Chapter 41

"Vendelin is off to slay another dragon, it seems."

"That's quite a situation..."

I, Iina Hirenbrandt, along with my best friend Louise, met Vendelin von Benno Bauermaster, an incredible mage, who was the eighth son of the once ridiculed and despised Bauermaster family, known as the 'Knight Beyond the Mountains' and the 'Water-drinking Knight.'

Our first encounter was when he saved us from a wolf attack. Just the other day, he single-handedly defeated the Undead Ancient Dragon, a threat of catastrophic proportions, on a magic-powered airship heading to the capital.

He then sold the expensive giant magic stone and bones to the kingdom and was ennobled to a baron for his dragon-slaying feat.

In the Brant family, the eighth son of the Bauermaster family, who was secretly called the 'Knight Beyond the Mountains' and the 'Water-drinking Knight,' and was often the subject of ridicule and contempt, has now been ennobled to a baron.

Despite his talent in magic, it might have been a bolt from the blue.

"But, Vendelin sure is climbing the ranks."

It's only natural given his talent, but I can see why El is worried. No matter how skilled he is with the sword, there are many knights in the capital who surpass El.

The same goes for me; there are many who are better with a spear.

Louise, being special, is always worried and sticks to Vendelin whenever she has a chance.

Fundamentally, Louise probably likes Vendelin as a person.

He has talent in magic and wealth. His height is average, and while he often says he can't compare to his brother Ehrich, I think his features are above average.

Ehrich, for that matter, is one of the few handsome men in the Brant family. Comparing himself to Vendelin might have seemed reckless.

"Besides, the complications have increased."

Louise is right. I now understand why Lord Rottger suggested that Vendelin should at least have us as his nominal vassals.

"My name is Hector von Pringsheim, the third son of the Pringsheim Knight family, and no one can surpass me in swordsmanship!"

"I, in the recent skirmish between the Ranker and Altmann families, incapacitated three enemy knights!"

"I am Baron Elshaimer. I would like to hold a party at my mansion to honor Sir Bauermaster for his heroic dragon-slaying. By coincidence, I have a twelve-year-old sister..."

"For Lord Vendelin, a maid to take care of his daily needs would be necessary. I would like to introduce a good girl from my Egremont Chamber of Commerce. She is my daughter, but even without favoritism..."

From the day after Vendelin's ennoblement, the situation has been ongoing, and it hasn't ended even today.

"My ultimate spear technique, the Great Wheel!"

Today, in front of the Brant residence, a ronin is either trying to impress or show off a peculiar skill. I understand the need to stand out, but just being noticeable isn't enough, as evident from the scene.

It feels like there's a strong wind blowing in front of the Brant residence.

Vendelin's new vassal applicants, nobles offering their daughters or sisters as wives, and even attempts to push concubines under the guise of maids. Many of these are from the heads of merchant families, who have ambitions to become exclusive suppliers to noble families and increase their status.

Usually, landholding nobles are preferred, but Vendelin has an incredible amount of wealth. If one becomes the official merchant of the Bauermaster baron family and is entrusted with managing Vendelin's funds...

According to Arterio, it's a prime opportunity that even a political merchant would drool over.

To avoid these various nuisances, El is the chief retainer, and Louise and I are treated as guards and maids.

Apparently, it's fine if others assume we are concubines. Speaking of which, do we have to wear maid uniforms?

"You must have made a decision to be with Sir Bauermaster, knowing the risks..."

Lord Rottger's tone is polite, but his words are stern. It's only fair that we accept the downsides after enjoying the benefits of being close to Vendelin.

"I need to learn military command and tactics."

El seems to have decided to live as Vendelin's vassal. She doesn't seem particularly shaken.

"Me? Vendelin's concubine? A mistress?"

For Louise, being by Vendelin's side is enough. As a vassal's daughter, she never harbored the sweet dream of becoming his official wife.

"What about you, Iina?"

"I..."

Vendelin has been remarkably tolerant of us since we met. While he can be too lenient, I have been taking advantage of his kindness. Unlike Louise, I haven't been able to show a dependent attitude or engage in smooth conversation with him.

I'm sure Vendelin thinks I'm a boring and strict woman.

"For now, I think it's fine to be a party member and vassal of Sir Bauermaster."

It was Ehrich, Vendelin's older brother, who spoke to me.

"I think I was also at fault."

Vendelin, due to his talent, wasn't bullied by his family, but they maintained a distant relationship for over six years.

"At his age, he's strangely used to being alone, and he doesn't actively seek out others. Honestly, I didn't expect him to bring you all to his wedding."

Ehrich wondered if he should have taken care of Vendelin in the capital until he came of age.

How could his older brother and parents view Vendelin as such a threat? And how could his overly understanding younger brother accept it so calmly, even as a child?

"You're all still children. For now, let's just maintain the formalities and continue as usual."

These words were a great relief to me. However, a few days later, the same person would give the children a troublesome task.

"The Bauermaster Baron's army of vassals?"

