in the name of the queen

Chapter 59: Thousands of gold to buy bones
  "Roland, this is the roster of the Knights. There are currently seven gold-level knights, each with a salary of nine pounds and fifteen pence per year; twenty-three silver-level knights, each with a salary of seven pounds and fifteen pence per year; copper-level knights There are two hundred and fifty knights, each with an annual salary of five pounds and fifteen pence. In the past three years, they have received only half of their salary. How much salary should be paid in total?"

Earl Sif blinked, placed the roster on the round table in front of Roland, and took the initiative to ask Roland questions.

The corners of Roland's mouth raised. Which Chinese primary school student couldn't answer this question? He just thought for a moment and gave the standard answer.

"The total is four thousand four hundred and seventy-four pounds ten shillings."

Sif looked at Roland with a smile and asked softly: "How did you calculate it?"

"First calculate the annual salary of the three levels of knights, and then calculate the three-year total."

Unexpectedly, he would have to work part-time as a math teacher, and Roland wondered if he would also need a salary increase.

Sif smiled and shook her head, her lips filled with the joy of victory. Finally, there was something that could surpass Roland.

"You made a mistake in your calculation. Your calculation result was twice as much."

"Yes."

Roland calmly corrected:

"Half of it is a replacement salary, and the other half is a reward for loyalty. Although many knights go out to make a living privately, they at least maintain their establishment, and they are worthy."

Sif fell silent.

Her attempt to become a teacher failed again, and she was still a student.

The lesson Roland taught her was called buying people's hearts.

She stood up, pinched the hem of her skirt, and solemnly thanked Roland.

"I'll remember it, thank you."

Roland watched Sif take the bags of gold coins from the butler's hands, put them into the box with her own hands and seal them with a pious expression, and nodded secretly.

We are not afraid that students will be stupid, but we are afraid that they will not learn.

This class was a small one, taught only to Sif, and it seemed to have a good effect.

Thanks to developed maritime trade and domestic textile, alchemy, and coal industries, the Sussex Empire ranked first in the world in fiscal revenue last year.

The data disclosed by the Imperial Treasury is more than 73 million pounds.

If you want to get back 70 million pounds of power, it would be a bit rude if you can't even part with a reward of more than 4,000 pounds.

Roland didn't feel bad at all about running the Queen's errands and selling the Queen's jewelry, and even planned to let her continue to bleed hard.

After the gold coin box was sealed, Roland did not leave in a hurry, but asked tentatively:

"Sif, is it possible for your friend to come with us?"

"Which friend?" Sif was curious.

"The Knight of the White Rose."

Roland smiled and explained: "I am not an orthodox knight. I may encounter trouble when dealing with these knights. The Knight of the White Rose should be able to resonate with them."

"That's it. Then wait a moment and let me see if she is nearby."

Sif left in a hurry.

Roland opened his palm, and in his palm was the crystal pendant given to him by Sif.

There is a hint of warmth in the coolness, very beautiful, just like Sif herself.

This is a souvenir of a flawless friendship.

He was reluctant to crush it and summon the Knight of the White Rose.

Simply ask Sif to call someone.

After waiting for almost a quarter of an hour, the sound of iron boots on the floor came from the corridor.

Roland knew that the white rose was coming.

A female knight wearing full body armor appeared at the door.

Just when Roland was about to go up to meet him as a knight, the female knight lifted up her face armor, revealing her beautiful face.

"The Knight of the White Rose, here at the summons."

"Huh? So it's you!"

Roland was surprised, then relieved.

He's so stupid, really.

He only knew that the Knight of the White Rose was a young girl, but he forgot one thing.

The white rose is the core component of the royal emblem!

It's not his fault.

A wise man may make a mistake even if he thinks a lot, let alone him.

Sif smiled happily.

She finally gained the upper hand in front of Roland.

Roland's eyes gradually softened when he thought of the White Rose Knights who charged forward during the battle to suppress Luoli that day and fought until they were exhausted. Sif is an earl and a high-ranking noble, but she often forgets this when getting along with him.

A flawless friendship can indeed break through class barriers.

Roland clearly remembered the whole process of the white rose blooming at night and would never forget it.

He solemnly extended his right hand to Sif.

This time, Sif didn't refuse or hesitate, and put her left hand wrapped in gauntlet on.

"set off!"

In the carriage, Sif was wearing mail and sitting upright.

Her mail armor was made by alchemists using mithril. It was harder than steel but several times lighter, so it was not too heavy to wear.

Thinking that she was about to join the Knights, she was a little nervous and asked tentatively: "What do you need me to do later?"

"Look, learn, and hit people if necessary." Roland said calmly.

Sif: "."

Roland smiled and teased: "Do you think it will be smooth sailing for us to take office? Do you think the knights of the Royal Knights are really loyal?"

Sif glared at Roland and deliberately imitated his voice and said:

"Half of it is a replacement salary, and the other half is a reward for loyalty. Although many knights go out to make a living privately, they at least maintain their establishment, and they are worthy."

After imitating, she glanced at Roland with a smile on her lips, her meaning obvious.

Is this what you said?
  If it were anyone else, it would definitely be embarrassing to be slapped in the face by his words, but Roland is not an ordinary person.

He laughed, suppressed his smile and said, "They are loyal, but not completely loyal."

"You mean, loyalty does not mean absolute disloyalty?"

There was a bit more solemnity in Sif's tone.

Roland pressed down with one hand and glared at her angrily, "Don't be so extreme, okay?"

"What did I say before, how to tell friends from enemies?"

"Those who have common interests are friends, and those who have conflicting interests are enemies!" Xif replied instantly.

"What's one more thing?"

"Let there be more and more friends and fewer and fewer enemies!" Sif thought thoughtfully.

She clenched her fists subconsciously, and the coldness of the mithril gauntlet made her more awake.

"I understand. Although these people have problems, they remain loyal in name. We should treat them well."

Roland looked at Sif in surprise and said nothing.

Sif felt a little guilty and didn't dare to look at Roland. She lowered her head and asked softly: "Did I say something wrong again?"

"No, you're absolutely right."

Roland felt relieved that he had indeed protected the wrong person.

He whispered: "Let me tell you a story."

Sif's slight embarrassment was swept away. She took off her gauntlets, held her chin in her hands, looked at Roland with a smile, and assumed a listening posture.

For some reason, when Roland looked at Sif, the figure of the flower sea elf appeared in front of Roland again.

They overlapped and seemed to be one person.

"Why don't you tell me?"

Sif's reminder made Roland wake up from his stupor.

What are you thinking about?

Sif is Sif, no one else. This comparison is disrespectful to her.

He cleared his throat and started speaking.

"Today's story is called, 'A Thousand Pounds of Gold for a Horse's Bones.'"

Sif didn't yell about how much money she would lose by buying horse bones. She was an excellent listener and would not easily interrupt Roland's rhythm.

Not far from the Knights' station, Roland's story was told briefly, but the meaning was conveyed.

After hearing the story, Sif was finally able to express her thoughts.

"You mean, these 'loyal' knights are all horse bones?"

"Not necessarily. If they can accept the new concept of knights, they will be horses. If they can't accept it."

"That's horse bones!"

Sif answered instantly, she knew this question.

(End of this chapter)