Blood tax

Chapter 18 The House of the Earl of Larmor
The Bayeran Reserve Army Headquarters is located in the southeast of the upper city, and shares a pentagonal fortress facing the sea with the Ministry of War and the General Staff.But all the Shutoral who returned from afar must come here to hand over their personnel work.

Griffith walked all the way.He only had a few Su in his pocket and couldn't afford to ride in the carriage, and he was embarrassed to ask the elf to borrow money.Galadia also seemed to have forgotten that he was poor.

Today is July 1443, 7 of the Second Era, and there is still enough time before the task deadline.Since Griffith did not know in advance when he would be able to arrive, the appointment time between Griffith and Captain Heinz Banner was not accurate.

Passing through the huge pillar, the apprentice knight did not know where to go at the gate where people came and went.Beneath the imposing ceiling, the smooth marble is bright enough to reflect the face.The center of the hall floor is stitched into a soaring eagle with exquisite tiles.

"Don't block the road, soldier," a high-ranking sergeant wearing a white helmet found the apprentice knight who was looking around, and walked over to him and said, "Go to the secretary's desk."

Griffith tried his best to maintain a dignified posture to prevent himself from slipping on the floor, and came to the secretary's desk nervously.

"The 502nd Armored Cavalry Wing of the Eastern Legion, the second-level squad leader, Griffith Brandon asked to see the armored cavalry director Captain Heinz Banner."

After a while, he was led through a deep corridor to a secluded office.

The former dean of the Junior Non-commissioned Officer Academy, Captain Heinz William Banner, was scribbling in a mountain of documents. He raised his head slightly after hearing footsteps, and stood up with a smile on his face: "I heard that you are working in the rear It's good that I don't forget to fight for the peace of the kingdom."

Griffith immediately straightened his chest and thumped his chest with his right hand: "Victory belongs to Byyeland!"

"Victory to Bayeran," Heinz, the cavalry director, lifted his arm, "In a few hours, you will be subordinate to the Lamor family. Before the completion of four years of study, the kingdom will not even need military pay. I paid you. The premise is that the Lamor family thinks you are still useful."

"No matter where they belong, His Majesty's soldiers will never forget their oaths and loyalty." Griffith replied without hesitation.

"Well, of course~ Loyalty," Heinz smiled, with a hint of sarcasm in his smile, "The Earl is one of the most honorable figures in this kingdom. I think you are ready to impress him preparation."

"I bought a brand new coat, shirt and boots," Griffith says, thinking of the big bucks he's spent.

"That's right," the cavalry chief, who had just been transferred to the capital, pulled his bow tie, "Beyelan's life is completely different from other provinces, but you young people can adapt faster than me. The count has a pair of children about your age. , wish you could be friends with them and nothing else."

Before Griffith could figure out how to answer, Heinz changed the subject: "Tell me about the East. In the last battle you participated in, how did the cavalry unit implement its own tactical policy."

"When you see the enemy, you must defeat it, Your Excellency Director," Griffith said like a guilty student, but he himself felt that there was a problem with the tactics of that battle, "But after reflection, I think it is not wise to attack Beamon head-on in the end. Act of."

"Well~ those idiots don't understand armored cavalry," Heinz nodded, "mobility, defense, and impact. The armored cavalry should be a balance of these three, choose the battlefield flexibly, and rely on effective defense to display its own assault ability. Instead of ramming an invincible mythical creature like an infantry. You can ram other orc infantry and leave that slow moving target for the artillery's bed crossbow. Luckily Maximus reacted after being hit head-on Come here, or you young people will all be filmed as..."

Griffith groaned in his heart.Director Heinz noticed the sad expressions of his students in time, and quickly changed the subject.

"I am going to reorganize the tactical formation of the armored cavalry. Add armored cavalry formations to follow your actions. If you encounter a solid defense of the pike phalanx and must attack, this is inevitable. You and the archers together Go on the offensive, break through with hand-to-hand combat under long-range cover."

"However, the rate of fire and firepower of the cavalry archers have no advantage over the infantry archers, and it is not easy to deploy when there are too many people, and it will block the way of the armored cavalry." Griffith thought it was difficult to command, simply put forward his own opinion.

Director Heinz said: "Naturally, cavalry archers cannot be formed and fought in the way they used to be. Their composition and equipment are still under experimentation. If you have any ideas, please write to me.

"Griffith Blanton, you are a young man with a head. You know, the capital is no safer than the East, where there is a whole different kind of evil and intrigue. In the next few years, I hope you Before you make your own contribution, don't die without knowing why."

The cavalry director's words were very sincere.Knowing that this was his teacher's peculiar way of expressing his concern, Griffith nodded very seriously.

"Okay, we can talk on the way to Larmor House if we have something to say," Director Heinz took off his coat from the hanger and strode outside, "I'll go with you."

A carriage was already waiting for them outside the General Staff.The two got into the carriage like a whirlwind and galloped towards the Larmor House.

"Apart from your little battle, did you find anything else?" Teacher Heinz opened his mouth and asked as soon as he sat down, "I know about the goblins and zombies, let's talk about something else."

"The food supply was not as tight as I thought," Griffith said immediately. "On my way back, before the official armistice, the common citizens still had brown bread as their staple food, but they still had enough food, meat and complementary food. supply is acceptable.”

