Let them wait

As Damian left, murmurs and complaints started among the manor knights, especially those with strained relations with the Bovendons.

"I bet if he keeps this up, he won't come back."

"At least keep some militia behind!"

Such disputes even reached the Knight Commander Joan's ears. Joan had faith in Damian's character; someone who could come to the rescue at the most perilous moment shouldn't run after winning. It defied logic.

However, the buzzing arguments among the manor knights drowned out her objections.

Joan's appointment as Knight Commander had been Conosa's forceful command and lacked widespread support, intensifying the disputes.

Thinking of Damian's departure, Joan could only hope. Similarly, Conosa, who had her first kiss taken by Damian and was now on the brink of life and death, hid inside the almost ruined carriage, waiting anxiously for his return.

...

"Summon a squad of Crusader Archers!"

"Summon three squads of Pilgrims!"

On the other side, Damian had already hidden in the forest and summoned his units. The Pilgrims rushed in from all directions. They were mostly bare-chested, clad in tatters, wielding flails, sickles, and hammers, with fierce and savage expressions.

There were a total of 120 such individuals. As Damian didn't need to pay, he summoned them to the maximum limit.

On the other side, the Longbow Archers appeared. They were a group of professionally equipped warriors wearing thin chainmail, iron helmets, and cloaks, well-equipped with longbows, two barrels of arrows, and short swords at their waists. Their sharp armor-piercing arrowheads could kill any proud knight.

40 of these archers gave Damian the greatest confidence and leverage in bargaining with Conosa.

Then, Damian looked at the system's unlocked content this time. With each level up, Damian gained one skill point. He could choose to enhance personal skills, army skills, or strategic skills.

Personal skills referred to his strength and combat skills. Army skills pertained to commanding and strengthening the army. Strategic skills provided global assistance.

After considering, Damian decided to choose strategic skills. His personal bravery couldn't overturn the current situation, and enhancing the army's abilities would be futile.

Only changes at the strategic level could make a difference.

Damian invested the skill points and unlocked [Pathfinder]: Army movement speed +15%".

A great skill!

With everyone walking on two legs, but Damian's army would be faster than others. This was perfect for catching up to Howard's attack on their village.

"Priest, pay us, and we'll do anything!"

The archers elected a leader among them, calling himself Greb. He had long arms and a sturdy peasant look. He claimed to be a soldier from a neighboring province, but his wealth was covertly seized by the local viscount after returning from the Crusades. He had no choice but to wander with his brothers.

Damian nodded in agreement.

The so-called "sergeant" is actually a leader of warriors, wealthy tenant farmers, or small landowners. They are usually not considered nobility, but as the lowest level in the feudal obligation hierarchy, they are responsible for providing a certain amount of military strength and food to the lord and serving as low-level commanders like "petty chiefs" or "decans" in wartime. People often jestingly refer to them as "half-knights."

The experience of individuals like Greb is truly tragic; they embark on expeditions seeking wealth and honor only to have it seized by major nobles. However, Greb refuses to submit and leads his friends in exile.

It is precisely because of this that this group of experienced Crusader archers falls into Damian's hands.

Damian brings out the spoils from defeating the Green Skins and generously shares them with these 160 new recruits. As a result, Damian gains the loyalty of this group of people.

To stimulate the soldiers' fighting spirit, Damian solemnly declares, "Faithful believers, listen to me. The abbot of my monastery is corrupt and greedy; his brother, the stable manager who swore loyalty as the deputy of the count, has betrayed the count and committed atrocities. This pair of brothers is deeply guilty and unopposed. I have decided to be their enemy and cleanse the world of sin for God. Brothers, join me on this journey!"

Upon hearing this, the devout believers roar, ready to fight for God.

If an ordinary person were to lead, this would be impossible. But Damian is a court chaplain, a spiritual leader in religion, naturally possessing the ability to incite commoners to fight, which is just what he needs to mobilize these fanatics.

"Alright, let's... attack the abbot Scoke's villa!"

Damian's eyes shift, but instead of heading back to the highlands, he addresses his personal grievances first.

On one hand, it's due to the shortage of resources and insufficient funds with this new batch of troops.

On the other hand, Damian is aiming to gain more influence for himself at this critical moment.

The count's court in Gothingen County has already fallen into despair, with Damian being their only reinforcement. At this crucial moment, why should Damian eagerly assist cunning Conosa?

Let them wait.

Generally, court chaplains often also serve as prime ministers in the court, handling various daily administrative affairs.

This is because nobles often cannot read and only know hunting and feasting. After systematic learning, chaplains excel in Latin, mathematics, and theology, making them outstanding administrators. Therefore, court chaplains naturally hold power.

Damian wants to be the prime minister as well.

Whether it's seeking revenge against the Scoke family or supporting his own Borwenden family, Damian needs power!

Leading his troops, Damian, relying on the trait of "wayfarer," quickly finds Scoke's villa in the countryside.

This greedy "Goldswallow" creature hides his wealth and mistresses in several estates, guarded by his stewards and henchmen. Through these estates, Scoke can summon hundreds of soldiers, a formidable fighting force.

At dusk, Damian arrives at the gate of the estate.

"Who are you?"

The guard at the lookout tower comes over with a torch and recognizes Damian: "Oh, it's you. What are you here for today?"

Damian isn't well-liked, so he's often running errands, and everyone in the vicinity knows him.

Damian points to Greb and the others behind him and says, "The abbot sent me to prepare accommodations and meals for them. These are Crusader archers who have participated in holy wars and are formidable warriors."

The guard takes a closer look and sees that these soldiers are clad in chainmail and helmets, carrying longbows, looking formidable, and subconsciously agrees.

How could someone like Damian be qualified to summon these warriors?

He turns and waves the torch, saying, "Open the gates."

As the gate slowly opens, as the guard is about to go down for a drink, a sudden gust of wind shakes the air!

The arrow, gleaming with a cold light, flew tens of meters away and pierced straight into the guard's throat!

Lowering his longbow, Greb slowly draws his short sword from his waist, looking at Damian.

With a cold smile, Damian picks up his spear.

"Scoke's illegitimate son is probably still around. Brothers, follow me!!"