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Chapter 494 Conscription Once More

?The Duke, feigning deafness, closed his eyes.

The Earl, who had initially inquired of Osborne, stood and steadied Lanvin, speaking to him, "Lanvin, do not harbor anger. Osborne has confessed, and the accounts now tally. But consider, what if the embezzler had been someone else? Without the capacity to identify the culprit, can the Duke's finances truly be secure? Lanvin, you are young, and failure now is not the end. Return and learn from others how to manage economics; opportunities will come again."

Lanvin, accepting the decision, left the assembly in indignation.

Osborne, meanwhile, was taken to the dungeon by the castle guards, bringing this matter to a close.

Three days passed at Fernsouth Castle, and Howard received news from Mibo's relatives.

Subsequently, Howard spent each day practicing swordsmanship with Margaret and Resarite, deepening their friendship but without significant events occurring.

Howard dared not rashly declare war on Mibo, yet in his heart, Mibo was a man he had to eliminate.

Mibo, treacherous and faithless, had violated their agreement.

There was no place for Mibo among Howard's vassals.

A month later, Edward visited Fernsouth Castle again, and Howard welcomed him.

The two engaged in a cordial conversation.

Half a month later, the head of the Katerina family arrived at Fernsouth Castle to sign a mutual defense treaty with Howard.

This type of treaty differed from an alliance.

While alliances permitted both offensive and defensive actions, a mutual defense treaty was strictly for defense.

Any offensive moves were left unsupported by the other party.

Howard was indifferent to these distinctions; after all, the so-called alliance treaty with Edward had, under scrutiny, turned out to be nothing more than a mutual defense treaty, no different from the one he was currently contemplating.

As Howard prepared to sign the treaty, he glanced at Anna's father and spoke sincerely, "It's rare to see someone opt for a mutual defense treaty. Most, despite knowing that neither party will contribute to offensive endeavors, still prefer the facade of an alliance treaty for the sake of appearances. You seem to be an exception."

Anna's father smiled, a guileless expression that belied a lack of astuteness.

However, through his interactions with him, Howard had come to recognize the profound wisdom the man possessed.

With a simple, honest smile, Anna's father said, "I'm old now, and have no energy left for conquests. As I have no intention of attacking, there really is no difference to me between signing an alliance treaty or not."

Howard nodded in respect, an acknowledgment he hadn't even shown to Edward, despite his title as an Earl.

When Anna and her father left Fernsouth Castle, Margaret and Howard stood on the castle walls, gazing into the distance.

"Is war approaching?" Margaret asked Howard.

Unwilling to deceive her, Howard replied, "It will take some more time. The conscription and army expansion at Nok Castle are underway, but due to recent integration, the recruitment is progressing slowly. Once the castle's forces reach a strength of seven or eight hundred men, I plan to move against Mibo."

Margaret proposed an idea, saying, "Why not recruit soldiers directly at Fernsouth Castle and then dispatch them to Nok Castle? This way, both places could reach their required numbers."

Howard nodded, finding it a viable solution.

Whether it achieved great results or not, it was certainly worth a try.

Margaret then shared with Howard, "My father wrote to me a few days ago, expressing his concerns about my career."

Howard, ever empathetic, asked, "Is your father afraid?"

Margaret admitted, "He advised me to look out for myself, not to commit fully to your cause. That way, I'd have more troops in my command, and hence, more leverage in the future."

"What do you think about it?" Howard inquired.

Margaret replied, "I don't feel suited to being a lord. I'm more at home on the battlefield. If I can't manage my lands well, I might lose them eventually anyway."

Howard gently smoothed Margaret's bangs and said tenderly, "Then do what you wish. If you don't want to be a lord, you could become a mercenary, a bounty hunter, or an adventurer. There are many unknowns in this world, and as an adventurer, every day would bring new surprises."

Margaret asked, "If I become an adventurer, would you join me?"

Howard responded, "If circumstances allow, I would bring Catherine along and join your team."