"I didn't want to agree, but it will cause problems if we don't form it."

The day after Vendelin was taken to the military base on the outskirts of the capital by the kingdom's order, Ehrich brought up the topic as soon as we woke up.

The content was about forming an army of vassals centered around us.

"Such a sudden request?"

"Unfortunately, it will cause issues if we don't form it."

As Ehrich opened the curtains in the living room, many people were gathered outside the Brant residence where we were staying.

"Are they applicants for vassal positions?"

"No, there are hardly any of those."

Our existence has spread over the past few days. Except for a few, the number of people trying to become vassals or push concubines has decreased. Instead, the number of people seeking to join the army has increased.

"Join the army?"

It's a term I've never heard before, so I tilted my head in confusion.

"First, we need to find out why Vendelin was summoned."

This information came from Lord Ruckner, the Minister of Finance, and Baron Monjella, Ehrich's guardians.

The most powerful person in the kingdom has ordered the extermination of the ancient dragon that controls the territory near the capital, to open up a vast granary region. The other members include the kingdom's chief mage and Lord Brandtark, who was also involved in the incident.

Incidentally, I think he's also quite unlucky.

"Three people to slay an attribute dragon. After that, the army and volunteer adventurers will eliminate the uncontrolled monsters."

The army will consist of elite soldiers selected from the capital's garrison, while the rest will be recruited from the Adventurer's Guild, with only the confident ones participating.

"Is something missing?"

"Now that you mention it..."

For over two hundred years, there has been no war, but when the kingdom goes to war, it is customary for designated nobles to form vassal armies and participate.

"There are nobles with territories around the capital, but they haven't received mobilization orders. Do you know why?"

"Um... Because of the rewards for military achievements?"

"Correct."

The operation is being carried out to gain direct control over the vast granary region. If many nobles participate and achieve military success, the kingdom would have to consider granting them land as a reward.

"There are nobles in the kingdom's army, but they are mostly heads of families or those in religious positions."

Military achievements can be rewarded with medals and money. The status as a noble is secondary, and the rewards are usually in the form of money or promotions within the military.

As for adventurers, they are paid based on what they kill, so it's a given.

"But, do they want detached territories away from their main estates?"

"For their second sons or other relatives. They can inherit them."

El's question was answered in this way. Indeed, from the perspective of easing succession disputes and promoting the family, it's not a bad idea.

"Wait, but Vendelin is participating as a noble, right?"

By law, minors are prohibited from entering monster territories. Vendelin, being a minor, was mobilized because the law has a loophole that allows nobles to be borrowed for war regardless of age.

"Yes, he's participating as a noble."

Since a noble is being mobilized, it's natural that they can lead an army.

"Since the opponent is an attribute dragon, they will act separately."

The head of the family will fight the attribute dragon on the front lines, while the vassal army will battle the monsters in the rear.

"The chief mage of the royal palace is a baron, but he is the king's personal friend and the most trusted vassal. He should understand the king's intentions."

He won't form a vassal army just because he's a baron. At least, that's what Lord Ruckner, Ehrich's guardian, confirmed.

"The chief mage of the royal palace is in a religious position. He can't easily gather soldiers to form an army."

This also applies to Lord Brandtark, who responded to the request for his dispatch. He maintains a mansion in the capital but has only a few resident vassals, guards, and servants. Forming a vassal army is out of the question.

The kingdom would be in trouble if the Margrave of Brant were to send a vassal army, so they only borrowed Lord Brandtark.

"If we allow the Margrave of Brant's vassal army to participate, other margraves will complain."

It's a natural outcome that they would say, "Me too!"

"So, the last one left is Vendelin."

The king didn't say anything about Vendelin coming alone. This implies that Vendelin can lead an army if he chooses.

Is it because the newly ennobled baron hasn't had time to set up his household, or is it intentional?

This brings us back to the concept of 'borrowing an army.' Noble children and ronins temporarily join the Bauermaster Baron's army, where they can gain experience and receive commendations.

This system, while not officially recognized, is tacitly accepted by the kingdom to ensure that the vassal armies of mobilized nobles are not too small.

"The ones borrowing the army seek military achievements, honor, and rewards."

In this case, they will hunt many monsters for rewards and receive commendations based on their achievements. Outstanding performances can lead to recruitment by the noble family they borrowed from or serve as valuable references when seeking other positions.

For the Bauermaster family, the benefit is that they can avoid embarrassment due to a lack of troops.

During the mobilization, the Bauermaster family will cover the food and lodging, but the weapons and equipment are the responsibility of those borrowing the army. In case of death or injury, a one-time consolation payment is sufficient.

There is no more convenient system for quickly assembling an army.

"But, how can we form an army?"

Despite our skills, it's impossible for three twelve-year-olds to form and manage an army of veterans.

Ehrich came to the rescue.

"Here's where I come in. Yes, as per the request of my guardians."

As a hero who slew a dragon and the head of a newly ennobled baron family, it wouldn't be right to let Vendelin be embarrassed in front of other nobles.

