The Witcher World: The Path to Domination Begins in Velen

"The procurement in Novigrad is complete. Seeds, farm tools, iron, cloth, and medicine supplies are all in sufficient quantities."

Karl and I went to the Vivaldi Bank and exchanged half of our florins for redanjanuary crowns.

The current exchange rate is 1 florin to 3.5 kronor. We have a considerable amount of florins, so we'll exchange them in batches to avoid attracting attention.

He paused, tapping the numbers lightly with his finger: "The normal exchange rate is 1 to 3, but the market is optimistic about the progress of the war in Nilfgaard, which has increased the value of the Florin. After deducting the transaction fee, this exchange will yield approximately nine thousand crowns."

"Nine thousand"

"Nine thousand," Erwin repeated.

"More than half of the plans have already been made: the estate walls, the water-powered forging hammer, the seeds and livestock purchases for the next quarter—each item has a budget. The remaining balance isn't much, but it's enough to last us until next spring."

He folded the list and put it back into the notepad.

"Nine thousand crowns, for an ordinary person, even if he were to squander it like a nobleman, would be enough for him to live on for a lifetime. But when it comes to an estate and an army, I would rather split every single copper coin in two."

Ron stopped at the low table in the courtyard, and Erwin took a key out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"The key to the underground warehouse, yours, is a universal key that can open both the inner and outer doors. The outer key is in Carl's hands, and the inner key is in mine. The financial details will be in a simplified version for now."

For daily expenses under 500 crowns, Karl and I can use the funds with our signatures. For expenses exceeding 500 crowns, your warrant or your personal presence is required.

"Apart from you, both Carl and I must be present at the same time for both doors to open."

Then Erwin pushed the key toward Ron, withdrew his hand, took a small leather pouch from his pocket, untied the rope, and poured the contents into his palm.

A ring

It is silver-white, with a face larger than a regular seal, and engraved with the lion emblem of the Calard Mercenary Group, the lion's mane spreading out in all directions.

The lines are not deep but clear, and the ends of the bristles have extremely fine tips. This is not something that was carved casually; it was carved out one stroke at a time on the stone with a small carving knife.

"I've been preparing this ever since you agreed to the mercenary group's name and emblem." Erwin placed the ring back in his palm and handed it forward.

"Your warrants and letters require a seal, which is usually a symbol of the lord." He adjusted his glasses.

"You're only a sergeant major right now, but let's put you to use first."

Ron took the ring, turned it over in his palm, looked at the silver setting under the stone, then slipped the ring onto his finger and reached for the key.

"After the fortifications and training grounds are completed, the next phase will prioritize the construction of a hydraulic forging workshop."

Erwin opened the notepad, wrote a few lines of "Tomorrow's schedule" on a new page, closed the notepad, and tucked it under his arm.

Before dawn, Erwin's footsteps echoed on the stone steps.

Ron was splashing water on his face by the sink in the courtyard when he heard footsteps and straightened up, water dripping from his chin onto the collar of his chainmail.

"The Baron's transfer order," Erwin handed over a folded piece of paper. The sealing wax on the paper was the Baron's, dark red, exactly the same as the one Ron had seen.

"The messenger has just left, and Lady Anna and Tamara have disappeared."

Ron unfolded the letter. The Baron's handwriting was large and messy, and the wording was brief and direct—Anna and Tamara had disappeared two days ago after leaving the Crow's Nest, and everyone who could be mobilized had been sent out.

The letter instructed Ron to use Calard Estate as a starting point to search the swamps and woodlands to the southeast. There were no polite words or "pleases" in the letter, only a large signature and the date.

Ron folded the letter and handed it to Erwin.

"When did this happen?"

"Two days ago, the Baron searched the entire area around Crow's Nest but found no trace. Now he's sent men in every direction."

Ron didn't ask, "Why are you only telling me now?"

From Crow's Nest to Carradine Estate, it would take the messenger most of the day to travel on horseback. It was already quite fast that he arrived late last night. He picked up the battle axe leaning against the wall and put the handle on his shoulder.

"Assembling at the training ground: ten professional soldiers and twenty new recruits."

Erwin opened his notepad to take notes, while Ron continued speaking as he walked towards the training ground.

"We already have a trade route through that area to the southeast. While searching, we should also clear out those bandit camps along the way to ensure the safety of our transport."

"Should the new recruits go with them?"

"Send the new recruits. Basic training is done; it's time for them to smell the blood."

Ron paused for a moment, "When passing the water ghosts and wolf packs, the main force will split into five-man assault formations, taking turns to go in. The veterans will keep watch, just make sure the new recruits aren't scared out of their wits during their first encounter with the enemy."

Erwin quickly wrote a few lines on the notepad: "Miko can lead the squad, as can Cole and Pete. With Carl there, these recruits won't have any problems with formation changes."

"Formation," Ron repeated the word. "This operation won't train soldiers if it doesn't rely on large-scale battles and overwhelming forces." He glanced at Erwin.

"First, use combined formations to push through the first bandit camp, let them experience what formation rhythm is like. After pushing through, disassemble the formations, and use shield and spear assaults to engage the enemy in scattered battles."

Thirty people were already lined up on the training ground, with ten professional soldiers standing in the front row, wearing full breastplates and chainmail neck guards, the shadow of their helmets obscuring half their faces.

Twenty new recruits stood in the back row, equipped exactly like those in the front row: breastplates, chainmail, neck guards, and iron helmets, with spears and crossbows in their hands.

But their postures were different. They weren't crooked, they were stiff. Some gripped the spear shaft too tightly, and some had the crossbow butt against their shoulders. Their postures were correct, but their fingers, resting on the halberd, started to tremble before they even cocked it.

Cole walked past the front of the line, stopped in front of a recruit, reached out and tugged at the breastplate strap. Cole tightened the strap, tied a knot, patted the plate, and moved on to the next one.

Miko stood at the front of the line. Unlike Karl, he didn't shout anything; he simply walked around the ranks, stopping in front of each recruit he passed.

He glanced at the soldier's equipment, then at his eyes, and stopped in front of the third soldier. The recruit's pupils were trembling, his breathing was shallow, and his breastplate was heaving dramatically.

"Name," Miko said.

"Hank"

Are you afraid?

Hank swallowed hard. "Afraid."

"It's good to be afraid; it'll make you live longer," Miko patted his shoulder armor and walked away.

Karl stood on the wooden platform of the training ground, his helmet tucked under his arm, his gaze sweeping over the entire formation. He didn't say anything to motivate the troops.

Ron walked to the front of the line, and all thirty men's eyes were on him. He rested the handle of his battle axe on the ground.

"Three things to do today," he said. "First, the Baron's family has gone missing; we're responsible for searching the southeast direction. Second, clear the village's trade routes. Third," he paused.

"Most of you are going into battle for the first time today. We've taught you everything we needed to in training. The rest, you'll learn on the battlefield."

After the last word was uttered, no one spoke, and Ron turned around.

"Set off!!"