The small square facing the main building of the Slov estate was packed with people. It was the morning of the third day since
In the center stood over seven hundred slave soldiers armed with long spears. To their left were their family members. To the right stood the slaves liberated from the slaver camp. And crammed together at the very back were roughly a thousand more — the slaves responsible for the vineyards and daily labor at the estate, along with their families.
Lorist appeared on the second-floor balcony of the main building, holding a makeshift megaphone fashioned from a rolled tin sheet. Two days had passed since they'd seized the Slov estate. Weapons, equipment, and cargo had all been transported. The miscellaneous tasks were finally wrapped up. Now it was time to reorganize the army. Today, Lorist would address all the slave soldiers and slaves — to give them hope and to build ironclad confidence in everyone for the northward journey ahead.
"I suppose I should introduce myself," he began. "I am Baron
"As you no doubt understand, the reason my knights paid a handsome sum to rescue you from those despicable slavers at Nobit was to form our own Norton family army — to march you and your families north together back to our territory, and upon reaching Northland, grant you your freedom. But before we could even take the first step northward, these contemptible slavers attacked us, wanting to turn you back into slaves, into merchandise, into blood-soaked coins in their pockets."
"Before the family's reinforcements arrived, you held off the slavers' assault with nothing but wooden sticks and spears. You held the camp until reinforcements came. Then you went on the offensive — capturing the enemy's camp, seizing their estate. Throughout all of this, you upheld your duties, followed discipline, and perfectly completed every task assigned to you. Your performance has earned our respect — and it has earned you your freedom."
"As head of the Norton family, I, Baron Lorist, hereby make this solemn declaration: from this day forward, you are no longer slaves. You are soldiers of the Norton family — glorious warriors..."
"ROAAAR!..." The seven hundred-plus slave soldiers below erupted, their cheers deafening...
Lorist waited a moment, then pressed both hands downward to signal for quiet. "Your families, upon reaching Northland, will be granted commoner status and enjoy the privileges accorded to family soldiers' relatives. You will receive land and homes, and live peaceful, prosperous lives on the family's territory..."
Not just the seven hundred-odd soldiers, but their families erupted in cheers as well...
"During the battle against the slavers, seventeen brave soldiers gave their lives, and four more were crippled. But the Norton family will never forget those who fulfilled their duty and sacrificed for the family. The families of the fallen soldiers will receive the same treatment as soldiers' relatives, and they will also receive a monthly pension of one large silver coin — for a period of twenty years. The wounded and crippled soldiers will receive the same, though their pension will last for life. This is my promise — Baron Lorist's promise. As long as the Norton family still exists, this promise will never change."
The soldiers below were deeply moved. The families of the fallen wept with relief. Their greatest fear had been that after losing their loved ones, they would be seen as burdens by their lord and mercilessly cast aside. In these turbulent times, as lowly soldiers living one day at a time, their biggest worry was what would happen to their families after they died. If they were lucky enough to have a reasonable, merciful lord, they might receive a few silver coins as compensation. But a cruel lord might even blame the fallen soldiers for the defeat, complain that they hadn't fought hard enough, and take it out on their families — there were even cases of soldiers' families being seized and sold to slavers.
A promise like Lorist's was absolutely unprecedented in the history of the Galentea Continent. Everyone knew that once casualties accumulated into the thousands, the pension payments alone would be an astronomical sum — a burden no family could bear. In times of chaos, human life was cheap as grass, and not a single lord dared make such a promise to his soldiers the way Lorist did.
In truth, Lorist had fought bitterly with Fatty over this very promise. Even Bodenfenger had disagreed with his decision, citing the old White Lion Corps as an example — as a regular military unit of the former Krisen Empire, they only paid the families of fallen soldiers a pension equivalent to one year's salary, nothing like the twenty-year commitment Lorist was making.
Lorist had overridden both Fatty's and Bodenfenger's firm objections and pushed the pension policy through. He argued that a soldier's life being worth less than a single gold coin per year in compensation was far too cheap. If the Norton family could afford to pay pensions for ten thousand soldiers a year, then the Norton family wouldn't be stuck struggling in Northland — they would have already conquered enough territory to establish a kingdom.