This is a strategy by Lord Ruckner and Baron Monjella to outdo the Margrave of Brant and gain favor with Vendelin.

"The nominal commander will be Elvin, the chief retainer."

The Bauermaster army will not be able to join forces with Vendelin during the expedition. Therefore, El will be the acting commander, and Louise and I will be part of the leadership. Ehrich will handle the contract negotiations with those borrowing the army, manage the necessary funds and supplies, and prepare the required documents for the royal palace and other offices.

"In name, I will be the strategist and deputy commander. I'm not much of a fighter, so I'll focus on rear support."

He has already received the necessary funds from Vendelin. Ehrich is indeed capable.

"But, Ehrich is the head of the Brant family, right?"

As fellow nobles, it seemed problematic for one to be subordinate to the other.

"I'm still the heir, so it's fine. The title is still held by my stepfather."

If that's the case, it's not an issue, but it seems the planned succession after marriage has been delayed, likely at the request of Lord Ruckner.

The succession of a noble title can occur during the current holder's lifetime or after their death. However, the central religious nobles usually succeed during their lifetime, while landholding nobles succeed after death. The reason for this difference is unclear, but it's a custom.

Religious nobles often hold positions, so they pass them on before they become too old to perform their duties. After succession, the previous holder is treated with the same status as before, similar to an honorary title.

"Then, there's no problem."

"Vendelin said, 'Wow, what a hassle! Ehrich, the reward is on me!' Yes, it's helpful since they're in the middle of a financial crunch after the wedding."

Of course, Ehrich can't handle everything alone. That's where Lord Ruckner and Baron Monjella come in.

They will introduce noble children from the financial faction and Ehrich's junior colleagues from his workplace, who will take leave to assist with rear support.

"Leave? Is that okay?"

"Absolutely no problem. In fact, they are grateful for the opportunity to gain military achievements."

Lord Ruckner and Baron Monjella have the authority to grant leave, so there are no complaints. While they won't receive a salary during leave, Ehrich plans to cover their expenses and provide combat allowances from the budget provided by Vendelin, increasing their income.

For noble officials, having combat experience is beneficial, and a short leave of a few months won't hinder their career advancement.

"There are many applicants, and it was difficult to turn down seniors."

It would be awkward for Ehrich to have his seniors as subordinates in the vassal army where he is effectively the second-in-command. Therefore, he chose only juniors as assistants.

The personnel sent by Lord Ruckner and Baron Monjella are already briefed, so there are no issues.

"Then, there's the Margrave of Brant..."

It's almost impossible for him to send no one. From his mansion in the capital, he will send three clerical vassals for rear support, the head of the mansion guard and fifteen veteran guards, and about twenty hired army members.

The costs will be entirely covered by the Margrave of Brant. The reason is that while he couldn't make Vendelin his official mage, he wants to secure him as a foster son and deter Lord Ruckner and Baron Monjella, who are eyeing the same goal.

"The Margrave of Brant is putting in a lot of effort to help."

When Ehrich heard about forming the Bauermaster vassal army, Louise and I discussed and immediately sent her to the Margrave's secondary residence.

Her swift return with the Margrave's support indicates that they are very keen on securing Vendelin as a foster son.

"By the way, what about El?"

"Interviewing the army members."

Even for army members, strength is essential. El will spar with them, and the remaining two commanders will conduct regular interviews. These two commanders are the two older brothers Ehrich asked for assistance.

"Since it's a mix of people, we need some capable commanders."

Thus, the two older brothers who command over a dozen soldiers in the capital's guard, Paul and Helmut, will join.

The leave issue is also handled by the Minister of Military Affairs, Edgar, so there are no complaints. After seeking approval from their direct superior, they were told, "Do your best," and given about twenty noble-born soldiers.

They are also assisting with the interviews for the army members.

"Fortunately, we have a generous budget from Vendelin. I think we can form a proper army by the deadline."

"How much did Vendelin provide?"

"A hundred platinum coins."

"Is Vendelin planning to form a whole army?"

The Bauermaster army is planned to have fewer than five hundred members, including rear support. While called a vassal army, it's essentially the Bauermaster baron family's army with assistance from other families. Too many members would cause other nobles to complain about a 'new baron's audacity,' and the budget provided by Vendelin is more than sufficient.

"We're keeping proper records, and any surplus will be returned. It will also give the army members peace of mind to hunt monsters."

It will also show that Vendelin is a generous noble who doesn't skimp on rewards. The rewards are based on the number of monsters killed, ensuring that there won't be a shortage of funds even if they kill many.

"Five hundred is a lot for a baron."

A typical religious baron struggles to form a vassal army of thirty. Including the army members, it's clear how expensive it is to hire people.

For landholding nobles, mobilizing men from their territories is possible, which increases the number of troops. However, over-mobilizing working-age men can lead to debt after the war due to reduced harvests and labor shortages.

"To avoid complaints, we need to