Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33 - Ruins
Chapter 34 - Discovery
Chapter 35 - Dancing With A Python
Chapter 36 - The Perfect Excuse
Chapter 37 - Shaliun Gold Coins
Chapter 38 - Return Trip
Chapter 39 - Shocking The Town
Chapter 40 - Splitting The Spoils
Chapter 41 - Treating In The Tavern
Chapter 42 - Bookstore
Chapter 43 - Household Turmoil
Chapter 44 - Making Noodles
Chapter 45 - Disappointment And Gift
Chapter 46 - Choice For The Future
Chapter 47 - Father'S Plans
Chapter 48 - Buying Bullets And Gunpowder
Chapter 49 - Flipper
Chapter 50 - Eriksson'S Little Fishing Boat Dream
Chapter 51 - Shooting Practice
Chapter 52 - Target And Sight
Chapter 53 - Pointless Trivia
Chapter 54 - Three-Dot Sight
Chapter 55 - A Disappointing Hunt
Chapter 56 - Hare Hunting
Chapter 57 - Chain Snare Catches
Chapter 58 - Secret Concoction
Chapter 59 - Lardor Snowhound
Chapter 60 - Claude The Confused
Chapter 61 - Magus Landes'S Diary (1)
Chapter 62 - Magus Landes'S Diary (2)
Chapter 63 - Magus Landes'S Diary (3)
Chapter 64 - Surprise In The Diary
Chapter 65 - The Decision To Learn Magic
Chapter 66 - Claude On The Roof
Chapter 67 - Repercussions
Chapter 68 - Preparatory Work
Chapter 69 - Nighttime Cruise And Fishing Net
Chapter 70 - Night Fishing
Chapter 71 - Hunting Water Birds
Chapter 72 - Crocodile Struggle
Chapter 73 - Limping Home
Chapter 74 - At The Jetty
Chapter 75 - Father'S Decision
Chapter 76 - Two Pieces Of Bad News
Chapter 77 - The Second Diary
Chapter 78 - Basic Spells
Chapter 79 - Claude'S Dilemma
Chapter 80 - Throughout The Year-End Vacation
Chapter 81 - Whale Meat And Tradition
Chapter 82 - New Year'S Eve
Chapter 83 - Half A Cup Of Milk Tea
Chapter 84 - Becoming A One-Ring Rune Magus
Chapter 85 - Mental Shock And Animal Trials
Chapter 86 - The Lady'S Spell
Chapter 87 - Lady Maria
Chapter 88 - I'Ve Been Learning Forbidden Spells?
Chapter 89 - Harmless Spells
Chapter 90 - Black Magic Market
Chapter 91 - Claude'S Request
Chapter 92 - Hunting Wild Boars
Chapter 93 - Magic Tomes And Scrolls
Chapter 94 - Visit From An Honoured Guest
Chapter 95 - You Should Be A Chef
Chapter 96 - Difference
Chapter 97 - Wood Supervisor
Chapter 98 - The Small Hut
Chapter 99 - The Old Street At Night
Chapter 100 - Hurian The Fat Old Man
Chapter 101 - High Prices
Chapter 102 - Magic Crossbow
Chapter 103 - Confrontation On The Road
Chapter 104 - Taking Action
Chapter 105 - Weapons And Spells
Chapter 106 - Wrapped Up And Dealth With
Chapter 107 - Discussion
Chapter 108 - Excuse For Lateness
Chapter 109 - Two Spell Scrolls
Chapter 110 - Ambush And Pursuit
Chapter 111 - Spellbane Dagger
Chapter 112 - Imposter
Chapter 113 - Featherfall
Chapter 114 - Preparation Before Setup
Chapter 115 - Success!
