The Commoners

The onlookers, covered in blood and looking like demons as they watched Lothar slaughter the brutal bandits as if they were mere vegetables, were struck dumb. They couldn't believe what he was saying.

It wasn't until he repeated himself that someone shakily stood up, their face etched with sorrow, and said:

"Esteemed Lord, thank you for saving us from those scoundrels and generously granting us freedom. But where are we to go now?"

Lothar paused.

The village had been burned to the ground. Rebuilding it would require far too much effort and time.

The man continued, "Our lord is a cruel and stingy man. I am his personal servant, and no one knows him better than I do."

"When he learns that we failed to protect his manor, he won't execute us, but he will certainly sell us into slavery and seize all the wealth we possess."

"Respected Knight Lord, he will not help us rebuild our homes at all. He will only squeeze every last drop of profit from this place before abandoning it!"

Lothar frowned, finding the situation rather tricky.

"Abandoning a fief? Won't his lord punish him for that?"

"I don't know. Perhaps, but it certainly won't be severe, as he is the lord's brother-in-law."

The man sincerely lowered his head and knelt on one knee, saying, "Please allow us to become your followers. All those who are still alive here are strong young men and women. I guarantee they will work like the most diligent mules and serve you like the most loyal hounds, only asking for your protection."

The men and women behind him also pledged their willingness to work hard.

They could tell that Lothar was a rare and kind lord.

Serving him as a retainer was entirely different from being sold into slavery on the market.

More importantly, this lord was clearly more powerful.

The loyalty of the warriors beside him, clad in such shining armor, and the swiftness with which he killed those bandits proved he was far stronger than their former knight lord.

Lothar looked troubled. "I'm sorry. I understand your plight and difficulties, but I don't have a fief to house you."

"We are on our way to the Holy Land to engage in a grueling struggle against the infidels. If you follow me, you will undoubtedly face many dangers."

He did need followers.

These dozen or so young men and women were in the prime of their physical condition, and the gender ratio was balanced, making them excellent potential subjects.

Compared to recruiting pilgrims in the Holy Land, one could only imagine how many good people would be among the poor pilgrims who managed to survive such a arduous journey.

"Praise the Heavenly Father! A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a glorious and sacred mission. If we follow you, your radiance will also shine upon us humble beings."

All the survivors of the village knelt down with the male servant.

Some of them were still a bit clueless, but the male servant's "wise" image had likely already deeply impressed them.

With him leading the way, the rest of the people did not hesitate at all.

"Alright."

Lothar no longer hesitated and spoke:

"I am a knight of the Habsburg family from Argao, Lothar von Habsburg. I accept your pledge of service and promise not to treat you as serfs, but as free citizens within my territory. Once I acquire a fief, you will all receive your own land. However, at the same time, you must swear allegiance to me in the name of the Heavenly Father and fulfill your obligations of taxation and military service!"

He had counted carefully. There were seven men and six women, a total of thirteen people, which would only slightly increase the cost of boat tickets.

Their food and drink would be covered by the spoils looted from the bandits, so he wouldn't have to pay extra.

Moreover, there would clearly be surplus wealth from the bandits' plunder, as, judging by the villagers' words, the bandits had raided a knight's manor.

"Ryan, go and call Moder over."

"Hans, you will be responsible for inventorying the captured goods and property, returning the belongings that originally belonged to these villagers, and arranging for their transportation and care."

Both Ryan and Moder were illiterate and couldn't even convert gold coins to silver. For now, Hans would act as the clerk.

After handling these matters.

Lothar and Banya approached the three surviving bandits.

Lothar looked at the three quivering cowards and frowned. "Speak. Where is your stronghold? How many men are defending it? Are there any traps?"

His motive wasn't to "eradicate evil completely," but rather to test if the System would count the same group of bandits twice.

If so, after taking down the bandit stronghold that had lost its main force, he could complete the "Chivalrous Knight" milestone.

He was increasingly realizing how rare talented individuals were.

Even Hans, who was rated as a one-star retainer by the System, was an excellent talent that he, a mere knight, would have no chance of recruiting in this era.

Not one of the three spoke.

Lothar was puzzled. Why were these cowards, who had surrendered without a fight, now showing such backbone?

Lothar snorted, "Tell the truth, and I will spare your life. I swear to the Heavenly Father!"

"This is a rare opportunity. Whoever speaks first will live."

Finally, one of them showed signs of wavering. He tentatively raised his hand and said softly, "My Lord, our stronghold is not far from here. We were planning to enjoy ourselves here before returning."

"Pike, you son of a bitch, shut up! Have you forgotten the oath we swore before the Heavenly Father? Do you want to be cast into the fiery abyss for breaking your vow?"

Another bandit immediately cursed him out.

Pike retorted, not to be outdone, "You and Old John left your wives and children at the stronghold. I'm alone. What's wrong with wanting to save my own life?"

"Why should I risk my life to protect your wives and children?"

Lothar nodded. "You're smart. Now, tell me the location honestly. I warn you, don't try any tricks. I'll take you to your lair and then let you go."

Pike immediately spilled everything like a bamboo tube being emptied.

He trusted Lothar completely.

People in this era still valued oaths, especially knights like Lothar.

A knight who easily broke his oath would be considered dishonorable, essentially facing public shame.

Pike said with a fawning smile, "My Lord, I've explained everything clearly, including the traps they set. There isn't a single detail missing."

Lothar nodded, then raised his voice. "My people, among these three men, has anyone killed your relatives or friends, or stolen your property?"

These men and women, who had just recovered their belongings, immediately showed hatred on their faces.

"It was him! He killed my mother and then defiled her!"

"That man killed my father and then cut off his head to put on a spear as a threat!"

"That one-eyed beast! I saw him smash my three-year-old son's head against the wall. His tiny head just caved in. Wuwuwu."

The woman sobbed as she spoke.

"Then, let vengeance be served, and let grudges be settled."

Lothar waved his hand and turned to leave.

Pike's face was filled with terror. "Sir Knight, you promised to spare my life."

Lothar said without looking back, "I did spare you, but they are unwilling to spare you. As their lord, I grant them the right to fairness, justice, and revenge."

These men and women, suppressing their anger, quickly picked up the bandits' weapons and unleashed their fury upon the three bound robbers.

Being on the border, they were by no means docile sheep who wouldn't resist, let alone facing three disarmed bandits.

The screams gradually weakened until they fell silent.

The male servant was the first to approach Lothar, kneeling before him with a blood-stained arming sword.

"Thank you, thank you, our Lord, whom we serve. You were willing to grant us the right to revenge, even at the risk of breaking your oath. I swear I will be loyal to you forever."

Lothar shook his head. "This right is not permanent. Once I acquire territory, I will establish laws and no longer permit acts of revenge. Everything will be done according to the law."

He then added, "And I did not break my oath. Do not mention it again."