From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

Count Macchiato pondered for a while, then turned to look at his butler Raymond and slowly said:

"What kind of person is Don Quixote?"

Raymond was somewhat surprised when Sir Keller first mentioned Don Quixote.

After hearing Sir Keller's words, the unexpected feeling in my heart became even stronger.

...I never expected that the knight to be so skilled.

He was willing to reiterate Don Quixote's old suggestion.

Aside from the fact that the 50 Silver Deer is indeed tempting, I also have my own personal reasons.

Raymond wanted to facilitate the establishment of a trading market outside the city, naturally hoping to make a profit.

He has been to the south several times.

Having witnessed the prosperity of those trading towns, it's inevitable that some thoughts would arise in my mind.

...Perhaps I could have a few more drinks with that knight.

Raymond's mind raced with thoughts, but his expression remained impassive as he respectfully replied:

"My lord, I know a little about Don Quixote, this free knight."

His parents were farmers in a rural village outside the city.

"He became a squire of the hired knight Valentine Adler many years ago."

"I just came back recently and was hired by Mrs. Vera as a bouncer at the Iron Axe Tavern."

"What do the common people around him think of him?" Count Mitch nodded.

Raymond had already found out about this:

Most people have a good opinion of him, except for a few.

"However, those people had caused trouble while drunk at the Iron Axe Tavern, so what they said is not very credible."

"I've personally drunk with him once, and he seems to be an upright knight."

Upon hearing this, Earl Mechi pondered for a moment before replying:

"Keller, do you think that knight is trustworthy?"

Sir Keller respectfully replied:

"He's very young, but his fundamentals are exceptionally solid. He couldn't have achieved that level of skill without years of diligent practice. He's definitely not a frivolous or reckless person!"

After listening, Count Mitchell tapped his fingertips lightly on the oak high-backed chair, producing a dull "tap, tap" sound that was particularly clear in the quiet council hall.

A moment later, the knocking stopped.

Count Mitchell finally decided:

"Since you all think this Free Knight is good, I'll give him a chance."

"Keller, let him serve as the deputy captain of the guard squad at the temporary trading market outside the city."

"Then select a suitable person from the city's guards to serve as the captain."

Sir Keller was surprised by the Earl of Machi's decision, but he had no objection:

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Outside Seven City.

Temporary trade market.

Sir Keller stared coldly at the nine free knights before him and said:

"The Earl has ordered the establishment of a guard squad specifically responsible for the safety of this temporary trading market outside the city."

"You nine Free Knights and one Knight from the Seven family, making a total of ten knights."

"The task ahead is to defend against possible looting outside the market and to mediate disputes that occur inside the market."

"Although this temporary market is small, it is related to the livelihood of tenant farmers and merchants outside the city, and it was personally ordered to be built by the Earl."

"Since you have been employed by the Earl, you must abide by the Earl's rules!"

"Having received the Earl's payment, one must fulfill one's responsibilities!"

"Anyone who dares to be negligent, act recklessly, or even deceive others, will face severe consequences if I find out!"

The nine free knights bowed in response:

"Yes, Your Excellency!"

Sir Keller nodded slightly, his tone softening somewhat, yet still retaining its authority:

"The market guard team is composed of a captain and a deputy captain."

"The captain is Liam, a knight from the city guard battalion."

He has guarded Seven City for over ten years and is familiar with its security rules; you are all under his command.

Behind Sir Keller, a knight shouted:

"Hey, I'm going to be your captain from now on."

"You all better remember this! Don't cause any trouble, or I'll beat those who do it to death!"

Upon hearing this, Don Quixote looked over.

The man was extremely robust, with broad shoulders and a thick back, and his plate armor made him look even more imposing.

Sir Keller glanced at the man, then continued:

"And the vice-captain was Don Quixote."

These words immediately surprised and envious the eight free knights standing nearby.

...Am I the vice-captain?

Don Quixote himself was somewhat surprised, but he reacted quickly and immediately proclaimed:

"Thank you for your trust, Earl! Thank you for your trust, Sir!"

"I will do my duty to protect this trading market!"

Sir Keller nodded and said:

"I hope so. Alright, now Sir Liam will assign you specific tasks."

After saying this, Sir Keller led a group of soldiers and quickly left.

Liam glanced at the five Seven City soldiers beside him and the nine Free Knights before him, and slowly said:

Three days later, the trading market officially opened.

"Over the past three days, we have divided the patrol areas, determined the duty order, and familiarized ourselves with the terrain around the market."

"Yes, Captain."

Liam led the group on horseback for a brief tour around the already set-up trading market.

He then explained some details, and finally looked at Don Quixote and smiled:

"Don Quixote, you shall choose four free knights and two soldiers to form a squad."

The rest will be in my team.

"How about we have our two teams take turns guarding the area day and night?"

Don Quixote naturally had no objection:

"Can."

Without hesitation, he randomly selected six people who looked agreeable.

Seeing that the personnel had been assigned properly, Liam then said:

"Let's go check out our temporary accommodations."

Before long, the group arrived at their temporary lodgings.

It was a few hastily built wooden huts with thick weeds and bark on the roofs, and some undried mud in the corners. There were two large animal skin tents set up next to them.

"The conditions are simple, so please make do for a few days," Liam said, dismounting from his horse.

"Don Quixote and I each occupied a cabin, the soldiers lived in tents, and the free knights shared the remaining cabins."

"Don't worry about the crowds. Once this trading market is stable, the Earl will send people to repair it."

"When it's your turn to be on duty, you must stay here and are not allowed to stay elsewhere without permission."

"At other times, it's up to you."

Everyone dismounted.

Some of the free riders frowned, clearly unaccustomed to such simple living conditions.

However, many people looked around at their surroundings with normal expressions.

They seem to have gotten used to this kind of life.

Then Liam said again:

"That simple stable is enclosed by thick wooden poles over there."

"Dry hay was laid out, and there was a groom to take care of it. Water and fodder were also provided."

After saying that, he led his horse and the group to the east.

Outside a makeshift stable built with four thick wooden poles, two grooms immediately bowed and greeted the approaching group.

"Greetings, sirs!"

Liam nodded, handed the reins to the coachman, and then addressed the crowd:

"Settle your horses here. I have had a fire set up in the open space next to the cabin."

"Tonight our dinner is dark bread with stewed meat soup. Although it can't compare to the food and drinks in the city, it's enough to fill our stomachs."

"After you finish eating, you can rest here for today. Tomorrow, you will begin practicing the patrol route I just mentioned."

"Understood," everyone responded.

……

PS: (Please recommend and read this!)