Translator: Mr Voltaire Editor: Modlawls123 The plaza facing the main building was filled with people. It was the third morning since Lollister and his men had occupied Slov Manor.
In the middle were over seven hundred slave soldiers armed with spears. On the left were their families, and on the right were the slaves that had been rescued by the slave hunters. At the back were a thousand or so people who were in charge of the vineyard, as well as their families.
Lollister appeared on the balcony of the second floor of the main building. In his hand was a trumpet wrapped in a metal sheet. It had been two days since they had occupied Slov Manor. The weapons, equipment, and goods had all been delivered, and all the miscellaneous matters had come to an end. All that was left was to organize the army. Today, Lollister wanted to speak to all the slave soldiers and slaves. He wanted to give them hope, and also give them the confidence to embark on their journey north.
"I think I should introduce myself. I am Baron Norton Lollister, the head of the Northern Roaring Bear Family." Lollister shamelessly crowned himself with the title of baron that he had yet to officially inherit.
"Back then, my knights spent a large sum of money to rescue you from the despicable slave traders at Nubit Port. I'm sure you know why. It was to form our own army and bring your families back to our territory. We also promised you freedom once you reached the north. However, we did not expect that we would be ambushed by these despicable slave hunters before we even took our first step north. They even wanted to turn you into slaves, goods, and bloody gold coins in their hands.
"Before the family's reinforcements arrived, you used wooden sticks and spears to repel the attack of the slave hunters. You defended the camp until reinforcements arrived. Then, you took over the enemy's camp and the enemy's manor. In the process, you stuck to your duties, followed the rules, and completed your mission perfectly. Your performance has earned our respect and brought you freedom. "
"As the head of the Norton Family, I, Baron Norton, hereby solemnly declare that from today onwards, you are no longer slaves. You are soldiers of the Norton Family, glorious warriors …"
"Ah!" The more than seven hundred slave soldiers below were boiling with excitement, their cheers deafening …
Laurist waited for a while, then pressed his hands down to signal for the crowd to quiet down. "Your family members will receive the status of commoners after reaching the north, and they will enjoy the privileges of the family's soldiers. You will be given fields and houses, and you will live a peaceful and happy life in the family's territory …"
Not only the 700 family soldiers, but their relatives also cheered …
"In this battle against the slave hunters, 17 brave soldiers sacrificed their lives, and four soldiers were crippled. However, the Norton family will never forget these loyal soldiers who have contributed to the family. The relatives of the soldiers who died would receive the same treatment as the relatives of the soldiers. Moreover, they would receive a large silver coin as a pension every month for 20 years. It was the same for the disabled soldiers, but their pension was for life. This is the promise of me, Baron Norton. As long as the Norton family exists, this promise will never change. "
The family soldiers below were all moved, and the relatives of the soldiers who died cried tears of joy. What they feared the most was that after losing their loved ones, they would be seen as burdens by the lord and heartlessly abandoned. In this era of war, as a soldier at the bottom of the hierarchy, their lives were precarious, and they were most worried about what would happen to their family if they died in battle. If they met a reasonable and benevolent lord, they could even receive a few silver coins as a pension. A more vicious lord would even blame the failure of the battle on the soldiers who died in battle, blaming them for not fighting with all their might. Then, he would vent his anger on the families of the soldiers, and there were even cases of capturing the families of the soldiers who died in battle and selling them to slave traders.
No one in the history of the Galinthea Continent had ever made a promise like Lollister's. Everyone knew that once the number of soldiers who died reached tens of thousands, just the pension alone would become a huge expense, and it would become a huge burden that the family could not bear. In this chaotic world, human lives were like grass. No lord would dare to make such a promise to his soldiers like Laurist did.
In fact, Laurist and Fatty Shi had argued over this promise, and even Bofinger did not agree with Laurist's decision. He used the example of the White Lion Legion. As a regular legion of the former Christen Empire, they only paid a pension equivalent to a year's salary to the soldiers who died in battle, unlike Laurist's promise of 20 years.
Laurist ignored Fatty Shi and Bofinger's firm objections and forcefully passed the decision regarding the pension. He felt that a pension of less than one gold coin for a year of a soldier's life was too cheap. If the Norton Family had to pay the pension of 10,000 soldiers a year, then the Norton Family would not be trapped in the North. They would have long since conquered a large territory, and perhaps even established a kingdom.
Laurist used the slave hunters as an example. A few days ago, Laurist had gone out and killed more than 30 people, which was less than 15% of the total number of people in the slave hunters. However, the slave hunters had collapsed, and they had been chased and killed by Termanuel. More than half of the slave hunters had died, but they did not cause any harm to the people chasing them. Only two unlucky fellows had injured themselves.