Lorist used the slavers as an example. A few days ago, when he'd entered the fray personally, he'd killed just over thirty — less than fifteen percent of the slavers' total numbers — and yet the entire force had collapsed. Then
Even if the enemy could destroy them, they would pay a heavy price. Only an army like this could become an impenetrable hedgehog that no one dared bite. Any enemy who wanted to move against the Norton family would have to carefully calculate whether it was worth it. Only the existence of such a family army would make enemies think twice, not daring to provoke the Nortons for fear of a pyrrhic victory.
Building such a family army, the first thing to solve was ensuring the soldiers had no worries behind them. Lorist's pension promise was designed for exactly this purpose. He told Bodenfenger and Fatty: "You've only thought about the pension accumulating into a huge number, but you've missed the trick. A fallen soldier's twenty-year pension amounts to just two hundred and forty large silver coins — equivalent to twelve gold Forde coins."
"Twelve gold coins isn't much for a soldier who died bravely in battle, but it ensures that the fallen soldier's family remains loyal to the Norton family for twenty full years. And the pension isn't paid in a lump sum — it's one large silver coin per month. Think of it like borrowing twelve gold coins where the monthly interest alone is more than a large silver coin. The Norton family can use this capital to open trade routes and develop our territory. The one silver coin paid out each month is just a drop of interest."
Fatty and Bodenfenger finally had their moment of realization — they realized they simply hadn't thought things through as carefully as Lorist. He continued: "This is only the first step. Building a family army requires much more. Soldiers must follow discipline and obey orders. More importantly, we must build a sense of pride in the family army. Every soldier should be proud to serve as a Norton family soldier, with unwavering confidence in victory and an indomitable spirit. But all of this takes time — it can only be achieved through long training and a string of crushing victories."
Once the cheers of the soldiers and their families in the square gradually subsided, Lorist raised the tin megaphone once more. "My soldiers, Northland is still far away, and the road ahead is long. Before we set out on our march, you will be reorganized and retrained. I will protect you with sturdy armor and arm you with sharp blades. Whether it's bandits, mountain outlaws, or even the armies of greedy lords — whoever stands in our way will be ground to dust beneath our war wheels. No one can stop us from reaching home. I will not abandon or forsake any one of you. Under the banner of the Raging Bear, we will reach Northland, and we will live peaceful, prosperous lives!"
The square erupted once more: "Norton! Norton!..."
Lorist raised the megaphone a final time, now addressing the slaves freed from the slaver camp and the estate's slaves. "The Norton family has no slaves, and we will never trade in the blood and sweat of slaves for gold. So I hereby declare: all of you who were rescued from the slaver camp, and all of you who were slaves at this estate — you are all free..."
The slaves in the square erupted in jubilation, cheering and shouting...
"But gaining your freedom doesn't mean you can leave right away. Stay at this estate for now. When we march north, you'll be free to go. We'll even provide you with rations and travel money. If you have no home to return to, you're welcome to join our army. You and your families will receive the same treatment as family soldiers — the Norton family treats everyone equally. Those who don't wish to stay and want to go home can work for us during your time at the estate, and we'll pay you fair wages."
He set down the megaphone and waved to the crowd in the square, drawing an even louder roar of cheers, before finally turning and leaving the balcony.
"That's the first time I've ever spoken in front that many people," Lorist muttered. "Pretty nerve-wracking." He took the linen cloth
The second-floor hall was already full. Fatty was still lounging on a cushioned couch, with Terman and
El and Pat had taken people to handle the estate's security and weren't present. Reidi had taken Alisha to play in the estate's gardens. Little Shward stood with a serious expression beside an empty chair at the head of the hall — it was Lorist's seat, and Shward was playing the role of attendant.
Apart from those seated, there was old Injelek standing against the wall with his beautiful granddaughter. Today would also be the day their fate was decided.
Lorist sat down in the empty chair, and Sedekamp took his place beside Little Shward.
"Everything goes as we discussed these past two days," Lorist said. "Sir Bodfenger, the task of forming a five-hundred-strong heavy infantry battalion is yours."
Bodenfenger stood and bowed. "I will not fail your trust, my lord."
"Yuri, the formation of a sixty-strong light cavalry scout squad needs to move quickly. They're the eyes of our column — we can't afford to slack on this."
"Understood. Rest assured, my lord," Yuri replied, rising to his feet.
"Terman, your knight order currently has only fourteen members, which is far too few. Here's what we'll do — each of your knights will take on two knight apprentices. Once they reach the Silver rank, they'll be granted the title of Knight Aspirant. If they distinguish themselves in battle, when we return to Northland I'll take them on as family knights as well," Lorist said.
