The surrounding soldiers immediately shot him looks of contempt after hearing that.
"If I remember correctly, wasn't he the first one to run during the battle?"
"Wrong. The tax officers were the first. They even ran away with a bunch of beautiful women. I saw it with my own eyes."
"I thought Baron Ram was the first one to flee."
"You're remembering it wrong. Baron Ram surrendered outright and even handed over his wife and daughters."
The soldiers chatted enthusiastically among themselves.
"Anyone willing to fight alongside me, step forward now!"
Phield raised an arm and pointed toward the open space beside him.
"I'll go. I want revenge for my family."
"You are a true knight, my lord. I am willing to become your soldier."
Although the responses sounded passionate, only fifty or sixty people actually stepped out of the crowd.
"These people aren't bad."
Rather than feeling disappointed by the small number, Phield nodded approvingly.
