"In today's world, it seems that pure mercenaries are destined to become mere pawns, sacrificed at the whims of various powers. The capabilities of mercenaries have their boundaries. The more one endeavors to serve others for profit, the clearer it becomes that mercenaries are bound by limitations—unless one rises above mere mercenary status."

"What exactly are you getting at, boss?" Rafe couldn't help but inquire.

"I'm through with the mercenary life, folks!"

"But boss, if we're not mercenaries, what's left for us?" Manid scratched his head, suspecting Avi might have taken a blow to the head. "We can't just turn to banditry or thievery, can we?"

"Of course not. Since Count Midenslacht has granted us permission to station here, let's make the most of it," Avi explained. "We can establish a settlement with the villagers who join us, continue farming, grazing as usual, and even profit from woodcutting."

"Hmm, that's a sound plan. The forests here are vast and untouched for a long time, yielding high-quality timber worth a fortune in the market."

"Yes, and there are also opportunities for hunting," Avi added. "Later, when time permits, we'll salvage usable hides from the wild orc corpses for carpets or other purposes."

"But boss, we've likely irked Kis by now, making it impossible to send these goods to Midenslacht. While we can send the wood to Middenheim, what about the hides and meat?"

"We'll become self-sufficient. We'll operate from here as a base, utilizing our mercenary skills while gradually expanding our settlement by recruiting villagers who suffer from the wild orc threat or other troubles."

"Wow! That's a brilliant idea, establishing our own village!" Rafe exclaimed. "The village could evolve into a town, a castle, and eventually a fortress!"

"It's more realistic to aim for a village," Avi tempered Rafe's enthusiasm. "If things don't go well, we may not even reach that stage."

"Why?" Rafe protested.

"A legitimate ruler won't tolerate an independent force within their territory," Avi explained. "So we must maintain a low profile, perpetually posing as mercenaries and engaging in activities that capitalize on our position."

"It sounds challenging, but I'll stick to my duties. Boss, if there's nothing else, I'll head out. This cerebral work isn't my forte~" Rafe chuckled and departed to roam outside.

"Your Excellency, I commend your foresight, but how do we address financial concerns and avoid clashes with the provincial army?"

"That's a matter for later discussion. For now, let's solidify our direction. Everyone has ideas on how to contribute."

The meeting concluded somewhat abruptly, but Avi's objective had been accomplished. He understood long ago that pure mercenaries had no future. Be it from his experiences in Mount & Blade or Total War, only a stable base could provide lasting strength.

While mercenaries could be profitable, the risks and limitations were significant. Mere survival posed a considerable risk, let alone expanding influence as Avi aspired to do, and establishing dominion over a territory.

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Thus, mercenaries could be a primary or secondary profession, but they could not be the sole industry. This became Avi's strategic policy for the foreseeable future.

Preparing for the forthcoming tasks, Avi first checked his companions' status. After the major battle, Avi and Manid had gained two levels, Rafe had gained three levels, and Airen had advanced one level.

Avi's strategic allocation of skill points into Trade and Leadership, coupled with the enhancement of his Agility and Charisma attributes, laid a solid foundation for the group's development. Meanwhile, Rafe's unwavering focus on combat proficiency, with an emphasis on Infantry Command and Agility, ensured a formidable frontline presence.

Manid, proficient in both commerce and medicine, strategically honed his skills in Surgery and First Aid, aligning well with his intellectual and charismatic attributes. Airen's role as a lieutenant was solidified through advancements in Cavalry Command, complemented by his focus on intelligence.

With these upgrades in place, Avi swiftly delegated tasks.

In the aftermath of the Night of the Witch, the entire Midenslacht domain bustled with activity, reconstructing the ravaged landscape left behind by orc raids. Avi dispatched Manid, whose persuasive charisma and fortunate disposition made him the ideal candidate, to recruit refugees and displaced soldiers along the roadways.

This proactive approach yielded significant results, as scores of farmers, displaced by the savage orc attacks, sought refuge within their stronghold's protective walls.

Originally intent on seeking sanctuary in Middenheim, the refugees quickly reconsidered upon realizing the grim reality of forced labor awaiting them there. In contrast, Avi's stronghold offered them the chance to reclaim their agricultural livelihoods, drawing them in with renewed hope and purpose.

In instances where doubt arose regarding a mercenary group's ability to withstand orc incursions, Manid's eloquence came to the fore, guiding skeptics to the grisly spectacle of orc carcasses piled high within the camp.

Despite the stoic demeanor of the Midenslacht populace, confronted with undeniable evidence and the specter of survival, remaining within the stronghold became an inevitability. After all, the desire to live out one's days as a secure and free farmer was the shared aspiration of the majority of common folk within the former empire.

With the influx of supplies and resources brought by the farmers, Avi wasted no time in putting them to good use, quickly cultivating the fertile land behind the stronghold into productive farmland. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of several head of cattle and sheep for breeding further fortified their burgeoning agricultural endeavors.

Meanwhile, Rafe's presence among the populace proved invaluable, as he took charge of logging operations within the stronghold. Alongside the vigilant swordsmen tasked with guarding the loggers, Rafe's grounded nature and Midenslacht heritage fostered strong bonds with the farmers, forging a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Airen assumed the mantle of instructor, diligently training soldiers under Avi's watchful eye. Avi's plans to introduce warhorses into their ranks as a means to diversify troop compositions underscored their commitment to military expansion, although the realization of this goal would require patience and dedication.

As the stronghold flourished in its nascent stages, Avi remained mindful of the ever-looming threat posed by the orcs. Nevertheless, with their own farmlands, livestock, economic ventures, and a steadily growing workforce and military, the group was well on their way to establishing a formidable presence in the region.

Utilizing the strategic framework of the Mount & Blade system, Avi efficiently trained the newcomers into a disciplined and effective fighting force. And with a steady income from their various endeavors, coupled with the Count's subsidy and their flourishing partnership with the dwarven craftsman Durinba, securing adequate weaponry and armor posed little challenge for the burgeoning mercenary band.

Yet, amidst their progress and prosperity, Avi remained vigilant, fully aware that the orcs would not idly tolerate human encroachment into their territory. Little did he anticipate that their burgeoning success would soon draw the attention of old adversaries—greenskins and goblins—reawakening the specter of conflict in the region once more.