Chapter 78
Phuahaha!
Young Master! Is this really the time to laugh?! Have you lost your mind? No matter how peculiar your tastes, this is just strange. An engagement without even informing the family!
Rick ranted, his chest puffed up with fervor. However
If theres no engagement, someone must take responsibility for the injuries of Lady Eileen, right? You perhaps?
Why, why would you mention me! You were the one who hit her!
Rick took a step back with a sense of injustice on his face.
Its inevitable. When you see a treasure right before your eyes, of course, you have to claim it.
What are you even talking about? If you propose an engagement with that that brilliant lady, even the lord will jump in shock! Theyll say the Sword Master was just making a joke!
No, thats not it.
No, that lady too Why, why did she nod her head. What exactly did you tell her in that moment? Someone who has never properly interacted with a woman in his life, how could he suddenly
Youre curious about that, arent you?
Well, I am a bit curious No! Young Master! I am just speaking from utter loyalty!
So, you dont want me to tell you?
Hem-hem. Well, it would be nice to know
Im not going to tell you.
Oh, come on!
Logan smirked, ignoring Ricks commotion, and quietly closed his eyes. Days had passed, but the thrilling experience was still vivid in his mind. Ricks assumptions were somewhat different from the reality.
Her swordsmanship sense was not inferior to Ronyans.
She had immediately corrected her swordsmanship right there after being pointed out a few flaws.
Upon witnessing that, Logan instantly changed his mind. He decided that he must secure her by any means necessary. She had the potential to become a superhuman in the future, but that was not the only reason.
A potential superwoman knight from Grandia?
Even if Eileen didnt become well-known for her skills as a knight, her fame would eradicate one of the worst social diseases in the country.
She could be a driving force to develop female military forces.
The neighboring Ares Empire valued talent over gender, and this policy extended to the military. Whoever had talent, regardless of gender, could receive advanced education and training. This applied to both martial and magical pursuits.
Thus, sorceresses and female knights were another formidable weapon in the empire, a strength Grandia did not yet possess.
And he would have to face such an empire in the future.
The more cards we can play, the better.
A mindset deeply ingrained in the thousand-year-old foundation of the Grandian kingdom.
Changing this wasnt just about expanding the influence of ones family. But if things went as planned
If the price of that potential is an engagement, even marriage, its a bargain at twice the price.
Whispers that werent romantic per se but a proposal he thought she would appreciate given the rumors, her situation, and her abilities.
You have remarkable talent. Lets work together. Come to Maclaine, not as a woman, but as a knight. I promise you free training, sparring, and a battleground where you can make a name for yourself. Of course, well have to engage for formalitys sake.
The moment Eileens flushed face lightly nodded in agreement.
The deal between two nobles was struck.
An unexpected gain that naturally excited him. After all, it wasnt every day that you stumbled upon such a treasure. Furthermore, Eileens bright smile, lit with the pure joy of unbridled sparring
Snip!
Augh! Ill have a handprint! What are you doing, Young Master?! Have you really gone mad?!
No, just trying to come back to my senses.
Why resort to self-harm to regain your senses? Youre bleeding! Blood!
While Rick was in a panic, Logan suppressed the flutter of his heart.
Indeed, it is blood. Sigh.
Logan berated himself for letting blood flow so carelessly.
Have I already become this lax?! Pull yourself together, Logan! Women, its like you want to perish in the arms of one!
Eileen would get a chance to showcase her talents.
And he would gain another talent to oppose the empire.
Yes. This was just a mutually beneficial transaction.
The agreement itself is sufficient.
As the excited emotions settled down, his heart grew calmer.
And then
Im going to see the master.
What should I take from that after youve spilled blood?
Its okay, really. Its nothing.
It doesnt seem like nothing.
Logan didnt bother to convince Rick, whose mind was cluttered with doubts.
His own mind had cleared up, so he was curious about what was to come.
* * *
Why Eileen?
Yes. It doesnt seem like you simply wanted to arrange a marriage for me.
Ha-ha. Boy, it seems that lady has quite caught your fancy!
Master!
Ahem. I was in a bit of a rush to tell you. Well, there are two reasons I chose that family.
Two reasons?
Yes. First, the Countess Floyd is not part of any faction but holds significant influence in the capital. They can represent Maclaine, which lacks central political connections.
It gives Bipros even more reasons to tolerate.
With the internal conflict on the horizon, Logan himself hadnt been all that bothered by this reason. But to the oblivious Sword Master, it was a sound justification.
Yes. And the others?
Theres an even more important reason
Logan leaned in to hear the Sword Master, who spoke with deliberate seriousness.
I was curious to see what would happen if you put a schemer with a wild maiden. To think youd actually take to her this much! Phuahaha!
Uh
Logans clenched fists trembled on his knees.
The master was often whimsical, yet stern in training matters, which only shattered the grand image of the Sword Master the world knew.
This was playing with personal matters of duty.
Perhaps there was another reason, but Logan couldnt help feeling defeated.
Well, it worked out anyway.
Trying to forget his masters prank, he found solace in justifying the outcome.
Just like that, give an old man no regrets. Go and make some children.
Master!!
Phuahaha!