"Interesting point of interest," Heinz nodded with interest, "The grain delivered by the southern provinces has greatly eased the supply pressure, and the Senate is preparing a new bill to encourage grain trade. If it weren't for Cornelius The expeditionary force took it there, and the offensive of your Eastern Legion has long been unsustainable due to logistical pressure. Brandon, do you know the real strategic purpose of the General Staff in this war?"

"Our offensive has been advancing along the coastline. In fact, the real purpose is not to conquer the land fortress of the orcs, but to capture their ports to avoid the danger to the southern trade line. Is the real intention of the kingdom to attack the south?" Gerry Fez expressed his own guess, "I thought the coastal advance was to maintain logistical stability, but this doesn't explain how conquering the Atana fortress will end the war."

"Hmph, you're right, the victory at the Battle of Atana was not a decisive battle with the orcs as advertised at the beginning. The capture of the fortress meant that their navy lost the last large port that could threaten the south, the Marauder fleet. Had to retreat further east to regroup, and won't be able to come out again in a few years," said Inspector Heinz Wilhelm with a smile, "Very well, Griffith, although your rank is only a junior sergeant. , but your vision is much broader than those of the soldiers and officers. When you enter school, remember to take the advanced art of logistics."

The road from Reserve Headquarters to Larmor House was smooth and quiet, with no annoying smells or noises except for the pleasant scenery.The carriage crossed the pretty streets to a luxurious mansion, and Director Heinz jumped down like a young man.

"Come down, little sergeant, this is another battlefield for you."

Well-dressed servants greeted them politely across the exquisite courtyard and into the spacious and luxurious living room to rest for a while.Crystal chandeliers cast a soft and beautiful light, and every piece of furniture is designed just right.A touch of incense wafts in the cool interior, making people extremely comfortable.The floor-to-ceiling windows with a height of three people allow a panoramic view of the exquisite garden, completely driving the depression and boredom out of the living room.

While waiting in the living room, the servants brought refreshments and fruits, which were so exquisite that people couldn't help it.

This place, which is countless times more beautiful than the reserve army headquarters, immediately dazzled Griffith.

"Don't make such a fuss," said the banner captain. "Where is the determination of the legionnaires? These seemingly respectful and polite servants will do everything possible to make fun of you in private. You are just the second son of a border knight, a non-commissioned officer with little money in your pocket." And the senior security at the Earl's house. They'll approach you warmly after I'm gone, tell you how to be a decent person in the capital, and then try to get you to do something stupid that discredits you."

Griffith was stunned for a moment, hurriedly retracted his confused and intoxicated expression, and tried his best to change into a serious expression.But the Earl's Palace is so beautiful and elegant, and the apprentice knight can't make himself vicious by gnashing his teeth.

The servants soon came to report that the count was ready for an interview.

Chief Heinz didn't even need the guidance of his servants. He led the apprentice knight through the long corridor and quickly passed through the main building of the mansion to a circular room in the garden of Larmor House.A handsome, amiable and elegant middle-aged man turned from the bookshelf and looked gently at the apprentice knight who appeared in front of him.He was tall, with blond hair dyed with age.The gleaming double-sword golden oak-leaf knight's eagle badge on his coat clearly stated his identity.

This is Earl Lamor, one of the king's most trusted and favored direct earls.

"Well, the second son of the Knight of Brandon? He looks very similar. It seems that the legion has fed you well." The earl pointed to the sofa beside him and motioned for the banner captain and his little follower to sit down. "I have seen your Resume. Originally I wanted to put you next to my eldest son, but unfortunately his ambition is to study history rather than politics and military affairs. My daughter has just turned 16 and will go to Holmondworth to start her first grade this fall. Iraq According to Luvash's prophecy, Mr. Apprentice Knight will be a good companion knight."

Iluwash... The prophecy of this goddess is respected and recognized by both humans and elves.Most likely it was He who let Galadia go on an adventure in the forest alone...

"It's my honor, Lord Count," Griffith, who had been waiting for these words just after sitting down, bounced like a spring.

The Earl nodded, motioned Griffith to sit down, and then looked at Captain Qi: "The Army Command Section at Homon Watts is a good place, but many people think it's too comfortable there. What do you think?"

Captain Heinz Banner with gray temples and a serious expression said: "Maybe the Army University is a good choice, but for young people with aspirations, the experience that a comprehensive magic academy can provide is more valuable than pure military skills."

"That's right, you're right." The earl sat down at the desk and picked up the quill at hand, "In this way, I can worry less about the secrets of Homonworth. The temperament of these young people is restraining secrets." very effective.”

The Secret of Homon Watts?what is this?Griffith had absolutely no idea what the Earl meant, just kept in mind that he could study it when he had a chance.

Just when Griffith was puzzled, Earl Lamor had already written an envelope quickly and handed it to the captain of the flag: "That's it for today, and then let the second-level captain get used to Bai Yelan." life."

After seeing off the captain of the banner, the count took the trainee knights to the library on the first floor: "During the time before entering school, you can read the books here and have dinner with us."

Isn't it a bit of a lowly person like me to attend the dinner... Before Griffith could express his thanks, the count continued, "How many shirts do you have?"

"Two," replied Griffith, nervous at the sight of such a great man condescending to care about such a trivial matter.

"Very good," the count said quickly in an orderly tone, "go to the housekeeper to receive this quarter's salary, and then buy twenty more."

(End of this chapter)