Of the thirty-eight veteran students from Dawn Academy, only thirteen had received proper knight training like Terman. As the most critical shock troops on the battlefield, Lorist decided to pad their numbers — having each knight lead two
"Understood," Terman replied, rising to his feet.
"Dolles, the twelve crossbow war wagons are in your hands. Get them manned as quickly as possible."
"Yes, my lord." Dolles stood and bowed.
"Lunmede, how is your apothecary squad coming along?"
"My lord, I found one junior apothecary and two apothecary apprentices in the slaver camp. Among the freed slaves, there are three more with some knowledge of medicinal lore. I've recruited them all into the squad. However, there is a mid-level apothecary and his junior apothecary daughter here at the estate — they were hired by Slov. They've been detained for now. My lord, what would you like done with them?" Lunmede stood up. He was also one of the Dawn Academy veterans and had earned a junior apothecary certification. For reasons unknown, he'd gotten into a conflict with Professor Snade Borg of the apothecary department, lost his position as apothecary instructor, and been swept up by Fatty's persuasion into foolishly agreeing to follow Lorist north.
"Ask the freed slaves. If this apothecary and his daughter haven't done anything cruel, release them. Return their belongings, and ask if they'd like to join our column. If they don't wish to, let them go when we march north," Lorist said.
"Understood, my lord. I'll follow your instructions."
Manpower was in short supply. Lorist turned his attention to the two comrades sitting with Bodenfenger.
"Ross, and Mons Malek — might I ask a favor of the two of you?" Lorist asked politely.
Ross smiled bluntly. "Lord Lork, just say what you need. It would be our honor to be of help."
Mons Malek nodded in agreement beside him.
"The thing is, I'd like to form a three-hundred-and-sixty-strong crossbow company and a spear infantry battalion. Would you two be willing to serve temporarily as guest officers of the Norton family, taking command of these two units? As you know, my companions here are fresh out of the academy — they're not yet ready to command units in the field. You two are experienced officers. Could you perhaps give my companions some guidance?" Lorist asked.
"I have no objection. Malek, what about you?" Ross agreed readily, then turned to his companion.
Mons Malek nodded as well.
"Then how about this — Malek was our White Lion Corps' military judge, so let him take the crossbow company. I prefer close combat, so I'll lead the spear infantry battalion. Lord Lork, does that work for you?" Ross suggested.
Lorist was delighted. "Then I'll entrust the two of you."
"Currently, our family soldiers number just over seven hundred. But among the slaves we've freed, there are more than three thousand, most of them young and able-bodied. Their homes were largely destroyed by the slavers, and their families killed. So I hope you'll do everything you can to encourage them to join our family army — the more, the better. Don't force anyone who truly doesn't want to join. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord," the group replied in unison.
"Shrade has the heaviest burden — he's our chief steward, responsible for everything related to the main camp. I'll have Sedekamp serve as his deputy. Additionally, I'll have Sir El recruit a bodyguard squad to handle the camp's security." Lorist gestured toward Injelek and his granddaughter by the wall, motioning for them to come forward.
"You're fortunate," Lorist said, regarding the old man and his granddaughter with an amused look. "The Norton family has no slaves — I just made that promise publicly. So you still have your personal freedom. But Injelek, the fact that you led a group to attack us is undeniable. I may have spared your life, but you must pay for what you've done. Here are two contracts — sign them, both you and your granddaughter. Rest assured, they're not slavery contracts. They're employment contracts — you as a servant, and your granddaughter as a maid. After ten years, you'll be free to leave the Norton family."
Sedekamp stepped forward with two sheets of parchment, a pen, and a seal kit, presenting them to the old man and his granddaughter.
Injelek's weathered face twitched for a long moment before he finally let out a deep sigh, took the parchment, picked up the pen, and signed his name. He then opened the seal kit, dipped his right index finger in the ink, and pressed his fingerprint onto the contract. His granddaughter, face pale, followed his lead and signed as well.
"Your name is Melis?" Lorist asked the pale-faced girl, looking at the contract.
"Yes, my lord," the girl replied timidly.
"Your handwriting is excellent. The battle-qi manual I had you copy was perfectly done — no omissions or errors. I won't have you serving tea and carrying water. See that fat man over there? He was injured at your grandfather's hands, which is why he can't hold a pen to write. So from today onward, you'll be his maid — his right hand. You won't just tend to his daily needs; you'll help him write and keep records, serving as his assistant and deputy. Understood?" Lorist pointed at Fatty.
