Chapter 53
Episode 53
Why? Why not?!
[Mithril cant be bought simply with money. Although its monetary value is as you mentioned, its scarcity means]
Are you saying it cant be bought because its not available?
He had thought money could solve most issues.
[If we must be specific, then yes, thats the case. 100 kg? Such a massive purchase requires not just money but also power.]
In his past life, as Logan, who had been a mercenary barely able to even glimpse mithril, this was something he couldnt have known.
Huh? Power?
Logan was flustered by the sudden realistic obstacle.
But soon enough, he came up with a solution.
The Sword Duke should have enough power, right?
[What?! But will he personally intervene for just a transaction?]
Philip expressed doubt, but Logan believed his relationship with the Sword Duke was more than just a transaction.
He couldnt explain it in detail to Philip, but it was clear that the Sword Duke held more than just a buyer-seller relationship with him.
Theres no harm in trying. Ive got to talk to him.
[Im worried it might ruin the trust youve built for nothing.]
Trust thats broken with one request isnt worth much. I just have to ask.
Despite Philips worried expression, Logan immediately entered different coordinates into the communication device.
He had never used these coordinates since he got them, and while he was worried, thankfully the connection was made quickly.
[This is the residence of Duke Felix Esperanza. Connection coordinate McLean? Please hold on a moment.]
[Where is this? Anyone familiar? Some country ]
Although he heard some displeased remarks, the coordinates seemed accurate.
Then, about 30 minutes later.
[Did the Duke arrive already?]
[Damn it. Is there someone important in this backwater place?]
[Hey, the communication device is still on]
[Ah! I messed up]
[My apologies! The Duke will be here soon.]
After the commotion over the communication device, a familiar face appeared, followed by a voice he knew well.
[Its been a while, Logan.]
Did everything go well since we last met, my lord?
[Yes. Except for my pupil, who didnt send even one message.]
The Sword Duke seemed almost pettily upset.
Ha ha. How could I dare to send personal news to you, my lord? I know my place.
Logans smooth smile didnt waver, regardless of the faint guilt now evident.
[You always did have a way with words. Well, your timing is perfect; I was thinking of thanking you, actually.]
Those unexpected words rang in Logans ears.
Wha What?
Thanks for what? What had he done, unknowingly?
Or was it a disguised threat for not contacting sooner?
[Duke Esperanza, theres 3 months of pregnancy and 3 months have passed. Its been 3 months, and my hope has been fulfilled.]
The Dukes radiant expression blew away all of Logans concerns.
Gosh, congratulations, my lord!
[Yes, thank you. Its all thanks to you.]
How could it be thanks to me, my lord? Surely it was your own effort uh!
Logan nearly blurted out too much and just barely held his tongue in time.
Ahem. Surely, its a blessing from above.
[Haha, you still speak so formally. Indeed, its a blessing and my own effort. But first and foremost, its thanks to you. Im truly grateful.]
Ah haha.
Without guile or calculation, the Sword Duke expressed genuine joy and gratitude, and a natural smile spread across Logans face.
Im glad my timing was good when contacting you.
[Yes. If you hadnt, I wouldve come rushing over to see if you mastered the Heavy-Pressing Sword Technique and whether youre ready for the next lessons.]
Haha. Even the thought is an honor Cough! What did you just say?
[Why, do you object? Should I just forget about it?]
No, not at all! If thats the case, Id be grateful!
Logan quickly declined, startled by the unexpected offer.
[Thats the spirit. Once the child is born, visit the capital again. My wife also wants to extend her personal gratitude. Ill throw a lavish party for you.]
Haha. Theres really no need for a party. Your words are more than enough.
[Then should I not bother teaching you anymore?]
Logans refusal promptly disappeared at that remark.
What party? Whats the dress code? Ill follow whatever you wish, as long as its not a skirt.
[Hahaha! Right, thats more like you.]
What is this like me you speak of?
Sigh.
