Rewards and Followers
Victor never imagined that he would receive such a precious gift; it was an incredible surprise!
He asked Old Buck, "Logically speaking, you could easily make a fortune with this secret recipe!"
After all, you are no longer that oppressed serf; you have the ability to keep this secret!
But why did you choose to give it to me?
Old Buck slowly bent down and bowed deeply to Victor. His movements were somewhat clumsy, but they were full of sincerity and gratitude.
"My lord..." Old Buck looked up, tears glistening in his eyes, his voice trembling slightly, and said, "You not only granted me and my whole family our freedom, but also gave me the opportunity to become an officer."
All of this is like a dream, something I can hardly imagine.
And just recently, my family members, who were far away in my former territory, were also sent to my side.
Now, our family is finally able to reunite and fully enjoy the happy times that were once out of reach—we can taste clean and delicious food every day; everyone is wearing brand new and beautiful clothes.
Such wonderful days are a luxury I never dared to dream of before!
However, it is because of your generous gifts that all these wishes have come true.
Therefore, compared to the blessings you have bestowed upon me and my family, this insignificant item is utterly unimportant!
"It would be my honor if this could be of any help to your career!"
Watching Old Buck say these words with satisfaction, Victor felt inexplicably touched!
This gift is indeed very valuable. After all, in this agricultural era, this special herb for horses could restore their condition and energy, making it a precious item that could definitely improve productivity.
Victor said solemnly, "Old Buck, I cannot ignore your contributions. I will give you the reward you deserve. If you want anything, you can tell me, and I will try my best to fulfill your request!"
Old Buck is already an Auxiliary Troops officer, and a company Company Commander at that. Victor could promote him again, perhaps even to Auxiliary Troops Detachment Commander, or perhaps reward him with a large sum of money.
If Old Buck truly desired a noble title, then Victor was fully capable of granting him a lifetime knighthood.
Just as Victor finished speaking, all eyes turned to Old Buck, and every face revealed envy and jealousy.
Because everyone present clearly understood the immense value of the promise made by the lord!
Faced with such tempting terms, Old Buck seemed somewhat hesitant.
Perhaps he hasn't yet figured out what he truly desires; or perhaps he's planning to take this opportunity to ask for an exorbitant price and drive up the bill?
However, Victor ultimately gave Old Buck ample time to think things through.
"My lord, I am already very content. I have enough to wear and eat. I heard that after returning to the Two Rivers Territory, I will be given a house and land. I have already received more than enough."
I have only one request. Although I still have considerable strength, I am more suited to tending warhorses than to being a soldier. I want to follow Lord Luoza and breed warhorses for the territory!
After hearing what Old Buck said, Victor's face instantly lit up with a bright smile, and he immediately looked at Luoza beside him.
Luoza quickly explained, "Old Buck is indeed one of the best Horse Tamer I've ever seen!"
His training skills in horse speed are simply superb, even slightly better than mine!
"It's wonderful to have the assistance of such an experienced Horse Tamer!"
Victor nodded, agreeing with Luoza's statement.
Then he refocused his attention on Old Buck and said firmly, "In that case, from today onwards, you will work under Luoza as his supervisor. I believe you are capable enough for this job."
After a brief pause, Victor added, "Of course, it's just a small request for me, nothing serious at all."
Why don't you think about whether you have any other, more special or important wishes?
Whether it concerns your personal needs or your family's, it doesn't matter!
I will do my best to meet your needs as long as it is reasonable and feasible.
After listening, Old Buck showed a complex expression, a mixture of anticipation for the future and a hint of fear.
He took a deep breath, then mustered his courage and said to Victor, "In that case, please allow my two sons—the eldest and the second—to stay by your side and serve you!"
These two children have suffered alongside me since they were little, spending their days either tending to the horses or stealing hay to fill their stomachs. But it is precisely because of this that they have developed strong physiques and superb riding skills!
It's a pity that neither of them had ever received formal military training or learned any combat skills.
But they are still young, they can learn, and by following you, they will definitely be able to help you!
Victor couldn't help but ask, "Following me means experiencing battle firsthand!"
Aren't you at all worried that those two might get hurt or even lose their lives because of this war?
Old Buck answered without hesitation, "My lord, I truly do not know how to repay your kindness."
It just so happens that my two sons also long to follow you and repay your kindness.
Moreover, I have one son and two daughters. Even if those two children unfortunately die on the battlefield, at least I will have other children by my side who can take care of me in my old age.
Therefore, please, my lord, grant me this small request!
After saying that, Old Buck prepared to kneel down again without hesitation, but at that moment, Victor quickly took a step forward, stretched out his arms, and steadily supported Old Buck who was about to kneel down, and pulled him up straight again.
"Alright, no need to kneel and pay your respects. I will accept them both; they can stay by my side as my Guard Cavalry!"
When Victor stepped out of the temporary horse ranch, only Luoza came to see him off.
The rest of the group, including Old Buck, stayed at the stables, working diligently to take care of the warhorses.
"Luoza, tomorrow I will dispatch an elite Cavalry force to take over these warhorses."
"At that time, we will transfer two thousand horses to them at once. Is there any difficulty in such a large-scale handover?" Victor looked at the busy people in the distance, then turned to Luoza and asked.
Luoza patted his chest and replied confidently, "My lord, please rest assured!"
"Leave everything else to my subordinates; I'm sure I'll accomplish the mission perfectly!" With that, he gave Victor a confident smile, indicating that he was absolutely capable of handling this important task.
Just then, several Guard Cavalry brought Victor his horse.
"Okay, then I'll be going now!"
After saying this, Victor mounted his horse and led his Guard Cavalry away.
Luoza stood still, his gaze fixed on the receding Cavalry column. In the distance, he could see two familiar figures at the rear of the column— Old Buck's two sons.
Watching their departing figures, Luoza couldn't help but sigh deeply, thinking to himself, "Ah! Old Buck really got lucky!"
"If these two young men can continue to serve by the Lord's side, they will surely have a bright future!" Thinking of this, Luoza's face showed a hint of envy, but more than that, he wished the two of them well for their future development.
As the sun sets, its afterglow spreads across the land, turning the entire Blackwater City into a golden hue.
Victor rode his warhorse slowly into the city. By the time he arrived at the Governor's Mansion in the city, the Sun was already gradually sinking behind the western mountains.
Victor dismounted, handed the reins to the guard at the door, and walked straight into the hall.
Upon entering the room, a steaming aroma wafted over, revealing that the chefs had already prepared a sumptuous dinner.
Just as he was about to sit down and enjoy his meal, a Guard Cavalry rushed in, carrying a sealed letter.
"Sir, this letter is from the Northern Alliance Army Main Camp. It says it's urgent military news!" The Guard Cavalry knelt on one knee and respectfully handed over the envelope.