Chapter 116 - Asking For Money
Chapter 117 - Familial Conflict
Chapter 118 - Going Out To Sea
Chapter 119 - Search
Chapter 120 - Discovery
Chapter 121 - Burning Coal
Chapter 122 - Time To Make Some Money
Chapter 123 - Graduation
Chapter 124 - Martial Law
Chapter 125 - Crime
Chapter 126 - Garrison
Chapter 127 - Mayor Robert'S Plan
Chapter 128 - Tricked Veterans
Chapter 129 - Arbeit The Fraud
Chapter 130 - Arbeit'S Whereabouts
Chapter 131 - Search
Chapter 132 - Den
Chapter 133 - Taking Action
Chapter 134 - Encounter
Chapter 135 - Bidlir Blanche
Chapter 136 - Lady Maria'S Reply
Chapter 137 - Turmoil In Court
Chapter 138 - Two Matters
Chapter 139 - Arbeit'S Intent
Chapter 140 - Filling Pockets
Chapter 141 - Wasted Trip
Chapter 142 - The Magus That Robs
Chapter 143 - Battle In The Yard
Chapter 144 - Robbery Complete
Chapter 145 - Jerad'S Thoughts
Chapter 146 - Auction
Chapter 147 - Father-And-Son Talk
Chapter 148 - The Nightmare Comes
Chapter 149 - Modification And Rumours
Chapter 150 - In Debt
Chapter 151 - Despair
Chapter 152 - Turmoil
Chapter 153 - Act Of Creditors
Chapter 154 - Guarantee
Chapter 155 - Move
Chapter 156 - Kefnie'S Confession
Chapter 157 - Lady Maria'S Gift
Chapter 158 - Property Development
Chapter 159 - Angelina'S Secret
Chapter 160 - Angelina Wants To Learn Magic
Chapter 161 - Whitestag In The Fifth Month
Chapter 162 - Confusion And Change
Chapter 163 - Mayor Felidos
Chapter 164 - Doing Wrong With Good Intentions
Chapter 165 - Conscription Order
Chapter 166 - Have Some Whiskey
Chapter 167 - Explanation
Chapter 168 - Urgent Document
Chapter 169 - Execution
Chapter 170 - Detective
Chapter 171 - Suspicion
Chapter 172 - Dispelling Doubt
Chapter 173 - Repurcussions
Chapter 174 - Eve Of Departure
Chapter 175 - En Route
Chapter 176 - Doghunt Tavern
Chapter 177 - City Of Whitewood
Chapter 178 - Whiteroot Powder
Chapter 179 - Shocking Turn
Chapter 180 - Misunderstanding
Chapter 181 - City Lockdown
Chapter 182 - Blunder
Chapter 183 - Reporting For Duty
Chapter 184 - The Four Of Noble Blood
Chapter 185 - Beatdown
Chapter 186 - Infirmary
Chapter 187 - The Whole Story
Chapter 188 - Punishment
Chapter 189 - Confinement
Chapter 190 - Training
Chapter 191 - Training Ongoing
Chapter 192 - Three Day Break
Chapter 193 - Surprising Tentsman Pick
Chapter 194 - Combat Training
Chapter 195 - The Final Counterattack
Chapter 196 - Causing Trouble
Chapter 197 - Settlement
Chapter 198 - Worry And Puzzlement
Chapter 199 - Wonderful News
Chapter 200 - Letters
Chapter 201 - New Recruits
Chapter 202 - Kink-Necks
Chapter 203 - Marksmanship Training
Chapter 204 - Combat Simulation
Chapter 205 - Glory Or Embarrassment
Chapter 206 - The Breakout Of War
Chapter 207 - Arrival Of The Prince
Chapter 208 - The Prince'S Summons
Chapter 209 - Refusal
Chapter 210 - In The Heat Of The Matter
Chapter 211 - Initial Signs Of Danger
Chapter 212 - Nosedive
Chapter 213 - Conclusion Of Battle
Chapter 214 - The Keeper Band Worth Two Bottles Of Wine
Chapter 215 - Prince Hansbach
Chapter 216 - Rangers
Chapter 217 - Lieutenant-Colonel Rosley
Chapter 218 - Ambush
Chapter 219 - Casualties
Chapter 220 - The Battle Reignites
Chapter 221 - On The Frontlines
Chapter 222 - Wilf Stronghold
Chapter 223 - Marching In Line
Chapter 224 - Suppressive Attack
Chapter 225 - Visit
Chapter 226 - Returning For Duty
Chapter 227 - Blackmaple Castle
Chapter 228 - Deployment Strategy
Chapter 229 - Squirrel Village
Chapter 230 - Questioning
Chapter 231 - The Baroness’ Complaint
