"They may call it a coalition of minor lords, but most of the banners belong to landless nobles or those from fallen families. While some landholding nobles have joined, they're few and far between," Ervin explained.
"Of course. If every noble involved had land, there wouldn't be enough space in the south to accommodate them all," Conrad muttered bitterly.
Land. It was the ultimate prize for any noble. Taxes alone would attract swarms of opportunists, but land was an entirely different matter.
"I could understand if he offered a portion, but to give away everything? The new count has lost his mind!" Conrad spat.
"…"
Neither Ervin nor the knights in the room could argue. Sylas's proposal was shockingly bold, even reckless.
"Not just limited tax rights, but entire territories…"
"No wonder everyone's flocking to him. Even I might have done the same."