On the way to Dresden, a ssage was placed to Wittenweier for the first ti in a long while.
-Pappenheim.
-My lord!
He sounded happy to hear from .
-How is the map coming?
-It has been completed. Were just in the mode of adding any new changes as they occur.
-Excellent. That map is going to be used in important future matter. Your work is comndable.
-Im thankful for your words. My lord.
-By the way, I have one favor to ask of you.
I was planning to call in Schulz rchants who were staying in Wittenweier. It has already been 4 months since the battle of Harfheim. The injury that was sustained should be almost healed by now. They were trustworthy people, so I should call on them to utilize them.
-Relay a ssage to Shultz rchant, Thelman, Max and Van Hort. Tell them to join at Lantzhuit in Niederbayern as there is sothing to work together on.
The four of them were especially loyal and trustworthy, even among all the rcenaries that have been with . They would be big help going forward.
-Yes. My lord. Any other orders for , my lord?
-I plan to attack Pajemut after crossing the Rhine River later. There should certainly be a location in the upper part of the river where it can be crossed without a bridge. Go find it.
-Yes, sir. I believe that there must surely be a section with a slow enough current.
After finishing my conversation with Pappenheim like that, I moved to Dresden. As soon as I arrived, I went to pay a visit to Bellia rchant.
Tell the head of the rchant that Valer has co to see him.
Although the gate keeper was unfamiliar to , initiating the authority of a great leader was not necessary. As I have changed a lot since then, even an ordinary person would lower or bow to when they t my eyes, these days.
Yes, sir!
After the gate keeper ran off in a hurry, I was soon led inside. Then there I was t by the head of the rchant who was full of anticipation.
Welco, your grace!
The head of the rchant could not hide his excitent. He must have sensed that I found the miracle drug as I audaciously entered the room.
Have you brought it?
I did.
Ah!
Greatly moved by it, the head of the rchant bowed deeply.
Ive heard the news. I would not have guessed that you and the demon dragon were going to destroy the demon king Odgarsh. When I first heard the news, I truly couldnt stop being awed. Not knowing your greatness, I had acted rudely on that day. Please do offer your grace and forgiveness.
The head of the rchant displayed extrely submissive posture. It was as if he would lower his head to the ground, should I give him a look. In fact, it wasnt sothing that couldnt be understood, either.
The beings such as the demon dragon and demon kings were viewed as extrely scary entities to ordinary people. Having fought with and against such beings, I must have co across to him a similar being.
Here, look at this.
I took out and showed him the miracle drug that Ive obtained from Glossglochner when I had the chance.
Its called Luyberungen flower. Your sons muscular disease will be completely healed after taking its well prepared root juice.
Oh, my! Thank you very much!
Forming tears in his eyes, the head rchant was very happy. He must have had much heartache due to his sons illness. Of course, he would be moved to tears since he finally had a way to treat his son. However, I did not handover the miracle drug to him although he extended his hand out.
First, you have to make a paynt.
Ah! My big mistake! Please tell . I will not spare any amount.
Approving his attitude, I nodded my head as I proposed what I wanted.
What I want is simple. Hand to the debt papers that you hold on the Rajter Knight family.
The head rchant had a surprise expression on his face. Perhaps, the demand wasnt sothing that was in line with the nature of what he had anticipated.
Head rchant. Is there a special condition that prevents you from transferring the debt?
No, that is not it. If they approve it after notifying them then it is possible. Would it be safe to say that the transferee will be Duke Valer?
I shook my head when I heard that. There was no way that they would approve it if the transferee was , since they would already be grinding their teeth on my na.
Please tell them that Leve Shultz rchant will be the transferee. Should they ask who that is, you can just tell them that he is a retiree due to sustained injuries in the Harfheim battle, and that he wanted to make an investnt by paying the market price for the debt.
Ill do.
The head rchant went to notify them, and after a long while, he returned with a discouraged look on his face.
