Chapter 44: The Long Road Ahead

"You want to join the army?"

In the study on the top floor of the lord's castle, Bruno sat behind his desk, curiously examining the young man who had just been led in by his personal valet, Lister.

Krell appeared to be in his early twenties. His dark brown hair was messy, resembling a disorganized bird's nest. His complexion was somewhat pale, likely due to long-term malnutrition.

His facial features were rather handsome, with a high nose bridge, but a two-centimeter-long scar on his forehead gave him a weathered look, indicating it had been there for quite some time.

Bruno remembered him well not just for his exceptional work performance but also for his deep, penetrating eyes. They seemed to pierce through the world's injustices and darkness, revealing the truth hidden beneath the surface.

When Bruno had announced the emancipation of forty five serfs, he had also given each of them a chance to meet him in person.

Krell was the first one to muster the courage to come forward.

And when the production teams were initially formed, he had also been the first to sign up.

After the completion of the Hanging Garden, his work points ranked highest, making him one of the first serfs to be granted freedom and become a commoner.

"Yes, I want to join the army," Krell reaffirmed.

"The first batch of the standing army recruited 300 men, and all spots are already filled. So… you need to give me a reason a compelling reason to make an exception and enlist you," Bruno said seriously.

Bruno indeed thought highly of Krell, but that didn't mean he would break his own rules for him.

After all, discipline was the cornerstone of his military training.

If Krell couldn't provide a convincing reason, Bruno wouldn't bend the rules just for him.

"A reason…" Krell lowered his head, pondering.

He knew this was a test. If he could satisfy his lord with his answer, he might achieve his goal of joining the army.

"I want to be a soldier to protect Idar! To protect you!" Krell declared.

"Why? I already have 300 standing troops and a personal guard of knights. I don't need one more person," Bruno teased.

"Because I want to defend this possibility!" Krell looked Bruno directly in the eye, his voice firm. "Only in Idar only here can a serf earn his way to becoming a commoner through hard work!"

"…And this possibility exists only because of you! You gave us—those who were once the lowest and most despised—a chance! You allowed my father and me to stand up again, to live for ourselves!"

Bruno's eyes narrowed slightly, his hands subconsciously gripping the armrests of his chair.

"Is that truly what you believe?" Bruno finally asked seriously.

"Yes!" Krell said without hesitation. "Idar is like a pure, untapped land, and you have given us serfs the greatest opportunity we could ever hope for! I, Krell, am willing to lay down my life to protect Idar to protect this hope!"

"Leave for now. As for your application… I need some time to consider it," Bruno said after a long silence.

"As you command, my lord." Krell bowed respectfully and carefully followed Lister out.

At that moment, Bruno's heart was in turmoil.

Until now, he had only seen the people around him as uncivilized natives of this world, following the historical patterns he knew from his past life, step by step.

But Krell's words had sparked deeper thoughts within him.

Because, for the first time, Bruno realized that even the lowest serfs had their own thoughts and understanding of the world.

Perhaps, due to their class limitations, most could only see what was immediately in front of them.

But there would always be some like Krell who thought further, who saw beyond.

Freeing serfs and granting them citizenship might seem like a minor reform, but the potential energy behind it was immense capable of shaking the very foundations of society.

After all… there were far too many serfs in this world!

Bruno felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.

He was pleased that his people could think for themselves, that they saw Idar as their home, that they viewed themselves as part of something greater.

But… he was still a noble.

Freeing the serfs would indeed unlock Idar's economic and productive potential. However, nobles and serfs had always been opposing classes.

This meant Bruno had to tread carefully, handling the issue with utmost caution—there was no room for carelessness.

He had the eerie sense that he was now an invisible force shaping the history of this world, planting the seeds that would one day alter its destiny…

It was an extraordinary feeling, one that stirred a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.

Bruno sat in his study, lost in thought for a long time, scribbling notes on parchment. Finally, he called out, "Lister!"

"My lord, you called?" Lister promptly entered.

"Let Krell report to the standing army," Bruno finally decided.

"And tell Sam Layton to train him ruthlessly. A good recruit deserves the privilege of extra training."

"As you command, my lord."

"Oh, and one more thing," Bruno added as Lister was about to leave. "I've used my brain too much this morning. Tell the kitchen to prepare two extra dishes."

"Understood, my lord."

"What did the lord say?"

Back home, Krell's father asked anxiously.

"He didn't agree, but he didn't refuse either. He said he needed time to consider it," Krell said, pouring himself some water to soothe his dry throat.

"You're being too impatient. The earl is incredibly busy granting you an audience was already a great honor. How could you ask such a favor from him?" his father sighed, trying to reason with him.

"Even though I haven't met him often, I feel like our lord is different from other nobles…"

"You always let your imagination run wild. Instead of thinking about such things, you should focus on your work. You missed work this morning and got docked a copper coin," his father said, shaking his head.

Knock, knock, knock…

As they spoke, there was a knock at the door.

Krell got up to open it, only to find Lister standing there with his usual stern expression.

"Report to the barracks tomorrow," he said.