Martin stepped out of the castle hall and onto the long garden corridor. Along the way, passing maids and guards respectfully bowed, their bodies lowered, their eyes filled with awe.
His eldest son, Kalen, led the way, speaking as he walked: "I really don't understand what you intend to do with these ten attendants."
"However, as your elder brother, I must remind you that these guards will become your private soldiers in the future. The family will no longer focus on training them, only providing daily food and lodging."
"As for armor maintenance and Knight Elixirs, they are not included. Also, absolutely do not think about going out on adventures."
He paused, then added earnestly: "Although Knight Attendants are not yet official Knights, you still need to consider their thoughts. While your status as an Earl's son can make them follow you, you currently have no fiefdom, and supporting them will not be easy."
As the two talked, they soon arrived at the camp where the Knight Order was stationed. Earl White's Territory had five Knight Orders under its jurisdiction, each with approximately eight hundred people.
The Knight Order here was by no means an ordinary regular soldier team, but a gathering of extraordinary Knights. Even the lowest-ranking Knight Attendants in the Knight Order were not to be underestimated.
A Knight Order was enough to defeat a regular army of fifty thousand soldiers on the front lines, and the Silver Knights among them possessed the terrifying combat power to take on a thousand.
The physique of a Knight Attendant also far surpassed that of an ordinary person; easily defeating ten or so fully armed soldiers was a simple matter.
As the two approached the camp gate, the soldiers on guard immediately spotted them and quickly saluted.
Kalen asked, "Is Commander Vali in the barracks now?"
The soldier quickly replied, "Lord Kalen, Commander Vali and the Deputy Commander just returned from their shift and are in the barracks replenishing their Knight Elixirs. Several attendants are about to break through to become Knights; their prospects are truly enviable."
Upon entering the camp, what met their eyes were teams of Knights in gleaming Knight armor, each immersed in different forms of cultivation.
Some were sweating profusely, honing their bodies, their muscles taut, every exertion seemingly containing endless power; others were closing their eyes in concentration, refining their will, exuding a steady aura around them, all silently accumulating strength for their next advancement.
Commander Vali, as a Silver Knight, had astonishingly keen senses. As soon as Kalen and Martin appeared at the main camp gate, he sensed them and immediately came to the barracks entrance to wait.
Upon seeing them, he laughed and teased, "How did you two little rascals end up here? Could it be that you knew I just returned from my shift and want me to take you hunting magical beasts?"
Kalen quickly explained, "No, Uncle Vali, Father wants my brother to select ten Knight Attendants from your side."
Vali White turned his head, his gaze falling on Martin, and asked curiously, "Little Martin, why do you suddenly want attendants?"
Martin was momentarily speechless; he couldn't just blurt out secrets like having a system.
Seeing Martin remain silent, Vali didn't press further, merely saying cheerfully, "Alright, you two little rascals, follow me."
"Currently, there are over one hundred and eighty Knight Attendants, but every single one is a battle-hardened elite. Little Martin, come with me inside for a look, and whoever you fancy, just take them."
Martin looked at the generous Vali, his heart full of gratitude. He knew that such a selection might very well pick out soldiers who were about to break through to become Knights.
However, Kalen, beside him, didn't feel much about this. In his view, Knight Attendants and true Knights were completely different concepts. The elixirs required to break through to become a Knight were expensive, and the gap between the two was like a chasm.
After an hour of careful selection, Martin quickly chose ten Knight Attendants who were willing to follow him, and all of them were Knight Attendants in their peak condition.
At this point, the day's objective had been achieved. Vali then asked Kalen and Martin to convey his regards to the Earl, and also expressed his hope of asking the Earl for dozens more Knight Elixirs.
Afterward, Vali enthusiastically escorted Kalen and Martin to the main camp gate. His enthusiasm made Kalen and Martin somewhat amused and exasperated, and they could only repeatedly promise to mention the matter to the Earl.
Upon returning to the castle, Kalen went to attend to his own affairs, and also reported Vali's request for Knight Elixirs to the Earl.
As for Martin, he returned to his room with the ten guards, carefully explained some Precautions to them, and then had the butler lead them to rest.