Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 604 - 265, Autumn Deepens

"I now appoint you as a sergeant." Laine placed the Goddess of Revenge upon Bertrand's shoulder, the pale blue light illuminated the room, and the white purifying fire burned incessantly: "The Berelac Thief Gang has been proven to be a group that does not favor bloodshed. You always only take half of the money or goods from passersby, which is the reason I'm willing to overlook your past transgressions. I hope you and your brothers conduct yourselves wisely."

"Yes!" Bertrand nodded tearfully, who wouldn't want to be a dignified sergeant rather than a thief?

Laine waved his hand, and a Knight's Attendant returned Bertrand's weapon.

Bertrand's weapon was a sharp sword and a longbow, particularly notable was his quiver, made from a black scale armor hide. Among many feathered arrows, a black arrow stood out strikingly.

"What is this?" Laine focused his attention on the black arrow.

"This is the Dragon Heart Arrow, my Count." Bertrand immediately explained to Laine: "I killed a small Sub-dragon, then used its hide to make my quiver, its sinew to make my bow, and finally its bones, which contain immense power. I crafted three arrows, I used one when killing the Beastman, and another during a Green Skin Tribe attack. Now only this one remains."

Laine was astonished, he turned around: "Wait, so you are a Legendary Tier powerhouse?"

"Legendary Initial Tier Hunter, my Count." Bertrand bowed his head.

"No wonder, no wonder you hurried to surrender, and no wonder you never dared to trouble my people in Charon Forest. You had long planned to serve me, you were just waiting for an opportunity." Laine spoke softly.

"If given a choice, who would want to be a thief? My Count, I rely not on my surname, nor on the deities, nor on fortuitous encounters, nor on weaponry. I've always depended solely on my hands to reach this point. But I know this is the limit. My brothers and sisters cannot follow me forever in the forest living a nomadic life. The forest is perilous; they can persevere while young and strong, but in ten years? Twenty years? We need a way out."

"Few think about their future while being thieves, which is why I met you." Laine nodded, people needing is right. Those without needs fall into two categories: fools and cunningly ambitious ones.

Neither type does Laine need.

"I will send people to screen your brothers, those who meet the criteria can choose to join the Infantry Corps or become peasants, those who don't can farm. Women can work at the textile workshop by the Xinong River, orphans can be sent to the Merciful Goddess Church to be nurtured." Laine issued the orders: "As for you, Bertrand, I plan to expand a company of archers, you shall be a company commander, the treatment equivalent to a sergeant!"

"Yes!"

The surrender of over ten thief gangs brought Laine more than four thousand in population. Laine sorted these thieves accordingly.

For the thief gangs like Berelac, which had not committed major crimes, Laine issued pacification edicts, pardoning their past. Notably, the leaders Bertrand, Hugo, and Petti were appointed as sergeants.

For those thieves no longer wishing to fight, ample lands were available for farming.

For those having committed heinous crimes such as murdering compatriots and merchants, after verifying situations, Laine sent them mining, making them undergo half a year to five years as miners to atone for their past misdemeanors. These miners work in the mines, the Count provides lodging and meals and pays five to eight copper coins daily (equivalent to about 2 to 3 Gold Crowns annually).

With all arrangements settled, the wheel of time turns slowly.

Autumn has arrived, the season of harvest is here. Upon September's arrival, there comes the autumn chill. Autumn sneaks in during a foggy dawn, vanishing by an afternoon heat. It tiptoes past treetops, dyes a few leaves red, then rides a breeze over valleys and leaves.

The entire Count Glamorgan was engulfed in harvest joy. This year's south Brittania gathered plenty, but the Northern Kingdom suffered a poor harvest due to prolonged rainy seasons, imposing tremendous fiscal pressure on the Kingdom.

Yet whether Brittania prospers or not, it does not affect the vampires of Musillon.

Within Musillon Castle, Witch Demon King Akhan recalled encountering that imposing human in Charon Forest and still felt an echo of dread. The Witch Demon King had lived several thousand years but never had seen such a terrifying existence.

In the damp, cold Merovin Castle, eleven Black Chalice Knights stood in the castle hall, their eyes void, seemingly lifeless as if asleep.

Akhan pondered, the blue flames in his eyes flickered unpredictably.

The Witch Demon King received news that the new Count Glamorgan Laine Macado was to be engaged, a simple ceremony only attended by a few confidants.

Akhan dispelled any intent to cause trouble; since witnessing those dreadful existences in Charon Forest, the Witch Demon King vowed to never approach Laine's domain.