"My Lord, we brought Knight Vasimir back," Padt said.
"Who?" Laurist did not hear clearly.
"My lord," Sederkamp explained, "after we left House Kemus' encampment, Padt said that my lord admires Vasimir, the free knight who won three rounds in a row this morning, and wants to recruit him as a knight. So we went to the Battleground Merchant Group and found out where Vasimir's tent was. Who knew that when we arrived, the Pegasus Family and the Kenmers Family had both sent people to recruit Vasimir. "
"Oh …" Laurist's interest was piqued, but he had never heard of the Pegasus Family. In his memory, there was no family called the Pegasus Family. "Wait, which noble family is the Pegasus Family? Why haven't I heard of it? "
"My Lord, have you forgotten? The first knight who challenged us yesterday was called Knight Lamberway. Didn't he have a silver pegasus emblem? He was a knight of the Pegasus Family. Hmm, do you know about the New Moon War and the Filim Family, my Lord? "
"New Moon War? Filim Family? I know about this. A hundred years ago, Chrison IV and seven noble families fought over a silver-moon magic stone that was said to contain mana. It was known as the New Moon War or the New Moon War. In the end, Chrison IV won after much difficulty, and the seven noble families were annihilated. However, the New Moon Magic Stone was nowhere to be found. Chrison IV destroyed half of the empire but got nothing. His efforts were in vain and he became a laughingstock for his descendants. This is what was recorded in the Galinthea Chronicles. I remember that the Filim Family was one of the seven rebellious families, right? "Laurist recalled.
Sederkamp said, "My Lord, you have a good memory. The emblem of the Filim Family is a silver pegasus. They are called the Pegasus Family, just like us. The wandering knight who paid a large sum of money to be made a noble in the north by the second prince was Filim. Baron Charlevarde. I heard from the messenger who went to recruit Knight Vasimir that Baron Charward is a descendant of the Pegasus Family. He's dedicated to restoring the family's glory at such a young and promising age. As long as Knight Vasimir joins us, we'll definitely have an opportunity to develop and shine in the future … "
"There's also a messenger sent by House Kemus. He said that House Kemus is willing to pay double the annual income for Vasimir. If Vasimir becomes a Gold-tier knight, he'll be able to have a manor with a lot of resources and facilities." Padt continued.
"Oh, then why did Knight Vasimir come back with you? What kind of conditions did you offer? "Laurist asked with interest.
"This …" Serdekamp shook his head in confusion.
Pat scratched his head. "To be honest, we don't know why Vasimir came with us. We didn't set any conditions. Sir, when we entered, the emissaries of those two families were present. When we saw Vasimir, we went straight to the point. We wanted to ask him if he was interested in joining our family. As soon as we finished speaking, the emissaries from the Pegasus Family and Kemus Family started to persuade Vasimir, stating their conditions. We thought it was over and wanted to leave. Who would have thought that after listening to the envoys of the two families, Vasimir would only shake his head and reject their offers. He then picked up his sword and rode back with us … "
"Then where is Vasimir now?"
"Sir, Vasimir is waiting outside. I asked him to come in with us, but he said it's impolite to enter the lord's room without being summoned. It goes against the etiquette of a knight. So we let him wait outside … "Pat said.
"Damn, you should've come in to talk about this first. It's impolite to let Vasimir wait outside for so long …" Laurist grumbled as he hurried outside.
… …
Vasimir was a tall and thin man of few words. His actions were methodical, and it was obvious that he had received a traditional knight's education. He was very particular about the etiquette of a knight. He didn't seem to be used to Laurist's hospitality, and he awkwardly accepted the tea that Laurist had brewed himself.
"Forgive me for being presumptuous, Knight Vasimir. Why did you reject the invitation from the Pegasus Family and Kemus Family? I heard that their conditions were good … "Laurist looked at the knight in front of him. He was indeed very interested in Vasimir. When he saw him challenge other knights, he felt that his foundation in martial arts was very solid. Every attack and defense was very stable. Now that he was sitting in front of him, he felt that he was solid, steady, and reliable. As steady as a mountain. Laurist couldn't help but think of this idiom from his previous world.
Vasimir was silent for a while, and finally took out a small golden Bear Emblem and placed it on the table. "I came for this."
Bear Emblem? Laurist picked up the emblem and flipped it over. The word Aberreid was engraved on the back.
"Big brother?" Laurist looked at Vasimir. This was his big brother's emblem. How did it appear in his hands?
"Seven years ago, Lord Aberreid was a 1-star Gold. He traveled the entire north and challenged all the famous knights. He was invincible in the north. When he returned to the family territory, he passed by my manor. At that time, I was preparing to awaken my fighting energy for the third time. If I failed again, I would have no choice but to leave the manor that my father left behind. It was Lord Aberreid who helped me. Under his guidance, I finally awakened fighting energy. When he left, I asked him if we could meet again. He left the gold emblem and smiled. He said that when I advanced to the Silver rank, I could use this emblem to find him. He would make me his knight. But when I advanced to the Silver rank, I heard that he died in battle … "
"I didn't know what to do. When I advanced to the Silver rank, I decided to go to the Norton Family. Even if Lord Aberreid was no longer here, I would still fulfill my promise and become a knight of the Norton Family. But unfortunately, my mother passed away, and my wife gave birth to a son for me. I couldn't leave. Last year, when I advanced to the Silver rank, the territory of my father's former lord, Viscount Besiess, was attacked by two new lords. I had no choice but to help Viscount Besiess resist. I only managed to defeat the two new lords at the beginning of this year. "
"I spent more than three months to settle the affairs of the manor. I dismissed the servants and returned the manor to Viscount Besiess. I brought my wife and son, along with a few attendants and attendants, and rushed here yesterday. I wanted to pay my respects to Lord this morning, but the wandering knight in front of the castle thought that I was challenging him and charged at me. I could only defeat him and the other two challengers. I thought that if I went to knock on the door, your people would think that I was challenging you, so I went back. I didn't expect that Lord would send someone to find me at night, so I followed him … "
Vasimir's narration was extremely calm, as if he was narrating a very ordinary matter.