Chapter 232 - Charm
Chapter 233 - Discussion And Inspiration
Chapter 234 - Major Lederfanc’S Inspection
Chapter 235 - Secret
Chapter 236 - Black Wolf
Chapter 237 - Wolf And The Maiden
Chapter 238 - The Shack Beneath The Rubber Tree
Chapter 239 - With In The Forest
Chapter 240 - Finally Speaking
Chapter 241 - Howling Wolf
Chapter 242 - Rainy Night
Chapter 243 - Skinning
Chapter 244 - Sheila
Chapter 245 - Nature Spells
Chapter 246 - Kindle And Fireball
Chapter 247 - Martial God Asur247
Chapter 248 - Nineteen Magic Scrolls
Chapter 249 - Spell Study
Chapter 250 - Construction Of The Wooden House
Chapter 251 - Enemy Movements
Chapter 252 - Preparations
Chapter 253 - The Battle Begins
Chapter 254 - Night Attack
Chapter 255 - Armies Gathering
Chapter 256 - Pursuing Soldiers
Chapter 257 - Attack And Defence
Chapter 258 - Cannon Bombardment
Chapter 259 - The Camp As Tough As A Fortress
Chapter 260 - Strategy
Chapter 261 - Splendid Victory
Chapter 262 - Triumphant Report
Chapter 263 - Background
Chapter 264 - Leisurely Time
Chapter 265 - Joint Investigation Committee
Chapter 266 - Knighthood
Chapter 267 - Role Reassignment
Chapter 268 - Grand Gathering
Chapter 269 - Coincidental Reunion
Chapter 270 - News From Welikro
Chapter 271 - Explosive Shot
Chapter 272 - Mission
Chapter 273 - Dominion Of Death
Chapter 274 - Castle Landes
Chapter 275 - Remaining A Deadbeat
Chapter 276 - Supply Difficulties
Chapter 277 - Fall Of Rimodra
Chapter 278 - Mistake
Chapter 279 - Withdrawal
Chapter 280 - Siege
Chapter 281 - Shootout
Chapter 282 - Grassland Goldeagle
Chapter 283 - Siege Tower
Chapter 284 - Clash On The Walls
Chapter 285 - Siege Towers Destroyed
Chapter 286 - Escape Route
Chapter 287 - Withdrawal
Chapter 288 - Noble And Peasant Officers
Chapter 289 - The Brash First Prince
Chapter 290 - No Limit To Imbecility
Chapter 291 - Imposters
Chapter 292 - First Lieutenant Perengue
Chapter 293 - A Life Lost
Chapter 294 - Countermeasures
Chapter 295 - Judiciary Investigation Committee
Chapter 296 - Investigation Ongoing
Chapter 297 - Investigation Concluded
Chapter 298 - Train Of Thought
Chapter 299 - The Dust Has Settled
Chapter 300 - Family Visit Break
Chapter 301 - Efenasburg'S Black Market
Chapter 302 - Bandits
Chapter 303 - Bandit Encounter
Chapter 304 - Return Home
Chapter 305 - Mother, Sister, Brother, And Pluto
Chapter 306 - Sister And Spells
Chapter 307 - Lady Maria'S Deliberations
Chapter 308 - Buying Woodland
Chapter 309 - Myriad Changes
Chapter 310 - Kills And Magic Accessories
Chapter 311 - Visits
Chapter 312
Chapter 313 - Peddler Donoby
Chapter 314 - Lieutenant Manrique
Chapter 315
Chapter 316 - Home Stay And Eloping
Chapter 317 - The Sounds Upstairs
Chapter 318 - Laundry Chaos
Chapter 319 - Trash Novel
Chapter 320 - Arrival In The Royal Capital
Chapter 321 - Visit
Chapter 322 - Village Chief Chenova
Chapter 323 - Advanced Strategy Class
Chapter 324 - Rainy Season
Chapter 325 - The Hole Under The Bed
Chapter 326 - Inadequacies
Chapter 327 - Family Correspondence
Chapter 328 - Special Independent Tribe
Chapter 329 - Personnel And Organisation
Chapter 330 - Military Discipline And Healer Transfer
Chapter 331 - Long Distance Training
Chapter 332 - Two New Developments
Chapter 333 - Training Exercise
Chapter 334 - Another War
Chapter 335 - Arrival On Nubissia
Chapter 336 - Port Cobius
Chapter 337 - The High-Commissioner’S Problem
Chapter 338 - Planning
Chapter 339 - Encounter
Chapter 340 - Claude Defence Line
Chapter 341 - Night Attack! Night Attack!
