Warhammer Divine Throne

”How will the Empire ensure that we get the Ugoer Bow Cavalry we want?” Laine continued with his questioning.

”Many provinces in the Northern Empire have experience hiring Ugoer Bow Cavalry. The Empire will select those who are obedient, willing to adhere to the spirit of the contract, and won’t harass villagers everywhere. If you are not satisfied, the Empire promises a replacement or refund, how about that?” Griffin Duke Ivan replied.

Laine had to admit that the terms offered by the Empire were indeed tempting and convincing, and he was somewhat moved.

”Let’s leave it at that for today, and discuss the rest tomorrow.” It was getting late, Francois suggested taking a break and continuing the talks the next day.

”Agreed, we’ve already reached a lot of consensus today. We should take the time to digest it.” The Empire side agreed, acknowledging that they had indeed discussed a lot today.

......

At night, in the courtyard garden of Helunhilde’s castle.

Francois and Laine, wearing silk formal attire of the Brittania Great Nobles, were walking within the garden. Only the figures of the two Holy Grail Knights could be seen on the solid stone path, the two soon-to-be father-in-law and son-in-law strolled one behind the other.

It was already October, and after nightfall, the temperature in Helunhilde was very low. In the midst of a withered garden, the cold wind whistled through the clothes of Laine and Francois.

”... Are you getting used to it? Laine, they all came to attend your wedding, and things turned out like this?” Francois spoke to Laine with a smile, not turning his head, continuing forward on his own: ”Are you a bit disappointed?”

”Not at all, it’s a rare opportunity for everyone to gather here, to stand at the negotiation table, and have a chance for calm discussions.” Laine shook his head, following behind Francois: ”I just feel a bit regretful.”

”Regretful?”

”Yes, I originally wanted to chat with the Godfather about matters regarding the Empire, but the Godfather said the talks weren’t finished, and he couldn’t see me in private.” Laine said as he looked at the pitch-black night sky, with the bright moonlight casting over the courtyard. The thirty-year-old Count spoke with a bit of wistfulness.

”You need to learn to enjoy the process.” Francois did not seem surprised at all: ”Chaos is eternal, Green Skins are endless. Over thousands of years, humans have understood that foolish civil wars only benefit evil, so everyone has learned to reach consensus at the negotiation table. You are well aware who are our own people, who are our friends, and who are our enemies.”

Francois implied that no matter how good the relationship with the Empire, Laine was already a Great Noble of Brittania, and he had done well to learn to avoid conflicts of interest.

”Speaking of which, Francois, do you think the proposal to hire Ugoer Bow Cavalry is feasible?” Laine tentatively asked.

”Since the Empire can ensure the quality of the troops and promises replacements and refunds, why not?” Francois contemplated the issue: ”Regardless, Ugoer Bow Cavalry is undoubtedly much more formidable than our Rangers. With these Bow Cavalry, reconnaissance and skirmishes become very convenient.”

”But what about the Knight King?” Laine voiced his concern.

In Brittania, the belief in the Knightly Path was deeply rooted. The knights of this country preferred to use their strength to defeat mighty foes rather than rely on external forces. Hence, knights rarely hired mercenary corps or mercenaries from other countries. The only legally permitted entity they could hire was the Empire’s army, and even then, it was under the guise of cooperation, as the Knight Kingdom and the Empire were allies.

This time, Laine intended to hire Ugoer people, not Imperial people, making it difficult to find an excuse.

Laine and Richard had always had poor relations, and the king would not be willing to lead by example for him.

”Didn’t you learn anything from Hubert?” Francois’s face was serious, but his eyes carried a hint of amusement: ”This doesn’t seem like the brilliant and resourceful son-in-law of mine, who’s adept at finding loopholes.”

Laine couldn’t help but laugh at these words.

Duke Hubert of Kakasong’s territory was situated in the southernmost part of Brittania, bordering the western section of the Black Mountain Range, Estalia Kingdom, and southern Tiriel Kingdom, possessing the nation’s longest border, constantly harassed by Green Skins, Ratman, and Beastmen. The army of the Kakasong Duchy couldn’t ensure sufficient defense along the extensive border, so Hubert devised a method.

He allowed peasants to herd sheep along the duchy’s border, thus forming a special profession known as ”Kakasong Shepherds,” who acted as a warning buffer against potential invasions.

Subsequently, he sent people dressed as shepherds across the southern border of Kakasong to contact mercenary corps from Tiriel Kingdom, hiring mercenaries to help guard against Green Skins, Ratmen, and Beastmen invasions.

However, the Knight Kingdom didn’t permit nobles to hire these mercenaries, so how to pay them?

Hubert employed a very crude but effective maneuver.

One day, a group of Tiriel mercenaries passed by the border of Kakasong. At this moment, a shepherd accidentally wandered to the border while herding sheep. In his attempt to catch his sheep, he approached the mercenaries and accidentally dropped a pouch filled with Gold Crowns.

”Oh dear, I accidentally dropped my money, such bad luck. Seems like this money is lost forever.”