At the Barracks

"Understood, sir." Sean rose to his feet and shouted loudly. His expression was solemn, and his attitude exceptionally serious, as though he had long since entered the state of a soldier. Only then did he accept the cloth bag Lieutenant Colonel Merkel handed him with both hands.

"Sit, sit... Heh... There's no need to be so formal when no one else is around... Inside the bag are your Second Lieutenant ID. Jason will take you to the Logistics Office later to collect your uniform and other equipment..." Lieutenant Colonel Merkel smiled approvingly at Sean's serious expression, his appreciation for him growing by several degrees. After telling Sean to sit with a smile, he continued, "According to the regulations, Sean, you may also bring one personal guard and one servant to look after your daily needs. Do you have suitable candidates?"

"Yes, Lord Merkel. When I returned to the family this time, my father arranged for me to recruit a knight squire. I was just about to ask if you could arrange for him to undergo military training with me..." Upon hearing Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's words, Sean immediately made his request.

"Mm... That's simple. I'll sign the order right away... Jason can help you take care of it later." With that, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel picked up the bell on his desk and gave it a shake. He then swiftly pulled out a sheet of parchment and began writing. At that moment, Sergeant Jason happened to push open the door and enter the room. Lieutenant Colonel Merkel handed him the newly signed Appointment Document, gave him several quiet instructions, and then had him take Sean to complete the relevant procedures.

Before Sean rose to take his leave, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel smiled and said, "You're staying at Baron Horton's villa now, aren't you? Give the Baron my regards when you return. And... remember to come to the Barracks tomorrow to begin training..."

"Understood, Lord Merkel. Then... I'll take my leave first." Sean saluted Lieutenant Colonel Merkel and withdrew.

Under Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's faintly smiling gaze, Sean and Sergeant Jason left his office together.

"Sergeant Jason, I must trouble you again..." Once outside, Sean was the first to speak, smiling at Sergeant Jason.

"You're too courteous. It's my duty; please follow me..." Sergeant Jason replied politely, lightly waving an arm as he led the way.

As Sean passed the Lounge, he called over Thor, who had been waiting there. The two then followed Sergeant Jason to complete the procedures and collect their uniforms and various pieces of equipment.

Before long, the three arrived at the Garrison's Logistics Office. Sergeant Jason showed the officer in charge Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's official document, then smiled as he introduced Sean and Thor. The Logistics Office officer gave Sean a friendly smile. After Sean returned it with one of his own, he immediately ordered the soldiers to hand the prepared uniforms and cloaks to Torr beside Sean, then took a purse from a cabinet and handed it to Sean.

"Second Lieutenant Winchester, I assume you have already prepared your own weapons and armor?" the officer in charge asked Sean with a smile.

"Yes, my squire and I have both prepared weapons and armor. Even our horses are ready," Sean said with a nod and a smile. He knew the army had such a rule: nobles could provide their own weapons, armor, and horses. In such cases, the Imperial Army would issue a certain amount of money to the nobles as a subsidy, taking into account the usage habits of noble officers.

"Heh... That makes things much simpler. This money is for maintenance costs... And the cloaks are worn over the backs of your armor, so friend and foe won't be confused once you're on the battlefield." After receiving Sean's affirmative answer, the officer smiled and handed him the purse. Then he continued, "Your squire has been granted the rank of corporal. He will serve as your messenger officer."

Sean nodded with a smile and thanked him for his help. After chatting with him for a few more moments, he left the Logistics Office with Sergeant Jason. With that, all the procedures for Sean's report to the Barracks that day had been completed.

"Thank you very much for your help, Sergeant Jason," Sean said after leaving the Logistics Office.

"You're too courteous. It is my honor to serve you. In a few days, I will personally deliver your squire's ID to you, so please rest assured." Sergeant Jason spoke humbly, then made a welcoming gesture. "Allow me to see you out."

"Much appreciated. Please thank Lord Merkel for me," Sean said, looking at him with a gentle expression.

"I'll certainly pass it on..." Sergeant Jason promised with a smile. The two spoke no further and soon arrived at the Barracks gate.

After smiling and waving off Sean and Thor as they rode away, Sergeant Jason immediately turned and returned to Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's office. He knocked on the door and entered only after receiving Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's permission.

Upon entering, Sergeant Jason immediately reported respectfully to Lieutenant Colonel Merkel, "Lord Merkel, Second Lieutenant Winchester and his squire have returned. Do you have any further instructions?"

"Tell me your impression of him..." Lieutenant Colonel Merkel asked casually, looking into Jason's eyes.

"This... Lord, I... I don't know..." Jason had no idea what Lieutenant Colonel Merkel intended, and he stammered, unprepared.

