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.

without mentioning money. His intentions

Jacob assured

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 doubt that an appropriate salary would be part

grinned widely.

continued to

the Mystic Army, found himself busier than ever. He stepped out to inform Carissa that he needed to return to the Capital Guard Headquarters to gather the commanders for a meeting to discuss the duty roster and patrols during the upcoming New Year

I will head to Verdant Monastery to

to Verdant Monastery? Why don't you wait for me? I'll finish up my work quickly

on our own. You focus on your duties. The Capital Guard Headquarters has a lot going

she only held

honorary title as deputy

that it was during major festivals like this that the

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

that the New Year was

Rafael said after a moment's thought. "I'll finish up as quickly as I can and join you

aunt as well, now

Carissa agreed, noticing the lingering affection in

she quickly averted her eyes. "You go