Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Jacob chuckled and said, "With Lady Carissa here, you won't be short-changed. Just make sure to do the job well. Once the household army is established, you'll be in charge of their management and training. Given the hard work involved, there will definitely be an additional reward."

Not interested in vague promises, Travis asked directly, "So, how much are we talking about?"

Jacob held up one finger. "This much."

At that moment, Travis wished he had an actual rod in his hand to smack Jacob over the head. Couldn't Jacob just say the amount instead of making him guess?

"Just tell us whether you'll do it or not," Rafael said.

"I'll do it!" Travis immediately agreed, planning to ask Carissa later to find out exactly how much the pay was.

Either way, he had already decided to take the job. He would be in for a beating if he didn't bring some money back to the guild.

"Alright, you won't need to worry about the recruitment process. Just focus on being the drill instructor and teaching them martial arts," Jacob said.

"Fair enough, but can the estate accommodate so many people?" Travis asked.

Luke chimed in, "Don't worry about that. There's a piece of empty land behind the estate. After the New Year, we'll bring in some craftsmen. As long as we have the funds, it'll be built in no time." "So, I'll be paid during this period too, right?" Travis questioned.

Jacob felt a twinge of frustration.

really couldn't go three sentences without mentioning money. His intentions

course," Jacob assured

stingy and would give what was due. Besides, Travis was an old friend of Carissa's and had even temporarily held the rank of battalion commander in the military. Given his background, there was no

Travis grinned widely.

snowfall continued

Court had sealed its documents for the year, Rafael, as the commander of the Mystic Army, found himself busier than ever. He stepped out to inform Carissa that he needed to return to the Capital Guard Headquarters

care of your business. Vivi, Rod, and I will head to Verdant Monastery to visit my aunt,"

you wait for me? I'll finish up my work

focus on your duties. The

though she

honorary title as deputy

that the capital guards and garrison unit were

Guard Headquarters couldn't be ignored. Besides, it had been snowing heavily lately. Avis was in poor health, so Carissa couldn't

Year was

careful on the road," Rafael said after a moment's thought. "I'll

well, now that he was

agreed, noticing the lingering

her, she quickly averted her eyes. "You