Its not bad news, but its complicating at this moment.
He unintentionally connected on a trivial matter, only to be caught up in an important event
Ah! My lord. Before we speak of the party, might I inquire about acquiring some mithril?
Logan almost forgot his essential reason for calling, swept up by the Dukes sudden announcement.
[Mithril? Youre rich enough, just buy it.]
Well I need about 100 kg.
[100 kg? Not 100 grams?]
Yes. Thats why Im contacting you.
[Hmm. So you need power.]
Thankfully, the Sword Duke understood his request immediately.
[Youve made so much money? Haha. That medicine mustve indeed been something.]
Although there was a slight misunderstanding, Logan did not feel the need to correct it and just brushed it off with a laugh.
[Alright. I assume you have money; what do you need all that mithril for?]
I want to provide mithril alloy armor for the knights who have worked hard.
[For regular knights? Mithril armor?]
Yes.
[Hahaha, I underestimated your generosity.]
Excuse me?
[Well then, I like it. Youre worth investing in.]
Logan was perplexed by his growing misunderstanding.
[Ill step in. Only need to help your subordinate in the capital?]
As the awaited words fell, Logan instinctively bowed deeply.
Thank you, my lord.
[Oh please, its nothing difficult. Just be sure to attend the party when my child is born. And by then, perhaps refer to me as your teacher. Lets keep in contact more often.]
Yes?
[Then, contact me again once the deal is done.]
Crackle.
As the communication ended with the Duke looking slightly embarrassed, Logan was left with a dumbfounded expression. It was only after a while that he clenched his fists and turned around.
And then.
Woah!
In a space where no one could hear him, he let out a cry of joy.
To be the disciple of the Sword Duke. Good, good.
He had merely planned to make a small request based on a past connection, but he found himself holding a golden lifeline.
Unable to hide his elation, Logans heart soared.
Once Hamar finishes with the crossbow and the towns affairs, Ill have to hand over the mithril to him.
He nearly rushed to meet Hamar in his excitement, but eventually restrained himself.
Lets honor his holiday.
He remembered the greater efficiency when Hamar returned from a brief rest last time.
Not all people could run continuously like himself.
Hence, he decided to simply keep the future task in mind.
How benevolent an employer I am.
Logan felt a sense of pride, having grown a step further.
Of course, he was unaware of the nightmare that woke the sleeping dwarf and that salt was being spread and spit on outside the lodging.
* * *
To reenlist as a soldier you say?
There was reason for Kais skepticism.
At a time when the contract period for Logans mercenaries, hired in preparation for the war with Tesron, was coming to an end, the employer proposed something unusual.
Yes. Ill appoint you as an exclusive training instructor, with a knights treatment. Any other who desires will be hired as regular soldiers.
The others were merely C-rank mercenaries.
Considering this, the offer was extraordinary, which made it even more
These men wont accept it. Their monthly wages will be slashed.
But its steady work.
I wonder. Since its different from a long-term contract. Surely some desire the independence of a mercenary life.
You too?
Id be content, being treated like a knight and instructing seems to suit me. Besides
Besides?
I wish to witness the growth of this family.
At that response, Logans smile broadened.
And youre not eyeing potential spoils afterward?
Well, maybe a little.
Thats fine. As long as I can secure you, I can handle the others with a two-year contract or so.
And if anyone refuses
They refuse. You know why?
Indeed
The reason was singular: the rapid-fire crossbow.
The design would eventually spread, but not yet.
Though some wanted to end their contract within a year, Logan had no intention of letting them go.
Even if there are interested parties already, like the Wolves, theyll be doubtful after just one battle.
However, once the civil war begins and the McLean family achieves another success, the situation will change completely.
Spies may infiltrate, theft or losses in battle may occur. Not everything can be prevented.
At the latest, the crossbow would inevitably become widespread by the end of next year.
Therefore, the intent was to strictly control it until then.
There will be backlash.