Chapter 342 - Operation Burn
Chapter 343 - Push And Pull
Chapter 344 - Burning Mordo
Chapter 345 - Siblings' Arrival
Chapter 346 - Angelina'S Marriage Matters
Chapter 347 - Victory And Expansion
Chapter 348 - Theatre Of War
Chapter 349 - Great Battle’S Eve
Chapter 350 - Bait And Massacre
Chapter 351 - Battle Of Balingana (1)
Chapter 352 - Battle Of Balingana (2)
Chapter 353 - Battle Of Balingana (3)
Chapter 354 - The General'S Mistake
Chapter 355 - State Of Turmoil
Chapter 356 - Military Budget Debacle
Chapter 357 - Changes In The Corps
Chapter 358 - Truth And Excavation
Chapter 359 - General Fansnik
Chapter 360 - Field Marshal Of The Theatre
Chapter 361 - Problem Solved
Chapter 362 - Spending And Promotion
Chapter 363 - Mister Weyblon
Chapter 364 - Drivick
Chapter 365 - Explosives And Ignition Powder
Chapter 366 - New Theatre Preparation Meeting
Chapter 367 - Sudden Incident
Chapter 368 - Reuniting With An Old Friend
Chapter 369 - Matters Settled
Chapter 370 - Work Horses, Donkeys, Mine, And Factory
Chapter 371 - Monster And Power
Chapter 372 - Hot Air Engine
Chapter 373 - Borkal'S Mission
Chapter 374 - Bull Hunting
Chapter 375 - Dawn Attack
Chapter 376 - The Second Encampment
Chapter 377 - Battle Back And Forth
Chapter 378 - Trade
Chapter 379 - Third Victory
Chapter 380 - General Eiblont
Chapter 381 - Conquest Of Wickhamsburg
Chapter 382 - Strike
Chapter 383 - The Nikancha Call For Help
Chapter 384 - Great Deal For The Nikancha
Chapter 385 - Position Shift
Chapter 386
Chapter 387 - Majid Iii'S Plans
Chapter 388 - Word Of Mouth
Chapter 389 - Sixty Percent
Chapter 390 - Reunion After A Long Parting
Chapter 391 - Father-Daughter Magi
Chapter 392 - Revolver Test: Success!
Chapter 393 - Recruitment
Chapter 394 - General Aljess
Chapter 395 - Attack Drill
Chapter 396 - Gunshots At Midnight
Chapter 397 - Ambushed
Chapter 398 - Assassination
Chapter 399 - Loss
Chapter 400 - Greytower Magi And Countermeasures
Chapter 401 - Thoughts And Self-Preservation
Chapter 402 - The Royal Capital'S Response
Chapter 403
Chapter 404 - Humbling Oneself
Chapter 405 - Discharge Problem
Chapter 406 - Problem Solved
Chapter 407 - Rapidly Changing World
Chapter 408 - War Orphans
Chapter 409 - Civil War And Waves Of Immigrants
Chapter 410 - Conclusive Year-End Report
Chapter 411
Chapter 412 - Downsizing And Shocking News
Chapter 413 - Restructuring And Huge Bombshell
Chapter 414 - Reasoning
Chapter 415 - Rubbish Defence
Chapter 416 - Absorbed Into The Theatre
Chapter 417 - Viscount Godic
Chapter 418 - Averting Trouble
Chapter 419
Chapter 420 - Borkal’S Legendary Exploits
Chapter 421 - Military Industrial Equipment
Chapter 422 - The Purge
Chapter 423 - New Rifle
Chapter 424 - News From Smugglers
Chapter 425 - Western Coast
Chapter 426 - Loan
Chapter 427 - Fundraising
Chapter 428 - Lease
Chapter 429
Chapter 430
Chapter 431 - Claude’S Countermeasures
Chapter 432 - Operation Leak
Chapter 433 - Opinion
Chapter 434
Chapter 435 - Negotiations (1)
Chapter 436 - Negotiations (2)
Chapter 437 - Shiksan Arrival
Chapter 438 - Pre-War Business
Chapter 439 - Defence Line
Chapter 440 - Reason For Loss
Chapter 441 - Night Attack And Ambush
Chapter 442 - Solving The Root Of The Problem
Chapter 443 - Wolffang Band
Chapter 444
Chapter 445
Chapter 446 - Unexpected Developments
Chapter 447 - Attack Mishap
Chapter 448 - Heated Battle At Camp
Chapter 449 - Bloody Clash
Chapter 450 - Merit, Lesson, And The Foolish Nikancha
Chapter 451 - The Wondrous Nikancha
Chapter 452 - Conclusions
Chapter 453 - Meeting And Decisions
Chapter 454 - New Research
Chapter 455 - Tobacco Business
Chapter 456 - Rumours And Going Off-Topic
Chapter 457 - The Nikancha’S Offer
Chapter 458 - Suggestions Laced With Threats
Chapter 459 - Idle Chat And Arrival
Chapter 460 - Nikancha Camp-Flight Incident
Chapter 461
Chapter 462
Chapter 463 - Tricks And Countermeasures
Chapter 464 - Crossing The Floating Bridge
Chapter 465 - Meeting And Surprise Attack
Chapter 466 - Thundercrash’S Assault
Chapter 467 - Surprise Attack Planning
Chapter 468 - At Sea
Chapter 469 - The Grand Push
Chapter 470 - Cleanup After The Great Battle
Chapter 471 - Borkal’S Experiences
Chapter 472 - Private Conversation
Chapter 473 - Blacksail And Eriksson
Chapter 474 - Rebuke
Chapter 475 - Ambassador’S Arrival
Chapter 476 - Piglet Capture Conflict
Chapter 477 - Shock At The Banquet
Chapter 478 - Ambassadors’ Night Meeting
Chapter 479 - Blinded By Greed
Chapter 480 - Aftermath And Self-Governance
Chapter 481 - Deploying On The Mainland
Chapter 482 - Sacred Light Era Year 595
Chapter 483 - The Union Rises
Chapter 484 - Request And Reply
Chapter 485 - Troubling Household Matters
Chapter 486 - The Hunt
Chapter 487 - Tracking
Chapter 488 - Train
Chapter 489 - Blackwind, Stop Licking!
