After continuing to converse with Count Winslon for a little while longer, Eugene left the castle before sunset. Although the count suggested that Eugene should stay at the castle until tomorrow, he politely declined. It was annoying just to even think about having to stay at the castle with the arrogant noble knights who had clearly expressed their hatred towards him. It was much better to retire to the campground for the night and to strengthen his ‘camaraderie’ with the free knights.

Eugene returned to the campground, and that evening, he once again generously served the free knights with food and drinks. In addition, he provided those who had lost their matches ten silver coins to help them with their situation.

The knights were greatly moved. In the first place, people were more emotionally vulnerable when they were in a tight spot, and following the same logic, they felt even more grateful towards Eugene.

As such, Eugene’s recruitment for the upcoming mock battle continued until the morning of the battle. Including those who were staying at the campground and the village, more than forty knights vowed on their honor to battle alongside Eugene in the mock battle. Including the aides of the knights, there were nearly 100 people in Eugene’s army. It was a huge number.

But the armies led by the aristocratic knights numbered twice or thrice Eugene’s group. They had recruited a huge number of mercenaries using their capital....