Laurist told Fatty Shi and Bofinger that what he wanted was a family army that dared to fight to the death. Even if they were in danger, they would not give up fighting, and they would rather die in battle to bite the enemy. Even if the enemy could destroy them, they would have to pay a heavy price. Only an army like this could become a hedgehog that no one could swallow. Any enemy who wanted to deal with the Norton family would have to carefully consider whether or not it was worth it. Only the existence of an army like this would cause the enemy to have some reservations and not dare to provoke the Norton family at the risk of both sides suffering heavy losses.
To build such a family army, the first thing to solve was to make sure that the soldiers did not have to worry about the future. This was the goal of Laurist's promise of a pension. He told Bofinger and Fatty Shi that they had only considered that the pension would add up to a huge sum, but they had not thought of the trick behind it. The pension for a soldier who had died for 20 years was only 240 silver coins, which was equivalent to 12 gold coins.
To a soldier who had died in battle, 12 gold coins was not much, but it was enough to ensure that the family of the soldier who had lost their loved ones would remain loyal to the Norton Family for 20 years. Furthermore, this pension was not paid in a lump sum, but only one silver coin per month. It was like borrowing 12 gold coins, and the monthly interest was more than one silver coin. The Norton Family could use this money to open up trade routes and expand their territory. The monthly payment of one silver coin was actually just a small amount of interest.
It was only then that Fatty Shi and Boddfinger realized that they hadn't been as thorough as Lollister. Laurist said that this was only the first step. There were still many things to be done to build the family army. They had to make the soldiers follow the rules and obey orders. More importantly, they had to build up the family army's sense of honor. They had to make every soldier proud of being a family soldier, and build up the confidence and belief that they would never lose a battle. However, all of this needed time, and it could only be achieved through long-term training and invincible battles.
When the cheers of the family soldiers and their relatives in the plaza gradually died down, Laurist raised the metal loudspeaker again. "My soldiers, the North is still far away, and the road ahead is long. Before we embark on our journey, you have to regroup and train. I will protect you with sturdy armor and arm you with sharp swords. It doesn't matter if it's bandits or bandits in front of us, or even the armies of some greedy lords. As long as they stand in our way, they will be turned into dust by our chariots. No one can stop us from returning home. I will not abandon or give up on any of you under the guidance of the Furious Bear Flag. We will definitely return to the North and live a happy and peaceful life! "
The soldiers and the crowd in the plaza once again burst into cheers. "Norton! Norton! … "
Laurist raised the metal loudspeaker again. This time, he was speaking to the slaves rescued from the slave hunters' camp and the slaves in the manor. "The Norton Family does not have slaves, and we will not use the blood and sweat of slaves to exchange for gold coins. Therefore, I hereby announce that all the slaves we rescued from the slave hunters' camp and the slaves in this manor are free … "
This time, the slaves in the plaza were also excited, and they began to cheer loudly …
"However, you can't leave immediately after obtaining your freedom. Stay in this manor for now, and you can leave when we travel north. At that time, we will even give you dry rations and travel expenses. If you have no home to return to, we welcome you to join our army. You and your family will receive the same treatment as the family's soldiers. The Norton Family will treat everyone equally. Those who do not wish to stay and prepare to return home can stay in the manor and work for us. We will also pay you accordingly. "
He put down the metal loudspeaker and waved at the crowd in the plaza, causing them to cheer even louder. Only then did Laurist turn around and leave the balcony.
"This is the first time I've spoken in front of so many people. I'm nervous," Laurist muttered. He took the linen towel that Söderkamp brought up and wiped his face.
The hall on the second floor was already filled with people. Fatty Shi was still leaning against the soft couch, while Terman and Yuri sat below him. Opposite them sat Bodefinger and two of his comrades. Behind them sat 38 old students of Dawn Academy on both sides, some of them still wrapped in bandages.
El and Pat did not bring people to guard the manor, so Redi brought Alisa to play in the manor's garden. Young Schneider stood solemnly beside an empty chair at the front of the hall. This was Laurist's seat, and he was playing the role of a servant.
Other than those present, there was also the old man Erik and his beautiful granddaughter, who were leaning against the wall in the hall. Today, their future would be decided.
Laurist sat on the empty chair, and Söderkamp stood beside Schneider.
"Do as we've discussed over the past two days," Laurist said. "Bodefinger, I'll leave the formation of 500 heavy armoured troops to you."
Bodefinger stood up and bowed. "I won't let you down, my lord."
"Yuri, hurry up and form 60 light cavalry scouts. They are the eyes of our troops, and we cannot relax."
"Yes, my lord, don't worry," Yuri stood up and replied.
