Chapter 333: This Is Something I Really Wanted to Try (2)

Of course. This man was never one to stay still. It was as if he had a disease where he would die if he wasn't doing something.

Claude calmed himself and asked, "Why are you creating a mercenary corps?"

"Because it's necessary."

"We don't need something like that! Why would we even do that kind of thing?"

As he spoke, Claude became increasingly irritated and began to lose his temper.

There were some territories that dabbled in mercenary work. Though rare, there were cases where the lord and the territory itself acted as mercenaries for other nations.

Typically, such territories were small, poor, and lacked resources.

But Fenris was now called the strongest territory in the north. With its enormous food production and the resources gained from the recent development, its financial power could rival any lord in the kingdom.

And yet, Ghislain wanted to form a mercenary corps. Why on earth would he do something so absurd?

Despite Claude's outburst, Ghislain remained confident and said,

"I'm going to put all the mercenaries in this kingdom under my command."

"Wow, what ambition…"

"We're already working on road construction and the delivery business, aren't we? Adding the mercenary business to that will make us even more money."

"Ugh… That's true, but is it really necessary? It seems like it'll just cause more trouble."

Honestly, mercenaries are, by nature, a bunch of people who hate being tied down.

They reject stable jobs and turn to mercenary work because they're chasing quick riches. While not all of them are like that, most are.

In other words, they are people who enjoy freedom.

On top of that, they are rough and unruly. Instead of dealing with them, it would be better to train another elite unit.

"Sure, more is better in anything. But it costs money and time. Couldn't we use those resources for something more efficient?"

Ghislain wasn't unaware of Claude's objections. It was a well-known fact that while mercenaries excel individually, they were weaker than regular armies in group battles.

However, there was still a reason Ghislain needed to bring them in.

"Our military growth has reached its limit. No matter how much training we do now, progress will be slow. But we still don't have enough."

"Isn't this enough for us?"

With the acquisition of Desmond's territory and the absorption of its prisoners, Fenris's forces were nearing 20,000 strong.

Although unified under one flag, Ghislain now held Fenris, Cabaldi, and Desmond, controlling three territories and three noble titles.

It was rare for a single individual to control such vast lands and military power.

Combined with top-tier technology and financial strength, Fenris was one of the kingdom's greatest forces. And yet, Ghislain claimed it was insufficient?

Ghislain continued, his expression still hungry for more.

"This much isn't enough to beat the duchy. We need to gather even more."

Ghislain's assessment was absolute.

Most people didn't understand just how immense the duchy's power was.

Even if he combined forces with the Royalist faction, they wouldn't stand a chance against the duchy alone. Adding the lords loyal to the duchy into the equation made outright confrontation a guaranteed loss.

To grow further, he would need to conquer another territory. Although that would happen eventually, it wasn't feasible at the moment.

'The duchy aims to take the kingdom with minimal losses.'

That was how it had been in his previous life. The situation had been favorable for the duchy, and they eventually achieved their goal.

But not this time.

'Because of me, they'll have no choice but to act aggressively.'

The duchy was now preparing to take the kingdom by force.

However, their nature to minimize losses wouldn't change. They would thoroughly prepare to reduce damage as much as possible.

'Until then, I need to strengthen our forces and prepare for the confrontation.'

Ghislain briefly explained the situation to Claude.

Everyone knew the duchy was the strongest in the kingdom, but few understood the vast gap in power.

Hearing Ghislain's explanation, Claude looked incredulous.

"Is it really… that big of a difference? They can mobilize over 100,000 soldiers just from the duchy?"

"That's right, and that's just the soldiers. Add their numerous elite knights and mages, and their power is overwhelming."

When considering the high-ranking lords under the duchy, they could assemble an army of hundreds of thousands.

Even if the Royalist nobles gathered all their people, they wouldn't be able to match that.

Ghislain had fought them directly in his past life and knew this for a fact.

Claude, though still skeptical, couldn't ignore the Lord's words. After all, anything Ghislain said, even if it sounded absurd, couldn't be dismissed lightly anymore.

"Ugh… Then even if we bring all the kingdom's mercenaries under our flag, it won't bridge the gap, will it?"

"That's true. But mercenaries have their own uses. And regardless of the power gap, it's still better to strengthen our forces however we can."

"Are you sure… we can win?"

Ghislain suddenly grinned, a murderous gleam in his smile.

"We have to win. That's why I'm here. Only I can crush the duchy in this kingdom."

It was an incredibly arrogant statement. Yet, somehow, Claude felt it might actually be true.

Ghislain grabbed Claude's shoulders and asked,

"Claude, how do you fight a stronger enemy? If we can't grow stronger than the duchy here and now, what do we do?"

"Uh…"

Startled by Ghislain's intense presence, Claude couldn't respond.

Ghislain smirked wickedly and continued,

"Then you weaken the enemy. Make it so we can fight them on even terms. Break them apart and reduce their overall strength."

"Then… does that mean our next target is the Marquis Rodrick? Are you thinking of the mercenary corps active there?"

"That's right. That mercenary corps is our first target."

Claude finally understood Ghislain's intentions.

The Marquis Rodrick was the first target Ghislain had planned to attack in the civil war. It was a key strategic point in the west, bustling with trade and wealth.

Naturally, it also had the largest concentration of mercenaries in the kingdom, handling escort missions, bandit subjugations, and various transport jobs.

While Perdium territory also offered mercenary work due to its conflicts with barbarians, it lacked the funds to attract them in large numbers.

"That's true. The largest mercenary corps is there. But how will you take them from Rodrick? They're known to have close ties to the marquisate."

"There are ways. Don't worry about that. I'll handle it. For now, focus on absorbing the small and medium-sized mercenary corps in the north. Can you do that?"