Chapter 490 - Sheila’S Experiences
Chapter 491 - Catching Up
Chapter 492 - Busywork And Misfortune
Chapter 493 - Family Troubles
Chapter 494 - Splitting Family Assets
Chapter 495 - Aid
Chapter 496 - Ironclad And Stahlhelm
Chapter 497 - Declaration Of War
Chapter 498 - Chasing Ambassador’S Away And Maria’S Arrival
Chapter 499 - Conversation On The Train
Chapter 500 - Deciding To Deploy
Chapter 501 - Goals
Chapter 502 - Operation Crescent Moon
Chapter 503 - Arrival And Impersonation
Chapter 504 - War On Two Fronts
Chapter 505 - Triumph Of Ambruiz
Chapter 506 - Station And Choice
Chapter 507 - En Route To Polyvisia
Chapter 508 - Butcher Of Polyvisia
Chapter 509 - Saint Lusk Naval Battle
Chapter 510 - Severe Circumstances
Chapter 511 - Choosing To Fight Or Leave
Chapter 512 - Prelude To Battle
Chapter 513 - Clash In Polyvisia (1)
Chapter 514 - Clash In Polyvisia (2)
Chapter 515 - Clash In Polyvisia (3)
Chapter 516 - Clash In Polyvisia (4)
Chapter 517 - Good News And Lies
Chapter 518 - Appointment And Delegation
Chapter 519 - Captives And Expansion
Chapter 520 - Disassembly And Diversion
Chapter 521 - Prime Minister’S Two Proposals
Chapter 522 - The King'S Scheme
Chapter 523 - Elevation Fee
Chapter 524 - Choice And Solidarity
Chapter 525 - The Council'S Three Demands
Chapter 526 - Solidarity Of Victors
Chapter 527 - Fief Picks
Chapter 528 - Bandit Extermination
Chapter 529 - Really A Misunderstanding?
Chapter 530 - Deploying Troops
Chapter 531 - Prime Minister’S Reception
Chapter 532 - Sharp Negotiations
Chapter 533 - Reparations Negotiations And Arms Deal
Chapter 534 - Two Bits Of Bad News
Chapter 535 - Analysis And Response
Chapter 536 - Ironclad Deal
Chapter 537 - Operation Wildfire
Chapter 538 - Shiksan Captives
Chapter 539 - Tesoray'S Future
Chapter 540 - Family Matters
Chapter 541 - Reorganisation And Voluntary Folk
Chapter 542 - Escort And Transport
Chapter 543 - Court Case Of The Wood
Chapter 544 - Pamigar Revolt
Chapter 545 - Battle Report
Chapter 546 - Looming Threat
Chapter 547 - General Skri'S Secret Message
Chapter 548 - Western Coast Incident Of 603
Chapter 549 - Death Of The Great Chieftain
Chapter 550 - Return Of General Birkin
Chapter 551 - Cape Lodocus'S Handover
Chapter 552 - Homecoming Shiksans
Chapter 553 - To The Mainland
Chapter 554 - Blancarte'S Intentions
Chapter 555 - Worrying Household Matters
Chapter 556 - Clueless Mother
Chapter 557 - Avitelli I Of Bleyotte
Chapter 558 - Fate Of Mambamark
Chapter 559 - Strategic Lies
Chapter 560 - 9Th Month Of Year 604
Chapter 561 - Attacking First
Chapter 562 - The Great Demise
Chapter 563 - Strategic Analysis And Delegation
Chapter 564 - Blancarte'S Suggestion
Chapter 565 - Change Of The Homecoming Shiksans
Chapter 566 - Claude’S Headache
Chapter 567 - National Defence Force And Useless Allies
Chapter 568 - Wolves Abroad, Hyenas At Home
Chapter 569 - Middle Of The 9Th Month
Chapter 570 - Lease And The Court’S Three Requests
Chapter 571 - Refused Requests
Chapter 572 - Arbeit’S Past
Chapter 573 - Two Letters And The National Preservation Fund
Chapter 574 - Reply And Captives
Chapter 575 - General Siegfeld’S Development Plan
Chapter 576 - Official Notice And Lawsuit
Chapter 577 - Awkward Court Case
Chapter 578 - Meanwhile, On The Western Coast
Chapter 579 - Potential For Sheila To Advance
Chapter 580 - Borkal And Eriksson
Chapter 581 - Myjack Joins The Household
Chapter 582 - Borkal’S Failure
Chapter 583 - Visitation
Chapter 584 - The Royal Family’S Ironclads
Chapter 585 - Three Main Intelligence Agencies
Chapter 586 - Royal Navy Scandal
Chapter 587 - Trivialities
