Leylo walked up to the stall. His gaze first landed on the so-called treasure map fragment before shifting to the veteran.
"Boss, how much for this?"
The veteran lifted his eyelids. His hazy gaze swept over Leylo and then settled on Moonlight, perched on the youth's shoulder; he seemed far more interested in the little creature. He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took another swig of liquor before rasping, "You want to buy it?"
"Just browsing." Leylo crouched down, picking up the parchment fragment to examine it closely. The texture was ancient, and the lines did indeed look like part of a map, but the information was too sparse to judge its authenticity or location. "It looks like it has some years on it, but this map... it's too heavily damaged."
"Hmph. If it were complete, would it be sitting on a stall here?" the veteran snorted. "Kid, this is a fragment leading to the ancient ruins of 'Storm Cape.' Legend says it hides the legacy of a Storm Archmage from the previous dynasty. If you're lucky enough to find the rest, you won't have to worry about food or clothes for the rest of your life."
Storm Cape? Leylo's mind stirred. He recalled the name—a treacherous place on the eastern coast of the Duchy, plagued by year-round storms and seldom visited by man. If there truly were ancient ruins, it wasn't impossible.
"Sounds tempting." Leylo set the fragment down, looking directly into the veteran's eyes. "I just feel that a man like you shouldn't be here selling a map of dubious origin."
"A man like me?" The veteran laughed self-mockingly, pointing at his own leg. "Just a crippled waste. What else is there?"
"A waste?" Leylo shook his head. "A Senior Instructor of the Thunder Dragon Knight Order has fallen so far as to use a scrap of paper to swindle people in a backwater like this?"
The veteran's face changed instantly. His dull eyes became incredibly sharp. "Who exactly are you? How do you know this?"
"Let me introduce myself," Leylo met his gaze calmly. "Leylo, Lord of Blackstone. Perhaps you know my previous identity—the second son of Duke Thunder Dragon."
Only then did the veteran realize that the master of this territory was standing before him. Leylo smiled. "We are actually quite similar—just pathetic souls toyed with by fate."
The veteran fell silent, his eyes swirling with complex emotions. Having served in the Thunder Dragon Knights for years, how could he not know the family's rules?
Barrett's voice carried a hint of exhaustion. "The Thunder Dragon Knights... that's all in the past. I'm just a cripple wasting away in a flea market."
"The past can be the cornerstone of the future," Leylo said earnestly. "My territory is just starting out; everything is being rebuilt from scratch. I especially lack experienced knights and instructors. I need someone to train my knights, to turn them into true warriors..." Leylo paused. "I believe you are more than qualified for the job."
"Why me?" Barrett's voice was dry. "A man who has fallen from his rank, a man with no future?"
"The Thunder Dragon Knights abandoning you was their loss," Leylo stated decisively. "I value your experience, your knowledge. A drop in rank doesn't mean your vision or tactical prowess has vanished. Scars only make a true warrior more resilient." He continued, "I intend to build a knight order that can rival the Thunder Dragon Knights. I need a Chief Instructor. Sir, are you willing to accept this invitation?"
Barrett went silent. He looked down at his hindered leg, then up at Leylo's young but sincere and confident face. Years of poverty and depression had nearly smothered all his hope.
"A barren territory like this can't raise a troop like the Thunder Dragon Knights," the veteran rasped.
Leylo replied candidly, "Sir, everyone must have a dream. Whether it's a frustrated prince or a crippled knight, it's the same."
Barrett seemed moved by the words. He suddenly grinned. "What am I hesitating for? Could life get any worse than it is now?"
Finally, the veteran—the former Earth Knight named Barrett—packed up his meager stall and joined Leylo's party.
"Let's go, Mr. Barrett. I happen to be heading to a tavern in the south of town to find someone, then we'll head back to the castle together."
"Finding someone? Who?" Barrett stood up with some effort, leaning on a wooden stick used as a crutch.
"A cook," Leylo winked. "A cook who supposedly makes incredible roasted goose."
Barrett: "..."
He began to feel that this young Lord was not quite what he had imagined.
The tavern in the south district was called the "Old Oak." It was small and dim, the air thick with the smell of ale, roasted meat, and sweat. It wasn't peak hour, so there were only a few scattered customers. Leylo walked straight to the bar. Behind it was a slightly portly middle-aged woman in an apron, wiping wooden mugs.
"Excuse me, is Marlin here?" Leylo asked.
"That's me." The woman looked up, her movements brisk and her voice sharp. "What is it?"
Leylo observed her. This was Marlin? She looked ordinary, but her eyes were bright and full of capability. "I heard your poultry is legendary, especially the family recipe for 'Honey Herb Goose'?"
Marlin stopped wiping the mug, looking surprised. "What if it is? Want to order? It's not mealtime yet."
"No, I'm not here to eat." Leylo smiled. "I'm here... to poach you."
"Poach me?" Marlin arched an eyebrow, setting the mug down and putting her hands on her hips. "Young man, what do you mean by that?"
"I want to hire you as the Head Chef of my castle," Leylo threw out the olive branch. "Double the salary you make here, a private kitchen and living quarters. As for ingredients, whatever the territory has or can buy, you get priority."
Marlin froze, clearly not expecting such a windfall. She scrutinized Leylo, hesitating. "Are you... the Lord?"
"Indeed." Leylo nodded.
Marlin's mouth hung open. Head Chef at the Lord's mansion? That was the dream of every cook! Double pay, a private kitchen... it was a godsend. She weighed the options: a familiar but mediocre job versus a bright future at the castle. The choice wasn't hard.
"Fine! My Lord, I'm willing!"
Leylo nodded with satisfaction. "Report to the castle tomorrow morning. The guards will be expecting you."
"Thank you, My Lord! Thank you!" Marlin was ecstatic.