Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Using gold coins to crush Duke Lujins' army sounded heroic, but Lollister had no other choice. The difference in strength between the enemy and his army was too great. Furthermore, the army that entered the family's territory would receive help from the rebels in Northfield Town. To the Norton Family, this was a disaster …
What Lollister could do now was to gather all the resources he could to fight against Duke Lujins' army. The purpose of hiring four mercenary groups was to ambush and harass the enemy, eliminate the enemy's scouts, and distract a portion of the enemy's forces so that the enemy would not be able to attack the family's manor and castle unscrupulously.
What Lollister was most worried about was that Duke Lujins' army had already started to attack Maple Forest Manor. Although there was more than a platoon of family soldiers defending, there were five to six hundred guards, and more than two hundred of them were injured. It was inevitable that they would be on tenterhooks if they had to fight against thousands of enemies. The only thing that Lollister could rejoice about was that Josk was still in Maple Forest Manor. With a Gold-ranked archer like him, Maple Forest Manor would be able to hold out for a while even if it was attacked …
The sky began to brighten. Lollister felt like he was in a dream. He had slept too late last night.
"Sir, Paul Robbins has sent someone back …" Ovis' voice came from outside the door. He had been on night duty last night.
Lollister got off the bed. "Ovis, get someone to get me a basin of water. I need to wash my face …"
The one who came back to report was a bandit guard. He was exhausted after riding for an entire night. "Sir, Captain Paul Robbins asked me to report that the enemy did not move out yesterday. They stayed in their camp for a day. We destroyed a group of enemies that came out to cut firewood. There were about ten of them, and we captured a few alive. The prisoners said that they came with two companies of more than four thousand people, led by the Gold Knights Chevany and Henned. They were ordered by the Duke to attack the rebel Norton Family … "
"Did the prisoners say where they entered the family's territory from?" Lollister asked.
The guard nodded. "Lord Josk asked, and he brought some people with him. The prisoners did not say clearly. There was a guide in front, and they followed the main group. They said they were at the seaside, but they passed by a white beach. He also said that they had passed through several caves. They had walked through the longest cave for a day, and there was also a very long ropeway. The road was very difficult to walk. After walking for almost four and a half days, they were all exhausted. After setting up camp here, they received orders to rest for two days … "
"Knight Josk is with you?"
"Yes, sir. When we arrived at Beiye Town, we saw Sir Josk leading some people to monitor the enemy's camp, so we followed him," the guard replied.
"Alright, you can go and rest now. You've done well." Laurist patted the guard's shoulder happily.
Buckingham breathed a sigh of relief. What he lacked the most right now was time. He didn't expect Duke Lujins' army to give him two days. This was the best outcome.
"Overkiss, have you chosen the members for the new squadron I asked you to form yesterday?" Loriste asked.
Overkiss nodded. "Sir, it's already formed. All the weapons and equipment have been given to them. Yesterday afternoon, I had them build a training camp at the back of the business district. This morning, they can begin the preliminary training."
"Very good. Don't forget to teach them how to awaken combat energy during your free time. You used to be in the imperial army anyway. Changing the military combat energy to basic combat energy should help them awaken faster. I'll leave this squadron to you. "
"Yes, sir." Overkiss stood at attention.
"Alright, you were on duty last night. You've worked hard. Go and rest," Lollister said.
… …
After breakfast, Kemp, Pat, Jim, and Vasinma all went to Lollister's room.
"Jim, this morning, you'll bring the four mercenary groups into the city in batches. After receiving their weapons and equipment, they'll set up camp outside the city. I'll bring them out tomorrow morning. Understood?"
"Yes, sir. I'll go now." Jim left first.
"Kemp, I'll leave everything to you to communicate with the Kenneth family. I'll have Steward Hansk assist you. Are you clear on the things I want you to pay attention to?" Lollister asked.
"Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure you're satisfied," Serdekamp replied.
"Pat, go pick a squad from the guards today. Then go to the squadron that just returned and pick two squads of family soldiers. The requirement is that they have awakened combat energy, can ride horses, and can shoot arrows. All the selected soldiers will be led by Knight Vasinma."
"Yes, sir."
