Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ayer was a little depressed. Ayer glanced at Tagger who was arranging the carriage to visit Viscount Timba and muttered in a low voice, "Sir, don't you think that Tagger is too sinister? Just now, he was so close to Carrick, Cherva, and the others, but in the blink of an eye, he gave you such a plan to catch them all in one fell swoop. I don't dare to be friends with him. Who knows when he will stab me … "
He was so close to Carrick, Cherva, and the others just now, and in the blink of an eye, he gave you such a plan to catch them all. I don't dare to be friends with him anymore. Who knows when he will stab me … " Tagger, on the other hand, was different. He mingled at the bottom of society and had seen a lot of mutual deception. Although he appeared to be forthright and generous, smooth and thoughtful like a good person, he actually had no bottom line. In order to achieve his goals, he didn't mind using any means.
Back in Gerdos City, he had come up with an idea for Laurist. Using the fact that the families of the soldiers under Count Corbili lived in the city, he could force the soldiers' families onto the city wall and force them to change sides. This way, Laurist would be able to win without any effort. However, this idea was rejected by Lorist. As a noble family with military merits, it would be very embarrassing if they used such means to obtain victory. This was not a good reputation, and it would bring shame to the Norton Family if it was spread out.
It was also at that time that Tagger caught Lorist's attention. Plus, Tagger was good at building relationships and gathering intelligence, so Lorist forced him to bring his family north. Lorist did not care whether Tagger's character was sinister or not. A family needed talents with different characteristics in order to develop. As long as Tagger maintained his respect for the Norton Family and loyalty to him, Lorist did not mind using Tagger in an important position and giving him the opportunity to display his talents and abilities.
Now, it seemed that Tagger was more talented in developing intelligence than Ayer. Ayer, on the other hand, was becoming more and more like a traditional knight after becoming the leader of his guards, paying special attention to the honor of a knight. Lorist could only pat him on the shoulder to comfort him. He whispered that they had to do this for Fatty Shi and the others, and only then did Ayer feel relieved.
The process of visiting Viscount Timba was very smooth. After returning to Royal City, Viscount Timba regained his noble and graceful bearing. When he learned that Tagger and the other two were visiting, he was very happy to welcome them. After exchanging pleasantries, Tagger mentioned Michael. However, after Viscount Timba returned to the mansion, he had already heard the servant report about Michael's disturbance last night. Perhaps he was very uncomfortable with Michael's ignorance, so he only coldly snorted in response. Tagger tactfully changed the topic and began to worry about the current battle situation.
Viscount Timba was very curious as to why Tagger was so concerned about the war situation. Tagger smiled bitterly and said that they had been out for nearly a year. Not to mention traveling, they were now trapped on the island with nowhere to go. Moreover, even the business network of the Peterson Chamber of Commerce that they were preparing to set up in the Haneabada Kingdom had not been found. It could be said that they had accomplished nothing.
When Viscount Timba heard Tagger's words, he laughed heartily. He promised that there was no need to worry about this. Tagger could first set up a trading company in Royal City, and he would vouch for the Peterson Chamber of Commerce to ensure that no one would dare to come looking for trouble.
Tagger was very happy when he heard this, so he volunteered to offer 30% of the trading company's shares to Viscount Timba. The two were very polite, but in the end, Viscount Timba reluctantly accepted the one-third shares because of Tagger's good intentions.
After discussing the shares of the new trading company, Tagger talked about the current situation of the Humiliation Legion and expressed his concern about the low morale of the mercenaries and slave hunters who had joined the Humiliation Legion. Viscount Timba also agreed with Tagger's view. He revealed that the Humiliation Legion had not been fully staffed and their morale was low, especially since the Humiliation Legion was composed of people who had escaped from Nubit Port. After being forcibly recruited by His Majesty the King, they complained incessantly. They did not commit any major crimes, but instead made small mistakes, causing the Royal City to be in a foul atmosphere. Now, the city defense army that maintained law and order in Royal City was having a headache because of this.
Tagger expressed his opinion on this matter. He believed that His Majesty the King, Luther III, had made a mistake of being eager for quick success and instant benefits in dealing with the Humiliation Legion. The most appropriate method was to comfort these people who had escaped back to Royal City, reward and promote those who had performed meritorious deeds, and stimulate the competitiveness and shame of the rest of the young men who had escaped back. Then, they would use generous rewards to lure these people onto the battlefield. Instead of stuffing all the people who had escaped back into the Humiliation Legion and forcing them to prepare to head to the frontlines.
Tagger believed that the biggest difference between voluntary and forced was the weakening of combat effectiveness and the increase of the battlefield desertion rate. These two points were the key to a battle and the main reason for the collapse of an army on the battlefield. If the Humiliation Legion rushed to the frontlines with such low morale, Tagger believed that they would not pose much of a threat to the enemy. Instead, they would drag down the friendly forces and cause great trouble to the friendly forces.
