"Padt, go invite Jim and the other mercenaries over. Also, bring two of the Flying Feather mercenaries who surrendered. I have something to ask them." Laurist said.
"Yes, my lord." Padt turned and walked towards the mercenaries who had gathered with the surrendered Flying Feather mercenaries.
Jim and the other twenty mercenaries helped Padt bring the two captives over. What made Laurist feel strange was that the closer these mercenaries got to him, the more serious their expressions and actions became. They seemed to be especially respectful.
"What's wrong with you guys?" Laurist asked Jim.
Jim pointed at the corpses of the two gold-rank shield bearers not far away and licked his lips, "My lord, they, they …"
"Them? Aren't they just two gold-rank shield bearers? Right, Jim, why are there two more people in this Flying Feather mercenary group? You didn't even mention these two gold-rank shield bearers. "Laurist was a little dissatisfied. When they were arranging the plan, neither the mercenaries nor Butler Boris mentioned that the Flying Feather mercenary group had two gold-rank shield bearers. They only said that the Flying Feather mercenary group was one of the three most famous mercenary groups in the Iberian Kingdom. They had more than ten silver-rank experts, and their strength was second to none. It was understandable that Butler Boris didn't know the ins and outs of the Flying Feather mercenary group, but these mercenaries made a living in the mercenary world. It was strange that they didn't know about this situation.
"No, my lord." Jim was a little anxious, afraid that Laurist would misunderstand. "We didn't even know that they had returned. We haven't heard from them for more than a year. Occasionally, when we met the leader in the tavern and asked about it, White Hair Adams would just laugh and say that they went to learn from a master, and wouldn't say where they went. We didn't pay much attention to it. Everyone was busy making a living, and no one would care about where they actually went. That's why we didn't include them in the Flying Feather mercenary group's list. "
"You mean to say that these two gold-rank shield bearers are very famous?" Laurist's interest was piqued.
"Yes, my lord. These two Shield Bearers were the very famous Twin Shield Bearers of the Royal Capital, Winderbury City. They were twin brothers; the elder brother had fire-attributed qi, while the younger brother had water-attributed qi. It was said that because the two brothers were twins, they were born with telepathic abilities. Even if they didn't speak, the two of them had an extreme tacit understanding. In addition, the two brothers' Dou Qi attributes were very complementary. Two years ago, when the two of them were still 3-star Silver rank, they joined hands to fight against two Gold rank opponents. The two Gold rank opponents collapsed from exhaustion. In the end, one escaped and was killed by the two of them. He became famous after one battle. "
"These two brothers are orphans. They were discovered by Captain Adams when they were eleven or twelve years old, and he took them in as his foster children. In order to cultivate the two brothers, he had spent a lot of effort. He had just heard from a few of his friends in the Flying Feather Mercenary Group that the two brothers had been living in seclusion for more than a year in order to break through to the Gold-rank. They had just met up with the Flying Feather Mercenary Group two months ago, and then had a duel with the Great Swordmaster under the second prince, Rouynsi, in the Royal Capital. They fought for more than three hundred rounds before losing due to lack of strength. The second prince admired them very much, and wanted to hire them as guards with a high salary, but they rejected him. This was a mission that they had been doing with the Flying Feather Mercenary Group for a year and a half. I didn't think that, I didn't think that they would be killed by my lord here … "
The more Jim spoke, the more nervous he became, and he even stuttered a little. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he definitely wouldn't have believed that the famous Twin Shield Bearers of the Iberian Kingdom had become two corpses lying on the ground, and it was even after the two brothers had reached the Gold-rank. Back then, Jim and the other mercenaries had surrendered because of Josk's godly arrows, and because Josk was a Gold-rank. They had surrendered because they knew they weren't his match. Other than Josk, these surrendered mercenaries didn't think much of Lord Laurist. They thought that Lord Laurist was only an Iron-rank, and if it wasn't for Josk, a Gold-rank godly archer, he wouldn't have been able to occupy the construction site of the castle that they were guarding.
