Free Web NovelChapter 125: Chapter 123: Commoner Non-commissioned Officer
"Why the sudden visit, Earl?" Robson was a little confused.
’Did I do something? Could the Count have discovered my deal with Viscount Luke?’
’No, that can’t be right. If she were to find out, she would have found out long ago.’
’Could it be Falan?’ Robson thought of the Grand Mage, but that seemed impossible too. ’That shut-in is cooped up in the Mage Tower with Kosen day in and day out.’
And for some reason, perhaps due to the passage of time, although Falan’s soul possessed the power of a Great Mage, his actual situation...
Falan’s current body, a physical form made of Magic Crystals, looked no different from an ordinary person’s, but it was completely incapable of cultivation. It had no Sea of Consciousness and no Life Seed.
In other words, aside from his powerful Soul Power, Falan’s most useful asset now was the knowledge in his head.
Valentino looked at Robson. She had originally intended to go directly to the military camp to see for herself what was so special about this victorious army.
She hadn’t expected Robson to be in the camp.
’No wonder. The commander-in-chief spends all day in the barracks. How could the soldiers not work hard?’
’Is this the secret to forging an elite force? Even if it is, I couldn’t possibly learn from it.’ As a Count, Valentino’s daily duties involved managing her fief and handling the kingdom’s affairs.
"Am I not welcome?" Valentino said with a smile.
"Not at all. If the Earl wishes to visit Qimo Fortress, the officers and soldiers are, of course, honored to welcome you," Robson replied.
Despite his words, Valentino’s comment made Robson feel even more uncertain.
’Just dropping by to have a look? Who has that much time on their hands?’
’In my past life, any leader who showed up "just to look around" was almost always there for something major.’
’The more they claimed it was "nothing," the bigger the actual issue.’
"Though I have always resided in the Southern Kingdom, at heart, I am a Frank. And Franks respect warriors."
"You recently achieved such a great merit. I often hear my grandfather speak of famous people and their great deeds, and he has mentioned you frequently of late, sir."
"So, I grew curious. I will be here for the next few days to see the skills of our Frankish hero for myself," Valentino said with a smile.
"It’s all just rumors. I don’t have any real skills. It’s just that my officers don’t fear death and my soldiers are willing to fight to the end," Robson replied with a laugh.
’Another one drawn here by my elite soldiers?’ Robson found it rather strange.
’Has my reputation for training troops really spread so far and wide? Enough to fool a Count?’
"That in itself requires skill. You don’t need to be so modest," Valentino said.
Hearing Valentino’s response, Robson didn’t argue further. ’If everyone thinks I’m capable, then let them think that for now.’
"Are these the troops the Marquis sent for me?" Robson asked curiously, looking behind Valentino.
The area was a bit narrow, so he couldn’t see everyone, but Robson had a feeling there were more than a thousand people there.
Valentino nodded.
"Yes. I also brought over 200 Cavalry I have no use for, as well as some Infantry. Added to the ones from the Marquis, it’s about fifteen hundred men in total," Valentino said with a nod.
"Ah? I don’t understand, Earl..."
Hearing this news, Robson’s first reaction wasn’t joy, but startled suspicion.
’There’s no such thing as a free lunch. A pie that falls from the sky is just a falling object. If you’re not careful, you won’t get to eat the pie, you’ll just get crushed.’
Robson didn’t dare accept something that didn’t have a clear price tag.
"Don’t worry. You did a beautiful job this time. This is what you’ve earned."
"Over there are some provisions, Magic Crystals, and Divine Water, as well as one thousand Gold Coins," Valentino said.
The Fengman Clan was a typical Northern Earl Family. To them, a slave who could ride a horse was just a number.
’Besides, considering future developments, as long as things proceed smoothly, it won’t end up in an outsider’s pocket anyway.’
Valentino hadn’t even considered the possibility of Robson refusing. With Marquis Oscillate acting as the matchmaker—forget the rest of the world, there weren’t many in the Frank Kingdom who could say no.
"I see. In that case, thank you very much, Earl." Robson still couldn’t quite make heads or tails of it, but it made some sense. ’It’s normal to be rewarded for meritorious service.’ ƒrēewebnovel.com
’Perfect. With these new soldiers, my, Lord Robson’s, army can finally be brought up to strength. I can also start building a true Fourth Regiment.’
"Sir, there you are! Is this... the Earl?!"
The speaker was Turalyon, the commander of the Third Regiment, who had just rushed over.
Turalyon had intended to salute Robson, but seeing Valentino there as well, he was momentarily unsure who to salute first.
Robson looked toward Valentino.
"As I said, I’m just here to observe. Pay me no mind. Handle your business as you normally would," Valentino said.
"Go on, what is it?" Robson let out a sigh of relief after getting Valentino’s approval.
It seemed, for now at least, that Valentino wouldn’t interfere in his military affairs. As Robson’s direct superior, Valentino legally held a higher wartime command authority than he did.
He didn’t know what Valentino was here for, but even if he did, there wasn’t much he could do about it.
’Since she said to treat her like she isn’t here, I’ll just let her be for now.’
’According to Valentino’s previous letter, someone would be coming within the week to order the armies to assemble. When that happened, Valentino would naturally have to leave.’