Suppress it. That should be possible for you.
But still
Should they still wish to leave after that time, I have no objection.
Really?
Yes.
Kais emerald eyes bore into Logan with suspicion, but Logan did not avert his gaze.
Youre sincere.
Im always sincere.
This isnt preparation for war within 2 years?
At Kais cautious inquiry, Logan let out a brief laugh.
Im not a warmonger.
Its simply that when the time comes, he must be ready to wage war.
You have my obedience.
Unable to decipher the intentions behind Logans smile, Kai bowed again.
Lets start with soldier training then.
Yes.
Recruitment of about a thousand training soldiers is planned, and along with the existing soldiers, basic martial arts and crossbow cavalry training will all be conducted.
Yes?
The first task handed to the official training instructor was even more perplexing than Kai could have imagined.
* * *
Soldier recruitment notice. Eligibility: males aged 16-20. Simple tests conducted at McLean and Tesron castles
The so-called Miracle of the Wasteland had greatly bolstered trust in Logan and the McLean family.
However, it hadnt immediately solved their subsistence issues.
Concerned about how long the food distribution could continue, and being dubious about the promise to carry on until next year, the majority of people with children of suitable age wished for them to enlist as soldiers.
Moreover.
Ricks son from the east village, Rom. Hes sixteen this year
What sixteen! He barely looks thirteen!
Pans son from the west village, Raum. Hes sixteen this year!
Hey, hes only fifteen! Dont you remember the household survey during food distribution? Whats gotten into these people?!
Parents were even trying to trick their way into getting their children into the recruitment by lying about their ages.
Do we really need to recruit so many? If we just follow tradition and recruit around ten times the number of knights, that would be enough for now
Ive got this.
Despite Dwaynes persistent nagging, increasing troop numbers was an essential task Logan was committed to, despite the consequences.
He would have preferred not to limit the recruiting.
If it werent for the kingdoms backward thinking, Id recruit women without discrimination. If we did that now in our kingdom
He shuddered at the thought of the immense backlash such an action would generate.
The local resistance could somehow be quelled, yet the severe backlash from other nobles in the kingdom, whom they would need to confront and conquer eventually, was unmanageable.
The empire had many female knights.
Regretting the outdated patriarchal culture of his current nation, he sighed.
Unless we conquer the entire kingdom No, still problematic.
Logan shook his head to dismiss the impractical thoughts.
Anyway, the number of soldiers isnt what matters. Its about finding those with the potential to become knights.
The current enlistment was about planning for the distant future.
Merely having a large number of soldiers wasnt very beneficial they would only serve as auxiliaries.
Even assuming crossbows were distributed to every soldier, an additional thousand would suffice.
Moreover, with less than a year left until civil war, anything more was overly ambitious.
Even in this recruitment alone
Over two thousand have flocked. More than a thousand are just from McLean Castle.
The administration is overwhelmed by the numbers
All the knights claim they have the authority to recruit for their own ranks. They even want to go to Tesron
Amidst the advisors individual concerns, Logan raised his hand to silence them.
Instruct the knights to properly train themselves. Ill start with McLean Castle, and Dwayne, Feran, and Rugel, you three will join me.
Why must I?
Why, should I do it alone?
It was supposed to be the knights duty, and they were eager, yet why involve the administrators?
The disapproving glares from those selected met Logan squarely, but he was unfazed.
New standards must replace old perceptions. Traditional knights wont work.
Thats why establishing clear criteria from the start was critical.
Are all soldiers currently considered knight trainees?
Yes, although some have given up, regulations still
Exclude those who gave up, but from the new soldiers, select those with talent or guts and group them separately. Create a knight trainee unit.
Excuse me? What about the others
uh?]
Logan did not pay heed to the concerns of his vassals. Establishing a fresh batch of soldiers with a new perspective was vital. Despite the confusion this new direction might cause, the importance of upending old customs in favor of rigorous new standards was not lost on him.
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