From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

The chivalry of Westeros originated from the Andal belief in the Seven Gods, with the core principle being "honor above all else."

Therefore, even though most knights used their titles as a tool for speculation, and the tournaments became their stage for showing off, their honor could be bought!

But at least on the surface, both the North, which worships the Old Gods, and the South, which worships the Seven Gods, place great importance on personal reputation.

Personal reputation is the core underlying logic that sustains the operation of Westeros, even more binding than laws and force.

The lord's jurisdiction over his vassals, transactions between people, and the fulfillment of oaths all depended on "personal reputation" as a guarantee.

In Westeros, one could say that credibility is not a hypocritical moral label.

Rather, it is the capital that individuals can exchange for some survival resources, the intangible assets of various nobles, and the source of the legitimacy of the privileges of nobles and some sworn knights.

Upon hearing this, Tom and the other two nodded.

"Of course, a knight who lacks credibility is no longer worthy of being a knight!"

"Where does credibility come from for us free knights?" Don Quixote continued.

"It all boils down to not abandoning your employer in times of crisis! Promises must be kept!"

"Do not leak the employer's secrets! In particular, do not desert or defect in the face of danger!"

"Of course, there are also the basic chivalrous spirit of protecting the weak and not abandoning injured comrades!"

"These things can't be believed just by talking about them!"

"It takes years of consistent dedication from each individual to build up their credibility!"

"But it was too late for us, wasn't it!"

"We need to maintain a basic standard of living, so we can't go too long without being employed."

"If, at this time, there is a force that is recognized by everyone to vouch for you!"

"Like those young knights who have sworn oaths, did they earn their knightly honor through their true integrity?"

"No, I'm not talking about all Oath Knights, but at least some Oath Knights are recognized by everyone because of the reputation of the families behind them!"

"Young knights of oath are not born trustworthy; their swords are unstained, their vows unfulfilled. What the world recognizes is merely the centuries-old integrity of their families. —Medieval Knights (Amy Best)"

After a pause, Don Quixote looked at the three people in front of him and slowly smiled:

"If, at this time, a widely recognized authority were to vouch for your credibility, would you be confident in finding an employer?"

Tom and his two companions looked at each other for a moment, and finally exclaimed excitedly:

"have!"

...As for the faction that everyone recognizes, it grew step by step thanks to the hard work of you initial members, so there's no need to go into details.

Don Quixote smiled with satisfaction and then added:

"Moreover, we live off employment wages, but employment jobs are not so easy to find."

"If we have a powerful backer, then even if you can't find any jobs for the time being, you can still go on living."

"We are all knights! We cannot stand by and do nothing to help our comrade in distress!"

At this point, Don Quixote stopped making empty promises.

Not long after.

Tom was the first to speak:

"Captain! If you don't mind my situation, I'm willing to follow in your footsteps!"

"Captain! Us too! If you want to form a mercenary group, we want to join!"

Shane and Warren followed suit.

Don Quixote went to all this trouble to persuade the three men to join the mercenary group he was about to form.

He immediately laughed and said:

"Your abilities and spirit meet the standards of a true knight!"

"Of course I hope you can join me in building a great mercenary group! A great mercenary group whose reputation will resound throughout the North, the South, and even the Seven Kingdoms!"

Although Don Quixote's tone wasn't loud, it still made Tom and the other two excited and expectant, and they hurriedly said:

"With this sword as my witness, from this day forward, I will follow only Don Quixote, and entrust my life to him!"

The reason Tom and his two companions were willing to believe in Don Quixote was that they had witnessed his power firsthand.

Their strength is far greater than the three of them combined!

They were indeed moved by Don Quixote's words.

It seems that it really is feasible?

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.

The next day, early morning.

Don Quixote stood outside the wooden house, his breath forming a misty net in front of him.

Not far away, Alden and Cole had already started a small fire, the pine wood crackling softly in the ashes.

The chaos that occurred in Seven Market last night naturally affected Iron Axe Tavern.

Fortunately, Elise spends most of her nights in Seven City.

Cole's grandmother, Mrs. Nadine, was experienced; she hid in a timely and inconspicuous place.

It was not discovered.

But there was also misfortune, as Don Quixote's acquaintance Ronan and another errand boy at the Iron Axe Tavern were not spared.

Don Quixote looked at Cole and subconsciously thought of some things from the past, and suddenly felt a sense of things being different now.

As he silently reminisced about the past, Adele soon emerged from the cabin.

A short while later, Tom and the other two also woke up.

The group gathered around the campfire and enjoyed a simple meal.

Then everyone began packing their luggage.

Cole glanced at Don Quixote and said:

"Don Quixote, I'd like to go home and say goodbye to my grandmother one last time."

Don Quixote laughed:

Go ahead, but be careful.

"Yes, sir!"

Cole responded respectfully, then immediately turned and ran towards a village near Seven City.

Don Quixote turned to Adele beside him and asked:

"Adele, is there anyone you need to say goodbye to?"

Adele shook her head and said in a low voice:

"My lord, there is no one I wish to say goodbye to!"

As the two were talking, two figures suddenly appeared from the direction of Seven City.

soon.

Nathan and Vincent rode quickly to Don Quixote's side.

After dismounting, they hurriedly said:

"The Earl distributed this month's pay in advance, and we've brought it to you all!"

Don Quixote was surprised for a moment, then quickly nodded and smiled:

"Please convey our gratitude to the Earl!"

After Don Quixote and his companions received their respective payments, they chatted with Nathan and Vincent for a while.

"Alden, from now on, when you're with Lord Don Quixote, you must listen to his instructions carefully," Nathan said, glancing at his son beside him and letting out a soft sigh.

"Train hard!"

After saying this, Nathan looked at Don Quixote again and said respectfully:

"Lord Don Quixote, I entrust Alden to your care!"

Don Quixote nodded and smiled:

"Don't worry, Nathan, I'll make sure he learns real skills!"

Alden looked at Nathan and said seriously:

"Father, I will train hard! I will obey Lord Don Quixote!"

The group chatted for a while longer before Nathan and Vincent left.

Don Quixote then had a chance to look at his quest panel.

Employer: Earl of Meggie

【Task: Maintain order at the trade market outside Seven City daily (This task is settled monthly, with random rewards)】

[Reward: 173 Gold Dragons (Claimable)]

……

PS: (Please recommend and read this!)