Alexander stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap, saying, "Hand over everything valuable you've got!"
"Huh?" The group looked up at Alexander in disbelief.
Audo stepped forward and also slapped one of them, saying, "Didn't you hear our boss speaking?"
Victor chimed in: "When you come out to do these things, you have to be prepared for the fact that you will also be robbed, and hand it over as soon as possible."
The two of them were like a well-oiled machine, clearly experienced in this sort of activity. After all, with Alexander having troops and weapons, it was almost courteous for these bandits blocking the road to negotiate. What could they do if they were robbed?
Reluctantly, the imposters handed over all their belongings. Alexander wasn't done yet; he ordered his men to strip them of everything, not even sparing their clothes. After all, those clothes were worth a few dinars.
Then Alexander and his men escorted the naked group back to Lisbon, where they were detained and put on trial.
Lisbon had been thriving lately, thanks to Alexander and his team's vigorous efforts against banditry. With the increased security around Lisbon, trade flourished, and many caravans preferred to pass through the area.
Alexander had subtly influenced the commercial development of Lisbon. His name was starting to be sung by wandering minstrels.
[Congratulations to Lord Alexander for achieving the achievement - "Fame Spreads Far and Wide"]
[Charisma +1]
With his charisma increasing again, it meant Alexander could recruit more soldiers. Based on Alexander's testing, it was estimated that for every point increase in charisma, his maximum troop capacity would increase by five points.
Otherwise, various conflicts and rebellions might arise among his troops for no apparent reason. It seemed that having the system wasn't all advantages; there were some drawbacks too.
He checked his attribute panel:
[Level]: 6
[Strength]: 10
[Agility]: 10
[Intelligence]: 6
[Charisma]: 7
[Available Attribute Points]: 0
[Experience]: 1100/3200
[System Coins]: 1000
After a brief analysis of his panel, Alexander knew that his strength and agility had reached the pinnacle of an ordinary human. He was now like a well-built athlete, considering that whether the nutrition of people in this world could keep up was another matter. Charisma was applied to the troop limit, and his current 30 men were sufficient. For now, there were no issues with military expenses and equipment, provided by Duke Ferdinand.
Intelligence, Alexander hadn't noticed any immediate benefits from adding points to it. He felt his mind was already sharp, but could adding more points make him even smarter?
Besides the attribute points, this month's hiring bonus had been paid out. Duke Ferdinand had kept his promise and given Alexander 500 dinars — most nobles did keep their promises, one of their few virtues.
With the expenses accounted for, Alexander now had 700 dinars. Of that, he spent 200 dinars to rent a warehouse in Lisbon. This warehouse would store their loot and serve as a place to rest.
Only Alexander, Audo, and Victor had keys to the warehouse. Today, they and a few trusted men were meeting there.
Victor spoke first, "Boss, I've heard from some wandering traders that things are heating up in the Empire lately."
Audo added, "Yeah boss, the taverns are buzzing with talk about it too."
One of the trusted men chimed in, "Duke Ferdinand's troops seem to be preparing in earnest. Looks like they're ready to move out at a moment's notice."
...
After discussing, they came to a consensus — it seemed like war might be brewing again.
Alexander occasionally encountered wise old men and heard stories about the continent. Calling it the history of the continent wasn't wrong; it was, in essence, a history of wars. There had never been true peace across the continent. The wars between countries were endless. Perhaps... there would be a true hero who would rise and unify the continent. When this hero would appear, no one knew. It might be tomorrow, or it might never happen.
"Sir, there's news!" A soldier hurried in, reporting, "Duke Ferdinand has ordered everyone to assemble at the military camp. It seems like we're about to march out."
Rubbing his chin in thought, Alexander said, "March out? Who are we marching against? Let's go see."
He quickly led his men to the military camp outside Lisbon.
There, Duke Ferdinand's troops were gathering — a full three hundred soldiers. Among them were more than a hundred cavalry, their horses kicking up dust as they moved.
Alexander envied those handsome warhorses, but unfortunately... he couldn't ride.
That was the most embarrassing part of it all..
He had enough dinars to buy a warhorse, but not knowing how to ride meant it would be useless. It looked like he'd have to find time to learn. But now wasn't the time, as Duke Ferdinand appeared on his tall Saint Martin warhorse before the assembled troops awaiting inspection.
Alexander stood tall, chest out, alongside the other commanders.
"Soldiers of the Kingdom of Saint Martin!" Duke Ferdinand boomed. "The moment of glory is upon us!"
"Our ally, the Empire of Calradia, is in distress. Rebels have torn their country apart, leaving their people starving, diseased, and in turmoil. We, representing the justice of the Kingdom of Saint Martin, moved by Queen Laya's plea, have decided to go and assist them."
"Do you understand? My bravest warriors, the banners of Saint Martin shall cover the sky, and our iron hooves shall tread across the land!"
His voice was strong and powerful, not what you'd expect from an aging noble with graying hair. The young men were also fired up, raising their swords and shouting in unison, "Our banners shall cover the sky, our iron hooves shall tread across the land!"
Even Alexander was caught up in the fervor, his hormones racing. Although he had participated in many battles, they were just that—battles, not wars.
Today, they were going to war.
As a member of the force, Alexander was about to enter the battlefield, kill enemies, and seize glory. Amid this heightened emotion, Alexander maintained a bit of rationality.
War wasn't just about blood and glory; it was also about death and madness. As a mercenary, he didn't want his troops to become cannon fodder. So, he needed to plan well to increase their survival rate on the battlefield.
"Do you all remember the tactics I taught you?" Alexander asked his men again before the main force departed. Getting affirmative replies, he felt a bit more reassured.
With a tense heart, he then marched with the large force towards the border between the Empire of Calradia and the Kingdom of Saint Martin.