Phillip Rally's voice was filled with pride: "My lord, I command a hundred men, ready to obey my every command."
Just a centurion, and yet you're so proud, Gallan Crabb thought helplessly.
In his past life's game, he effortlessly commanded tens of thousands to battle.
Even if it's like the real version of Age of Empires, things are different.
The perpetually tumultuous Crackclaw Point was sparsely populated, making its conflicts more akin to brawls than true warfare.
They were all a bunch of inexperienced fellows that haven't seen real war yet, which was a problem.
Someone like Phillip, who had fought for half his life and had command ability, was practically invincible in this region.
Pride-worthy, indeed.
Gallan wore a satisfied smile and continued walking with Phillip.
Inside Whispers, after a period of strict management, things had cleaned up, and the various odors had dissipated.
These subtle changes made Gallan's steps even lighter.
He'd have the kitchen add extra dishes for them at night and occasionally motivate them.
.....
At the training ground in Whispers...
Over twenty tall and sturdy figures stood like iron towers.
These were the elite warriors of House Crabb who could fight clad in full plate armor.
The mountain wildlings called them Ironskins.
When Gallan and Phillip approached, the men stopped and saluted.
Gallan picked up a wooden training sword from the rack and swung it around. "Who wants to spar with me?"
Silence ensued, with looks exchanged among them.
Gallan casually pointed at one of them. "Hmm, yes, you."
Initially reserved, the chosen one walked up, then relaxed and said earnestly, "My lord, I'm Follis... you might get hurt."
Gallan chuckled lightly. "If you manage to hurt me, I'll have a roast leg of lamb added to your lunch."
"Juicy and dripping with grease."
The burly man swallowed and nodded.
Word of the young lord's sparring in the training ground spread through the castle at an incredible speed, attracting a crowd.
By the time Gallan took off his outer robe and handed it to an attendant, a large gathering had already assembled, gathering at an astonishing and unreasonable speed.
"Ohhhh!"
Follis, tempted by the roast leg of lamb and the atmosphere, was in high spirits.
Follis moved quickly, but he didn't exert his full strength.
Follis had his own little wisdom; if he really hurt the lord, the roast leg of lamb wouldn't taste so good, so he'll let the young lord win to save face.
Facing Follis's downward sword strike, Gallan easily blocked it with one hand, pushed forward, and Follis, caught off guard by the sudden force, instinctively resisted but still staggered back three steps.
"My warrior, focus, let me see your true strength."
"Ha!!"
"Follis, did the owner lady at Ken's Tavern keep you overnight yesterday? Seems like you're a bit weak in the legs."
"What? Oh I'll kill you Follis!"
"Haha, he used up all his inner strength!"
Follis's face turned red.
Damn it, what nonsense are these bastards spouting? The lord's strength is really something, what do you guys know?!!
Follis steadied himself, loosening his grip on the sword hilt for a moment, then tightening it again, entering a combat state honed in the crucible of battle.
Bang! Thud!
Dust rose, then settled, revealing Follis lying on his back looking forlorn.
I really did my best...
Silence.
Cheers erupted!
Gallan maintained a reserved smile, waved lightly to the crowd, acknowledging the enthusiasm of the people.
In Whispers, the atmosphere, which had been subdued since Gallan's mother's death, seemed to vanish in an instant.
No more gloom.
Phillip was shocked by Gallan's display of strength.
Phillip's swordsmanship was cunning, and he could naturally see that Gallan hadn't exerted himself at all, easily defeating Follis.
While Follis's swordsmanship wasn't on par with his own, his physique was robust enough that Phillip, if in his place, would have to be cautious in response, just to maintain an unbeaten record.
The lord is growing up, becoming more powerful, and House Crabb had great potential.
---
Beside the training ground, on a wooden platform, Surlana stood with her eldest daughter, Karliah, watching Gallan's receding figure.
"My daughter, Lord Gallan is very strong; his children will be as sturdy as little calves."
Karliah's hair was the common ink color of Crackclaw Point, well-kept despite being the daughter of a chamberlain.
Karliah was nearly five feet four inches tall.
Karliah's deep green eyes turned to Surlana. "Mother, but... a bastard... I want to marry a brave knight, not become a mistress who bears bastards."
"Every girl on the continent dreams of marrying a brave knight. But, my poor daughter, your status isn't noble enough. Wealthy knights won't look at you; only destitute knights or widowed knights would. Can you adapt to a life of poverty? Are you really willing to serve an old man?"
Karliah remained stubbornly silent.
"I won't harm you. Love alone cannot sustain life; it will change."
Karliah turned away angrily. "My opinion doesn't matter at all, then why don't you just strip me naked and throw me into the lord's bed!"
"You..."
In everyone's impression, Surlana had always been straightforward, a walking ice sculpture.
All of Surlana's tenderness was given to her most beloved daughter—Karliah.
Surlana blinked at her sulking daughter, took a step forward, and rested her gentle chin on Karliah's head.
"If only it were that simple; your mother would be relieved."
"Yesterday, I mentioned you to Lord Gallan, but... he didn't show any interest at all. I tossed and turned all night and couldn't sleep."
Karliah snorted in Surlana's strong embrace.
She's the best beautiful girl around, Karliah couldn't believe it.
Surlana looked approvingly at her daughter's beauty, reaching out to touch her cheek.
Milky white skin, soft and delicate.
"Your mother is just a chamberlain; I have a place in this house, but my status isn't noble. If your looks were plain, I wouldn't have to worry about this or that."
"With age, as you blossom like a flower, you'll be eyed by all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons. Sooner or later, your beauty will become your downfall."
"All of my years of experience tell me how cruel this world is. Among the people I knows, only Lord Gallan won't mistreat you and can protect you."
Karliah's eyes reddened, and she hugged Surlana tightly, feeling the familiar warmth. "Mother..."
Surlana stroked Karliah's hair, saying, "Perhaps there are better people out there, but I don't want you to leave, and I'm worried about you being alone. Do you want to leave me?"
No, never... Karliah shook her head vigorously in Surlana's embrace.
...
...
Gallan spent the afternoon busy at the blacksmith's and carpenter's workshops. After dinner, he had a long discussion with Phillip Rally about the issues concerning the Mountain Wildings.
Finally done with the day's tasks, Gallan relaxed in a wodden tub filled with hot water.
Letting out a comfortable sigh, Gallan thought about Emer, the most famous Spearwife in the domain he was preparing to meet tomorrow. She was said to be a skilled hunter, with exceptional archery skills.
Creak.
The sound of the wooden door opening was unusually jarring in the quiet night.
The footsteps were light, unfamiliar.
Gallan's heart stirred, and one hand reached for the short sword leaning against the tub.
The footsteps were approaching.
Gallan's deep brown eyes flickered.
The girl wore a thin olive green linen gown, with a low neckline revealing her modesty: "Please forgive my intrusion, Lord Gallan."
She bowed lightly and said, "I am Karliah, the daughter of Surlana, the chamberlain."