Chapter 88

The first island citizens' congress concluded.

While the island citizens were still immersed in the joy of gaining new power, Luosen separately summoned the four commanders of the Blaze Regiment.

"Please have a seat, everyone."

Yuepu and the others sat down one by one on the bench by the window.

The four men's expressions were very respectful, their posture upright, completely opposite to their arrogant, unruly demeanor when they first arrived on the island.

Especially Yuepu, who changed the most; as a Battle Master, he now even appeared somewhat restrained.

Because he clearly felt that the baron before him could decide his and his brothers' fate, while he had no idea what would happen next.

After the four were seated, Luosen spoke in a tone of regret and guilt: "These days I have had people carefully survey the island's mountains and forests, but so far we have found no black iron ore. My father may have given me false information."

"."

The four looked at each other, unsure how to respond to that.

Their primary mission upon landing was to survey the iron ore; now the ore is gone, although for now it's only what the baron said, but the baron has already proven his good reputation.

Moreover, the island is that small; if the Blaze Regiment really wanted to search, no one would stop them, so the baron would have no need to lie.

The iron ore is probably truly nonexistent.

Then if the iron ore is gone, their survey mission ends, and naturally there is no reason to stay on the island any longer.

Yuepu then said: "Well then, we must return to Shire County to report to the count."

He felt somewhat reluctant inside.

Because his time on the island had been quite good.

He wasn't squeezed out by those lofty peers, and at the same time he was highly respected by the locals.

Material conditions were indeed a bit lacking, but everything was improving quickly, and in the foreseeable future it would certainly get better.

Now suddenly leaving such a hot, splendid place left him feeling empty inside.

Obviously, the three deputy regiment commanders beside him felt much the same.

Because in Shire County they all had similar circumstances: talented but lacking background and connections, they had long lingered on the fringes of upper society.

Luosen read their expressions and knew the moment was ripe.

He shifted his tone: "However, I still have two islands unconquered, and there are many Sea Fishmen in the waters to deal with."

"I also greatly admire your abilities, especially the rich naval combat experience you showed when you first landed, which left a deep impression on me."

Regiment Commander Yuepu instantly put on a humble face: "Shire County is a coastal county; naval warfare is an important training subject for the Blaze Regiment. Actually, our naval combat level is quite ordinary."

Harry beside him immediately disagreed and retorted.

"Regiment Commander, I can't agree with that; the dirty work of coastal patrols is all done by us. Although our evaluation scores aren't top, that's because"

He didn't finish speaking before Yuepu cut him off: "All right, don't say any more."

Harry shut his mouth; just from his expression one could see that the three deputy commanders were all dissatisfied.

Luosen smiled and said: "You all saw the appointment just now; a navy department has been newly established, lacking a director and suitable talent."

As soon as he said that, all four were startled.

Especially Yuepu, whose whole body jolted; he wasn't stupid and understood the meaning behind the words.

The baron was courting him and had promised him the position of director of the navy department.

For a moment his heart raced, his breathing became somewhat difficult, and he even felt a sense of suffocation.

Shire County naturally also has a navy; it currently has ten 800-ton Maple Leaf warships, which are the count's beloved treasures.

The head of Shire County's navy department has always been a member of the Robert family, never an outsider.

Now the baron actually entrusted him with such an important post; although the island currently has no warships, given the baron's displayed wealth and ambition, he will surely have them soon.

Henceforth his treatment and status will also be abundantly generous.

Yet in Shire County he does the dirtiest work, suffers the greatest discrimination and contempt, earning only 400 ogres a year in salary, not even one‑third the value of that chest‑worn hero medal.

He was greatly moved.

The Harry mage beside him naturally could also understand.

He is also blunt and spoke directly: "But explaining this to the count will be difficult."

Being able to say that shows he too is greatly moved.

The crossbow deputy commander Naide and the shield deputy commander Alex also unconsciously clenched their fists, showing their excitement.

Luosen smiled: "If you are willing to continue serving me, I will naturally explain all this to my uncle and give him appropriate compensation."

The Blaze Regiment are all highly professional warriors, and with the northerners' distinctive tenacity, once magical equipment is added, their combat power will not fall short of the true Black‑Iron Guard.

Moreover, these 100 people are at least intermediate‑rank professionals, each an outstanding talent.

Many, after a little training, can hold their own independently.

Therefore, this hundred‑person regiment is worth his paying a great price to obtain from the count.

Once obtained, he would have them help build the navy and also serve as instructors to train new soldiers.

His promise brought joy to the faces of the four commanders, yet they still harbored some worry.

Regiment Commander Yuepu whispered: "With the iron ore gone from the island, the count will lose the expected income and will likely demand a large compensation."

He feared the baron might break off talks over the high price, resulting in a joy that comes to nothing.

Luosen gave a slight smile: "As for the compensation, you commanders need not worry; I naturally have a way to get my uncle to agree. What I now care most about is your attitude."