The girl gave a half-bow. "Yes, my lord. As you wish — I will serve as his maid and assistant."
Fatty was stunned. "My lord, my lord — Lork, stop joking! I don't need a maid. Have her attend to you instead!"
In his panic, Fatty dropped the honorific and went straight to calling him Lork.
"Also, this Melis has a little maidservant. I've already looked into it — both her parents were killed by the slavers. Melis bought her to serve as her personal maid. Now that she's been freed, Shrade, you can sign a maid contract with her too. Have her and Melis take care of you together. Injelek, for the next few days, you'll follow Sir Shrade and take his orders."
"Very well, my lord. It will be my honor to serve," Injelek said with a relieved breath. As long as he could stay with his granddaughter, that was enough.
...
Everyone filed out, and even Shward went off to find Alisha. Lorist rubbed his temples — exhausting. Being the head of the family was no easy job. There were so many things that required his decision. At least he had Fatty to work with; otherwise, having to handle every little and big matter himself would drive him mad.
"Hey, Lork, heard you gave some gorgeous beauty to Fatty?" Only El would dare speak to him like that.
"You're here?" Lorist looked up as El bustled in through the door.
"Yeah. A little while ago, Yuri and the others were whispering about how jealous they were of Fatty. I happened to overhear as I walked by," El said.
"Tell Yuri and the rest to find their own. Sedekamp told me that among the freed slaves from the slaver camp, there are over a dozen beautiful young women who were still virgins — they were being transported to Nobit for sale at high prices before we rescued them. Sedekamp even wanted to arrange a few as my personal maids, but I refused. Pass the word to Yuri and the others — anyone who wants a maid can approach them and offer a contract, as long as they agree willingly. No forcing," Lorist said.
"Hmm? Something's not right here. Lork, are you feeling okay?" El asked with exaggerated concern.
"What about me?" Lorist was bewildered.
"Let me think. There was Louise and that birthday incident, then Nina — you two went at it five times over the years. Sara, four times. Jumili, three or four times, I forget. And that new girl Molly — she's slept with you the most, seven times by now. Basically, every maid at the old geezer's tavern has ended up in your bed. You've never been the type to hold back in that department. So why are you suddenly getting all proper? You gave a gorgeous beauty to Fatty, and now you won't even let the freed women serve as maids — is something wrong down there?" El ticked off Lorist's encounters on his fingers, and he'd clearly kept track with remarkable precision.
"What the—" Lorist went from exasperated to furious in an instant. He lunged at El and pounded him. "I'm a man, obviously I have needs! When there's no girlfriend around, where else am I supposed to go — the brothels you run? Serves you right for peeping and keeping count..."
Needless to say, the only way El could remember Lorist's affairs in such detail was by secretly observing — even Lorist himself had lost count, yet El had it all memorized.
After thrashing El good and proper, Lorist felt much better. He settled back into his chair. "You know, El, we haven't even started the northward march and we've already run into Slov as an obstacle. Who knows how many hardships we'll face on the road ahead. If I start indulging in romantic pleasures now, what would you all think of me? Would you lose faith and walk away? You've been a leader yourself — you know how hard it is to keep your followers in line. As the one leading this march north, I have to endure hardship first and enjoy later. If my people's loyalty scattered because I was chasing after pretty women, the whole column would fall apart."
El picked himself up and nodded. "That's true, but it's a shame to let all those beautiful women go."
Lorist had been pulling his punches — El was tough-skinned and didn't take the beating seriously. Besides, he was used to getting thrashed by Lorist.
"No shame at all. There are plenty of beautiful women in the world. This march north will be a long road. Those veteran students who followed us deserve some happiness too — I hope they'll each have found a sweetheart by the time we reach Northland, so they can settle down and start families there. Oh, El, now that you mention it — when we seized this estate, didn't we capture over a dozen of Slov and his cousin Pike the Great Swordmaster's concubines? They're all quite beautiful. Go find Ross and Mons Malek and assign two maids to each of them — let them choose for themselves. For the rest, ask the veteran students — anyone who wants one gets a maid. And you can pick one for yourself too," Lorist said.
"As you command, my lord." El bowed with exaggerated formality.
...