They said that they can never do that.
There was one reason that I could think of as to why.
Is it because of Saxon Feudal Lord?
How do you! Thats right.
Of course.
As far as they were concerned, if the Bellia rchant was to drop this matter, then the Saxon Feudal Lords interjection would also dissipate. Ironically, being pushed to a corner, the Rajter knight family needed one big na that could look after the debtors and creditors as their only one unique hope.
Just push it harder. Head rchant. Tell them that Saxon Feudal Lord appears to be mobilizing in order to take over the Knights territory.
Should give the carrot and the stick at the sa ti.
For that, if he was to approve the transfer of the debt to Shultz rchant, then he will extend the paynt due date by 2 years. He will have no choice, but to bite. If you want to save your son, do go back and convince them with more fervor. Chup! How could you be so llow! Are you truly the head rchant!
I clicked my tongue, and he lowered his head even further.
Im sorry. Ill go and put more pressure on him.
Good. Put more energy into it.
The head rchant went away with a more resolute look on his face. Then after a long while, he returned with a brighter expression.
Its done! Ive done it.
I was magnanimous to soone who did his own fair share of work. I encouraged him with bright expression.
Hahaha! What did I tell you. How good is it to be able to put realistic pressure? Here, take this and save your son.
Ive really intimidated them well. Ahahahaha!
We completed our transaction with loud laughter. For handing over the miracle drug, I took in the debt papers.
Good, with this, everything has beco perfect. Saxon Feudal Lord was about to exit from this matter completely. And Ive taken over the debt of the Rajter Knight family.
It will most likely be too much for Rajter Knight Family to pay back. I did not intend to get paid back with money, anyway.
I wanted the land, instead.
**********
Imdiately after taking care of the business in Dredsden, I headed south towards Lantzhuit where Walpurgis was. My heart raced as I thought of seeing her again.
When I went to the residence of the Duchess, the governnt officials who were taking walks ran towards when they saw . Everyone seed to have so urgency.
Get him!
Get that bastard!
What, whats going on? I stood motionless as I was stunned, and the governnt officials began to surround from all angles. With determined looks on them, they all appeared to draw swords on right away.
What is the aning of this?
I did not feel any murderous intent. So, I asked as I was losing my mind over their actions when one familiar senior vassal spoke.
You cannot escape this ti, Duke Valer!
What was that?
I understand that you took off last ti because you felt obligated. However, please think it over this ti. There is no woman like our Duchess!
Thats right. It isnt right for a man to desert and leave his woman behind!
Right! Take responsibility. Thats the attitude of true gentleman!
I couldnt close my mouth as I was so surprised. However, I soon learned why they were acting that way.
I heard that youre making your marks famously these days! On top of that, you havent visited here since you left last ti! Our Duchess only speaks of you, Duke Valer, every chance she gets, and do you know how terrible I, an old servant, felt!
Thats right! How could you have been so callous after youve stolen the heart of an innocent girl!
Last ti I saw, she was even making clothes to give to you, have you been in contact with her, at all? With such disposition, how could you say you are the son in law of Nierderbayern!
It seed that everyone was angry that I have been inattentive to Walpurgis. I couldnt speak easily as I was both embarrassed and felt bad. They seed to believe that I and Walpurgis were going to be married for sure. I, without much recourse, responded.
Ill be more mindful.
Only then the old servant looked satisfied as he nodded as he sternly spoke.
A person that takes down a demon king is not a knight, but soone who protects the purity of a girls heart is! Please, rember that!
What is it? It felt very cheesy, but I felt like I just heard so great words.
.I will.
When I did not resist, the officials elatedly exclaid.
Here, here, lets put up statues of Duke Valer and the Duchess!
Agree! We should at least show that much respect to the son in law of Niederbayern!
Lets go! I know a dwarf!
Then, see you again! Son in law of Niederbayern!
Thrrrrrr-.