"I deeply respect the heroes who have contributed to the island. Your willingness is the standard by which I decide whether to act."

These words were very pleasing to Yuepu and the others. The baron's abilities before them are plain to see; since he has spoken clearly, it shows he has made up his mind to recruit them.

They also know the Count Robert well, clearly understanding that in terms of means, the count is no match for the baron.

Therefore, this matter is very secure.

The four exchanged a glance; there was no need to discuss, because they all thought the same.

Yuepu still had one last worry: "I am deeply honored to serve the Baron, but my family in Shire County"

"I'll just send someone to fetch them."

【62】 "I'll just send someone to fetch them."

After that, construction on the island will immediately begin on a large scale.

Given the ambiguity, I'll output without quotes. Many translators would drop the quotes. I'll go with: After that, construction on the island will immediately begin on a large scale.

"You can live in Crescent City, or you can build your own manor on the plains. For any plot of land you fancy, up to two mu in size and non-agricultural, I will grant it to you free of charge. For your warriors, I will grant each person three hundred ping."

"Of course, I won't be responsible for the expenses of subsequent construction. I can only guarantee that the price of building materials on the island will be at most ten percent higher than in Shire County."

Yuepu's worries were instantly gone.

As for housing costs, they need not worry at all; after these few battles, each of them has earned a substantial sum, more than enough to build a fine wooden manor.

This is far, far better than the cramped little rooms they had in Shialin City.

Yuepu immediately said, "Baron, we have no problems at all."

"Very good, then take this Naval Department employment contract and give it a good look."

Luosen took out a stack of documents, four copies, and distributed them to all the commanders.

The four examined them carefully, and the more they looked, the happier they became.

Because not only is the pay while in service much better than that of the Flame War Regiment, but after retirement they will also receive a respectable lifelong pension every month.

Even if they die in battle, the compensation for their families is very generous, so there's no need to worry about posthumous affairs.

In other words, they'll never have to worry for their whole lives.

Through their past interactions, they also fully trust the Baron's ability and reputation.

Thus, after reading the contract, the four signed their names on it without hesitation.

Luosen carefully put away the contract, stood up, and shook hands with each commander in turn.

"Island heroes, the construction of the Island Navy depends on your efforts."

"You can also rest assured; I will give my fullest support and guarantee that within a year the Naval Department will have warships."

The four were also very excited.

Especially Yuepu.

His perpetually furrowed brows completely relaxed, and his whole demeanor became much more cheerful.

Thus, the matter of the Flame War Regiment was basically settled.

As for reporting the situation to the Count later, there's no rush anyway, since he's on the Count's island and the Count can't do anything about him.

Also, because of the mentor, the Dawn Princess, and the Countess's relationship, there's no need to worry that the Count will come hard.

Later, find a chance to exchange a chip with the Count to compensate for this loss.

After settling this batch of brand-new Naval Department commanders, the old steward Laifu immediately brought Muraladi over.

This Levinde merchant had arrived yesterday, but for some reason only came today, and he also brought an extra distinguished guest.

Although the situation was vaguely mentioned in the letter, we still have to see to know exactly what's going on.

After the two distinguished guests were seated, Luosen first placed a mid-level sealing barrier on the door to guarantee the study's privacy.

"Sir Makexim, Mr. Muraladi, it's an honor to meet you. Would you like something to drink?"

Luosen welcomed them very warmly.

"I've heard the island's specialty is Frostfire Wine; give me a cup." This was Muraladi.

"Just a cup of light fruit wine for me." This was Sir Makexim.

Luosen poured a cup for each of them, and specially gave the knight a careful airing of the wine.

After they were seated, he first looked at Sir Makexim.

Because he is a core member of the Noboton family; his father is the Noboton Marquis, also called the Thorn Marquis, one of the five great marquises of Levinde.

Moreover, his father is currently one of the most trusted ministers in the cabinet of the Sheila King of Levinde, a truly important figure.

This time, Muraladi's smooth transport of so much goods would not have been possible without the tremendous assistance of the Noboton family.

"Knight, thank you very much for your all-out help; as for the difficulties you've encountered, although I dare not guarantee a complete solution, I will certainly do my utmost to relieve your worries and solve your problems."

Makexim took a small sip of the light fruit wine, and a hint of faint pain appeared on his handsome, delicate face.

"The Baron's words put me at ease, but I fear my ailment is not simple; I even suspect someone has maliciously cursed me!"

Saying that, he turned his head to glance at Muraladi.

Muraladi immediately gulped down the Frostfire Wine: "Um, I suddenly remembered I still have a ledger to check; Baron, I'll go settle accounts with Klub first."

"Go ahead."

Luosen casually dispelled the barrier, and after he left, quickly resealed it.

After the two were alone, Makexim exhaled, then let out a long sigh.

"Baron, I... my... my @#% isn't working."

A phrase was vaguely mixed into his speech, but because it was too fast and soft, Luosen didn't catch it clearly and instinctively asked: "What isn't working?"

(End of chapter)