"Understood. I'll take care of it. Most of the northern mercenary corps are weak anyway. Leave it to me."

Claude's eyes sparkled as he agreed with Ghislain's plan.

After all, fighting the duchy was inevitable. While Claude had initially thought the Royalists might stand a chance, Ghislain's explanation made him realize otherwise.

Though hard to believe and even harder to accept, it couldn't be ignored.

The stronger Fenris became, the better their chances of survival.

Seeing Claude's enthusiasm, Ghislain smiled and said, "Good. Let's get busy again."

***

Once a goal was set, the people of Fenris moved immediately.

It wasn't always like this. It was a habit they had developed after working with Ghislain.

As Claude handed over a pile of documents to Lowell, he spoke.

"You know we're starting the mercenary business now, right?"

"Well… yes, I know."

Lowell nodded obediently. Ghislain's close aides had already been briefed on the plan.

They didn't want to do it since they were already swamped with work, but when the Lord gave an order, they had no choice but to follow it.

"It'll take some time to get royal approval. So for now, we're prioritizing setting up a mercenary corps under the Lord's command."

There were two ways nobles typically dealt with mercenary corps. One was to personally sponsor or command a mercenary corps, which was the most common method.

Such nobles used mercenary corps as their agents for various tasks or business ventures.

Sometimes, they even employed them for dirty work.

The other method was for the lord and their territorial army to act as a mercenary corps themselves.

This was rare but seen in territories that were too poor or resource-lacking to do otherwise—or if the lord was simply obsessed with fighting.

This method required royal approval and certification. If the entire territory functioned as a mercenary corps, the lord could get paid to participate in foreign wars.

Strict restrictions were placed on their involvement in domestic conflicts to prevent them from causing trouble.

Fenris had already submitted documents to Marquis Branford to obtain permission for a mercenary corps.

However, since the process would take time, Claude decided to start by absorbing existing mercenary groups.

"I'm heading out to recruit. Take care of the territory while I'm gone."

"But… are you sure you can convince the mercenaries to join us?"

Claude smirked and made a circle with his fingers.

"Money makes everything possible. Most northern mercenaries are already working for us in one way or another. Many even assist as laborers. It won't be hard."

Claude's logic wasn't wrong. If paid well, mercenaries would work for Fenris. After all, that was the nature of mercenaries.

Ghislain himself had hired numerous northern mercenaries in the past, and back then, everything was handled with money.

However, absorbing mercenaries into the Fenris Mercenary Corps was a different matter.

"Sure, some will join for money, but plenty will refuse."

"Oh, it's not like we're adding them to the Fenris army. They'll remain independent under the mercenary corps' umbrella, with their autonomy intact."

"Come on, who's going to believe that? Autonomy or not, they'll still have to answer when summoned, pay dues, and lose some freedom. Mercenaries hate restrictions. A lot will definitely turn it down."

Claude responded with a smug grin.

"I used to think that too. But sincerity always wins people over."

Lowell gave him a skeptical look.

"That guy's version of sincerity is usually pretty twisted."

Unaware of Lowell's thoughts, Claude entrusted the territory to him and set off.

Northern mercenary groups were generally small and poor. Many showed interest in Claude's proposal.

"A Fenris Mercenary Corps? You're saying Count Fenris himself is creating a mercenary corps?"

"Exactly. It's already registered. You know we're the strongest in the north, right?"

"Sure, but why would a place like that need a mercenary corps? And why recruit us?"

"To work you to death—uh, I mean, we're expanding into the mercenary business as part of our many ventures. We're going big."

"Oh…"

Fenris's various enterprises were already well-known throughout the kingdom.

The development of the Forest of Demonic Beasts, food sales, cosmetics sales, road construction, and delivery services were all massive projects that had made Fenris famous.

"You know most Royalist territories are connected by the roads we built, right? And our delivery services are booming. Naturally, we need more manpower. Mercenaries are perfect for escort and transport duties."

The mercenaries nodded in agreement. Most of their work involved escorting or transporting goods.

Whether it was fighting, building, or any other labor, mercenaries went wherever the money was.

"Alright, we'll join. As long as our mercenary corps stays intact, that's fine, right?"

"Of course. As a Fenris subsidiary, you'll only need to cooperate when necessary. Just pay a small share of your earnings as dues. In return, we'll support you and secure plenty of work for you."

"Sounds good. We'll join the Fenris Mercenary Corps."

Small mercenary groups often struggled to find decent jobs. Joining the Fenris Mercenary Corps meant access to better-paying, more reliable work.

Fenris's ventures ensured a steady flow of assignments, and naturally, the best jobs would go to their own subsidiaries.

While it was clear they would be recruited into any wars, the mercenaries weren't too concerned.

"Fenris is the strongest in the north. What could go wrong? Besides, Count Fenris has Marquis Branford's full support."

By now, Ghislain's reputation and authority had soared to unprecedented heights.

For tiny, struggling mercenary groups, it only took a few good terms to win them over. They didn't see joining Fenris as a loss of freedom.

In fact, the benefits far outweighed the downsides. They gained strong backing and steady work.

But not all mercenary groups saw things this way.

Jake, leader of the "Bigfoot Mercenaries," which had about 50 members, firmly rejected Claude's offer.

"Ha… I appreciate the thought, but we're not interested."

Jake was an enormous man, his nickname "Bigfoot" derived from his unusually large feet. His size and strength had recently earned him some fame.

Known for being a man's man, he was also notoriously arrogant.

As Jake spoke with a smug expression, Claude thought to himself.

'You dare reject my offer?'

Claude, the ultimate opportunist, took Jake's blatant and arrogant rejection personally.

'This guy needs to be dealt with.'

If words didn't work, action was the answer. That was one thing Claude had thoroughly learned from Ghislain.

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