Throughout the entire correspondence, Derek did not utter a single unnecessary word. However, his Uncle Andrew was clever enough to grasp the underlying meaning: he needed people!
Derek sent his knight attendant Simon back with a few soldiers, not empty-handed but carrying soldiers' wages, gifts for Uncle Andrew, and resettlement funds. What was the purpose of the resettlement funds? It was, of course, to recruit more people. As the de facto manager of Mudi Village, Andrew could discreetly maneuver some side deals that no one could stop. For the sake of his son's future, he was willing to take some risks. Even if his older brother discovered it, he could only scold him; how could he truly punish his own brother for helping his son?
Simon was thrilled to be following Lord Derek, as his fate had completely changed. In just under a year, the farm boy had become a strong knight attendant. His experiences had broadened his horizons significantly. Moreover, Lord Derek was simply exceptional. He had met members of the Ferreira family, but none compared to Derek. In Simon's eyes, it was clear that it was right for the baron to pass his title to Derek.
Upon returning to Mudi Village, Simon first delivered letters and wages to the soldiers' families. This money would allow them to live comfortably, and perhaps even increase their household size. For farming families, having a soldier in the family not only meant additional income but also reduced the number of mouths to feed. Every year, many infants were abandoned or drowned, contributing to slow population growth.
Andrew, as the constable, was naturally suspicious of the armed newcomers. However, when he arrived, he quickly realized it was all a misunderstanding. "Simon? You're the kid who left with my nephew?" Andrew recognized him instantly. But seeing Simon now, clad in armor with iron plates and wielding a black longsword, he could hardly believe his eyes. If he didn’t know better, he might think Simon was a wandering knight. Beside him stood a robust warhorse, a far cry from the ordinary pack horse his nephew had ridden when he left.
Andrew couldn’t believe how quickly Simon had risen. He realized that Simon was no longer just a farm boy he could scold at will. When Simon presented the letters and gifts from Derek, Andrew was convinced his nephew had truly made something of himself. For a noble’s second son, finding a path forward was not easy—just like Andrew himself.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
After pulling Simon aside to ask about Derek's activities, Simon remained vague, merely stating he was involved in some business ventures. Andrew guessed it must be significant, perhaps involving influential figures like the Earl of Perez. Returning home, he wasted no time tearing open the letters. As a savvy individual, he quickly grasped Derek's intentions. Should he accept his nephew's invitation? Of course, he would!
Andrew made a swift decision. Adrian, in the Ferreira family, had little chance of advancement, likely ending up as merely a standard-bearer. With fierce competition from his cousins, the pressure was immense. Without a noble title or lands, maintaining the family's honor would be impossible. Instead of watching his family decline, Andrew chose to join Derek on his ambitious quest.
As Simon presented the gifts—ten fine swords packed in a wooden crate—Andrew felt further reassured. The swords, worth a small fortune, represented a significant investment from Derek. Whether for personal use or to sell, they would be easy to move. This solidified Andrew's resolve.
“Simon, let’s head to Ferreira Castle and deliver these gifts and letters to the Baron,” Andrew commanded. The two rode swiftly, and Simon was soon summoned by the Baron. However, he kept his lips sealed, revealing little. The Baron, aware of Andrew’s intentions, thought it wise to support Derek. As the most promising of the family, Derek naturally deserved favor.
What Andrew didn’t anticipate was how fiercely he would act in favor of his nephew. Adrian was merely a nameless member of the Ferreira cavalry, with no official title or duties. The so-called knight training was nothing more than basic education. Gaining the Baron’s approval, Andrew took Adrian away without a second thought.
Adrian was initially upset, having left behind the family’s gear, horses, and weapons. Though he was excited about the adventure, it was hard for him to accept. Andrew scolded him, reminding him of the harsh realities: "Go to your cousin. He won't mistreat you. Serve him well, just as I served my brother. Derek is your lord now. If you mess this up, the family estate will go to your brother, and you'll end up back in the fields."
Andrew was determined to ensure his son had the opportunities he never had. While he organized recruiting for Derek, he also imparted valuable life lessons to Adrian. Before the Baron could react, Andrew urged Simon to lead the group away. In total, they recruited fifty strong young men, nearly emptying Mudi Village. This would inevitably impact next year's farming, but Andrew was committed to this course of action.