Brantia’s security and public order were essentially nonexistent. Even so, no one was stupid enough to pick a fight against an army of more than 200 mercenaries and 30 beowulf warriors. As such, Eugene’s army traveled from Brighton to the Riwad territory without any disturbances. Rather, they even liberated several villages that were occupied by bandits on their journey. There weren’t any grand battles, since most situations were resolved within ten minutes by 40 to 50 mercenaries accompanied by five or six beowulfs.

The bandits and thieves of Brantia had no bounties on their heads, so Eugene had them killed on the spot after reoccupying the villages. The residents of the village praised Eugene after their liberation and wanted to swear allegiance to him, but Eugene declined. To be precise, he redirected their allegiance to someone else.

***

“What? Me?” Luke asked with an astonished expression.

Eugene nodded.” That’s right. It will be better for you, Count Crawlmarine, to rule over them rather than me. In that way, the other nobles won’t be able to find any fault with the situation.”

“B-but Master, I would be taking credit for your great deeds…” Luke muttered in disbelief.

“It’s fine. This is my decision, so you just need to follow my orders,” Eugene responded.

“Ah… Yes, Master,” Luke said. He had no choice but to accept his benefactor’s orders.

‘He’s not wrong...