Here is the translation:
"Sorry, Lord Hamilton, does being a bounty hunter still require a permit?" Rein asked in confusion.
"Haha, Rein, it seems I need to explain this. If you were the offspring of a noble, of course, no permit would be necessary to become a bounty hunter. But for someone of civilian status who aspires to rely on bounties as a source of income, this permit would make things much easier."
"First of all, the bounty hunter permit is universally recognized across the Empire. It allows you to carry weapons and walk outside, day or night. Otherwise, according to the Empire's public security management regulations, civilians may only keep weapons in their homes—except for special circumstances."
"Moreover, if one day your cumulative bounty reaches over 100 gold coins, you can apply for a mid-level bounty hunter certification, which grants you the privilege to ride a horse."
Rein was immediately stunned as he listened: official recognition of carrying weapons all day and the ability to ride a horse?
*These rights were originally reserved for nobles, yet bounty hunters could also enjoy them?*
*Indeed, in this world, martial strength is the optimal path for climbing the social ladder!*
"However... when it comes to bounty hunter slots, the Empire has always exercised tight control. Fortunately, I happen to have one recommendation slot left." Hamilton continued.
Rein's face showed signs of deliberation. He was undoubtedly very intrigued by the bounty hunter opportunity. The chance to wield weapons, ride a horse, and earn considerable gold coins made this an essential step toward his transcendent journey.
*Even if he were to become an estate guard or a Night Watchman, relying solely on a salary would surely not suffice for his training needs.*
*Still, if Hamilton said this slot was rare, then it was clear that fortune was not simply falling into his lap!*
*The underlying implications in Hamilton's words had already made certain things clear.*
*But the issue was, Rein had already accepted Lady Cleya's goodwill, and now he would have to switch over to joining the Night Watch...*
After hesitating for a moment, Rein spoke up, "Sir Hamilton, I deeply appreciate your esteem, but I already promised someone... uh... I may someday become a follower to a certain Lord, so..."
Before Rein could finish, Hamilton burst into hearty laughter, saying,
"Oh, is that what you're worried about? Don't worry, Rein, this won't conflict at all. Whomever you're a follower to, as long as they're an Imperial noble, they are sure to pledge allegiance to our great Emperor of the Dragan Empire!"
"Take me as an example. I'm both the Sheriff of Flashgold Town and a follower of Marquis Kadan. But my official position within the Empire's system actually adds points in Marquis Kadan's eyes."
Rein was dumbfounded: such underhanded maneuvering actually existed?
*Wasn't it supposed to be, 'My vassal's vassal is not my vassal?'*
But Rein quickly realized that his current Dragan Empire wasn't like the fragmented medieval European kingdoms in his previous life. Here, the centralized authority was extremely strong, and the Emperor was naturally everyone's ultimate allegiance.
After Hamilton's detailed explanation, Rein soon understood that Imperial nobles welcomed their followers becoming administrative personnel in the kingdom's power structure.
"By the way, Rein, you haven't gone through the follower oath allegiance ceremony yet, right?" Hamilton asked.
"Uh... no." Rein thought for a moment. Indeed, he and Lady Cleya had not undergone any formal allegiance ceremony.
Her exact words were that only if he reached the rank of an Official Knight could he then become her follower.
"Then you should strengthen your skills quickly. Ideally, pledge allegiance as a Guardian Knight, not merely as a follower," Hamilton said.
"Lord Hamilton, is there any difference?" Rein asked, slightly surprised.
Though the amount of information he'd absorbed today was overwhelming, he still felt that coming to see Hamilton had been the right call. Through a brief chat, he had learned many things previously inaccessible to him.
*This was the informational barrier caused by class differences!*
"To put it simply, the level of control varies. You can be a Guardian Knight to many individuals, but you can only serve as a follower to one person! You'll understand this better later." Hamilton explained after contemplating.
"Thank you, Lord Hamilton, for enlightening me. In response to your generous offer, I will agree to join the Night Watch." Rein said.
"However, I am currently still undergoing the manor servant training program. Could I wait until it ends before formally joining the Night Watch?" Rein asked.
"Of course, the Habsburg Manor servant training is quite commendable. Plus, you'll have the chance to learn archery," Hamilton remarked, seemingly well-informed about the archery lessons included in this training.
"However... if I need you for anything in the meantime, Rein, you must respond promptly."
"Naturally, Lord Hamilton," Rein replied.
The meeting concluded in a harmonious atmosphere.
Rein carefully tucked away the gray pouch containing fifteen Imperial gold coins before bidding farewell to Hamilton and leaving the town's administrative hall.
Carrying the "fortune" he'd acquired, Rein felt an unusual sense of joy. However, thoughts of the Hyena Gang's looming threat suddenly deflated his mood.
It surprised him that the gang leader, Cole, turned out to be Blackbeard's older brother.
*Strength—he had to improve his strength quickly!*
Yet... now that he had funds, Rein naturally thought to enhance his family's living conditions slightly.
The pretext was already set: he would explain that assisting Sheriff Hamilton in solving the case of missing children earned him a two-gold-coin reward.
Then he'd tell his family that Hamilton had promised him entry into the Night Watch after the servant training ended.
This way, his family would no longer worry about his prospects. With the pressure relieved, everyone's mood would brighten, and Rein could fully utilize these two coins.
Given the early hour—not yet nine o'clock—Rein decided to continue leveling up his professional experience at the blacksmith shop.
Wait! Speaking of the blacksmith shop—yes!
*Now that he had money, he could ask Boris, the ironsmith, to teach him genuine forging techniques.*
*Previously, financial constraints had held him back. With funds now in hand, the matter boiled down to paying a significant tuition fee.*
*But it was clearly worth it. Accelerating experience gains could rapidly boost his ironsmith apprentice professional rank and lay a solid foundation for equipment crafting moving forward.*
With this thought, Rein felt a hint of excitement in his heart.
Without delay, Rein navigated through the streets and quickly arrived at the blacksmith shop!
As he stepped inside, the clanging of hammers filled the air. The ironsmith apprentices were still busy as ever, while Boris was forging horseshoes, which instantly caught Rein's attention.
*This horseshoe crafting combined with hoof repair—it's a full set!*