Chapter 80
(Kyle
Calendar Year 506: Age 13)
The Margrave's Intentions
Translator : PolterGlast
After the commendation
ceremony concluded, Father, Brother, I, and Commander Weiss were summoned by
Margrave Hastburg and gathered in a separate room.
"Newly appointed
Baron Solis (the younger brother) and the Solis Viscountcy, received a
brilliant evaluation in this commendation ceremony. This is truly joyful."
"This
commendation is truly an honor, but I also worry if it might cause unnecessary
discord among the noble families under your command."
"Nonsense,
there's no need to worry about your kin. Kilias, Gorman, and Cornell have all
been stimulated by you and are undergoing positive changes. Don't concern
yourself with minor matters."
The Margrave laughed
heartily.
"By the way,
Viscount Solis, the reason I've gathered everyone here today is because I have
a particular favor to ask."
The Margrave's
expression changed from his earlier gentle smile to a stern look as he turned
to Father.
"Don't you think
there's something ulterior to the extraordinary rewards bestowed upon you and
your children this time?"
"Yes, as you say,
the rewards bestowed upon us were indeed excessive. I thought there must be
something behind it..."
"First, regarding
the elder brother (Darek). There are various circumstances here in the royal
capital.
Some are secretly
working to bring you, Sir Darek, over, some are trying to strike him down as a
rising talent, and others are observing silently...
There haven't been any
notable movements yet, but various individuals are stirring here.
Therefore, after
consulting with Sir Golaus, I decided to take the initiative and appoint you,
who has not yet even graduated from the academy, as Vice-Commander of the
Frontier Knight Corps."
"Sir Golaus, the
Commander of the Royal Capital Knights?"
"Precisely. He
also thinks highly of you as 'a promising individual for the future.'
From now on, just like
us, there may be those who scheme to win you over, or set traps to bring you
down.
You should be mindful
of this, and even while you are still enrolled in the academy, it would be best
to be cautious of those who approach you."
"Understood. I
will be vigilant of my surroundings."
At my brother's words,
the Margrave took a breath.
"Now then,
regarding you, Sir Takuhir.
The King's 50,000 gold
coins, that truly excessive.
Didn't you also think
there was more to it?"
"Yes, I suspected
that perhaps some kind of expectation or compensation would be demanded for the
establishment of the Frontier Knight Corps...
I also felt the
possibility that such compensation might be demanded on the battlefield against
the Empire in the future."
"Well, you could
say that's exactly right.
We plan to station a
portion of the Frontier Knight Corps in the town you govern. As a Frontier
Knight Corps branch.
His Majesty is also
aware of this.
In the future, the
construction and maintenance of a 500-strong Knight Corps branch will require
endless funds."
"Then, should I
understand that the reward also serves as funding for that construction and
operational costs?"
"Well, including
land usage fees and such, 20,000 gold coins... yes, you may think of it that
way.
It seems the royal
court will define the terms in a way that imposes responsibilities commensurate
with the rewards."
Indeed, I had also
been thinking that nothing comes for free.
"Regarding the
10,000 gold coins from my investment, future repayment is not necessary. Please
use it for the operational costs of the Frontier Knight Corps branch.
However! This is to be
kept confidential.
Especially among the
allied noble armies who sent troops as reinforcements this time, there were
some troublesome individuals.
This should hopefully
calm things down a bit."
"Now, next is
about the Viscount himself.
The contribution of
soldiers to the Frontier Knight Corps is 150 cavalry for a Viscount, but in
your case, I want you to contribute 200 cavalry.
The reason is... do
you understand?
500 mobile forces will
be permanently stationed in your territory's dangerous zone. It won't be a
disadvantage, will it?"
"Understood.
Thank you very much for your numerous considerations."
Father bowed deeply to
the Margrave.
"Finally... this
is a request from me. It is not an order, so I wish you to consider it
carefully.
Commander Weiss, this
concerns you and the Viscount's family."
·
He wished to invite Commander Weiss as a strategist
for the Frontier Knight Corps.
·
He wished to grant the Commander a knighthood,
including his military achievements this time.
·
He wished to grant him the position of Vice-Commander,
overseeing 500 cavalrymen during peacetime.
