Volume One: The Forest Knight Chapter 41: The Battle to Reclaim Maple Leaf Manor (VII) Part One

"Sir, now that you've explained it, I understand. Barrett, do you understand? If not, I can explain it to you," Barrett said with a serious expression.

"Go away! If you can understand, so can I!" Iomoe replied with a look of disdain, shooing Barrett off to amuse himself. "Sir, after your explanation, I see it now—it's difficult to accomplish many things at once in the same period.

But if we focus our strength during a certain time on handling the most important matters well, and then in the next period concentrate on other things, then over a longer span, everything can be done excellently. As you often say, there won't be any shortcomings."

Watching the two of them bicker, Berion couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, you two rascals, it's enough that you understand my meaning. The team will expand soon, and as primary officers, you must carefully consider recruiting and training new soldiers, as well as commanding forces of over a hundred men in battle.

At present in Brick, the ministers at court are embroiled in struggles, the northern and southern noble factions are fighting overtly and covertly, the Kingdom of Newgal eyes us greedily from the sea, and the pirates of Tobar frequently raid. The Orlian people from the north and the Valendi from the east will seize any instability within Brick to snatch land...

The situation is dire. Who knows what major events next year will bring after this one passes? Our time to grow is limited, so we must prepare early."

"Rest assured, sir, we will give our utmost!" Iomoe and Barrett stood up and pledged solemnly.

"Good, I trust you. Sit down quickly. There's not much to eat at Maple Leaf Manor these days, so I asked for something simple to be prepared. Barrett, since you brought wine, the three of us can have a proper drink. For more than half a month, I've strictly forbidden alcohol—not only have the men been craving it, I've been craving it myself, haha!"

Hearing Berion say this, Iomoe and Barrett laughed heartily, and the three began to eat and drink.

After winning the battle, rest and a bit of indulgence were deserved. Berion understood the need to relax—he couldn't keep everyone on edge all the time, or problems would eventually arise among the soldiers.

As the three grew merry with wine and conversation, a guard entered from outside and reported to Berion that the leader of the city militia was at the door, insisting on seeing him. He wished to thank Berion in person for speaking up for them at the spoils distribution assembly, as otherwise they would never have received so much money.

Since the man had come to express gratitude, Berion certainly wouldn't turn him away, and instructed the guard to bring him in.

The leader of the city militia, Dock, was a man in his thirties with a tall, imposing figure. He had a head of red hair and had served many years as a mercenary, clearly a fierce and resolute warrior. Those who knew him often called him the "Red Lion."

Upon entering, Dock was surprised to find Berion himself waiting at the door. Somewhat awkward, he said, "Sir Berion, you actually waited for me at the door. I feel a bit at a loss."

"Haha, Brother Dock, you're too formal. We've fought side by side on the battlefield—no need for so many rules. Relax, sit down and join us for a drink," Berion said, throwing an arm around his shoulder and leading him to the table.

"No need to introduce this one; you know Iomoe," Berion said, gesturing toward Iomoe.

Dock nodded politely, "Brother Iomoe, greetings!"

"Welcome, Brother Dock!" Iomoe responded warmly.

Berion patted the man beside him, dressed as a caravan guard, and introduced him to Dock: "This is Barrett, my instructor in Nolan Fort responsible for training the militia, and an excellent hunter."

"Delighted to meet you!" Barrett and Dock exchanged greetings.

As they completed these formalities, the guard thoughtfully cleared away the leftovers from the table, brought out a new set of utensils for Dock, and then served two plates of smoked meat, followed by roast chicken and rabbit stew. Though the food was not lavish, in the poverty-stricken Maple Leaf Manor just after the flames of war, it was enough to show Berion's sincerity.

After personally filling Dock's glass with wine, Dock was deeply moved. With heartfelt sincerity, he said, "Sir Berion, you are a noble, yet you treat a low-born commoner and former mercenary like myself with such kindness. I... I really don't know what to say."

Berion saw that this tough man was so moved he stammered, and quickly said, "Brother Dock, don't say that. I only just became a lord myself, and I'm nothing more than a low-ranking noble with a patch of woodland—not so exalted as others.

Besides, we're just brothers who've been through battle together, sharing a drink. Don't be so reserved. If you loosen up, we can enjoy ourselves, have lively conversations, and become better friends in the future. No need to call me 'Sir'—just call me Berion."

"Haha, very well, Lord Berion." Though Berion's words hadn't completely eased Dock's formality, he was visibly less tense; clearly, Berion's gesture had worked.

Berion raised his glass, and everyone drank together. At Berion's signal, Barrett and Iomoe took turns urging Dock to drink, and soon enough, under the influence of alcohol, Dock began to speak his true thoughts. Indeed, wine is a powerful social tool.

After a few drinks, the conversation flowed freely. As the wine took hold, the atmosphere became ever more friendly, and most people found comfort in voicing their hearts. That's why friendships are often forged at the table; in his previous life, Berion always held to the principle of 'more drinking, less gambling' at work, for "the more you drink, the more friends you make; the more you gamble, the fewer friends you keep."