CHAPTER 237: CHAPTER 196: HEROES’ CEMETERY_1

Lance swept his gaze over everyone, noticing their varying expressions. Those promoted were naturally happy. In contrast, those demoted couldn’t fully hide their disappointment, however much they tried, yet they dared not speak out due to his authority.

There were a few exceptional cases. Susan, for instance, was not at all disheartened by her demotion; on the contrary, she seemed to let out a sigh of relief.

To be honest, she was just an ordinary person. Her sudden promotion had been quite forced. She had felt mortified by the numerous problems that arose under her watch, problems she lacked the ability to resolve, and felt she had truly let the Lord down.

Now that she had stepped down, she actually felt more at ease. She could focus on her routine work, managing the Lord’s daily schedule and personal affairs.

As for Barton, he was inexplicably excited, as if anticipating the events to come.

"Since none of you have any objections, I’ll speak plainly," Lance stated. "Rewards and punishments will be based strictly on performance. You can come to me with difficulties, but refrain from overstepping your bounds. Otherwise, do not blame me for revoking your opportunities."

After Lance spoke these words, everyone became completely submissive, with no one daring to contest his decision.

However, Lance hadn’t intended to let them speak in the first place. He might not know how to govern, but he understood that tasks should be in the hands of those who are competent. This meant promoting those with ability and demoting or leaving unchanged those without. He had given people opportunities; it was not his fault if they failed to seize them.

This was the advantage of being a feudal noble: within his own domain, he needed no explanation for his actions.

The burden was heavy, but Lance was confident that under such pressure, those lacking talent would reveal themselves and be removed from administrative positions. Through this crucible, true talents would emerge.

Hamlet has no need for incompetents!

"Notify everyone that I will hold a memorial service at noon. You all should go back and prepare in advance."

Lance’s eyes fell on Walter. "Walter, you stay. Barton, go and inform Balistan and the others to come here."

Soon, only Walter remained. Tiffany was the last to depart; seeing that Lance had not addressed her, she glanced back once before reluctantly leaving.

"Are you very displeased with my arrangements?" Lance asked, an amused look in his eyes as he regarded Walter.

Walter had originally planned to depart today and make haste. However, these plans were delayed because Lance had reassigned some personnel. This caused slowdowns in the caravan’s integration and scheduling, the formation of its Guard, and the loading of wagons.

"Not at all!" Walter shook his head vigorously. Those derelict in their duties had all been sentenced to reform through labor on the farm—this was no laughing matter.

"Alright, I won’t beat around the bush with you. This route won’t be easy, so I will have Vick take twenty soldiers with the caravan. Next time, you will need to form your own Guard, operating under the name of a merchant caravan.

As for the Snowflake Salt, if anyone asks, you are to adamantly claim it’s merchandise from Totnes. Simultaneously, you are to quickly contact several farms outside Ovando City, gain control of them, and secure our grain supply.

On your return, bring back grain and also purchase horses—as many as you can. Keep expanding your range. Collect information on bandits, outlaws, and any other dangers, and compile detailed maps of the surrounding area."

Lance offered this advice. The army should focus on its duties. Being forced to act as Caravan Guards is a temporary measure, for this time only.

He also needed this young man, Vick, to contact the assets he had in place. He intended to maintain a firm grip on all former settlements within Hamlet’s territory.

As Walter left, Barton arrived, accompanied by Balistan, Dismas, and Reynard.

These men represented Hamlet’s armed forces and were central to Lance’s next announcement: the establishment of an army!

"I plan to enlist five hundred men. We will form units of musketeers, cavalry, and artillerymen. They will all undergo rigorous training. Beyond basic drills, each of you will oversee different training aspects.

Dismas, you will teach them how to shoot. Reynard, you will train their horsemanship and mounted combat. Balistan, you will oversee the close combat training. As for the artillerymen, since we currently lack sufficient artillery pieces, their initial training will focus on fundamentals and theory.

We require only the best soldiers. You must identify and select talented individuals from the recruits to join the army. They will be our strength against the forces of evil."

Lance finished speaking, then pulled out a book. Its cover read: *The New Recruit Training Manual*.

"This manual incorporates suggestions from Balistan and Barton, which I have further refined and amended. It outlines all necessary tasks and the standards to be achieved."

Before his previous departure, Lance had discussed these matters with Balistan and Barton. Both were seasoned soldiers: Balistan, a veteran of many years, and Barton, a top graduate from the Totnes military academy. Thus, they were both well-versed in recruit training.

During Lance’s absence, they focused on preparing this manual. Combined with Lance’s own firsthand military experience, he had a clear understanding of the entire training process and incorporated several scientifically sound training methods.

Eager to prove his worth, Barton spared no effort. He compiled everything he had learned, even including research financed by Totnes on various musket and artillery designs, their precise specifications, and tactical deployment strategies.

Upon reviewing it, Lance realized he had stumbled upon a treasure. He had effectively gained access to years of Totnes’ research findings—free of charge.

However, such advanced material could not be included in *The New Recruit Training Manual*. Instead, it would become textbook material for a formal military academy.

Why else was he so bold as to take in so many orphans, many of them adolescents? Why else would he dare to subsidize students’ education?