* * *
After the incident with Eileen, Logans life had become quite monotonous. He didnt leave the Sword Masters residence, dedicating his time to relentless training.
Despite the strange looks from those who learned of the engagement, Logan focused solely on training.
This included sparring with the 18 knights that followed him as guards.
As autumn deepened and three weeks since his arrival in the capital passed, a turning point came for those who accompanied Logan.
Swish!
Cold water was poured on Hendersons face as he lay defeated.
Blah! Ptooey! Who dares?
Its me.
Thank you for waking me up, Young Master.
Although Logan was the one who knocked him out, Henderson quickly voiced his gratitude, his eyes sincere, making Logan feel a twinge of guilt inside.
And this reaction wasnt unique to Henderson; most of the 18 knights seemed to have grown even more loyal since coming to the dukedom.
Uncertain why this loyalty intensified, Logan found it challenging to address them with his prepared remarks.
Ahem. Have you all improved at least a little since arrival?
Yes, we have!
Do you feel its been worthwhile coming to the capital?
Yes!
Considering the chaos they had caused at the city gate, Logan thought it wouldnt be surprising if they wished to dash out to the streets every day.
Yet, contrary to expectations, these knights didnt take a step outside the estate, seeming almost as addicted to training as Logan himself.
Feeling more confident in their commitment, Logan decided it was time to delegate an important task to them.
In truth, I have a personal favor to ask.
Yes?
Will you help me?
Well do anything you command, Young Master!
The knights shone with loyalty. However, as Logans request extended, their expressions slowly turned complex.
* * *
Ah, to think that the knights
Having barely managed to settle his shipping affairs in the capital, Philip stared slack-jawed at the knights Logan had brought.
Yes, theyve all agreed to my request. Let me introduce them. This is Henderson, the captain. He will be responsible for your safety.
Im at your service.
I am as well, but is this really?
As Philip faltered, Logan continued with a smile.
This is Digrom. For strategizing, consult this lieutenant.
But Young Master, is it really
From here we have Jimmy, Nuez, Lambert, and Kelden.
Are you sure its wise to deploy the knights this way?
I asked them, and theyre all okay with it, right?
Yes.
The knights collective voice was quieter than that of an individual, a testament to their unwillingness, but Logans next words gave them a glimmer of hope.
Three months. Until winter sets, youll assist with something very important.
For Philip, the knot of anxiety only tightened.
Theres no need to worry. Its just an expansion of last years tasks
Despite Logans reassurance, Philips unease only grew.
Secure as many weapons and mounts as possible before the end of the year, and send them back to our territories, including the timber from the recently acquired Triton County.
An ominous premonition that was never wrong.
What scheme are you plotting now?! These are dangerous times and youre gathering war supplies. Are you planning to start a war yourself?
Ay, do you see me as a warmonger?
Then why gather war supplies!
Just in case, thats all.
In case of what! Every time you say that, something always
About to protest further, Philip swallowed his words, fearing his prediction could become reality. He sighed and gave in, seeing Logans unwavering resolve.
How much, then?
Allocate 30 million gold for it. Do the best you can with that amount.
What?!
Philips cry of disbelief didnt alter Logans expression.
After conquering Sylvan without much effort, Logan had become confident.
If I could increase the number of crossbow cavalries, I could handle a lesser knight order with just soldiers.
It was possible to annihilate a small knight order with thousands of soldiers, changing the common understanding of the continent. There was certainly a limit to the number of troops due to maintenance costs of horses and equipment, but it was worth the challenge. Moreover
In the long term, it doesnt even need to be cavalry. Just training conscripts with crossbows would suffice.
While he might not reach the prowess of the empires crossbow soldiers, he needed to build a comparable force before his rebirth. And this involved amassing resources in peacetime.
But it seemed Philip had other concerns.
Ah. Thats complicated. Young Master, due to your lack of experience with trading, let me explain. You probably wont be able to procure even half of what youre thinking.
What?
Im telling you, the moment theres such demand, prices will skyrocket. Especially horses! Money doesnt make horses multiply faster or grow overnight!
Wha did I wait too long to act? I thought it would be fine before a war, this is
Before war?! You did say before the war! So you are planning this!
No.
Logan feigned innocence as Philip helplessly quivered with anger.
Let me explain clearly. 30 million gold. Even if we spent a third each on weapons, horses, and timber at twice the current market rate, prices would still soar to the sky. Especially horses!
Philip insisted prices would triple.
And to gather such quantities and transport them to Maclaine using the merchants guild
He dreaded the idea too much to continue thinking about it, so he tried to persuade Logan. However
Ah No choice then. So adjust your approach.
?!
Philips argument about the inevitable price spike was futile.
Why gather such an amount of horses and weapons? We dont have that many troops! Why are you doing this?
Philip was determined to reason with him and stop this madness.
Basing the purchasing price on twice the current market rate, with an additional 3% commission for any savings made by buying cheaper.
I will do my utmost.
With a bit of effort, it wasnt an impossible task.
Ignoring the bewildered gaze of the knights, Philip forced a smile, resolving to do his best.
Ah, and there are a few other things
So, shall those also earn a bonus?
Certainly.
After all, theres nothing money cant solve.
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