"Terman, your knight squad only has 14 people. It's a little too few. How about this, each of your knights will pick two Knight Squires. When they reach Silver-rank, they will be given the title of quasi-knight. If they make contributions and return to the north, I will also take them in as family knights," Laurist said.
Out of the 38 old students of Dawn Academy, only 13 had received professional knight training like Terman. As the most important assault force on the battlefield, Laurist decided to pass it off as a fish eye as a fish eye. Each knight would bring two Iron-rank Knight Squires with them. This way, their charge would be more imposing and threatening.
"Alright," Terman stood up and replied.
"Dorles, I'll leave the 12 ballistae to you. Get the men ready as soon as possible."
"Yes, my lord," Dorles stood up and bowed.
"Rummond, how's the formation of your Potioneering Squad?" Laurist asked.
"My lord, I found a beginner Potioneering Master and two Potioneering Apprentices in the camp. There are also three slaves who know a little about Potioneering. I've already recruited them into the squad. However, there's an intermediate Potioneering Master and his daughter, who's a beginner Potioneering Master, in the manor. They were hired by Slov, and they've already been locked up. My lord, what do you think … "Rummond stood up. He was also one of the old students of Dawn Academy, and had obtained the qualifications to become a beginner Potioneering Master. However, for some reason, he had gotten into a conflict with his Potioneering instructor, Professor Snard Borg, and was stripped of his Potioneering instructor position. Then, he was bewitched by Fatty Shi, and in a fit of passion, he agreed to follow Laurist and the others to the north.
"Ask those slaves. If the Potioneering Master and daughter didn't do anything evil, then let them go and return their belongings. Then, ask them if they're willing to join our squad. If not, then let them go when we head north," Laurist said.
"Yes, my lord. I'll do as you say."
They didn't have enough manpower. Laurist had his eyes on the two comrades sitting beside Bofinger.
"Ross, and Mr. Mons, may I ask for your help?" Laurist asked politely.
Ross smiled straightforwardly. "Lord Locke, please speak your mind. It would be our honor to help you."
Mons Malek nodded in agreement.
"It's like this. I'd like to form a squadron of 360 crossbowmen, and a platoon of pikemen. Could the two of you become the Norton Family's guests temporarily, and be the commanding officers of these two units? You know that my comrades just graduated from the academy, and it's still not enough for them to become commanding officers of the troops immediately. Both of you are experienced officers. Could you give my comrades some pointers? "Laurist asked.
"No problem. What about you, Malek?" Ross agreed readily, and then asked his comrade.
Mons Malek also nodded.
"How about this? Malek was originally the military judge of the White Lion Legion, so let him be in charge of the crossbowmen. I prefer close combat, so I'll lead the platoon of pikemen. Lord Locke, what do you think? "Ross said.
Laurist was overjoyed. "Then I'll leave it to the two of you."
"Currently, we only have around 700 soldiers, but we've rescued more than 3,000 slaves. Most of them are young adults. Most of their homes were destroyed by the slave hunters, and their families were killed. So, I hope that you can mobilize as many of them as possible to join our army. The more the better. If they don't want to join, don't force them. Understood? "
"Yes, my lord," everyone replied in unison.
"Knight Shredder has the heaviest responsibility. He's our chief steward, and is in charge of all matters in the camp. I'll let Sederkamp be his assistant. In addition, I'll let Knight El recruit a team of guards to be in charge of the camp's security. " As he spoke, Lollister beckoned to Angelek and his granddaughter by the wall, motioning for them to come forward.
"You're very lucky." Laurist looked at the grandfather and granddaughter in front of him playfully. "The Norton Family doesn't have any slaves. I promised this in front of everyone, so you still have your freedom. But Angelek, the fact that you led a group of people to attack the Norton Family is undeniable. Even though I've spared your life, you must pay for what you've done. Here are two contracts. You and your granddaughter should sign them. Don't worry, it's not a slave contract. It's a contract to hire you as a servant and your granddaughter as a servant. After ten years, you can leave the Norton Family. "
Sederkamp handed the two pieces of paper, a pen, and a seal box to the old man and his granddaughter.
Ingrek's wrinkled face twitched for a long time. Finally, he let out a long sigh and signed his name on the paper. Then, he opened the seal box and dipped his right index finger in the ink before leaving his fingerprint on the contract. His granddaughter signed the contract with her grandfather, her face pale.
"Your name is Molly?" Laurist asked the pale girl.
"Yes, my lord." The girl was a little scared.
"Your handwriting is very good. You did a good job copying the battle technique I asked you to. There were no mistakes or omissions. I won't let you serve tea or water. Do you see this fatty here? He was injured by your grandfather, so he can't write. So, from today onwards, you will be his servant, his right hand. Not only will you take care of his daily life, but you will also help him write and keep records. You will be his assistant and assistant. Do you understand? "Laurist pointed at Fatty Shi.
