From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

Chapter 67 The Looting!

Upon seeing Don Quixote's figure appear, the nineteen members of the Bloodhand Mercenary Group standing around the courtyard immediately stopped what they were doing and looked over.

...It seems I need to find a larger place to live, or a mansion.

Don Quixote glanced around the somewhat crowded courtyard, and as a thought flashed through his mind, he slowly said:

"Yesterday, the Mandalay family invited me to a banquet."

"At the banquet, I learned some news."

"That means White Harbor will soon join the Old City in eliminating the raiders in the area surrounding White Harbor and the Old City."

"The two counts are very determined. In addition to the garrisons of the two cities, they have also hired many reputable and capable knights and mercenaries from within the cities!"

After pausing for a moment, Don Quixote glanced around at the gazes of those around him and continued:

"That's right, thanks to the efforts of each and every one of you, the Bloodhand Mercenary Group has been recognized and hired by the Mandalay family!"

Someone quickly asked:

"Captain, is that how the hiring fee is calculated, or is there none? I've heard that many lords in the Northern Territory hire knights and mercenaries, but only provide some supplies and don't give them the Golden Dragon and Silver Deer."

Upon hearing this, many members who had not yet been employed by the lord began to discuss it amongst themselves.

However, some experienced members immediately said:

"Lord Earl Weiman is not like those minor lords who would give him gold dragons and silver deer."

Don Quixote also said at the opportune moment:

"Don't worry, in addition to material support, there are also some silver deer."

"A reward of 100 silver deer will be given for capturing or killing a raider!"

"Only 100 Silver Deer?"

Upon hearing this, the vast majority of members were greatly disappointed.

Capture or kill a raider.

It's not that easy, and it involves a great deal of risk.

Of course, it's more likely that the mission will end, but many people will have gained nothing.

Overall, it's far less profitable than them completing a single employment task.

Don Quixote then said:

"However, Earl Wyman is about to hold a large-scale martial arts tournament, and if you perform exceptionally well, you will be invited to participate!"

Hearing this, many people still weren't very interested.

It's one thing for them to drink and brag on ordinary days, but when it comes to a real martial arts tournament, they're just background figures.

Moreover, some of the members are not even knights.

What they care about are tangible benefits, real gold and silver.

Instead of these intangible things.

But some members, looking expectant, hurriedly asked:

"Captain, how do I get invited to participate in the martial arts tournament?"

Don Quixote smiled and said slowly:

"Of course, it was their outstanding performance in this mission to eliminate the raiders."

"If you want to participate in the tournament, then do your best. If you capture or kill more raiders than others..."

"Then they will definitely be invited to participate in the martial arts tournament!"

Seemingly sensing that some members were reluctant, Don Quixote added:

"That was just Earl Weiman's reward. Within our Bloodhand Mercenary Group, if you capture or kill a raider, I will reward you with 1 gold dragon!"

Employer: Earl Wyman

Mission: Capture or kill raiders in White Harbor and the surrounding area of Old Town.

(This mission is based on the number of raiders captured or killed; a reward can be claimed for each raider captured or killed.)

[Reward: 100 Gold Dragons (Unclaimable)]

Upon hearing this, everyone became happy:

"Captain, you're as generous as ever! Those stingy guys should really follow your example!"

"Captain, I will absolutely not let any of these raiders get away!"

"Captain, I will never let you down!"

...You guys made a profit, but I definitely made a huge profit too!

Don Quixote watched as the emotions of his nineteen men in front of him rose again, and he smiled and calmly gave instructions on many things.

Finally, he said:

"Our Bloodhand Mercenary Group cannot afford to perform poorly on this mission from Earl Weiman!"

"Same as always, from now until the mission is completely over."

No one is allowed to get drunk!

"No one is allowed to cause trouble!"

"All of you, get ready! Get ready to fight! Be ready to be called upon at any time!"

"Yes, Captain! I will not let you down! I will be ready at any time!"

A somewhat unified shout immediately rang out in response from inside the courtyard.

...How should I deal with the two of you? Sigh, this has become a problem!

Don Quixote stared at the backs of the nineteen men who walked out of the courtyard one by one, finally fixing his gaze on Tom and Shane.

In the past three months, he has recruited nine more members.

In addition to the seven people originally recruited, as well as Warren, Tom, and Shane.

With him, the Bloodhand Mercenary Group now has a total of twenty members!

Seven of the members are steadfast in their beliefs and belong to the loyal personality type.

They are the kind of people who, once they've chosen a person, a belief, or a faction, will remain loyal for life, even unto death.

Don Quixote's goal was to gain the approval and loyalty of these people!

In addition, there are ten members whose beliefs are not firm, but they are not dispensable either.

These people are the type of loyalists who prioritize basic principles.

They won't break ties with someone or risk everything for a belief.

When faced with pressure, temptation, or disagreement, they may hesitate, waver, or compromise; they do not hold extreme views that see things in black and white.

However, there are clear moral bottom lines that are not easily crossed.

They regard "not breaking faith, not repaying kindness with enmity, and not stabbing in the back" as their basic principles for conduct.

The psychological cost of betrayal far outweighs the short-term benefits, so they will never easily abandon their trust.

As long as they are treated well and respected, these people will make excellent subordinates.

Tom and Shane, on the other hand, were opportunists who turned traitors.

Their bottom line is flexible, and the psychological cost of betrayal is extremely low.

They treat commitments, trust, and alliances as tradable bargaining chips.

However, neither of them has done anything inappropriate so far.

Don Quixote also failed to find a convincing reason to dismiss the two men.

Although it's possible to fire someone without reason.

But that would make the rest of the Bloodhand Mercenary Group uneasy.

It is even more difficult to gain the loyalty and recognition of others.

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.

Heart-wrenching cries came from not far away.

Five trucks were overturned on the ground.

The raiders brandished their scimitars and slaughtered the resisting caravan crew.

As for the caravan guards and hired knights, they were either dead or had fled.

The lead raider was torturing the caravan owner with knife after knife, laughing wildly.

Don Quixote charged straight at him.

Seeing that he was alone, the seven raiders shouted wildly:

"Look, look! Where did this little lamb come from?"

"Hahaha! What a pathetic wretch who overestimates himself!"

"You fool who doesn't know what's good for him, daring to meddle in our business?"

"His horse, his armor, his life—I want them all!"

"Cut him down!"