Chapter 1023 - 296: Just You?

As the cavalry gradually reduced their speed, the thunderous roar gradually subsided.

Until the very end.

Only the sound of the warhorses’ neighs remained.

Rose, who had reined in his warhorse, scanned the area ahead.

The people on the open ground above hadn’t even dug trenches, and they didn’t have weapons in hand!

As Rose was surveying the area.

A burly man strode from behind the crowd, stopping four or five meters in front of Rose’s mounted warhorse.

The burly man bent in salute and spoke respectfully.

"Sir, Louis Manor has been subdued by the might of the cavalry."

"Guard Captain Seron Benitez leads all personnel of the manor in surrendering."

"We are willing to pledge allegiance to you, sir, and do whatever is required."

Rose’s eyes swept over Seron, his brow furrowing slightly as he asked in a deep voice.

"The Guard Captain is leading a disarmed surrender?"

"Where is Louis Manor’s Lord gone?"

Hearing the inquiry from the mounted man, Seron’s heart tightened slightly.

Seron hurriedly explained, "When Manor Lord Neil Lewis learned that you were leading the cavalry towards the manor."

"He planned to flee with the maid and his wealth in a carriage, aiming for Kakasong City."

"But when Neil sought to escape, I discovered and assassinated him."

"His body lies before the manor’s gate."

Rose’s words carried a trace of surprise, "You, the Guard Captain, stopped the Lord’s escape and assassinated him?"

Seron’s heart grew increasingly tense, his words somewhat faltering.

"Yes...that is correct, sir."

"Neil wished to abandon the entire manor and escape alone. Seron naturally couldn’t let him succeed."

"It was a betrayal of Louis Manor!"

Rose studied Seron, speaking authoritatively.

"I can accept your surrender on behalf of my master."

Seron, hearing this, expressed his gratitude quickly, "Thank you, sir, thank you, Lord Master."

Rose’s tone shifted, "However, I need to bind and escort you back to the territory for the Lord’s decision!"

Seron’s face showed immediate astonishment.

"Sir, I was the one who stopped and assassinated Neil attempting to flee the manor."

"Otherwise, he would’ve brought all the manor’s wealth to Kakasong City."

"It was also I who organized the guards and peasants to surrender their arms to you and your Lord."

"In doing so, we avoided war and unnecessary losses."

"We are but humble lives, but the dignitaries..."

Rose tilted his lips with interest, boldly stating.

"So?"

"You think leading them to surrender gives you the power to negotiate with me?"

"Besides, even if the two sides clashed, could your weapons pose a threat to my cavalry?"

Seron’s face instantly became somber.

He truly hadn’t expected the burly man before him to instantly discern his inner thoughts.

Seron asked, "Sir, aren’t you worried that binding me might lead to renewed conflict?"

Rose chuckled coldly, "With just you?"

Seron’s heart sank bitterly; he could make the guards and peasants surrender.

For it meant survival.

But he couldn’t compel the guards and peasants to knowingly face death in battle.

Rose shifted his gaze, addressing the cavalry beside him.

"Bind him and escort him back, for the master to judge!"

"Everyone else enter the manor estate, gather everything that can be taken, and bring them back to the master!"

A unified, resounding reply echoed from behind Rose.

"Yes, Master Rose!"

Several cavalrymen leaped off their warhorses, fetched a piece of linen rope, and approached Sorong.

Preparing to bind him, the mounted Rose spoke again.

"First conduct a search!"

Seron’s brow furrowed tightly, surprised at Rose’s meticulousness!

Within seconds, a cavalryman reported, "Sir, we’ve found a dagger!"

Rose nodded, acknowledging.

Thus the precaution.

Previously, assassins disguised as Free People infiltrated the master’s territory to assassinate the master!

Once bitten, twice shy!

He naturally wouldn’t allow such an event to reoccur.

Groups of light cavalry dismounted.

They formed ranks and entered the open square crowded with guards and peasants.

Watching the puzzled expressions of everyone as Seron was bound.

Rose urged his warhorse, guiding it into the crowd.

With a loud and compelling voice, Rose spoke.

"Everyone, I am Lynn, the Lord of Morgan Town, sent to attack Louis Manor—the Commander, Rose."

"I can responsibly tell you."

"Being incorporated by Lord Master Lynn, becoming his Townsmen, will be the greatest fortune of your life!"

"You will have three meals a day! You will live in newly constructed red brick houses!"

"Even, as long as you work hard enough, you will own your land!"

The guards and peasants, initially fearful and doubtful.

Upon hearing Rose’s words, their faces showed amazement.

Is such a life truly one they, as peasants, can possess?

If Rose’s words are true, it certainly would be the luckiest fortune in their lifetime.

Because until now.

Many peasants have never known what it feels like to be full and energetic.

Seeing the bright expectations in their eyes, Rose, riding on his warhorse, continued speaking.

"So, to become Lord Master Lynn’s Townsmen, I still need your help!"

"Gather all the money, iron goods, livestock, even crops from the territory..."

"Anything that can be taken, bring it all back!"

"Because those barley and wheat may be your food."

"Those livestock could be the meat supplementing your nutrition."

"Even those iron goods might be reforged into tools for your future use!"

"..."

"So, start now. Under soldier supervision, orderly enter the manor estate."

"Within your physical capacity, carry and shoulder everything you see, return to Lord Lynn’s territory!"

As Rose’s words ended, cavalrymen took action.

Leading teams of guards and peasants into the manor, beginning transportation.

Seeing the busy figures, Rose’s heart slightly relaxed.

Even though he was once the Vice-Captain of the cavalry team.

Even though after being appointed Thousand Households by the master, he joined several battles.

He didn’t want to wage war unless necessary.

Because no one can guarantee what surprises occur on the battlefield.

No one can guarantee returning alive from battle every time.

Yet!

As long as the master commands, he would unhesitatingly lead soldiers into battle.

During Rose’s observation.

Numerous guards and peasants either carrying or using the few oxen and draft horses to transport various goods, left Louis Manor estate.

Escorted by cavalry mounted on horses, they returned slowly in the direction they came from.

Besides these guards and peasants.

The cavalry’s horses could also transport goods.

Of course, only a tiny portion.

Compared to transporting manor goods, Rose needed to ensure the cavalry’s constant combat readiness!