"Also, after I take three squads, there will only be two squads of guards and two squads of family soldiers left in the castle. I'll leave them to you. As for Overkiss' newly formed squadron, you don't have to worry about them. They can't be used yet. Let Overkiss train them for a while first. Four squads should be enough to defend Monolith Castle. Don't be careless even during the knight's tournament. Don't get ambushed, "Lollister reminded Pat.
"Don't worry, sir. I'll be careful," Pat promised.
Lollister patted his shoulder twice. "Alright, I'll leave it to you."
"Vasinma …"
"Please give me your orders, sir." Vasinma stepped forward.
Lollister turned to him. "I'm sorry, Vasinma. You've just arrived, but you have to follow me to battle …"
Vasinma interrupted Lollister. "Sir, the home of a knight is the battlefield. Fighting for the family is a knight's duty and honor. Please give me your orders."
"Alright. Vasinma, you and Knight Padt will pick the soldiers for the battle. After that, you will be in charge of inspecting the equipment and preparations of the soldiers. Guards, double armors, long spears, shields, javelins, and short weapons of their choice. Family soldiers, chainmail, long spears, round wooden shields, longbows for training, a quiver of arrows, and a longsword. Everyone will ride on two horses. Three days' worth of rations and a blanket. Prepare everything today and follow me to the battle tomorrow morning. "
"Yes, sir." Vasinma slammed his fist on the left side of his chest and saluted.
"Alright, go do what you need to do. Inform the guards at the door to get Butler Boris, Old Man Barlek, and Steward Hansk here …"
"Yes, sir."
…
"Locke, you … you're too shameless …" Miss Trace blushed. She was both angry and angry at the same time.
Lollister came in to say goodbye. He hugged Miss Trace and gave her a deep French kiss. Miss Trace panted and felt weak all over.
"My dear Trace, I'm going to the battlefield soon. The enemy is very strong, and I don't have the confidence to return to your side. I'm here to bid you farewell, hoping that your kiss will give me the courage to defeat the cruel enemies. When I return, I'll place the most precious spoils of war at your feet … "Lollister recited passionately.
"Alright, alright. What kind of messy plot is this from a knight novel again? I don't know about the others, but I'm sure you'll appear in front of me alive and well. All I can do is pray for your enemies. They're unlucky to have met you. "Miss Trace rudely interrupted Lollister's recitation.
"My dear Trace, you know me so well. You have so much confidence in me. But it's a little dangerous this time. The troops sent by Duke Lujins are two to three times the strength of our family's armed forces. I've already ordered Pat to inform you immediately if the situation becomes urgent, "Lollister said sternly.
Miss Trace was silent for a while. She raised her head and said, "I believe no one can defeat you. You'll return in triumph soon. You should go. You've hugged me, kissed me, and said goodbye. What else do you want? "
Lollister smiled, "I'm thinking if I should do it again …"
"You …" Miss Trace was so angry that she lowered her head to look for something to throw at Lollister.
Lollister hurriedly ran out of the door. When he passed by Little Winnie, he gave her a gold coin. "You did well. This is your reward."
Miss Trace slumped into a chair weakly, "This bastard …"
She felt her cheeks burning again as she recalled the long * *. Her eyes became misty.
"Miss, look, Sir Locke gave me a gold coin …" Little Winnie was elated.
Looking at Little Winnie, Miss Trish couldn't get angry even if she wanted to, "Little Winnie, you sold your mistress for a gold coin?"
"No? Miss, aren't you here? "Little Winnie expressed her innocence.
"Then why did you close the door?"
Little Winnie replied innocently, "Sir Locke said he wanted to give you a surprise. He didn't want anyone to see him. I thought it made sense, so I closed the door. Sir Locke said I did well and gave me this gold coin. By the way, Miss, what was the surprise Sir Locke gave you? Can you show it to me? "
Miss Trace covered her face and leaned on the table, feeling a headache coming on. "It's nothing …"
"Ah, Miss, you're so petty …" Little Winnie said.
… …
"Sir, it's time for us to go," Vasinma said to Lollister.
Pat led a tall northern horse over, and Lollister mounted it in stirrups.
