There was no better place nearby than Watchtower City. With its large population, direct royal control, and abundant resources, it was ideal. Of course, the prices for housing were also quite stunning. In the corners of the city, a courtyard large enough to accommodate many people cost thirty gold coins. Derek gritted his teeth and drained his liquid funds to buy this courtyard.
It was spacious enough—about one and a half acres. After some renovation, he could set up a blacksmith shop in the front and have a small courtyard in the back to house everyone. However, there was no dedicated training area, so they had to make do. Fortunately, with dozens of iron swords and over a hundred spearheads, selling those would be enough to keep operations running. Money wasn’t the most important thing. As long as the framework held, he could wait for opportunities to arise.
Although there hadn’t been any wars in the northern lands in recent years, it had been long enough. After a simple renovation, Derek’s blacksmith shop quietly opened for business. He couldn’t sit still; the training progress was slowing down. While it was possible to scrape by with the data panel and become a legendary swordsman, he feared that if they really went to battle, they would turn into a bunch of softies.
It was time to seek opportunities in the city. Merchant caravans and nobles always needed to hire warriors. Just because there was no war didn’t mean there was no danger. Soon, he found a job for escorting a merchant convoy.
At a local tavern, he discovered a job board that served as a notice board for local tasks. The Goat Trading Company needed a group of soldiers to ensure the safety of their convoy. Derek learned the location of the Goat Trading Company and met the manager, Vincent. After introducing himself and explaining his intentions, Vincent, a thin man, looked at Derek with a hint of skepticism.
“From Watchtower City to the territory of Count Perez, it will take about a month. I can pay you three gold coins; any delays will be extra,” he said.
Vincent, the thin caravan manager, regarded Derek with some doubt. After all, he had no reputation to speak of. If it weren’t for Derek’s knightly background and family name, he would never have gotten this chance.
A well-formed battle line could unleash tremendous combat power. Simon was a name Derek personally chose for him, rewarding him for obedience, loyalty, and diligent training. In reality, many had better talent, yet Simon had consistently maintained his position in the top tier.
Opportunity favors the prepared. Derek had prepared iron-studded armor, an iron sword, and a nag for him. The equipment was worth four gold coins, and his salary had smoothly doubled. The price was not small; if he were to complete knight training formally in the future, the costs would be even higher. This was why knights generally didn’t train attendants casually; the training could last for years, sometimes over a decade, and the expense was significant.
The annual maintenance cost for a squad leader and spear soldiers amounted to twenty gold coins, plus about ten gold coins for the basic equipment they initially received. For a knight, their horse, weapons, and iron-studded armor would cost upwards of twenty gold coins, with annual maintenance costs around ten gold coins.
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With a knight and a squad of spear soldiers, the yearly maintenance cost totaled thirty gold coins—not to mention the initial costs. Three gold coins? It looked like a small profit, but mercenary work didn’t always come with regular tasks.
What about treatment or compensation for injuries during missions? Weapon wear and tear would increase as well. Besides, risking their lives was primarily to earn more, right?
Without hesitation, Derek refused. “Manager Vincent, though this is my first job, I’m not completely clueless. I’ll take it for ten gold coins, or you can find someone else. I am an elite knight who completed training under Count Perez, and my soldiers are well-trained veterans. You won’t find another mercenary as professional as me.”
Vincent hesitated. He preferred hiring a newcomer, certainly drawn by Derek’s identity, but he didn’t believe a word of the elite knight claim. If he were truly elite, he would have joined the knightly order. Still, a knight from Count Perez’s side was a more reputable choice than other wandering knights.
“Since you understand the market, you should know that ten gold coins is impossible. Five gold coins is the best I can offer. I’ve dealt with the Ferreira family before,” he countered.
Vincent made a concession; this was the standard price. Derek wanted to negotiate further, but Vincent grew a bit impatient. “Five gold coins it is. If you weren’t a knight, I would only offer four.”
Knights had high maintenance costs but were also in demand. Seeing this, Derek was flexible. “Then five gold coins. This is my first mission; let’s consider it a favor to you. Next time, once you’ve seen my capabilities, you’ll have to raise the price.”
With no way out, Vincent reluctantly agreed, relieved to have finally reached an agreement. “If you prove your worth, the price will go up, and there will be more opportunities for cooperation.”
They signed a contract, which was also recorded with the local merchant association. The tavern facilitating the arrangement would keep records as well. If either party defaulted, they would earn a poor reputation locally. Trust was crucial.
Back at home, Derek had to consider one more thing. He needed a knight attendant and could choose one from the new recruits. For a knight, having one or more attendants to help care for the warhorse, maintain weapons and armor, and assist in donning armor during battles was essential. They were practically an extension of the knight.
For commoners, this was an excellent way to advance. Becoming a knight was a ticket to enter society, and then they could think about making a name for themselves. Few spear soldiers were granted titles or lands, but it was much easier for knights.
Of course, some knight attendants would remain attendants forever. They might be unable to complete knight training or may come from lower social standings. Derek had to thank this body; otherwise, his starting point would be the end for many commoners.
In terms of combat power, knight attendants and knights weren’t necessarily a total mismatch. For most wandering knights and even formal knights, attendants were merely tools—advanced soldiers. There was no need to teach them etiquette or military command; they could simply serve as subordinates and soldiers.
For Derek, it was the same, at least for now. Choosing a suitable candidate was easier for him than for others. He didn’t need to consider talent; loyalty was all that mattered. With the panel's assistance, even those with poor talent could eventually improve. But if he couldn’t ensure loyalty, he’d have to let someone else take them.
Fortunately, the soldiers chosen from farmers, though lacking in experience, were generally honest. They were accustomed to serving the Ferreira family, making them easier to command.
Derek’s selection was a pleasant headache. In the end, he chose a highly obedient knight attendant.
Simon
Occupation: Spearman Level 8 → Knight Attendant ???
Experience Pool: 0/100
He was one of the first batch of trained recruits. Beyond his experience… he couldn’t even be called a new recruit. An eighth-level spearman, he was strong, donned in simple leather armor, wielding a short sword and a long spear. In one-on-one combat, even ordinary new recruits wouldn’t stand a chance against him.