Now, these twenty mercenaries finally understood that the seemingly inconspicuous Laurist was actually a terrifying existence like a giant dragon. Not to mention the two Gold-rank shield bearers, he looked like he was taking a stroll in the chaotic battle, but the Flying Feather Mercenary Group had lost their lives with just one or two moves from him. His attacks were extremely ruthless, and the mercenaries were scared witless. Especially when he fought against Captain Adams at the end. In just one round, he had killed Jim and Padt, two Silver-rank warriors, until they were covered in sweat, and Captain Adams, who was struggling to defend himself, had beheaded them. This made these mercenaries understand the difference in strength between them and Laurist, which was why they were so careful and respectful when they came over.
"Yes, these two brothers are quite powerful. No wonder they could hold me back for so long. It took me a lot of effort to take care of them." Laurist nodded, completely ignoring the fact that his words made the mercenaries beside him want to jump to the ground. You call this' quite powerful '? The two of them could fight a Great Swordsman for three hundred rounds, but they could only hold you back for less than half an hour, and were even killed by you. Doesn't that mean you're even more powerful than a Great Swordsman? These mercenaries looked at Lollister with strange gazes.
"Jim, I have to thank you. When we were at a disadvantage against the Flying Feather Mercenary Group, you extended a helping hand. On behalf of the Norton Family, I thank you. I've decided to double your bounty to express our family's gratitude. Sadkamp, go to the warehouse and get a batch of Gold Fords. Give each mercenary twenty, "Laurist said.
"Yes, my lord." Sadkamp left in a hurry, and the mercenaries who heard Laurist's words were overjoyed. They let out low cheers and excitedly whispered to each other. No one had expected Laurist to be so generous. They had felt a little ashamed when they first attacked the Flying Feather Mercenaries, but now they felt that it was worth it.
"Also, I want to ask." Laurist said, "Jim, are you willing to join the Norton Family and become my knight?"
The surroundings quietened down, and everyone looked at Jim.
Jim's face was red. He turned to look at his companions. Some of the mercenaries' eyes were filled with envy. To them, becoming a knight for a noble family was the best ending for a mercenary. Some of the mercenaries, however, did not agree. They felt that the Norton Family was in trouble both internally and externally, and had no future. They would rather be mercenaries than join such a family. Some mercenaries were filled with jealousy. Everyone had helped, so why was Jim the only one invited? This was too unfair.
Jim lowered his head and thought for a long time. When he raised his head again, his expression was resolute. "My lord, I'm just a mercenary. Right now, I only want to complete my lord's request …"
Laurist felt a little regretful, but he still waved his hand. "It's alright, I understand how you feel. But since I've already sent you an invitation, the doors of the Norton Family will always be open to you. We welcome you at any time. "
"Thank you, my lord …" Jim bowed deeply.
"What about you? Are you willing to join the Norton Family's armed forces? "Laurist looked at the 19 mercenaries.
After a while, six mercenaries walked out. "My lord, we are willing to serve you."
Laurist was very happy. "Welcome. I look forward to your contributions to the family and becoming knights soon."
Of the six mercenaries, one was a one-star Silver, four were Iron-ranked, and two were Bronze-ranked. If they were willing to join at this time, it would undoubtedly be a great help to the family, which had suffered great losses.
At this time, Sadkamp brought over a box. Inside the box were 20 small leather money bags, each containing 20 gold coins. Laurist was very satisfied with Sadkamp's thoughtfulness, and he ordered the money bags to be distributed. However, the one-star Silver mercenary suggested that since he had already become a soldier of the Norton Family, it was natural for him to serve the family, so there was no need for a reward.
Laurist laughed. "Take it. The Norton Family does not lack this bit of money. This is your reward before you join the family, so you must be clear about it. Your reward should be given to you. After taking it, go and rest. I will inform you if there is anything else. "
The mercenaries happily took the money and left in twos and threes. Some of them even took out the gold coins from their money bags and counted them as they walked. After counting a few times, they still could not bear to put them away. However, Jim had not left yet. He seemed to want to say something to Laurist.
Laurist noticed Jim's uneasiness and asked, "What's wrong, Jim? Did you change your mind? "
Jim replied respectfully, "My lord, I would like to ask for mercy on their behalf. They know us and are our friends. During the battle just now, they did not attack your people and only fought with us perfunctorily. When my lord came, they surrendered early on. I beg you to spare them and let me bring them to complete the mission you have entrusted us with. "
Laurist rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. He said straightforwardly, "Alright, since they did not cause any damage to the Norton Family, I will let them go. Since you have pleaded for mercy, I will allow you to bring them away. I will give them the same conditions as you. What do you think? "
"My lord, thank you for your benevolence and generosity. I thank you on their behalf." Jim was extremely grateful.