Chapter 588 - Attack On Port Wades
Chapter 589 - Battle Of Nubari Islands
Chapter 590 - Dawn Of The Age Of The Ironclad
Chapter 591 - The Western Coast Of Rapid Change
Chapter 592 - Intervention
Categories Genre: Action, Adventure, All, Drama, Fantasy, Ongoing, School Life, Slice of Life, Tragedy Status: Ongoing Alternative names: BIG, 重生之黑铁的荣耀, ______
Total Chapters in book: 593
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 593 Page No. 592 Page No. 591 Page No. 590 Page No. 589 Page No. 588 Page No. 587 Page No. 586 Page No. 585 Page No. 584 Page No. 583 Chapter 316 - Home Stay And Eloping
Home Stay and Eloping
The home stay Manrique arranged for Claude was in the east part of the village. It was quite far from the college. So much so he would have to make a 15-minute walk every day. Manrique did, however, say he could prepare a horse for him. As for the three race horses with which Claude and the others had come, they had been sold to the college for the standard market rate. Claude wouldn’t have to worry about looking after the animals.
Ranger folk would be a mobile strike and rapid-response force. As such, all soldiers and officers had to be competent cavalrymen. Unfortunately, most of the men attending couldn’t ride to save their life. They were thus required to attend an additional equestrianship course. The college had yet to receive proper warhorses, so they cobbled together a stable of farm horses and coach horses from the region.
The trio’s horses had been bought for that exact purpose. Manrique was struck by another idea as he handed over their horses to the college’s stables. All the students were travelling by horse one way or another, so why not buy their mounts instead of going to the markets in the capital once the local supply was exhausted?
“You’ll be staying here, Sir,” Second Lieutenant Lonkdor, Manrique’s adjutant said, pointing at the largest building in the village — an L-shaped stone building.
Its longer side had four rooms, the shorter, two. The inside square held a well and a small stable.
“Is this the chief’s house?” Claude asked.
“It belongs to a powerful figure, yet, but not the chief. The owner’s the chief’s father. I heard he’s… eccentric. His wife’s happy to have a renter, finally. The place has been empty for a while.”
“Does the chief not live here?”
“The chief’s a retired veteran, a dignitarian. His father’s a peasant. His status, both as village chief, and dignitarian, means he can’t live under his father’s roof, where someone who’s neither the chief nor a dignitarian, calls the shots over him. He lives on the village’s outskirts, on the other side of town. His parents live together with his brothers and sisters. The eldest of the remaining brothers is in the army — in the royal guard to be precise. The youngest didn’t have to serve because his two older brothers filled the family quota. He moved to the capital a couple years ago and is running a business there.”
The two dismounted. The yard entrance was closed.
“Anyone home?” Lonkdor called, waving over the fence.
Four people emerged from the rooms a couple moments later; a man and three women. The man was at least sixty, his face as stiff as tanned leather. He didn’t seem cheery, though Claude doubted one could tell even if he were. He’d clearly been busy shuffling manure in the stable.
A fat woman in a tired apron, at least fifty, stood beside him. The stench of reused cooking oil clung to her like stink on shite. Her face smiled jovially, however, and she half-stomped half-rolled over to them enthusiastically.