·
He wished him to oversee the Frontier Knight Corps
branch as Vice-Commander.
These were the
Margrave's requests.
It seemed that when
leading the Allied Cavalry Corps, Commander Weiss's abilities had been revealed
to the Margrave.
Having been saved by
the valiant efforts of the Commander and the mercenary corps, and seeing his
command ability, combat strength, and his qualities as a warrior, the Margrave
seemed to have become quite fond of Commander Weiss.
"I also wish for
a portion of the mercenary corps led by the Commander... no, 100 cavalrymen to
be incorporated as knights of the Frontier Knight Corps branch.
Of course, a mercenary
contract with me will suffice.
I will pay the
compensation and renew the contract annually. If the quota is met, I will leave
the replacement and selection of personnel entirely to the Commander.
Regarding the
Commander, your position as the commander of the mercenary corps will also be
respected, and you may concurrently serve in both roles. So, you can think of
it as having gained about 400 more soldiers to command."
This could be
considered an unprecedentedly generous offer.
Did it mean that the
Margrave valued the Commander and the mercenary corps he led that much?
"By the way,
regarding the mercenary corps other than the 100 cavalrymen to be incorporated,
will they remain as they were before?"
"Yes, you
(Viscount Solis) and the Commander may proceed as before, according to your
arrangements."
Father seemed a little
relieved.
Losing the entire
mercenary corps would be painful, but their stationing at the Teigun branch was
not a bad deal.
Father could use those
funds to expand the standing army.
Moreover, in this
battle, everyone in the Kingdom's army had keenly felt the necessity of a
cohesive fighting force.
"As a wanderer
and on behalf of our mercenary corps, first, thank you for such an
exceptionally generous offer."
The Commander, who had
been silent until now, spoke for the first time.
"I am truly
grateful for the offer I have received, a favor that brings honor to a warrior.
However... I know it's
very rude, but there is something I must dare to state."
Everyone held their
breath and looked at the Commander.
"We were saved by
Takuhir-sama.
We were rebuilt as a
mercenary corps and given the means to establish ourselves. We still feel the
greatest debt of gratitude, one that cannot be repaid.
It may sound strange
coming from me, a mercenary who makes a living by moving for contracts, but I
am a rough man who cannot live without upholding my loyalty in return for this
kindness.
Even with such
excessive favor, what I must prioritize above all else, what I cannot deviate
from, is to protect Takuhir-sama, and to protect the Solis Viscountcy,
including Daren-sama and Darek-sama.
This vow will not
change in the future.
If that is still
acceptable, then in return for the kindness of valuing my humble self, I wish
to serve you with utmost sincerity."
I was deeply moved by
the Commander's words.
The person who should
have taken my life in the [previous history] was now vowing to protect me in
[this history].
Similarly, Father,
Brother, and even the Margrave himself sighed in admiration.
"Sir Takuhir, you
have found good comrades. No, perhaps your actions attracted him, or perhaps
you drew him in yourself...
Sir Weiss, I have
indeed received your heartfelt words!
The Solis Viscountcy
is one of my important subordinates, those who dedicate their loyalty to the
Kyle Kingdom and play a crucial role.
Showing loyalty to
them is tantamount to showing loyalty to me, and thus to the Kyle Kingdom.
Proceed on your path
as you see fit!
I shall be your
protector and your shield!"
At the Margrave's
words, Commander Weiss rose from his seat, knelt before the Margrave, and bowed
deeply.
In a flurry, I,
Father, and Brother followed suit.
"With this, it's
settled.
Commander... no, Sir
Weiss, I want you to thoroughly train 500 knights.
And in that land, I
want you to nurture them into our faction's trump card, capable of employing
tactics fused with mages.
I had forgotten, but I
wish to send 1,000 gold coins as condolence money to the members of the
Twin-Headed Eagle Mercenary Corps who fought valiantly and lost their lives in
the Allied Cavalry Corps.
Please kindly accept
it as preparation money for the incorporation into the Knight Corps.
Well then, that
concludes all that I had to say.
Now, let us enjoy the
banquet in the royal capital."
The Margrave's gentle
smile returned and he laughed.
I, no, we, were always
protected within the Margrave's embrace.
I felt that deeply
once again.
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