough food to boost morale. Meanwhile, he took advantage of the delay in the northern provinces and swiftly seized a number of resources—mines, estates, and town officials. He even forged ownership papers for land that had no rightful owner.

Why not, if it was there for the taking?

In just a short period, Derek quickly became a powerful figure in Saint Miele Province. He had grown into a local tyrant, with very few people capable of challenging him. Even the local merchants, missionaries, and nobility had to pay him protection fees.

When the first batch of northern provincial soldiers finally entered Saint Miele Province, they found Derek had already taken control, handling the barbarians and seizing land at lightning speed—faster than anyone expected. The soldiers had anticipated Derek would still be busy fighting the barbarians, but by the time they arrived, he had already secured the region.

First to arrive was Baron Pereira, who was quick to follow in Derek’s footsteps, employing similar methods, even adding his own flair. Other nobles soon followed suit, each trying to carve out their share of the spoils. After all, Derek couldn’t consume such a large cake on his own.

Interestingly, the local nobles who had already been raided by Derek were secretly relieved, while those arriving late found themselves out of luck, missing their chance at the spoils. Chaos continued for another half-month, with Saint Miele Province in a state of constant unrest. Some unfortunate nobles discovered that their lands had been ravaged, with barely any population left—thanks to the barbarians.

Despite the benefits Derek had reaped from the situation, no one dared challenge him. The Saint Miele Legion had expanded rapidly, and with his private army, Derek had effectively become untouchable.

Before long, the small knight who had once been at the bottom of the social ladder had succeeded in swallowing a massive portion of the pie, becoming the region's undisputed power.

But for Derek, the chaos in Saint Miele Province was no longer his main concern. Although his power had expanded quickly, all of this would be for nothing if the Kingdom of the Holy Cross launched a successful counterattack. If they did, not only would he lose everything, but the backlash would force him into exile.

Upon hearing that the Rock Kingdom was advancing, Derek knew it was time to put aside all other matters. He made his way to the frontlines, ready to hold the line.

From the moment he entered Saint Miele Province, Derek had been fully aware of the Holy Cross Kingdom’s potential counterattack. So, the newly built castle he was stationed in was still under repair, with large amounts of supplies directed there. Derek was preparing for a long war of attrition.

This was not a battle against the barbarians where he could take risks. His goal was simply to hold on to his current gains and solidify his position. He would wait for a year, and then it would be anyone’s game.

"Until then, be ready for bloodshed," Derek said firmly, his gaze steady. He wasn’t concerned about other enemies; nothing would pass through this place.