Viscount Timba thought that Tagger was right, but he said that His Majesty the King could not think of any good way to improve morale. Tagger shook his head and said that there was a good way, but it depended on whether His Majesty the King had the courage to carry it out.
Tagger gave the example of the temporary army formed by the Peterson Chamber of Commerce. In order to form a mercenary force with scattered sand into a fighting force in a short period of time, three things were enough. First, there was enough wine and meat. Second, there was a generous reward to entice them. Third, there was strict military discipline. In a short period of time, this temporary army would be extremely powerful, and it would be enough to deal with the average intensity of the war.
Then Tagger gave a detailed explanation. Enough wine and meat meant sufficient logistical supplies. From time to time, they would be rewarded with wine and meat, which would greatly increase their morale. It was important to know that if you ate someone, you would have a soft mouth, and if you took someone's hand, you would have to do it. Regular rewards of wine and meat would make these rude mercenaries appreciate your hospitality. Their loyalty and affection towards you would increase a lot, and they would not resist going to the battlefield to risk their lives for you …
Enticing with generous rewards was different from offering large rewards. Gold coins were very important, but they also had to be satisfied according to the different needs of the other party. If they wanted fame, they would be famous. If they wanted profits, they would be given large amounts of money. If they wanted titles, they would be given a few titles. And all of this was to make them volunteer to go to the battlefield to fight for the goals they needed, and use the merits on the battlefield to entice these warriors to win for us …
Thirdly, we need to enforce military discipline. After eating our food, drinking our water, and putting so many rewards in front of them, if they still aren't willing to die for us, then we might as well pull out these black sheep to make an example out of them. We need to punish these sly soldiers and let them understand that we aren't that easy to talk to. The price we pay must be repaid. Only then can we establish our prestige among the mercenaries and make them obey our orders … "
Tagger's boastful speech successfully aroused the interest of Viscount Timba. The two discussed on paper for a long time. Viscount Timba sighed regretfully. If such a good method had been proposed earlier, then the current Army of Retribution wouldn't be in such a mess. However, his brother-in-law, Luther III, was now in a difficult position. He had issued a tough edict to forcibly conscript those who had fled back to King's City, so it was not suitable to use appeasement methods now.
Tagger moved his lips as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he closed his mouth.
But Viscount Timba had already noticed his hesitant expression, and was very curious to hear what new insights he had.
Tagger said, "Lord Viscount, this is actually a good opportunity for you. You can't miss it. We traveled together all the way back to King's City. After talking with you, I think you are a very insightful and intelligent noble. It's just that most people now treat you as a young noble who relies on your sister and don't see your own talent. This is because your sister, the First Concubine, and your brother-in-law, His Majesty the King, are too dazzling, so much so that everyone has neglected you, Lord … "
Viscount Timba subconsciously nodded slightly. He felt that Tagger's words had really hit the bottom of his heart.
"At this moment, it is the critical time for Lord Viscount to stand up and let others see your performance. Lord Viscount, you can think about it. The performance of the Army of Retribution has greatly disappointed your brother-in-law, His Majesty the King. Just like Lord Viscount said, His Majesty the King has already forced those who fled to King's City to join the army. It is not good for him to change his tough stance and change to appeasement methods. Therefore, in the face of the Army of Retribution, he can only be anxious and do nothing …
Then what if Lord Viscount takes action? In terms of status, you are the younger brother of the First Concubine. In terms of experience, you broke out from Nubit Port. Without the protection of a large army, and without a Golden Knight by your side, you only brought two slaves back to King's City. This is much more glorious than those who abandoned their armor and fled back to King's City. As long as Lord Viscount is willing to stand up and clean up the mess of the Army of Retribution, I believe His Majesty the King will be happy to see it happen … "Tagger's words made Viscount Timba elated.
"Yes, what you said is very reasonable. But I don't want to bring the Army of Retribution to the battlefield …" Viscount Timba was in a difficult position.
"No, Lord Viscount, you are wrong. How can a noble Lord Viscount like you go to the battlefield? That is simply impossible. Don't talk about you going to the battlefield, even if you lose a strand of hair, it will be an immeasurable loss to the Kingdom. Because this is proof that you have given your all for the future and development of the Kingdom. In fact, you only need to form the Army of Retribution. There will naturally be someone who will bring them to the battlefield. "
Tagger flattered Viscount Timba with all his might. Ayr and Lollister, who were sitting at the lower seats, blushed from his flattery towards Viscount Timba. They were so ashamed that they wanted to find a hole to hide in. How could he say such shameless words? But Viscount Timba was enjoying it very much. His eyes were shining, and the more he chatted with Tagger, the more congenial he became …
"I think that Lord Viscount might lose some money by setting up the Army of Retribution, but it will bring you a lot of prestige. You will be able to gain the favor of His Majesty the King, and it will also make your sister the First Concubine proud of you. From this point of view, exchanging a little money for so many future benefits is a very suitable business. As long as I think about how the honorable Viscount Timba will be valued by His Majesty the King in the future, I feel excited. At that time, our Peterson Chamber of Commerce will have the support of Lord Viscount, and we will truly be undefeatable in the Haneabada Kingdom. "
"Then, then how much gold will it cost? Tagger, do you have an idea? " Viscount Timba asked with some hesitation.
