SMW C20 First Loyal Retainer

Alexander had successfully converted most residents of the five villages under Eisenfurt barony into potato enthusiasts. While some villagers remained unconvinced and still whispered about "cursed food" despite Father Hensfried's endorsement, the mission was undeniably successful.

This success was confirmed when Alexander received a system notification:

[You have successfully converted many people under your father's territory into potato lovers! Reward: 2 System Points]

Though the arduous work of converting five villages had taken nearly two weeks for a modest reward of 2 System Points, Alexander felt satisfied with the progress. More importantly, he had gained invaluable knowledge about his future domain.

Exploring the territory had given him intimate familiarity with Graybrook, Tannenfeld, Mortgraben, Osterwald Hamlet, and especially the neglected Southgate Watch. Each settlement had revealed unique resources and challenges that would inform his future development plans.

At Southgate Watch, the corruption was immediately apparent to Alexander's observant eyes. Guards wore equipment far too fine for their supposed wages, while merchant wagons departed with suspiciously lighter loads than they'd arrived with. Hidden alcoves in the barracks clearly served as temporary storage for contraband, and the guards' furtive glances toward certain "merchants" revealed ongoing conspiracies. The contrast between their official poverty and their actual possessions told the entire story.

His suspicions were confirmed when a young recruit requested a private audience late that night. Reinhard, after assessing the guard's earnest demeanor, allowed him entry to Alexander's quarters. The black-haired guard with piercing blue eyes radiated an aura of pride and justice that set him apart from his corrupt companions.

"Young lord, I thoroughly enjoyed the potato stew earlier. It was among the most delicious food I've ever tasted," the guard began respectfully.

"Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it," Alexander replied with a calm smile. "But I suspect praising my cooking isn't your only reason for this midnight visit."

The rumors don't exaggerate—Lord Alexander truly possesses remarkable intelligence for his age, the guard thought, studying Alexander's amber eyes that seemed to hold wisdom far beyond his years. Perhaps there's genuine hope for our barony after all.

Remembering how Alexander had personally ensured every guard received potato stew and cooking instructions, the young man felt a spark of optimism he hadn't experienced in months.

"Young lord, I am Roderic, a recent recruit to this post," he introduced himself with military precision. "I've come to inform you of something crucial that you must know."

Alexander already suspected the topic but asked, "What would that be?"

Roderic cleared his throat, his expression growing grave. "This outpost is rotten to its core. Most guards here—especially the veterans and even our commander—are thoroughly corrupt, pocketing toll fees that should reach the barony's coffers."

He scrutinized Alexander's face for reaction, but the young lord remained composedly attentive.

"Continue," Alexander encouraged.

Impressed by his lord's composure, Roderic pressed on. "I've witnessed guards extorting merchants for 'additional fees' of several Pfenning beyond the official tolls. Worse still, they actively participate in smuggling operations—allowing contraband through in exchange for personal profit, and sometimes even providing armed escort for illegal goods."

For ten minutes, Roderic detailed the extent of corruption: how loyal guards were outnumbered by corrupt ones, how official reports were falsified, how the commander maintained personal relationships with known smugglers, and how the garrison had essentially become a criminal enterprise masquerading as legitimate authority.

Alexander listened intently throughout the lengthy confession. While he'd suspected dishonesty from observing the guards' behavior, hearing the detailed extent of corruption saddened him deeply. The situation is far worse than I anticipated. This entire post has become a cancer on our trade routes.

Roderic concluded his detailed report and looked at Alexander with desperate hope. "Young lord, please relay everything to Baron Aldric immediately! We must eliminate all the corrupt guards at once and cleanse this post!"

Alexander remained silent for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "I will certainly inform my father of this situation, but eliminating all the corrupt guards simultaneously would be disastrous."

The strategic implications were clear to Alexander, though obviously not to the idealistic young recruit.

"May I ask why not, my lord?" Roderic asked, confusion evident in his voice. His knightly upbringing had instilled a black-and-white view of justice—corruption was evil and must be destroyed immediately.

"First, the corrupt outnumber the loyal guards significantly," Alexander explained patiently. "If we remove them all at once, this entire post becomes defenseless. While the Remiggen Kingdom may ignore our poor barony for now, bandits and raiders would certainly notice the opportunity."

Roderic nodded slowly, beginning to grasp the complexity.

