The next day at noon.
Sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, casting bright dappled patterns on the polished oak table.
The air was filled with the faint scent of ink and parchment, as well as a hint of busy activity.
Linde sat in the main seat, with several files spread out in front of him.
He changed into a well-tailored dark-colored lord's casual robe. Although there was still a hint of languor between his brows, his eyes had regained their usual sharpness and clarity.
The storm and tenderness of last night are temporarily sealed away; at this moment, he is the Viscount of Blackrock Territory.
Astaire, Calvin, Butler Seth, Old Dera, and several clerks in charge of logistics and military affairs sat on either side.
Nazra did not participate in this internal meeting; she needed to rest briefly and prepare for her meeting with the orc envoy in the afternoon.
“First, there is the reward.” Lind’s steady and powerful voice broke the silence of the council hall. “The soldiers who accompanied me to Sutherland this time are all loyal and brave men. Their sacrifices deserve to be rewarded.”
He picked up a list:
Ordinary soldiers: "Each soldier will be rewarded with ten gold coins, a fine weapon or piece of armor (which can be selected from the spoils or the territory's stock), and their family will be exempted from 30% of the taxes for the year."
Those who perform outstandingly (such as squad leaders, scouts, or those who play a crucial role in key battles): "An additional reward of thirty gold coins and a fine warhorse."
For those who died in battle: "Their pension will be doubled and paid to their designated heirs, their families will be exempt from taxes for five years, their children will be raised by the territory until adulthood, and they will have priority in entering the guard or workshops as apprentices."
For the disabled: "They will be supported by the territory for life, given suitable work, and their lives will be guaranteed."
"As for the rewards bestowed upon Astaire, Raymond, and the others, I will discuss them with you privately later."
The order was quickly recorded and relayed.
This reward was quite generous, enough to make the soldiers feel honored and their families grateful, further consolidating Lind's prestige in the army.
"Furthermore, I will use this opportunity to pardon all slaves within my territory, allowing them to form families and become my subjects."
The release of slaves as subjects is not a common occurrence, but given the current lack of population in the territory, it is considered reasonable.
Lind tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over Astaire and old Dera present:
"The second thing is the army. This battle made me realize that a core force that truly belongs to Blackrock Territory and can be of great use is indispensable. The Silver Lance Knights, the Holy Punishment Knights, and even the 'Withering Blade' of the Sass Empire have all proven the value of elite troops."
He paused for a moment, then presented his core idea:
"I have decided to establish a standing 'Blackstone Guard.' The size is tentatively set at two hundred people. Requirements for recruits: at least Silver-rank warrior strength, loyalty, reliability, and unwavering will. Priority will be given to veterans who participated in this war and the territory guards. We may also recruit skilled individuals from outside the region, but they will be subject to strict screening."
Upon hearing this, several soft gasps were heard in the council chamber.
Two hundred soldiers, all at the Silver Rank! This would be an absolute trump card in any earldom, or even the core military force of some small duchies! The cost of such an operation would undoubtedly be staggering.
Aster's sharp eyes immediately grasped Lind's intention: "My lord, are you targeting the Silver Lance Knights?"
“That’s right,” Lind nodded, “even stronger. Because they will be equipped with the new ‘magic armor’ that Miss Alice is perfecting.”
He turned to the old dwarf: "Master Della, this is your time to shine. Alice is in charge of the core technology and magic array, while the forging of the armor, structural design, and the mass production process require your experience and the dwarves' superb skills."
Upon hearing this, Old Della's bushy beard trembled with excitement, and his eyes gleamed with the fervent light of a craftsman facing a supreme challenge:
"Haha! Lind, kid! That's more like it! Building castles all day is boring! Making weapons and armor is what dwarves are good at! Two hundred sets? No problem! Leave it to this old man! But..."
He rubbed his thick fingers together. "Good steel and materials are essential, we can't skimp on them! And we need manpower! You have to give me enough apprentices and blacksmiths!"
"Materials and manpower will be provided to you with the full support of Calvin and Butler Seth." Lind looked at the other two. "Just make a list of what you need. The territory has just received a reward, so prioritize the equipment of the Royal Guard."
Calvin and his butler Seth solemnly accepted the order.
They all understood the significance of this guard to the future of the territory—it would be the sharpest sword in Lind's hand, and the cornerstone to deter all sides and ensure independence.
Although maintaining such an army would be a huge expense, this investment is necessary.
"The third thing is to deal with the inventory."
Lind picked up another list,
"In this war, the Kree royal family bestowed rewards, mainly gold, silver, and various magical materials and rare metals, in addition to symbolic documents of promotion and the honorary title of 'Guardian of Ironrock'."
Seth Butler will take charge of inventorying, stocking, and registering items.
Materials suitable for forging armor and weapons, such as adamantite, mithril, orogen, and cold iron, will be prioritized for allocation to Master Della's workshop. The remainder will be used as territory reserves or for future trade.
“Yes, sir,” Butler Seth replied meticulously.
"Alright, let's leave internal matters here for now."
Lind stood up. "Aster, you are in charge of the selection and initial training of the Royal Guard. The standards must be strict. Master Della, I entrust the expansion of the workshop and the preliminary preparations to you. Calvin, coordinate the resources. Steward Seth, you are in charge of the warehouse and the subsequent distribution of rewards. Meeting adjourned."
Everyone rose, bowed, and took their leave, quickly setting off with their respective tasks. Only Linde remained in the council chamber.
He walked to the window and looked out at the territory that was beginning to take shape outside the castle and the distant, continuous Black Rock Mountains.
Forming the Royal Guard is a crucial step in establishing military strength, while the afternoon's negotiations with the orcish envoys concern the territory's finances and an important external channel. Power and wealth are both indispensable.
Afternoon - Castle Reception Room
The reception room is decorated in a dignified yet comfortable manner.
The heavy curtains were half-drawn, letting in soft light. The air was filled with the invigorating aroma of herbal tea.
Linde sat in the main seat, having changed into a more formal dark purple suit embroidered with the Truk family crest, exuding a composed and dignified air.
Nazra sat slightly behind him, dressed in a well-tailored silver-gray hunting outfit that blended orcish style with human aristocratic aesthetics. Her silver hair was meticulously combed, and her eyes were calm, revealing her status while also hinting at her special connection with the negotiating parties.
The door was gently pushed open. Led by a servant, an orc entered.
The person who arrived was Murad.
According to Nazra, he was a trusted confidant sent by Hussein Adan, an elder of the pro-war faction, to discuss the crystal relic trade, and he had considerable authority.
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