Chapter 168 - 154: Fully Armed (Part 2)
Chapter 168: Chapter 154: Fully Armed (Part 2)
"This failure is my responsibility, and I will bear it."
"There’s no need for the kingdom’s soldiers to bear the expense. From now on, the cost of any military equipment provided to Baron Robson can be put on my tab. I will repay it all as soon as I return to the Royal Capital!" Prince Noah immediately stood up and declared.
This was the perfect opportunity to build his reputation.
It wasn’t as if there was a massive amount of military equipment to begin with. The lion’s share was in Valentino’s hands, and Valentino would surely hand it over without fuss. The others didn’t have much to contribute anyway.
Even if it were a significant amount, Prince Noah would have to bear the cost. For a prince, especially one aspiring to the throne, reputation is more valuable than personal wealth.
Of course, that depended on the amount. The value of all these nobles’ military equipment, even bundled together, wouldn’t exceed a few tens of thousands of Gold Coins.
Although it stung, Prince Noah knew this was no time to be cheap.
Hearing Prince Noah’s words, the expressions on many of the nobles’ faces softened. Their gazes toward him now held a hint of goodwill.
Rumors that the Prince had led them all into a pit were, after all, just rumors. Now, however, Prince Noah stood before them, leading by example and showing them with his actions what true accountability looked like.
Compared to vague rumors, people were more willing to believe what they saw with their own eyes.
Robson nodded. ’As expected of the man closest to the throne,’ he thought. ’Prince Noah really knows what he’s doing.’ This also put his own mind at ease; he wouldn’t have to worry about the Prince causing trouble later on.
"Second, I need to gather all the Magic Stones and Magic Crystal Cannons. I have a very important use for them," Robson said.
"No problem. This old man will personally work under you!"
As he spoke, Mage Norria stepped out from behind Prince Noah and threw back his hood, revealing a shock of silvery-white hair.
Several medals adorned his Mage Robe: Vice President of the Frank Mage Association, the Tilia Royal Mage Association membership medal, the Human Alliance Magic Federation membership medal, and one more—a medal carved with the image of a running knight, one of the Frank Kingdom’s highest honors, the Knight King Medal...
Of course, Robson didn’t recognize any of them.
"One of the few Royal Court Mages, a Tier Eight Mage. Rumor has it he’s already reached Tier Nine," Valentino added.
"But... sir, aren’t you still recovering from that Magic Curse?" Prince Noah asked, his brow furrowed.
"Magic Curse this, Magic Curse that. What kind of curse could possibly stump me?" Mage Norria scoffed.
With Mage Norria taking the lead, the other nobles began offering up their own Mages. All told, Robson managed to assemble a group of more than fifty.
A large portion of them were provided by Valentino; after all, most noble families couldn’t afford such an expense.
Prince Noah announced on the spot that he would do everything in his power to ensure the Mages’ safety. He also declared that he personally would cover the cost of all Magic Crystals consumed by the Mages and the Magic Crystal Cannons for the duration of the war.
The words had barely left his lips when Robson’s and Viscount Fuman’s eyes lit up. The poor Prince Noah had no idea what Lord Robson’s "use" of Magic Crystal Cannons truly entailed.
"One last thing. My army is composed mostly of infantry traveling on foot. Carrying large amounts of supplies and armor will severely slow the unit’s speed."
"Furthermore, the Magic Crystal Cannons are too heavy for ordinary horses to pull."
"Therefore, I need you to give up your mounts to transport the cargo," Robson said.
As he spoke, Robson watched the nobles’ reactions. After all, in this world, a mount was far more than a simple horse. It was a partner, a comrade-in-arms, a Knight’s second life!
This sentiment was especially strong in the Frank Kingdom, a nation of frequent wars where the Knight reigned supreme.
Just as he’d expected, the noble lords present began to hesitate at this request.
First of all, a Knight without his mount was only half as effective on the battlefield. Then there was Robson’s intended use for them: to serve as pack animals...
It was a grave insult to the mounts.
Mounts were sentient creatures, especially those chosen by Knights. If they were subjected to this, they would not be easily placated afterward.
Prince Noah turned and walked away.
The crowd of nobles assumed the proud Prince found the request unacceptable as well. But to their surprise, Prince Noah walked directly to the front of his Knight Order.
"Dismount, all of you! Surrender all your mounts to Sir Robson!" Prince Noah commanded.
His words left the nobles dumbfounded. Even Robson was taken aback.
Even if he was demonstrating his support, was it really necessary for the entire Knight Order to dismount? The Knight Order under Prince Noah’s command included many from the Royal Guard Knight Order! Their combat strength on horseback was immense.
Actually, his reasoning was easy to understand. Prince Noah was setting an example. On the one hand, he was giving everyone a graceful way out. On the other, he was taking away any excuse they had not to follow suit.
After all, if the Prince’s own Knight Order had contributed their mounts, how could anyone else claim it was beneath them?
Since the Prince’s Knight Order had already given up their mounts, what excuse could you possibly have to feel embarrassed?
You couldn’t possibly claim your Knight Order was more prestigious than the Royal Guard Knight Order, could you? Not even Grantham, Oscillate, or Marquis George would dare make such a boast.
Prince Noah even tried to get his own Ice Lion to cooperate, but unfortunately, the beast had a temper of its own and refused to play along with the Prince’s performance.
"AHEM. Well... perhaps ’Snowy’ has been a bit grumpy lately. I’ll try talking to her again tomorrow..." Prince Noah said, looking rather awkward.
’Snowy’... What a cliché name,’ Robson thought.
"For His Highness the Prince to go this far is already a welcome surprise," Robson said with a smile. ’Can’t really have the Prince’s own mount pulling a cart, can I? That would damage the dignity of the royal family.’
"I am glad to have been of some small service," Prince Noah replied.
Following his lead, Valentino also announced they would contribute all of their mounts and horses, which was to be expected.
Valentino’s mount was, in the most literal sense, a tigress, captured in the Demon Beast Mountain Range. Robson had seen it a few times. Like Huang Na, it was a Magical Beast with a fondness for Magical Beast Meat.
Seeing the two heavy hitters make their move, the other nobles could hardly object. One by one, they volunteered their mounts and horses for Robson’s service.
In truth, they all understood the importance of the coming battle to the entire Western Front. It was merely a matter of pride.
Now that Prince Noah and Count Valentino had led the charge, failing to follow would be seen as ungrateful and shortsighted.
Robson nodded. He glanced around and saw that the eyes of every noble were now fixed upon him.
"I won’t say anything more. To have your support is an honor for me, Robson!"
"Since you have all placed your trust in me, I will, no matter what, give it my all," Robson declared.