The governnt officials disappeared in the sa way, like the wind, as they had showed up before. I was completely lost by their unexpected surprise attack that Ive decided to use the rear gate from now on.
********
Duke Valer!
A servant girl led to where Walpurgis was. She was still in her armor.
Youre really here!
As soon as she saw , she dashed toward . Then she jumped into my arms.
Duchess, you really like to hug people.
Because its you. Have you seen hug other people?
Co to think of it, that was true. Having thought that way, I was also happy that I hugged her back.
I was delayed because of so things. Im sorry.
Not at all. Youve done great things! Im proud of you.
Although I wanted to talk to her like this all night, there were a few pressing items that needed to be addressed. First of all, I asked her about Walpurgis military mobilization status.
Since you do not need a lot of troops, Id like to see you invest about one to two months.
Well, there is a slight problem with that.
Ah? Dont worry about the recruitnt cost. Ill take care of it.
Walpurgis shook her head saying that that was not the issue. What was it, was there an issue with respect to the recruitnt?
Were being interfered with.
Interfered?
Who would possibly be interfering with Niederbayern. I couldnt imdiately understand, but having heard the follow up explanation, I thought I forgot about sothing.
The Rajter Knight family is interfering with the recruitnt.
As traditional war family, they could be thought of as being in the business of rcenary wars.
They were far from being the knights who were worshipped as the type of knighthoods in the literatures. They were a warring group that gathers troops from anywhere from the empire for the purpose of interjecting in conflicts.
Hence, they had deep relationships with the rcenaries around here. Taking advantage of that, they were taking steps to interfere with Duke Niederbayerns efforts to recruit troops.
Im sorry. Valer. It may take so days. It is a matter of contacting the rcenaries in other regions that are outside of the Rajters influence.
There were many troops and rcenaries, anyway. Recruiting itself was not the issue, but it was just that it will take a little longer than expected. However, I wasnt happy to hear that as I wanted to sweep them away, at once.
Why not borrow a militia.
As there was not a formal military in this area, professional troops, or rcenaries were recruited for battles whenever war broke out. The Landknechts rcenary was the representative example.
Only that a few of wealthy territory owners had a militia ford by the citizens. Walpurgis uncle Bayern Feudal lord was one of such great territory owners.
From my uncle, you an?
Only that as far as their ability to fight in war went, it fell far behind that of the professional military or the rcenaries. Even with twice the number of the troops of the rcenaries, winning could not be guaranteed.
Yes, Ill take care of the cost of the militia. I think 500 troops will suffice.
Dont you think thats too little? I heard that the number of troops that Rajter can imdiately put together was over 300. Then there must at least be 1,000 militias.
Walpurgis, too, was not too confident of the militias ability to fight. She even went further and said that it might be better to wait until good rcenary troops could be put together.
I know of an elite regint ford by Walloon people. They worked for my uncle for a long ti. They are currently in the northwest part of the empire for the purpose of making money, but they would not turn their backs on Bayerns trouble. They have been together for over 70 years, and their fighting ability is also outstanding. If the Walloon people would co, those knights wont be much of a challenge.
Walpurgis was sure of a victory. However, the problem was that it would take half a year for those Walloon people to arrive. I could never wait that long.
Dont worry. A militia group will be sufficient. There will not be an all out large scale war, anyway.
When I said confidently, Walpurgis startlingly moved backwards.
What wrong? Duchess.
Now, I can see as Ive been with you, Duke Valer, for a while now!
What are you talking about?
Are you not making, yet, another insidious plan? Your face looked awfully evil, just a mont ago!
Gosh, our cute female knight has beco very intuitive since I saw her last.
However, I was not without an excuse. To be truthful, I was not evil. Its just that my plan was evil.
By the way, there was one essential condition for this plan to be successful. If an order by the knight is to be issued, shouldnt one be a real knight.
Before anything, please bestow with a knighthood.
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