Laurist, Padt, and Sadekamp were all moved …
"You returned the manor that your father left you to that lord?" Laurist asked in surprise.
"Yes, Lord." Vasimir replied calmly, "Viscount Besiess, who my father was loyal to, is the grandfather of the current lord. When I failed the Second Awakening, the current Viscount Besiess was still clamoring to take back the manor and not leave it to a useless person like me. That's why after I advanced to the Silver rank, I refused to continue serving the Besiess Family like my father. I also promised Lord Abel that I would become a knight of the Norton Family. This time, I helped Viscount Besiess defeat the two new lords who attacked his territory. Returning the manor to him is equivalent to repaying his grandfather's kindness to our family. From now on, we don't owe each other anything, and I can leave without any worries. "
"Vasimir, I am very touched. Your actions have shown me the dignity and glory of a true knight. Your dedication to your promise is the most precious reward the Norton Family has ever received. However, the Norton Family is currently in a very dire situation. I don't want to hide it from you. Duke Lujins' Northern Army has already sent a unit to invade our family's territory. If you join us, you will have to face the army of the Grand Duke of the North. No one can guarantee their own safety on the battlefield. Your child is still young. I hope you can think about your family. Joining the Norton Family now is not a good choice … "Laurist said to Vasimir with a bitter smile.
"My Lord, the path of a knight has always been full of twists and turns. I have regretted not joining earlier, and I don't want to regret it again. If I retreat now, then my child will grow up to be ashamed of having a father like me … "Vasimir came in front of Laurist and knelt on one knee," My Lord, if you are not willing to accept me as a knight of the Norton Family, then can you allow me to join the Norton Family's armed forces as a normal soldier to fight against the invading enemies? "
"This is the most touching knight's oath I've ever heard. Rise, my knight." Laurist pulled out his sword and patted Vasimir's shoulder twice, "Padt …"
Padt handed a silver Bear Fury Badge to Lollister, then gave Vasimir a tight hug. "Welcome, my brother. Your arrival is an honor to the Norton Family. "
…
Vasimir, who had just become a knight of the Norton Family, excitedly went to fetch his wife, son, and a few servants back to the city, accompanied by Sadkamp. Laurist played with his brother's gold badge in his hand, overwhelmed with emotions. Padt walked in and reported, "My Lord, Jim is back."
"Oh, let him in," Laurist said.
"Jim, what did the four mercenary leaders say?" Laurist asked impatiently before Jim could even catch his breath.
Jim wiped the sweat off his face and replied, "My Lord, the price you gave them was very generous, and they all agreed to be hired by you. However, they have a small request … "
"What is it?" Laurist asked.
"They want you to provide them with some weapons and equipment …"
Laurist's face darkened, "They want armor?"
"No, not armor …" Jim hurriedly explained, "My Lord, if they want armor, I will scold them on the spot. They want to pretend to be soldiers of our family and complete the mission you gave them. That way, even if they fail, they will be treated as soldiers of our family and not mercenaries of the mercenary group. My Lord, you know that if they are caught and found to be mercenaries, they will most likely be beheaded. Duke Lujins will also know which mercenary group is helping our family. If they are soldiers of our family, they will be tortured, but they will not offend the Duke of the North … "
Laurist's expression softened, and he nodded, "Alright, then I can provide them with leather armor and weapons with our family's insignia on them. However, they will need to prepare their own mounts. Also, after they sign the agreement, let the four mercenary groups enter the city in batches, collect the weapons, and immediately set up camp at the original camp. Once I receive news from Paul Binns, I will immediately lead them out. "
"Yes, my Lord. I will leave the city and sign the agreement with them. Let them enter the city tomorrow night to collect the things. "Jim hurriedly left again.
"My Lord, can these mercenary groups really be used?" Padt asked.
"Better than nothing. In terms of individual combat ability, they should be stronger than the Northland Legion. However, if they form a formation and charge, they will just be a motley crew. We don't have enough soldiers to fight Duke Lujins' army in the field, not to mention that they have the help of the rebels from Northfield Town. In terms of numbers, they have already overwhelmed us. We have no other choice but to defend. However, we can't just hide in the castle and wait to be attacked. We need to have a plan to counterattack. That way, we can defend for a long time. Hiring these mercenary groups is to let them use the tactics they are used to, such as guerrilla warfare, eliminating the enemy's scouts, ambushing the enemy's logistics, and distracting the enemy's attacking forces so that they can't focus on attacking our castle … "Laurist explained his plan to Padt.
"But hiring a mercenary group is too expensive. The commission for a mercenary group is a hundred gold fords, and every time they kill an enemy, they will be rewarded with the head of an old man in the empire. We also have to provide them with leather armor, weapons, and food supplies. My Lord, I don't think it's worth it to spend so much money on these mercenaries. "Padt was worried about the commission.
"If we don't spend a lot of money, we can't make these mercenary groups fight with all their might. We got almost two hundred thousand gold fords from House Kemus's Red River Valley Castle. Our family has a lot of gold now. If we can use gold to crush Duke Lujins' army, it will be worth it, "Laurist said.
… …
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