Chapter 1370 - 584: Old Guard Construction_3

Chapter 1370: Chapter 584: Old Guard Construction_3

Duke Laine has further promised that he has reserved a large manor within Musillon, named Royal Old Guard Manor! Ownership of the estate belongs to the entire Old Guard unit, and these soldiers will receive an additional stipend based on the manor’s output!

This... isn’t this a fief?

Peasants can really become Master Knights!

Thus, the entire southern Brittania is fervently discussing this new army, with peasants sitting on the ridge, gathered around the hearth, crowded in bars, and even lying in bed, constantly talking about two words: Old Guard!

So, what kind of person can become the Old Guard?

Peasants gather in threes and fives, bombarding the village elders and those Kingdom Knights with questions.

At least five years of service!

At least participated in three major battles!

Only soldiers who meet these two conditions can be selected!

The stringent criteria leave many peasant soldiers regretful, while those who meet the conditions are ecstatic, especially the soldiers who have followed Laine in his campaigns across Brittania since he arrived.

After two weeks of training, the Old Guard has temporarily selected five hundred men to be the first recruits of this future renowned army of the Old World.

Indeed, Duke Laine kept his word.

Straight and pristine uniform trousers! Belted white uniform shirts! Luxurious, gleaming half plate armor produced by the Dwarf Workshop! Bear skin military hats adorned with a few elegant Kite Feathers! And the exquisite weaponry, infantry from the Infantry Battalion can receive masterwork weapons from dwarves, archers have obtained elegant large bows made by Wood Elves, and those musket cavalry have gotten cavalry war blades and long-barreled fire cannons!

The selected Old Guards stand tall and proud, their spirits revitalized. They proudly serve in the Duke’s Castle, with their neat and attractive uniforms, strict military discipline, and formidable quality, complemented by the aura of blood and fire from their multiple wartime experiences. This captures not only the peasants’ attention but also the glowing admiration of noble maidens, some of whom from noble houses have even started considering marrying an Old Guard as an alluring option.

This new army will enjoy special barracks with luxurious renovations under the protection of city walls.

In the morning, Duke Laine and Duchess Surya met and inspected this new army. Lady Surya, even with her large belly, delivered a speech, which moved all the Guards deeply, who then swore to devote their lives to Lord Laine, Lady Surya, and the child in her womb.

At noon, Old Guard Barracks, Dining Hall.

The entire barracks spans one hectare, built in conjunction with Laine’s Duke’s Castle, with stone buildings crafted by Dwarf Craftsmen exuding an atmosphere of grandeur and solemnity. Various story murals are carved into the walls, depicting the epic tales of Laine’s arrival in Brittania, shining light ingeniously streams into the interior through elongated windows, bringing glory and illumination.

At rows of long dining tables, the Old Guards are enjoying their lunch.

Remon, former Third Company Commander of the Count’s Long Halberdier Company, now an Old Guard member, carefully examined the lunch before him. Previously an escaped serf from Leonais, he thought joyfully to himself, life was getting better and better.

The meals for the Old Guard have significantly improved compared to the time serving as Long Halberdiers. Now, the meals include white bread spread with jam or butter, delicious pies, tasty stews combining meat and vegetables, and regular allocations of barley beer. Previously, there was meat once every three days, but now there’s meat in every meal, even occasionally getting to eat marinated steak!

These are dishes only Master Knights could relish!

"Remon, do you have a day off tomorrow?" asked an Old Guard, named Artir, a courageous Winford native who has fought alongside Laine for many years. The scars on his face gave him a commanding presence.

"Yes." Remon nodded. The holiday schedule for the Old Guard was the same as before, typically two days off every ten days, with one day off every ten days while stationed outside, and during wartime rest days were subject to the Commander’s orders.

"Any plans?"

"I plan to go home for a visit." Remon stirred the stew in his bowl with a spoon, mixing large chunks of tasty pork with cabbage, cauliflower, many carrots, and some fungi.

"Going home?" Old Guards usually live in the barracks, so Artir wasn’t surprised by Remon’s choice.

"Yes, to check on my mother and brother." Remon nodded, hesitating a bit, not sure whether to say.

"Did... something happen?"

"Thomas... is considering going to Nuer to study, and my mother can’t decide, so she asked me to go back for a visit."

"I see."