"Second, mass arrests would give the corrupt guards time to destroy evidence of their crimes. If my father executes them without proper proof, it becomes a massacre rather than justice—destroying his reputation and potentially inviting intervention from the king or neighboring lords."

The recruit's face paled as he realized the political ramifications.

"Third, these men are experienced soldiers with weapons and nothing left to lose if cornered. They might choose to fight rather than face execution. My father's forces would suffer unnecessary casualties in what should be a matter of internal discipline."

Roderic swallowed hard, the weight of these considerations crushing his simple hope for immediate justice. "Then... must we allow their crimes to continue? Are we powerless to stop them?"

Alexander saw the despair creeping into the young guard's eyes and felt genuine sympathy. Corruption thrived when good men felt helpless, but Alexander had no intention of accepting this situation.

"Of course we won't allow their crimes to continue," Alexander said firmly, his voice carrying quiet authority that seemed far beyond his six years.

Roderic looked up in surprise at his young lord's confident tone.

"Southgate Watch is a vital outpost protecting our southern borders and trade routes. I will not permit this cancer to fester indefinitely." Alexander's amber eyes grew cold with determination. "I am developing a comprehensive plan to root out this corruption completely—before I officially inherit the barony."

As he spoke these words, a cool evening breeze slipped through the gaps in the poorly maintained window frame. Both Alexander's silver hair and Roderic's dark locks stirred in the wind, and the young guard felt something shift in the atmosphere—as if the very air around his lord carried the weight of destiny.

Roderic's anxiety melted away like snow in spring sunlight, replaced by something he hadn't felt in months: genuine hope. His hair stood on end as he gazed at Alexander, hearing not just a promise but a prophecy from someone chosen by God Himself.

Roderic couldn't help but drop to one knee in respectful submission. "I will remember this promise, young lord, and I will assist you to the absolute best of my abilities."

Alexander smiled with genuine warmth. "I'm counting on exactly that."

Roderic bowed his head deeply in reverence. Just as he prepared to take his leave, Reinhard entered the chamber and studied the young guard with an experienced eye.

"Young man, I can see you possess the potential to become a true knight," Reinhard said with approval. "Would you consider becoming my squire? You could accompany me back to the castle and begin proper training."

The offer struck Roderic like a lightning bolt. His entire body trembled with excitement as his lifelong dream suddenly materialized before him. A knight! I've dreamed of this since childhood!

Before he could respond, Alexander rose from his seat. "Before you make that decision, Roderic, would you hear a selfish request from me?"

Roderic immediately composed himself and nodded respectfully. "Of course, young lord."

Alexander glanced meaningfully between his uncle and the guard. "I suggest you decline my uncle's generous offer—for now."

"What?" Even Reinhard appeared taken aback by this unexpected intervention.

Roderic's eyes widened in confusion and obvious disappointment. "Why, young lord? Have I done something wrong?"

Alexander could see the young man's crushed hopes but pressed forward with his explanation. "I need eyes and ears within this outpost, and I want you to be those eyes and ears for me. I cannot execute my plans alone—will you do this for me?"

A profound silence settled over the room. Reinhard looked at Roderic with paternal disappointment, genuinely sorry to see such promising potential remain in this corrupt garrison.

After a long moment of internal struggle, Roderic spoke with solemn determination. "I will be your eyes and ears, young lord." His voice grew stronger. "I am even willing to become your sword if necessary."

Alexander's smile broadened with satisfaction. "Then let me make you a formal offer, Roderic. Rather than becoming my uncle's squire, would you accept a position as my personal retainer? You would serve directly under me, and when I inherit the barony, you would become one of my trusted household knights."

The same excitement that had filled Roderic's eyes at the prospect of knighthood returned tenfold. A personal retainer to the future baron—with guaranteed elevation to household knight—was an honor beyond his wildest aspirations.

"Young lord!" Roderic's voice shook with overwhelming gratitude and excitement. "I accept with all my heart! I pledge my loyalty, my sword, and my life to your service!"

"Excellent," Alexander said with quiet satisfaction. "For now, maintain your current position and continue gathering information. When the time is right, I will call upon you."

Roderic departed with renewed purpose, leaving Reinhard to watch his retreating figure with a wistful sigh.

That young man has the heart of a true knight, Reinhard mused. I can see it in his bearing, his principles, his dedication to justice. Alexander chose well.