"What I want is your first impression of him... Relax... I won't blame you." Lieutenant Colonel Merkel continued in a serious tone as he watched Sergeant Jason's somewhat flustered expression.

Jason lowered his head beneath Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's stern gaze. He tried to guess Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's intentions but could not make sense of them. Gradually, Jason became somewhat irritated and tentatively said in an uncertain tone, "Second Lieutenant Winchester, he... seems a little too young..."

"It seems you've developed some improper thoughts about him..." Lieutenant Colonel Merkel said to Jason with a cold smile. When Jason's eyes filled with fear, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel continued in a tone that was both speculative and certain, "Is it jealousy...? You must understand that he was born a noble. In that regard, you cannot compare to him at all... In a few years, with his abilities and background, once he truly enters the army, he will immediately receive the captain rank. Perhaps he will reach my current position in less than ten years."

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel continued, his gaze icy as he looked at Sergeant Jason. "So... put away your petty thoughts. Don't cause me trouble." Only then did his tone soften as he continued, "You've followed me for several years now. Don't provoke people whose status is beyond your reach, understand...?"

"Yes... yes, I understand. Thank you for your instruction, Lord Merkel," Jason said, his face pale.

Lieutenant Colonel Merkel nodded in satisfaction, then waved a hand and dismissed Sergeant Jason from the room.

Naturally, Sean knew nothing of Lieutenant Colonel Merkel reprimanding Sergeant Jason. At that moment, he had just returned to Baron Horton's noble villa with Thor. His uncle, Baron Horton, gave him another piece of good news: the house he wanted near the Barracks had been found.

Through an introduction from Vincent the Butler at the Baron's Mansion, they had found a two-story building covering more than two hundred square meters. It had its own private courtyard, eight bedrooms in addition to the main hall, and everything else one could need, including a kitchen and bathrooms. The price was quite reasonable as well; it could be bought for fewer than thirty gold coins.

After hearing this, Sean immediately decided to pay for it. Naturally, he could easily afford that price. Not only had he brought five hundred gold coins from his family, but he had also gradually saved nearly a hundred gold coins over the past few years. He immediately asked Vincent the Butler to handle the transaction with the former owner, intending to have Thor move in as soon as it was completed.

In the blink of an eye, it was Tuesday, January 33rd, also the final day of the month. After breakfast that morning, Sean put on his neat Second Lieutenant Uniform and hung his knight sword at his waist. He looked exceptionally spirited. After bidding farewell to his uncle's family, he mounted his horse and headed for the Barracks.

Sean rode his warhorse to the Barracks entrance, met up with Torr, who had been waiting for him, and entered the Barracks together. Thor was also wearing his brand-new corporal's uniform. The moment the two entered, they saw Sergeant Jason, who had evidently been waiting for quite some time.

"Good morning, Second Lieutenant Winchester." Sergeant Jason greeted Sean with unusual respect, then greeted Thor as well. He continued, "Please follow me, both of you. Lord Merkel has arranged an experienced adjutant for you, Second Lieutenant."

"Good morning, Sergeant Jason. I'll have to trouble you again," Sean replied with a smile. He was somewhat puzzled by Sergeant Jason's unusually respectful attitude, but he soon stopped caring about it.

"Not at all... It is my honor to serve you, Second Lieutenant. Please follow me, both of you." Sergeant Jason spoke humbly and respectfully. After making a welcoming gesture, he continued, "Lord Merkel has arranged Sergeant Donnie for you. He is a veteran very familiar with the situation within the Garrison. He was originally with the Main Force... but transferred to the Local Forces six years ago after being injured. I hope he will satisfy you."

"Please thank Lord Merkel for his kindness. I'm sure Sergeant Donnie is an outstanding warrior. I have every confidence in that." Sean wore a faint smile, though his tone was calm.

"If there is anything you are dissatisfied with, please be sure to tell me. I will immediately find a way to resolve it..." Sergeant Jason said in a low, cautious voice as he leaned closer to Sean. When he finished, he even revealed a fawning, ingratiating expression.

Sean said nothing. He looked steadily into Sergeant Jason's eyes and slowly nodded.

Not long after, the three arrived at a small drill ground beside the soldiers' dormitories. Sergeant Jason nodded apologetically to Sean, then called loudly to a middle-aged, burly man standing alone at the edge of the field, "Sergeant Donnie, come report to your superior."

Sergeant Donnie had a powerful physique and wore a somewhat faded sergeant's uniform. The light scar on his face could not be concealed by the stubble covering it. Combined with his sharp gaze, he gave Sean an overwhelming impression of a soldier's distinctive toughness.

He strode several steps to Sean's side, clenched his right fist against his chest, and shouted, "Greetings, sir. Sergeant Donnie reporting for duty." As he spoke, he also surveyed Sean's still-boyish face with sharp eyes.