"My lord, can you tell us why you have decided to visit our humble home?" William asked with a serious look as soon as they took their seats.

    "There''s no need to be nervous. I came here because I was made aware of your tough financial situation. Your orphanage takes in children who have no home. You give them food, and clothes, and even provide them with basic education."

    "You have my respect."

    "However, it must have been tough raising the children without sufficient funding. I believe you guys have already tried asking the officials for some donation, but you were rejected."

    William sighed and shook his head.

    "It is as you have said, my lord. We tried asking the officials for financial support, but they didn''t even bother to speak with us. We also tried reaching out to some merchants, but they actually wanted to get the young girls in exchange for funding. How could we agree to their ridiculous demands?"

    He looked agitated when he mentioned that.

    "Since then, we started growing our own food. We also raised some livestock. We then sell the extra vegetables and fruits at the market for money. That''s how we managed to survive until now."

    The old woman, Josephine, cried, probably saddened by their difficult situation.

    Rasmus held the old woman''s hand as he held back his tears from falling.

    Alaric felt sorry for what they had experienced.

    "How about this?"

    "I will give financial support to the orphanage. I will also send some teachers to give the children a proper education."

    The faces of Josephine and Rasmus brightened when they heard his words.

    Only William remained calm in the face of his tempting offer. "What''s the catch, my lord?"

    There was no free lunch in this world.

    "In exchange, the orphanage will send some children to work for my shop."

    William''s expression changed so Alaric quickly explained.

    "It''s not a difficult job."

    "They just need to make something for me. They will also get paid daily for the job."@@@@

    Alaric took out a small box from his pocket and showed it to William. "This is the product of my shop."

    William and the other two curiously looked at the item inside the box. When William opened it, the fragrant scent of lilies slapped their faces.

    "This is!"

    "How fragrant!"

    "It smells like lilies."

    Alaric smiled when he saw their reaction. "That thing is called scented soap. We haven''t released it in the market yet since we don''t have a lot in stock. Once we get enough manpower, we will begin with the production and sell it as soon we have enough supply for the market."

    William closed the box and put it on the table. "What does this thing do, my lord?" He asked.

    Alaric chuckled. "It''s fine. Just let him be. I like his attitude. Anyway, to answer your question...Yes, the children will receive payment during the training. It''s part of the job so they will be properly compensated."

    "However..."

    "I don''t plan on letting you work at the shop, Rasmus."

    "Huh? Why? Is it because of my attitude?" Rasmus''s face fell when he heard this. He was only a year away from becoming an adult so he wanted to start earning some money.

    Josephine and William also stared at him curiously, wondering what this was all about.

    Alaric shook his head. "It''s not about that. I have a better proposition for you, but you will need to get your guardian''s approval."

    Rasmus looked confused.

    "I plan to bring some talented children to the estate and train them to become Knights."

    There were plenty of talented individuals among the commoners, but because of the lack of opportunity, their potential was buried.

    In his past life, there were some people who had revealed their enormous potential after they were forced to join the civil war. Unlike most people who struggled to control mana, they were able to control this energy with ease. They progressed faster than the others and quickly rose to power.

    If he could gather those people, Alaric would have enough manpower to stop the civil war.

    That was his ultimate goal.

    He didn''t want to go through that hell again.

    That war caused devastating damage to the empire and it brought misery to a lot of people.

    Rasmus felt his blood pumping when he heard this.

    It was his dream to become a soldier. As for becoming a Knight, that was his lifelong goal. How could he not be excited when a chance to become one was presented to him?

    "That..." Rasmus stared at William with a pleading look. "Grandpa, please I want to become a Knight!"

    Seeing him like this, William sighed helplessly. "Alright. Alright."

    "Are you sure about this, Rasmus?" Alaric spoke with all seriousness.

    "Once you begin with the training, there is no turning back anymore. You will have less freedom and you will have to serve House Silversword."

    Josephine and William didn''t say anything. They were Rasmus''s guardians, but the final decision was still in his hands.

    "You should think it over before you make a decision. Your choice will affect your future so you should discuss it with your guardians." Alaric didn''t want to force him.

    William and Josephine stared gratefully at him upon hearing his words.

    "I will take my leave first. You can give me your response tomorrow." Alaric stood up and bid them farewell.

    Watching the departing carriage, William patted Rasmus''s shoulder.

    "You should follow your heart, Rasmus. This might be the opportunity that you have been waiting for. I know that you want to become a Knight. House Silversword is a good choice and Lord Alaric seems like a good leader as well."

    "I made a promise that I would protect everyone, but I barely know how to wield a sword. I hate how powerless I am! If I had the power, my brothers and sisters wouldn''t have to suffer anymore!"

    "Grandpa, I have already made my decision!"