“You’re here! And is this the young one to lodge with us?”
Lonkdor nodded reservedly and introduced Claude.
“He is Mister Zasrak, the landlord. And this is his wife, Madam Natalie.
“Nice to meet you, Mister Zasrak, Madam Natalie. I apologise in advance for any trouble I may cause,” Claude said politely, bowing gracefully to the old couple.
“Why are you here if you know it’s a bother?” he heard the old man mumble under his breath.
What? Wasn’t his wife most welcoming? What had bitten his little brother? His wife shot a surreptitiously furious glance at him and he swallowed the rest of his ramblings.
“You’re too polite, Sir,” she then said, “It’s our honour to host someone of your station. Don’t call me Madam either. We’re just humble village folk. It’s too grand for a humble little peasant. Call me Auntie instead. Please come to me if you need anything. And let me introduce you to my second daughter-in-law, Doris… And this is my daughter, Halbena.”
Claude had ignored the two girl’s presence thus far, but now he had to interact with them. The two were still taking their last steps off the stairwell when Claude’s eyes surveyed them. The elder must be the daughter-in-law. She appeared 25. Quite a catch, if Claude said so himself. At best a 7 out of 10, however. She appeared to be of the lively kind, as her eyes flirted with him longingly, while her tongue surreptitiously hinted at what euphoria they might conjure.
He was not surprised. Her husband, the second son, was away in the capital, and had probably been for months, if not a year or more. Women might not in general be as driven as men, but a year was plenty of time to build up a voyeuristic longing. Though Claude doubted she had kept herself all that time. He wondered if that might be why Zasrak was so unenthused at his presence.
The younger had then to be the daughter, her generation’s youngest. Claude guessed her at twenty. She was quite fair skinned, probably also the pampered one. She had her mother’s figure, however, again, probably the pampered one, though Claude could see a beauty hid beneath the fat.
Claude bowed shortly, but with the appropriate show of respect.
“It’s my pleasure to meet you two beautiful misses.”
The one which had to be Doris giggled.
“I’m not a miss. Call me Madam.”
Claude glanced awkwardly at Lonkdor. Madam
what
though.
Auntie Natalie stepped in to save him.
“Let’s not trouble him. Just let him call you by your name. We are village folk, after all.”
Lonkdor coughed dryly.
“Ah, umm… Is Captain Claude’s room ready?”
“Been for a while now. We scrubbed it thoroughly. All the furniture, doors and windows have been scrubbed as well. Come with me.”
They were brought to the short side’s ground floor. Two doors led to two suites. Each had a bedrooms, washroom, and bathroom. The last two could hardly be called that by modern terms, but it was better than shit-laden nothing.
“My eldest used to live here. He moved in after his marriage. Didn’t stay for long, though. The other two are on the first floor.”
While it was on the ground floor, the room didn’t feel moist. It was likely the waterproofing, which was uncommonly thorough. The floor had been covered in wood tiles. The wood from which the tiles were made, had a wonderful smell, and a day or two in closed space really brings out smells.
The only downside was the lack of decoration. Nothing but wooden beams. The room above’s floor wasn’t even hidden by planking. Sound carriage aside, it made for a very dusty lower room.
When he asked Natalie about it, she said people didn’t live on the ground floor frequently, so they never bothered improving things.
“Alright. I’m quite satisfied with the room. I’ll be moving my things over at night, so I’m afraid I’ll be bothering you all starting today.” Claude thanked Natalie for the guide. Lonkdor had told him that while her husband was the owner, she was the one who called the shots, so he only had to know how to handle her.
“No problem. Sir, why don’t you have dinner with us?”
“There’s no need. Our college requires us to eat at the cafeteria. Also, just call me Claude. Sir sounds a little too formal,” he politely refused.
Lonkdor stepped forward and asked about leaving Claude’s mount in their stable. They settled on a monthly fee of a thale for the horse’s feed.
The two bid the family farewell when all was settled. Claude would be living in with them from then on. Currently, he was on his way back to pack his stuff up. Classes started tomorrow, so his tent on the field would have to be reclaimed.
“That old guy looks like he doesn’t like me there,” Claude said.
Lonkdor nodded. “Don’t mind him. He’s a little old fashioned. Perhaps he’s worried you’ll tempt his daughter and daughter-in-law. Didn’t you notice the look on Doris’ face? She looks easy to seduce. You’ll surely have plenty of chances in the future. His wife also looks like she wants her daughter to marry an officer so their family has someone to rely on.”