"Wait a moment, I still have a few questions to ask them." Laurist waved his hands and signaled for the two Flying Feather Mercenaries who had surrendered to come in front of him.
Laurist only wanted to ask three questions, and they were very direct.
The first question was: Why did Adams still want to resist when his subordinates had fallen into a trap and were under the threat of the ballistae? This did not conform to the code of conduct of a mercenary. They were not a regular army, nor were they the military forces of a lord's family. They should be like Jim and the others, thinking about their own lives and not letting the Flying Feather Mercenaries fight for their lives.
The answer given by the two Flying Feather Mercenaries was very simple. Before they set off, the head of the Garmes family had promised Adams that as long as the Flying Feather Mercenaries could assist Viscount Garmes in making the Norton Family submit, the Garmes family would be willing to confer the title of Baron on Adams. They would also divide a piece of land from the Norton Family's territory as Baron Adams' fief. After all, the Norton Family's territory was too big, and it would not be a problem to divide it into four or five baronies. After Adams obtained the title of Baron and his territory, he would become a vassal lord of the Kenneth family. Adams had also promised his mercenaries that when he became the new lord of the Kenneth family, he would accept his mercenaries as his family's knights and armed forces. That was why Adams and his mercenaries were so desperate.
Holy shit! After hearing the answers of the two Flying Feather Mercenaries, Laurist didn't know what to say. The Kenneth Family had really schemed well. They had used the Norton Family's territory to paint a big pie in the sky for Captain Adams. No wonder the Flying Feather Mercenary Group was so desperate and caused so many casualties to their own guards and guards. Damn it, the Kenneth Family really deserved to be called an old merchant family!
The second question was what Commander Adams had mentioned when he was chatting with Jim. Was it true that the Cummins Family had recruited retired officers and soldiers from the royal capital, Winderbury, to form an armed force of 2,000 people?
The two Flying Feather Mercenaries said that it was true, and the older one said that there was more to it. The Kenneth family had obtained the tacit approval and support of the second prince. When the Flying Feather Mercenaries talked to Adams about this, they were worried that this armed force would affect Adams' position in the Kenneth family in the future. Commander Adams said that there was no need to worry about this matter. The second prince supported the Kenneth family to establish this family's armed forces in order to make things difficult for the Duke of the Northern Region, Duke Lujens. The Kenneth family pretended to be courteous to the second prince, but on the other hand, they sent people to express their loyalty to the Duke of the Northern Region, hoping that the Duke of the Northern Region would allow this family's army of two thousand people to enter the Northern Region.
Laurist's third question was about information about the Red River Valley Manor Castle in Viscount Kenneth's territory, including its defensive facilities and guards, as well as the situation of the immigrant town.
The Flying Feather Mercenaries had rested at the Red River Valley Manor Castle for about ten days before escorting the supply convoy to the construction site of the castle. It had taken them a month to travel from the Royal Capital to the Northern Territory. The two Flying Feather Mercenaries were very familiar with the situation of the Red River Valley Manor Castle and the immigrant town. They answered all his questions, and Laurist was very satisfied.
After waving his hand to signal Jim to bring the two Flying Feather Mercenaries back, Laurist looked at Josk and Padt. "Josk, Padt, do you still have strength?"
"Sir, please give us your orders." Josk and Padt both expressed that they were still very energetic.
"You heard what the two Flying Feather Mercenaries said. The Kenneth family's territory is very empty now. The Red River Valley Manor Castle is in a defenseless state. The immigrant town only has a garrison of about a hundred people, and there are no walls there. It would be impolite of the Norton Clan not to reciprocate, so I've decided to have the two of you pay them a visit. I'll give you an hour to prepare. Bring a group of people with you, including the soldiers manning the ballistae, as well as a few uninjured guards. If they are very tired, bring some carriages and let them rest in the carriages. After occupying the Red River Valley Manor Castle and the immigrant town, send someone to deliver a letter to me. Move what needs to be moved, and transport what needs to be transported. I want to turn that place into a piece of scorched earth, and the Kenneth family will have nothing to show for it, "Laurist said through gritted teeth.
"Yes, sir. We understand."
… …
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