Tagger smiled, "Lord Viscount, in fact, rewarding an army doesn't cost much. The Army of Retribution now has nearly twenty thousand people, and it only costs seven to eight hundred gold coins to provide wine and meat. I estimated that one silver coin is equivalent to one hundred copper coins, so it only costs forty to fifty copper coins to feed a soldier. A bottle of poor quality roasted potatoes is no more than fifteen copper coins, and a large mug of ale is only ten copper coins. A bottle of roasted potatoes and a large mug of ale is enough for a soldier to drink to his heart's content, and with the addition of thirty copper coins worth of meat, it's enough to burst his stomach.
One gold coin is worth twenty silver coins, so one gold coin can reward forty soldiers, so twenty thousand soldiers only need five hundred gold coins. Although we aren't holding a big banquet, even if we buy more wine and meat, seven to eight hundred gold coins is enough for more than twenty thousand soldiers to eat and drink well. Now, the daily diet of the soldiers of the Army of Retribution is cabbage soup and black bread. Many of them haven't tasted meat for several days. As long as Lord Viscount rewards them once, these soldiers will definitely be very grateful for your kindness. .
Of course, Lord Viscount can first ask your sister if it's appropriate for you to come forward. If your sister, the First Consort, is also willing to support your move and obtain the tacit approval of His Majesty, then Lord Viscount can shine in this reorganization and formation of the Army of Retribution. As long as Lord Viscount can show his talent, then in the future, you will be worthy of the heavy responsibility of the kingdom, and no one will look down on you anymore. “
"A reward of seven to eight hundred gold coins?" Viscount Timba hesitated as he muttered to himself.
"Lord Viscount, if you can come forward this time, the Peterson Chamber of Commerce is willing to help you and donate five hundred gold coins." "Tuggle added another piece of bargaining chip.
"Eh?" Viscount Timba was stunned, "Tagger, tell me the truth, why did you donate five hundred gold coins? “
Tagger chuckled, "Lord Viscount, to tell you the truth, it's called a donation, but if you reward us twice, the 500 gold fords will return to us. “
"Oh, why?" Viscount Timba was very interested.
"Lord Viscount, if I donate five hundred gold coins and ask you to let us do the buying of wine and meat, will you refuse?" Tagger asked.
"Of course not. You have donated so many gold coins and are willing to serve, so of course, this matter will be left to you." Viscount Timba replied.
"Lord Viscount, buying wine and meat is actually a very profitable business. I just calculated for you, the cost of a soldier is about fifty copper coins, but that is the retail price. If we buy those inferior roasted potatoes and ale in large quantities, the cost will be much lower. Just like those meat, if we buy some cattle and sheep that are born, old, sick and dead, the price will be very low. Anyway, it will be eaten by those rough soldiers. Cut them up and throw them into a big pot to cook, no one will be able to taste whether the meat is good or bad.
If there is a way to get some moldy smoked meat from the military warehouse, the cost will be even lower. So, I told you that the purchasing budget of seven to eight hundred gold coins, in fact, we can earn three to four hundred gold coins. So even if we donate five hundred gold coins, as long as you reward us twice, we can earn back the five hundred gold coins. " Tagger secretly revealed the business secret of buying wine and meat to Viscount Timba.
"In fact, I also understand that Lord Viscount returned to the capital alone from Nubit Port without any extra money. Even if you want to help, you are helpless. Then Lord Viscount can report to His Majesty that you want to form the Army of Retribution and use the reward to speed up the reorganization of the army. Let His Majesty give you the gold coins to reward the soldiers first, one thousand for each reward, three times. As for the buying of wine and meat, let us work for Lord Viscount. We can make the bill flawless and also give Lord Viscount two thousand gold coins to solve Lord Viscount's current shortage. What do you think, Lord Viscount? " Tagger asked in a low voice.
Viscount Timba's eyes lit up at once: "En, your idea is very good. I will immediately go to the imperial court to visit my sister. The three of you, please wait here for a while. After I return from the imperial court, we will have a proper discussion. What do you think, Tagger? “
Tagger immediately stood up and respectfully bowed to Viscount Timba. "Lord Viscount, it is my great honor to work for you. We will wait here for your good news. " “
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