Dream Life Vol II Chapter 14.1: “The Value of a Warrior”

　After I finished asking Byron, the mercenary, for information about the Norton Trading Company, he asked me to listen to what he had to say.

　Byron straightened his posture and turned to me with an unreadable look on his face, “I have something to say to Master Zacharias as well.”

　I nodded my head, wondering what he was talking about, and said, “Oh, sure, I don’t mind.”

　Byron, seeing this, also nodded and looked me in the eye with an even more serious expression. Then, in a quiet but powerful voice

“Would it be possible for me to serve the Lockhart family, Master Zacharias?” (Byron)

　I did not understand his question.

“I am not the head of the family, nor am I the heir. So, serving the Lockhart family and serving me are two very different things.” (Zack)

“I understand that. I would like to ask whether this man named Byron Seedorf is worthy of serving the Lockhart family, a prestigious family of warriors, and moreover whether he is worthy of serving Master Zacharias himself.” (Byron)

(That’s a tough question. If I say he’s worthy, Byron will become hopeful. However, I don’t have the authority to grant him a post within the Lockhart family, and I don’t think much of hiring people myself. That said, it would hurt his pride to say no. In fact, this man would do well enough as our squire. Especially considering that the population of the village will increase in the future, we definitely need a squire who has leadership skills. If I were a legitimate son, I could tell him to come and visit me anytime when I succeed as the heir. But…) (Zack)

　I looked at Guy, at a loss for a decision.

　Guy met my gaze but showed no further sign of speaking.

(This is not something you should ask Guy. It would only embarrass him. If he just wants to serve the Lockhart family, my grandfather and father would be willing to meet with him if I recommend it. At the moment, there is nothing wrong with having more squires, so there is a good chance he will be hired based on his skills and personality. But that’s not the point. The problem is that he wants to serve me, the second son.) (Zack)

　I turned the question back on Byron.

“Let me ask you first. Why the Lockhart family? And why would you want to serve me? And from how you act, Byron, you used to serve some country, and not just as a common soldier, but in a position of some authority, right?” (Zack)

　He looked slightly surprised and nodded.

“As you say, I was in the border guard of the Kingdom of Caum, at Fort Tower. I was a commoner, but even so, I was a captain with a hundred men. But five years ago, during the invasion of the Demon Folks…” (Byron)

　His story went like this.

　He was an officer in the border garrison of the Kingdom of Caum, guarding Fort Tower on the border of the Demon Folk’s land of Qaedam Tenebrae.

　He had been explaining to his superiors about the need for reconnaissance of Qaedam Tenebrae. However, he was suppressed by the commander, who was a man drunk on peace.

　Then, five years ago, Fort Tower fell in a surprise attack by the Demon Folks. At that time, he lost half of his men, but managed to escape with his allies.

　After the fall of the fort, his colleagues and subordinates, who knew that he had brought up the need for reconnaissance, tried to appeal to the military high command for the commander’s blunder. However, in order to conceal his blunder, the high-ranking commander sent Byron and his men and colleagues into the fierce battle to take care of them. As a result, many of his colleagues and subordinates were taken by the battlefield.

　In the end, the Kingdom of Caum counterattacked with reinforcements from many countries and succeeded in defeating the demon army. But even in the decisive battle that determined that victory, the Battle of Acrychain, he lost many of his comrades, and he questioned his decision to stay in the army.

　He was so distressed that he decided to quit the army and began his second life as a mercenary. In just three years, he became a mercenary leader with 15 men under his command.

“…I thought to myself, I will serve someone I can trust. I know you are a man who will make it big. But that is not what is most important to me.” (Byron)

　He stops there and smiles.

“You handled my men well the other day. You didn’t look down at Curtis, my second-in-command, acting familiar and you conveyed my thoughts while considering his pride. I thought at that time. This man would never betray his men.” (Byron)

　I shake my head in panic at his overestimation.

“I’m not such a good person. And that’s not something you say to a ten-year-old.” (Zack)

　Byron shakes his head, “Age has nothing to do with it.”

“Besides, I’m the second son. I support my brother in taking over the Lockhart family. So, there’s little chance of me taking over the Lockhart family. And you won’t get a single benefit out of following me.” (Zack)

　Byron’s smile didn’t waver at my words and shakes his head.

“Such things don’t matter. I just want to bet my life on you.” (Byron)

　I was at a loss for an answer.

(Honestly, I’m happy with how highly he thinks of me. But I’m only ten years old. And I have a mission given by the gods. Considering that, it’s hard to respond negatively to his feelings…) (Zack)

“I understand. Let me ask you one more question. If I make you my subordinate, what are you going to do with your men now? It would be a problem if the captain, whom they revere so much, quits. Besides, don’t you have a contract with Norton?” (Zack)

“There is no problem on that contract. I will only back down after making Curtis a full-fledged captain. I believe that is the responsibility of those who have subordinates.” (Byron)

(It is true that an incompetent commander with only a high rank can’t lead this man. But can I lead him? To be frank, I have always been bad at using people. Nowadays, Nicholas, Guy, and others help me, but only because of the name Lockhart. But that name will mean nothing once my brother takes over…) (Zack)

　And once again, I gaze firmly at Byron.

(But it’s really a shame, the Kingdom of Caum. This man would have been adored by his men and his judgment would have been accurate… So, how could a man of his caliber be the captain of a mercenary team of only fifteen men?) (Zack)

“I’m sorry for asking again and again but let me ask you one last question. You could have commanded more mercenaries. Why are you content with a small band of fifteen?” (Zack)

　Byron shook his head and laughed,

“They just gathered at my side without knowing my knowledge. Besides, I can’t handle any more men now that I’ve left the military organization.” (Byron)

　I was surprised at his answer and was left speechless.

(If I lost a subordinate I loved, I too might never consider having one again. …With this level of care, he would quickly make a name for himself as a squire in the Lockhart family.) (Zack)

　I decided to answer Byron’s question.

“To answer to your earlier question…” (Zack)

　At my words, Byron tightened his expression.

“I’ve only known you for a few days. I can’t say I’ve really gotten to know you yet. But…” (Zack)

　His shoulders dropped slightly at those words.

“…this is just from my intuition, but I think Byron Seedorf is a man worthy of serving the Lockhart family…” (Zack)

　Byron’s eyes light up, “Then!” He says, eyes sparkling. But I ignore him and proceed.

“…but I refuse to have you serve me personally. Do you know why?” (Zack)