Earl Medger pondered for a long while, then turned his head to look at Steward Raymond and asked slowly:
"What kind of person is this Don Quixote?"
When Ser Kyle first mentioned Don Quixote, Raymond had been somewhat surprised.
And after listening to Ser Kyle's words, that feeling of surprise grew even stronger.
...I really didn't expect that knight to actually have some skill.
His willingness to re-propose his old suggestion on Don Quixote's behalf...
Aside from the 50 silver stags being truly tempting, he also had his own selfish motives.
Raymond wanted to facilitate the establishment of a trade market outside the city, naturally because he wanted to make a profit.
He had been to the South several times.
Having seen the prosperity of those trading towns, it was inevitable that he would have some ideas.
...Perhaps I should have a few more drinks with that knight.
Many thoughts floated through Raymond's mind, but on the surface, he remained respectful and composed:
"My Lord, I know a little about this freelance knight, Don Quixote.
"His parents were tenant farmers in the crofters' village outside the city.
"Years ago, he became the squire of the hedge knight Valentine Adler.
"He only returned recently and was then hired by Lady Wylla to be a bouncer at the Iron Axe Tavern."
"What do the surrounding smallfolk think of him?" Earl Medger nodded.
Raymond had already inquired about this as well:
"Most people have a good opinion of him, except for a few.
"But those few were people who got drunk and caused trouble at the Iron Axe Tavern, so their words aren't very credible.
"I also drank with him once myself; he seems to be an upright knight."
Hearing this, Earl Medger thought for a moment before asking:
"Kyle, do you think that knight is trustworthy?"
Ser Kyle responded respectfully:
"He is very young, yet his fundamentals are exceptionally solid. Without years of arduous training, it would be impossible to have such strength. He should not be a frivolous and reckless person!"
After listening, Earl Medger tapped his fingertips lightly on the high-backed oak chair, making a dull thud, thud sound that was particularly clear in the quiet solar.
A moment later, the tapping stopped.
Earl Medger made his final decision:
"Since you all think this freelance knight is good, I will give him a chance.
"Kyle, let him serve as the vice-captain of the guard squad for the temporary trade market outside the city.
"Then select a suitable person from the city guards to serve as the captain."
Earl Medger's decision surprised Ser Kyle, but he had no objections:
"Yes, My Lord."
---
Outside Castle Cerwyn.
Temporary Trade Market.
Ser Kyle looked coldly at the nine freelance knights in front of him and said:
"The Earl has ordered the establishment of a guard squad specifically responsible for the safety of this temporary trade market outside the city.
"You nine freelance knights, plus one knight from House Cerwyn, make ten knights in total.
"Your future task is to defend against possible raids outside the market and mediate disputes that occur within the market.
"Although this temporary market is small, it concerns the livelihood of the tenant farmers outside the city and the passing merchants. Moreover, it was personally ordered to be built by the Earl.
"Since you have been hired by the Earl, you must abide by the Earl's rules!
"If you take the Earl's pay, you must fulfill your duties!
"If anyone dares to slack off, act recklessly, or bully others, and I find out, don't blame me for not being polite!"
The nine freelance knights bowed and responded one after another:
"Yes, Ser Kyle!"
Ser Kyle nodded slightly, his tone softening a bit but still carrying authority:
"The market guard squad will have a captain and a vice-captain.
"The captain will be Knight Liam from the city guard garrison.
"He has guarded Castle Cerwyn for over ten years and is familiar with the rules of law and order. You are all under his command."
Behind Ser Kyle, a knight shouted loudly:
"Hey, I'm your captain from now on.
"Remember this! Do not cause trouble, or I will beat the hell out of anyone who does!"
Hearing this, Don Quixote looked over.
The man was extremely burly, with broad shoulders and a thick back. Clad in a suit of plate armor, he looked imposing.
Ser Kyle glanced at the man, then continued:
"And the vice-captain will be Don Quixote."
As soon as these words came out, the eight freelance knights beside him were instantly surprised and envious.
...I'm the vice-captain?
Don Quixote himself was a bit surprised, but he reacted quickly and immediately said loudly:
"Thank you for your trust, My Lord! Thank you for your trust, Ser Kyle!
"I will fulfill my duties and guard this trade market well!"
Ser Kyle nodded and said:
"I hope so. Alright, Knight Liam will arrange your specific tasks now."
After speaking, Ser Kyle quickly left with a group of soldiers.
Liam looked at the five Cerwyn soldiers beside him and the nine freelance knights in front of him, and said slowly:
"This trade market will officially open in three days.
"For these three days, we will first divide the patrol areas, set the duty rotation, and familiarize ourselves with the terrain around the market."
"Yes, Captain."
Liam led the group on horseback for a rough tour around the already constructed trade market.
He gave detailed instructions on some matters, and finally looked at Don Quixote and smiled:
"Don Quixote, you pick four freelance knights and two soldiers to form a team.
"The rest will form a team with me.
"Our two teams will take turns guarding day and night. How about it?"
Don Quixote naturally had no objection:
"Acceptable."
He didn't hesitate and randomly picked six people who looked agreeable to the eye.
Seeing that the personnel allocation was settled, Liam said again:
"Let's go, take a look at our temporary quarters."
Before long, everyone arrived at the temporary quarters.
They were a few hastily built wooden cabins. The roofs were covered with thick thatch and bark, and there was still some wet mud at the corners of the walls. Two large animal skin tents were pitched nearby.
"The conditions are crude, so everyone will just have to make do for a few days." Liam jumped off his horse and smiled:
"Don Quixote and I will each take a wooden cabin. The soldiers will live in the tents, and the freelance knights will share the remaining wooden cabins.
"Don't complain about the crowding. Once this trade market is stable, the Earl will send people to renovate.
"When it's your turn for duty, you must live here and are not allowed to stay elsewhere without permission.
"At other times, do as you please."
Everyone dismounted one after another.
Some freelance knights frowned, obviously unaccustomed to such crude living quarters.
But many others looked around with normal expressions.
They seemed used to this kind of life.
At this time, Liam added:
"Over there, enclosed by rough wooden poles, is a simple stable.
"It's paved with hay, and there are grooms specifically to look after it. Water and fodder are also prepared."
After speaking, he led his horse and the group towards the east side.
Outside a simple stable built with four rough wooden poles, two grooms saw the group approaching and immediately bowed:
"Greetings, My Lords!"
Liam nodded, handed the reins to a groom, and said to the group:
"Settle your horses here. I've already had someone start a fire in the clearing next to the wooden cabins.
"Our dinner tonight is black bread with stewed meat soup. Although it can't compare to the wine and food in the city, it's enough to fill the stomach.
"After eating, rest here for today. Starting tomorrow, practice according to the patrol routes I just mentioned."
"Understood." The group responded.
...