Chapter 30 - Training

Chapter 30

Training

After listening to Rhodes’ report, Richard nodded and looked at the information in his hand, digesting the details.

Decades ago, the Swamp Witch appeared in the swamp near their territory. Before that, there were no records of her existence. She had the ability to transform people into monsters and was known to steal newborn babies, supposedly to use them in the creation of potions.

However, in recent years, there hadn’t been any news of missing infants. It was unclear whether she no longer needed those potions or had found a better substitute.

This was a relief to the people of the territory, as they had even begun to believe that the Swamp Witch had left the swamp and retreated into the depths of the forest.

Some even speculated that the witch might have been killed. Of course, these were just rumors. Rhodes’ data, however, indicated that the Swamp Witch was neither dead nor gone, but her activity had simply diminished in recent years.

It was surprising that she made her presence known again shortly after Richard took control of the territory.

So, was last night’s incident an accident?

Or was it a test from the Swamp Witch towards Richard?

Richard continued reading the information, which also mentioned that the witch had a monster army at her disposal to protect her. He pondered for a long time, unable to match her to any of the witches from the fairy tales he knew.

“Lord, the swamp isn’t far from your castle, and now that this witch dares to challenge your authority, should we…?” Rhodes asked, seeking instructions.

Richard thought for a moment and then shook his head. “No rush. Since this witch doesn’t dare to show herself directly, it means her power isn’t that strong yet. For now, let’s spare her life. I have other plans.”

“Yes!” Rhodes bowed in acknowledgment.

“Also, remind the night watch to be more alert during this period. And from tonight, add two more guards to the watch.”

Under normal circumstances, two night guards would be enough for a castle of this size. But with the threat of vampire bats around, assigning two more wouldn’t hurt.

However, this wasn’t to say that Richard shouldn’t punish the previous two guards. After all, the fact that no one noticed the attack throughout the entire night was indeed a dereliction of duty, and they deserved some form of reprimand.

As for the Swamp Witch, Richard had a straightforward idea. Since her monster army wasn’t likely to number in the hundreds, otherwise, they would have already attacked the Long Eagle Territory. In that case, these monsters could serve as excellent opponents for his militia’s training.

Richard was about to dismiss Rhodes when the latter suddenly spoke up again, “Lord, there’s one more thing I need to report.”

“Go ahead.” Richard said, taking a sip of the wine handed to him by a passing maid.

“Last night, some of Harvey’s men came to me and confessed that they had gained a lot of benefits back when they were following him. How do you think we should deal with them?”

“Where are they now?” Richard asked.

“They’re currently being held in custody.”

Richard shook his head, “Just record their names, get them back to work, and keep an eye on them. If they don’t cause trouble in the future, let it go. But if they act up again, punish them severely! We’re in a period where we need people to help build the territory, so we’ll overlook their past transgressions for now. After all, the ringleader, Harvey, has already met his end.”

“You’re wise, Lord. This will surely spread among the people, and they will appreciate your mercy even more. Balancing leniency and authority like this is truly impressive!” Rhode praised.

“Enough with the flattery, just focus on your work! I’ll be heading to the militia training camp now. Do your job well, and you’ll be rewarded accordingly.” Richard said.

As Richard took a few steps away, he suddenly turned back and asked, “I recall you have a son, right?”

“Yes!” Rhode responded with excitement.

“He should be around 19 now, correct? His physical condition is still a bit lacking according to my standards. Have him train harder and join the labor efforts. If his physique improves in the coming months, he might qualify to join the next batch of recruits for my militia.” Richard instructed.

Rhodes was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his gratitude, “Thank you for your guidance, Lord! Thank you!”

As Richard walked away, Rhodes happily headed to the dungeon, preparing to release those men and have his son join them in the hard work ahead.

He realized that finding his son easy tasks in the past wouldn’t cut it anymore; proper training was essential.

…

On the other side, Richard arrived at the training camp where he saw the militia practicing with wooden sticks. He clapped his hands loudly and shouted, “All squads, gather!”

Charles and Helen quickly helped organize the men, and soon everyone was assembled before Richard.

“Look at you, all relaxed and sloppy. Do you even resemble soldiers? Calling you a militia is like putting a monkey in a crown!” Richard scolded angrily.

“From now on, I’ll come here daily to train you in military postures and formations. You must do exactly as I do! I want a disciplined, united force, not a bunch of undisciplined fools! Do you understand?”

“Understood!” the group responded.

“Louder, I can’t hear you!” Richard demanded.

“Understood!” they shouted louder.

“Did you even eat? Are you a bunch of weaklings? Louder!” Richard roared.

“Understood!” they screamed with all their might, feeling both the thrill of unity and the surge of adrenaline.

“Good! That’s the spirit! From now on, keep that momentum. My soldiers must be fearless and capable of taking on the heavens, not weaklings! Now, watch my movements closely!”

He then proceeded to teach them military stances, commands, marching techniques, and other drills. These were skills he had previously taught his knightly squires.

For the militia, their physical prowess could easily improve with regular practice in the training camp. But Richard’s focus now was on instilling obedience and discipline in them, making it a part of their very nature.

His goal was to ensure that, in the heat of battle, they would react instantly to orders without hesitation.

They were soldiers, not thinkers. They needed to act, not deliberate.

Their bodies had to move before their minds did—that was the kind of force Richard wanted to forge!