The girl gave a half bow and said, "Yes, Sir. As you wish, I will become his maid and assistant."
Fatty Shi was dumbfounded. "My lord, my lord, Locke, don't joke around. I don't need any servant. Let her serve you by your side."
Fatty Shi panicked. He didn't even call Locke "my lord" anymore.
Laurist said with a straight face, "This is my decision. It must be carried out. I don't need to write anything. You'll need help with many things. Also, your tent is as messy as a pigsty. Someone needs to help you tidy it up. Oh right, if you feel comfortable with the slaves who can write, they can stay and help you run errands. They can be office workers in the main camp. "
"En, this Jasmine also has a little maid. I've already found out that her parents were killed by the slave hunters. It was Jasmine who bought her to be a maid, and now she has regained her freedom. Shredder, you can sign a servant contract with her. She and Molly will take care of you. Ingelek, follow Knight Shredder for the next few days and listen to his orders. "
"Yes, my lord. I'm at your service." Ingelek heaved a sigh of relief. As long as he could still be with his granddaughter.
… …
Everyone left. Even Schwald went to find Alisa. Laurist rubbed his temples. It was so tiring. It was so hard to be the head of the family. He had to make decisions for so many things. Fortunately, he had Fatty Shi. Otherwise, he would go crazy if he had to deal with everything.
"Hey, Locke, I heard you gave a beautiful woman to Fatty Shi?" No one else could say this except for Ell.
"You're here?" Laurist looked up and saw Ell rushing in from outside.
"Yes, Yuri and the others were muttering about how they were envious of Fatty Shi. I heard it when I walked past, "Ell said.
"Let Yuri and the others look for them themselves. Thurdkamp told me that there were a dozen beautiful virgins among the slaves rescued from the slave hunters' camp. They were originally going to be sold at a high price at Nubito Port, but they've been rescued by us. Thurdkamp also wanted to arrange for a few of them to be my servants, but I rejected him. Tell Yuri and the others that whoever wants servants can look for them themselves. As long as they're willing, they can't be forced, "Laurist said.
"Huh? Something's not right. Locke, are you not feeling well? "Ell made a fuss.
"What's wrong with me?" Laurist was puzzled by Ell.
"Let me see. Louise and you had one on your birthday, then Nina. You guys had five times in the past few years. Sarah and you had four times. I can't remember if Julie had three or four times. Molly, the newcomer, has slept with you the most, seven times. Basically, you've slept with all the servants in that old man's tavern. It's not like you're someone who can't let go when it comes to men and women. Why are you being so pretentious now? Not only did you send a great beauty to Fatty Shi, you're even unwilling to let those rescued women be your maids. Is there something wrong with your body? "Ayer pointed at Laurist's one-night stand. He really remembered it clearly.
"F * ck …" Laurist didn't know whether to laugh or cry at first. Then, his embarrassment turned into anger. He pounced on Ell and gave him a good beating. "I'm a man. Of course I have needs. If you don't have a girlfriend, where else would you go? Go to your brothel? Who told you to peek, who told you to remember these things … "
Needless to say, for Aire to be able to remember Lollister's affairs so clearly, he must have observed them in secret. Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to have such a deep impression. Even Lollister himself had forgotten about it a few times, but Aire still remembered it so clearly.
After beating Ell up, Laurist felt much better. He sat back in his chair and said, "You know, Ell, we haven't even started our journey north, and we've already run into a roadblock like Slov. I don't know how many difficulties we'll encounter in the future. If I accept servants now, how will you guys look at me? Will you be disappointed in me and leave me? You've been a leader before, and you know how difficult it is to lead subordinates. As the leader of the journey north, I have to bear the hardships first and enjoy the pleasures later. If people lose their loyalty because of my lust, it won't be easy to lead the team. "
Ell got up and nodded. "That's true. But it's a pity to give up on these beautiful women."
Laurist had controlled his strength. Although Ell had been beaten, he was thick-skinned and didn't think much of it. Besides, he was used to Laurist's beatings.
"There's nothing to pity about. There are many beautiful women in the world. The journey north is long, and those old students who follow us should have some benefits. I hope they'll find someone they like when they reach the north. That way, they'll be able to settle down in the north. Right, Ell, now that you mention it, I remember something. When we occupied this manor, didn't we capture a dozen or so concubines of Slov and his cousin, Master Swordsman Parker? They're all very beautiful. Go find Ross and that Mons Malek later and tell them to send two maids to each of them. Let them choose two for themselves. As for the rest, ask those old students. If they're willing, then give them a maid. Hmm, you can choose one as well, "Laurist said.
"Yes, sir." Ell bowed respectfully.
… …
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