Establishing a Foothold

There was no better place nearby than Watchtower City. It was densely populated, directly governed by the kingdom, and rich in resources. Of course, property prices were also quite steep. A courtyard large enough to accommodate everyone cost 30 gold coins. Derek gritted his teeth, drained his liquid funds, and bought the property.

The courtyard was spacious, about an acre and a half in size. With some modifications, he could set up a blacksmith's workshop in the front and a small living are A in the back, which would be sufficient to house everyone. However, there was no dedicated training area, so they had to make do with what they had.

Fortunately, he still had dozens of iron swords and over a hundred spearheads. Selling them would be enough to keep things running. Money wasn't the most crucial factor right now. Maintaining this setup and waiting for opportunities was key.

Although the northern regions had been peaceful in recent years, it had been a considerable time sin Ce the last conflict. After a simple renovation, Derek's blacksmith shop quietly opened. However, he couldn't sit still for long. The training progress was slowing down, and while it was possible to rely on the data panel to becom E a master of the Sword, Derek feared that if he faced real combat, he would end up as nothing more Than a weakling.

He needed to see some blood. Derek began searching for opportunities in the city. Merchants and nobles always needed to hire guards. Peace didn't mean there were no dangers. Soon, he found a job guarding a caravan.

In a local tavern, there was a bulletin board for local job postings. The Goat Trading Company needed a team of soldiers to ensure the safety of their caravan. Derek inquired about the company's location and met with the manager, Vincent.

After introducing himself and stating his purpose, Vincent looked at Derek with a hint of skepticism .

"We need protection for the journey from Watchtower City to the Peregrine Count's territory, which w Ill take about a month. I can offer you 3 gold coins for the job. If you exceed the timeframe, additional fees will be negotiated."

Vincent, a lean man with a skeptical look, examined Derek closely. Despite Derek's lack of fame, Vincent was willing to give him a chance due to his background as a kn Ight and his family name.

Maintaining a small squad of spearmen for a year, including equipment wear and tear, food, and wages , would cost around 20 gold coins. Basic equipment for the squad leader would be about 10 gold coins. A knight, with a warhorse, weapons, and iron-plated armor, would cost upwards of 20 gold coins, with Annual maintenance around 10 gold coins. Thus, maintaining a team with a knight and a squad of spearmen for a year would cost at least 30 gol D coins, not including initial setup costs.

Three gold coins seemed like a small profit, but mercenary work wasn't always available every day. Moreover, were there compensation and treatment costs for injuries and damage to equipment? And wasn't the point of risking one's life to earn more?

Without hesitation, Derek declined, "Mr. Vincent, although this is my first job, I'm not inexperienced. I'll take it for 10 gold coins, otherwise, you'll need to find someone else. I'm an elite knight trained under the Peregrine Count, and my soldiers are well-trained veterans. You won't find a more professional mercenary than me."

Vincent hesitated. While he was willing to hire a newcomer, it was Derek's background that attracted him. He didn't believe in the so-called elite knight claim, thinking that if Derek were truly elite, he'd Have joined a knightly order. Nevertheless, a knight from the Peregrine Count was certainly more reputable than an ordinary wander Ing knight.

"Since you understand the market, you should know that 10 gold coins is unreasonable. I can offer you 5 gold coins. I've dealt with the Ferreira family before."

Vincent made a concession, which was already the standard rate. Derek wanted to negotiate further, but Vincent, getting a bit irritated, said, "It's 5 gold coins. If it weren't for your knightly status, I could only offer 4 gold coins."

Knights have high maintenance costs but are also in demand. Derek, realizing when to bend, responded, "Fine, 5 gold coins. Since it's my first mission, I'll give you a discount. Next time, after you've seen my capabilities, the price will go up."

Vincent, frustrated by the negotiations, was relieved when the deal was finally settled. He agreed, "If you prove your worth, the price will increase, and there will be more opportunities f Or cooperation."

The two signed the contract, which was filed with the local chamber of commerce, and the tavern hand Ling the arrangement also recorded it. Any breach of contract would result in a poor reputation locally. Reputation was crucial.

Back home, Derek needed to consider another matter. He required a squire. Fortunately, he could select one from his new recruits. For a knight, having one or more squires to assist with feeding the warhorse, maintaining armor and Weapons, and helping with armor during combat was essential. It was almost like a knight's training wheels.

For commoners, becoming a squire was an excellent way to rise through the ranks. Becoming a knight granted an entry ticket, after which one could focus on making achievements. It was rare for spearmen to be granted titles or lands, but knights had a better chance.

Of course, some squires remain just that—squires—either due to failure to complete their knightly tr Aining or due to their background. Derek was grateful for his current status; his starting point was already above where many commoners Would end up.

In terms of combat effectiveness, a squire and a knight are not necessarily worlds apart. For most wandering knights or even formal knights, a squire is merely a tool or an advanced soldier. They don't require training in etiquette, military command, or other knightly skills—just serve as a Servant and a soldier.

For Derek, this was also the case for the time being. Selecting a suitable candidate was simpler for him than for others. He didn't need to consider talent; loyalty was what mattered. With the panel's assistance, even someone with poor talent could eventually become proficient. However, if loyalty couldn't be ensured, he'd have to find someone else.

Fortunately, the soldiers selected from among the farmers, though not well-traveled, were mostly hon Est and straightforward. Many were accustomed to serving the Ferreira family, making them easier to manage.

Choosing from among them was a pleasant problem for Derek. In the end, he selected a squire with high obedience:

Simon

Occupation: Spearman Level 8 → Squire??

Experience Pool: 0/100

Simon was one of the first batch of trained soldiers. Beyond experience, he was not even really a "new recruit." At level 8, he was robust, wearing simple leather armor, and armed with a short sword and a spear. In one-on-one combat, he could easily handle common recruits with a few thrusts. In a formation, his combat effectiveness could be quite formidable.

Derek personally chose Simon's name, rewarding him for his obedience, loyalty, and diligent training . Although there were others with better talent, Simon's level consistently stayed at the top tier wit Hout falling behind. Opportunity favors those who are prepared.

Derek equipped him with a studded iron cuirass, an iron sword, and a steed. The equipment alone was worth four gold coins, and his salary doubled accordingly. The cost was not insignificant, and if Simon completed his knightly training in the future, even mor E money would be required.

This was why knights generally did not casually train squires—the cost of a multi-year or even decad E-long investment was too high.