"Sir, you're wearing this?" Vasinma looked at Lollister's vest chainmail in surprise.
"Erm, Vasinma, although I'm also a knight, my martial arts are different from yours. Wearing heavy armour will affect my performance," Lollister explained.
Vasinma was relieved. She mounted the horse and followed behind Lollister.
A small team of guards and two small teams of family soldiers were already lined up and waiting. More than three hundred and sixty people were fully armored and fully armed. They were lined up in three rows, and beside them was an empty saddle mount. Although it was only a small team, they gave off a strong feeling, forming a sharp contrast with the messy mercenaries gathered together on the other side.
"Have you sent out the scouts?" Lollister asked.
"They've been sent out this morning. There's a total of 30 people, three to a group. There are three groups in front and two groups on the left and right," Vasinma replied.
"Alright, then let's go. You lead the group."
"Yes, Sir."
"Jim, come here," Lollister said.
"Let's go now. Go tell the four mercenary group leaders to follow behind our family's soldiers and arrange the order. When they leave, bring the four mercenary group leaders here. I want to see them," Laurist said.
"Yes, Sir. I'll go inform them now."
Out of the four mercenary groups that were hired, the Night Bat Mercenary Group had the most members. They were also the last mercenary group that signed a contract with Jim. The reason was because they felt that their mercenary group, which had the most members, shouldn't be paid the same 100 gold fords as the other three mercenary groups. They wanted to increase it to 200 or 150 gold fords. In the end, they were ridiculed by Jim. They had the most members and were ranked third among the four mercenary groups. What right did they have to ask for a raise? Sign it or not, it didn't matter if they had more or less. In the end, the Night Bat Mercenary Group still signed the contract.
The two hundred and sixty Night Bat Mercenaries marched together without any order. There were too many of them, and there were too few of them. They were dragging their feet. When Jim introduced the leader of the Night Bat Mercenary Group to Lollister, Lollister unceremoniously ordered him to organize their troops. How dare they pretend to be the guards of the Norton Family? It was obvious that they were just a motley crew.
The leader of the Night Bat Mercenary Group was a slippery old mercenary. His name was Ulepumasin, and he was a 2-star Silver. After being reprimanded by Lollister, he looked at his own troops and then at the other three mercenary groups. His face was flushed red, and he returned to his own mercenary group to yell and scold them. Only then did he make them walk more respectfully.
The Cromwell Mercenary Group was the strongest because of their leader, Cromwell. Richard was a 1-star Gold Swordsman. It was said that his grandfather was originally a Knight, but because he angered the Lord, he was stripped of his status as a Knight and chased out of the family. Afterwards, he had a fortuitous encounter and obtained a large amount of wealth. He then formed a mercenary group, and his favorite thing to do was to explore and search for ruins. Afterwards, his grandfather left behind instructions for his descendants to inherit his mercenary group and not to become an official. As long as they were strong enough, even if they were a commoner, a mercenary would still be able to live freely.
The second strongest mercenary group was the Sharp Spear Mercenary Group, with a total of one hundred and seventy people. Lollister paid the most attention to this mercenary group, as it was made up of retired commoner officers and soldiers. When they marched, they had the most military discipline and order. The leader was called Sandro, a 3-star Silver. He was originally the chief guard of a town. During the empire's civil war, the city he was in was destroyed. For the survival of his family and comrades, he formed this mercenary group. On one hand, it was to earn money to feed everyone, and on the other hand, it was to protect them from the oppression of the nobles.
The last one was the Five Swords Mercenary Group. As the name suggested, this mercenary group was made up of five Silver Swordsmen. They had the smallest number of people, with only one hundred and thirty-two people. However, they seemed to be more united than the Night Bat Mercenary Group.
Lollister was behind his family's soldiers, chatting and laughing with the leaders of the four mercenary groups. He had been a mercenary in Morent City for five to six years, so he had many common topics to talk about with these leaders. Furthermore, Lollister did not have the arrogant attitude of the other nobles. Sometimes, he would talk about the embarrassing things he did when he was a mercenary, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
Just as he was talking excitedly, a rider came from the front: "My lord, Lord Vasimir has invited you to the front. Captain Paul Binns has returned."
… …
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