Claude laughed. “It’s too bad, then. I just got married less than half a year ago, so I’m not interested in their younger daughter. My wife’s also three-months pregnant, so I worry for her health.”
“Congratulations,” Lonkdor said enviously, “Not only did you get the rank of captain and a knighthood at such a young age, you’re also going to be a father! You really are a winner in life compared to me!”
When they reached the college, Claude was bear-hugged by a few others before he even got a chance to pack up.
“Why did you guys only just arrive now?” Berklin, Dyavid and Moriad were the ones with their arms around him. Claude angrily asked, “What’s going on? I thought you didn’t want to see me, you know. You didn’t even come to my wedding.”
“What? You’re married too, Chief?” Moriad asked oddly.
“Huh? Yeah, I am… Wait, didn’t you guys receive the invitation I sent out? I wrote to you all during the 8th month last year to invite you to my marriage, but not one of you came! I thought I was being avoided or something…”
“No, Chief!” Dyavid cried, “We didn’t receive your letter, cause we weren’t at home! We didn’t even know you were getting married!”
“You weren’t home?” Weren’t they going to show off after going home to the royal capital? What were they doing during their three-month break? “Where have you guys been then?”
“Chief, it’s not their fault. I dragged them with me. They didn’t go home because of me,” Berklin admitted.
“What were you up to this time?” Claude wondered.
“Chief, Berk got married too,” Moriad said, “Actually, he eloped with his wife. We didn’t go home because we wanted to help him hide from his wife’s family’s pursuit…”
Elopement? That came as a bigger shock than Berklin’s marriage. “Oh, tell me the details. Is the matter settled?”
“Chief, do you remember Aboyev?” Dyavid asked.
“Of course.” Claude nodded. That was his good friend and one of his ‘minions’. He was the youngest but the most cheery of them all. The four nobles joined the army together, yet Aboyev fell during the attack on Wilf Stronghold. A bullet penetrated his eye and exited the back of his head. The only fortunate thing about that was he probably died in an instant without suffering any pain.
“Bov was a twin. He has an elder brother and a twin sister,” Moriad explained.
Both Aboyev and his twin sister were illegitimate children. Even though their father acknowledged his blood relation with them, they weren’t accepted into the family. That was why their names didn’t bear the sobriquet of the main family.
When Berklin went home to visit, he found that Aboyev’s twin sister was about to be forcefully married to an old fellow about fifty years of age whose wife died recently. That was when Berklin bravely stole her away, earning himself the ire of the old noble and Aboyev’s family.
When they had nowhere else to go, Berklin brought the girl to the military camp to seek help. He happened to run into Dyavid and Moriad and was finally safe. The two of them thus helped hide Berklin and Aboyev’s sister while trying to threaten and persuade their pursuers.
Aboyev’s family was quite pleasant to talk with. A family that had fallen from grace had nothing much behind them anyway. Even though Aboyev was dead, at least his good friends became commissioned officers of the kingdom. It was quite a worthwhile deal to purchase their friendship for the cheap price of a girl borne out of wedlock, especially since the one who stole her away was a first lieutenant of the kingdom. As such, they came up with an ultimatum. Berklin would have to take Aboyev’s sister as his wife and they would have to deal with the old noble themselves without the help of the family.
However, the old noble was rather lustful and ignored Moriad and Dyavid’s attempt at a conversation. He insisted that since the bride’s family had accepted the bride price he paid, they had to hand the bride over. He didn’t care about feelings and emotions. He only wanted Aboyev’s sister for her body, not her heart. He also attempted to frighten the young second lieutenants with his status, citing that his nephew was a colonel in the army’s logistics department.
“What happened then?” Claude was already invested in the story. He had to know its ending.
“We had no choice,” Moriad said with a shrug, “Since words didn’t work, we resorted to our fists. We kept an eye on the old noble for three whole days and finally waited until he was alone having fun with the tavern girls. The moment he left after his session, we beat him unconscious and put a linen sack over his head before bringing him to the back alley and giving him a heavy beating. We stripped all his valuables and made it look like robbery, something that’s all too common in the royal capital. Nobody will ever find out what really happened.
“Then, we took Aboyev’s sister and Berklin to the three southern prefectures and had them wedded at a moon goddess shrine, before raising enough money to buy a home next to where Lieutenant-Colonel Lederfanc lived for them. With the Lieutenant-Colonel’s wife taking care of the girl, she is safe when Berklin is here training with us.”
Total Chapters in book: 593
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 1391110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 6956(@200wpm)___ 5564(@250wpm)___ 4637(@300wpm)
______