The number of personal soldiers Baron could legally keep and train under him was around five hundred.

If found otherwise harsh penalty might be issued.

But Ethan, through careful planning and quiet deals, had managed to train and maintain a few thousand men under everyone's noses. He knew it was risky. If anyone found out, it could lead to serious punishment.

However,he did this under the pretext of creating City Guards who were responsible for catching thieves and patrolling.

However the skills of the city guard weren't less than the real soldiers.Aside that they were scattered all around the city,the mines and other places like guarding fast food chains in disguise.

So it was hard to catch them.

And according to the Imperial decree, a Baron had to send half of his soldiers to join the war.

That meant Ethan had to send two hundred and fifty men.

Standing before the group of soldiers lined up in the training yard, Ethan's chest tightened painfully. He knew that many of these men might never come back. And even if they did, they might return injured, broken, or changed forever.

That thought made his heart heavy. He had personally chosen men who were mostly orphans or single people who had no one depending on them. Among them were a few women who had volunteered to fight alongside the men.

Seeing Ethan's sad expression, the soldiers felt something stir inside them. They had never seen a Lord who looked sad for his people. It made their hearts warm.

"My Lord… what's with that look?" one of them asked softly.

"Don't you believe in us?" another said with a grin.

"Yes, My Lord," someone called out from the line. "Just wait for good news. We'll make sure Blank rises higher!"

Ethan took a step forward. His voice was calm but filled with emotion. "As a Lord, I should say something grand and inspiring before you all go," he said. "But… I don't have the habit of lying."

He looked over the faces of his soldiers — young, strong, determined. "Seeing such fine men and women leaving for war makes me sad. As your Lord, it's my duty to protect you and this land, yet I can't do that now. I don't have much to say, except this — I want you all to return safely."

He paused and then continued, "Each of you has been given a pouch. Inside, you'll find healing potions and stamina potions. They are all precious, but remember , none of them are more valuable than your lives. Use them whenever you need to, without hesitation."

The soldiers blinked in surprise.

"What?"

"For real?"

They thought the pouch contained a token of their free will but this…

They quickly opened their pouches and were stunned by what they saw inside.

There were E-rank healing potions, stamina potions, small mana stones, mountain dew cream for wounds, and other support items. Every single one of them was rare and expensive.

They looked at their weapons and armor too.

All polished, strong, and crafted with care. These weren't ordinary supplies. Their Lord had spent a fortune on them.

A few of the soldiers felt their eyes sting. Some clenched their fists while others lowered their heads, trying to hide their emotions.

One of them spoke in a shaky voice, "My Lord… you did all this for us?"

Another added, "You've given us more than we ever expected. We won't let you down."

Others followed, shouting praises for Ethan. Their voices grew louder until the whole field echoed with their words of respect.

Ethan raised his hand firmly. "Silence," he said.

The soldiers stopped immediately.

"If you really want to praise me," Ethan said quietly, "then come back alive. That will make me happier than any words."

A heavy silence followed, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind. Ethan took a slow breath and turned to Randall, pulling him a few steps aside.

"Uncle Randall," he said softly.

Randall smiled faintly. "Don't worry, My Lord. I've got everything prepared." He patted his chest proudly.

"I know," Ethan said, "but I have two things for you."

Randall raised an eyebrow, curious. Ethan reached for the locket hanging from his neck.

Randall had seen this mysterious locket worn by him ever since the marriage. He had even asked about it once, but Ethan only said it was a token of love.

Now, Ethan held it out. "Uncle Randall, this locket has a safety function. It can protect you from deadly attacks."

Randall's eyes widened. "What? No, My Lord, it's too precious. I can't take it." His voice trembled slightly as he stepped back.

"Uncle Randall," Ethan said firmly.

"No. No matter what you say, I won't take it," Randall argued, shaking his head. "This belongs to you."

He even turned to leave when he heard.

Ethan sighed. "It's useless for me now."

"..."

Randall froze, his expression stunned. "What do you mean?" he asked quietly.

"At my stage," Ethan explained softly, "it doesn't work anymore. But for you, it can still be used. It can protect you three times. So, please, take it."

Without waiting for another word, Ethan placed the locket around Randall's neck. Randall's hand rose to touch it, his heart heavy with emotion. Despite what Ethan said, he knew how much this item meant to him.

Ethan then took out a small vial filled with shimmering golden liquid. He handed it to Randall carefully.

"Uncle Randall, this will help you advance. Take it when the time comes."

Randall stared at the vial. "What is it?" he asked in confusion. The liquid glowed faintly in the sunlight, golden and warm.

Ethan smiled faintly. "Now that," he said softly, "is a surprise."

"What surprise?"

"Why are you asking useless questions..Just take it in seculsion..It's useless for me.And I have plenty so just take it."

Randall looked at him quietly, his heart full of respect.He bent his knees to bow but Ethan stepped forward and hugged him.

"Uncle come back safely…Sophia would be sad if something happened to you."

Randall's eyes teared up as he returned the huge and nodded,"I promise."

"How can I fall at such a small place.."

The air between them was heavy, filled with both warmth and unspoken worry. In that silent moment, both knew that this might be their last conversation

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