Hearing the name Catherine, Margaret suddenly felt the world lose its charm and excused herself to leave.

Howard called out loudly to Alonso in the distance, who hurried over to him.

"You're a noble now, and you must act in a manner befitting your status," Howard admonished.

"Rushing about like this lacks the calm and composed demeanor expected of nobility. You need to change this behavior."

Alonso verbally agreed to change but inwardly had no intention of doing so.

Far from feeling slighted, he interpreted Howard's words as recognition of his diligence and eagerness, resolving to be even more prompt and ready in the future.

Howard then instructed Alonso to fetch Resarite and Vettel.

After a while, Resarite and Vettel arrived one after the other.

Howard addressed Resarite, "My Minister of War, I have a question for you."

Resarite lifted his head and responded, "Please ask, my lord."

Howard spoke slowly, "What if I recruit soldiers in Fernsouth and then send them to reside in Nok? Would that be feasible?"

Resarite blinked in surprise, "Have those people reside permanently in Nok?"

Howard nodded, "The conditions there aren't bad."

Resarite hesitated, unsure, and then suggested, "I alone cannot decide on this matter. You should discuss it with the Lord Privy Seal and the Minister of Finance."

"After all, the conscripted soldiers registered in our ledgers are villagers and residents when not at war. They have their own lives and families."

"Not all of them are fighting for spoils of war; many are motivated by better treatment for their families. Those who enlist in Fernsouth may only be willing to serve as conscripts here. If you ask them to go to Nok, they might not agree."

Vettel, who was standing nearby, respectfully signaled his desire to speak.

Howard gestured for him to proceed.

Vettel said, "My lord, most of these men have families to support. Besides the guarantees, they would need some financial subsidy."

Resarite nodded in agreement, indicating why he had earlier emphasized the need to consult with the Minister of Finance.

Howard swallowed hard and asked Vettel, "How much would that be?"

Vettel, with a detached tone, replied, "At the very least, ten silver coins per person. Additionally, there's the matter of coordinating in Nok, cleaning and preparing the vacant barracks, and other logistical tasks. The ongoing maintenance costs for Nok will increase."

Howard, demonstrating his intelligence, wasn't fazed by Vettel's latter comments.

After all, the same would apply if troops were conscripted locally in Nok.

Whether recruiting locally or from Fernsouth, the barracks would need arranging and the castle's maintenance costs would inevitably rise.

Howard realized the main difference in transferring troops from Fernsouth to Nok lay in the minimum of ten silver coins per person.

Taking a deep breath, Howard addressed Vettel, "For every family willing to relocate to Nok, provide a subsidy of twelve silver coins per person. Ensure that the Fernsouth forces along the route take appropriate measures to safely escort the soldiers' families to Nok. I haven't summoned Bosiden, so pass this message to him."

"As the Lord Privy Seal, he'll handle the planning and coordination for Nok, including notifying everyone involved. The logistics are complex, and he must be careful and meticulous, ensuring that the families relocating don't end up disappointed. Instruct Bosiden to improve the conditions within Nok Castle, so those who have just moved don't regret their decision."

Vettel acknowledged the command, praising Howard for his generous and compassionate heart in providing an additional two silver coins per soldier as a subsidy.

Howard then turned to Resarite, "Alright, now that the subsequent arrangements are set in motion, the crux of the matter is the conscription here in Fernsouth! Resarite, I want you to coordinate with Bosiden to schedule a time for those in Fernsouth who wish to become conscripts to come here for an interview."

"The publicity for this recruitment must be clear in advance about the relocation – we must ensure that these people don't misunderstand and think it's the same as previous conscriptions, only to make a futile trip."

Resarite nodded, his face betraying a hint of excitement, "Since the last major conscription at Fernsouth Castle, I haven't had the opportunity to conduct such a large-scale recruitment."

"The villagers and residents around Nok Castle, being a newly acquired fortress, have been somewhat reluctant to enlist. I am really looking forward to this conscription plan."