Ben was momentarily stunned, realizing that these people were willing to become his house servants.
But he was not yet a noble, his nobility was barely upheld by Char, this Mage Follower. However, he thought for a moment and found that he indeed needed some people to handle matters for him. Thus, he pondered for a while, then replied:
"After today, it won’t be quite appropriate for you all to follow me."
Everyone was taken aback, but only Reto caught the hint in his words: "So what is your plan, my Lord," the bar owner asked.
Ben looked at him: "What are your plans?"
Everyone exchanged glances, to Ben’s slight surprise, it was Yulier, the Security Captain, who spoke up: "If you have other intentions, Lord, we plan to form a mercenary group. We’ve all fought side by side before and have mutual trust."
"Yulier, you’re abandoning your position as Security Captain?" he asked.
Yulier chuckled: "There’s no point. I’ve made up my mind too, and my brothers are willing to take this route."
"What about the others?" Ben raised his head.
"Besides us, quite a few refugees are interested too. Many of them are displaced, but the people in Ridenburg might have more complicated thoughts. Additionally, most of the White Mane Legion members and mercenaries are willing to join us, leaving only some farmers." Batom answered.
Ben couldn’t help but glance at him, thinking this guy is not simple either, quietly figuring out the composition of the refugees. Of course, this was partly due to Frey’s lack of vigilance against them.
"Fulong Tower, you too?" Ben looked again at the former officer of the White Mane Legion, doubting that this kingdom’s backbone would have other intentions.
He didn’t expect Fulong Tower to gaze at him thoughtfully and reply somewhat deeply: "—I only wish to follow you, Sir Knight. If you disagree, I’d have no choice but to return to the White Mane Legion."
"Are you disappointed?" Ben asked after being stunned.
"Then let’s form this mercenary group first, and call it Amber Sword—" Ben responded.
Everyone was stunned.
Only Reto asked: "So what does the Lord say?"
"Find a way to keep some craftsmen among the refugees, but don’t force them." Ben replied: "Regarding this, let Batom stay with me; I indeed need some hands to handle matters."
He then turned his horse around and said to Fulong Tower: "If you truly wish to stay, then stay with Uncle Reto. I don’t know what I can bring to you, but I think you will find out soon—"
Fulong Tower was slightly dazed, then slowly nodded.
"Where do you plan to go first, my Lord?" Yulier asked.
"I’m going to Anzek, someone is waiting for me there. Then I’ll turn to Brags. If all goes well, I believe I’ll soon inherit a piece of territory. After that, we can discuss the next steps." Ben replied confidently.
Everyone couldn’t help but exchange glances. These days, there were many nobles, but knights with actual territories were extremely rare. It seemed this young man was truly the legendary Highland Knight.
In that moment, many of them felt they had found the right person to follow.
Ben, however, lifted his head to gaze at the distant mountains and fields, his plans gradually becoming clear in his mind.
(PS. Second watch, this Chapter has over 5000 words. Continuing to seek Monthly Tickets, Subscriptions, Recommendations, and clicks.) (To be continued, for more information on the story, please visit www.qidian.com, more Chapters, support the author, support licensed reading!)