lovenovelstory Chapter 98 The Big Businessman
Chapter 98 The Big Businessman
Chapter 98 The Big Businessman
The next day, Roger led the group on a tour of Islay, accompanied by the butler, and carefully examined the island's farming and animal husbandry practices amidst the strong smell of seaweed.
He discovered that there was not only plenty of arable land, but also flocks of sheep. However, seeing that there were no dedicated textile workshops on the island, Roger felt reassured.
On the third day, Roger slept in comfortably. After breakfast, he asked to visit and learn about the army on Islay.
The steward was in a difficult position. After repeatedly discussing the matter with a knight who was left to command the army, he finally allowed Roger and Olaf to contact the soldiers on the island.
Roger learned privately that Angus's army consisted of three main parts: the feudal lords' army, the indentured mercenary army, and the pirates.
The feudal lord's army was naturally a product of the knightly military service and fief system. Although Angus was nominally only a lord, he had seven knights under his command, and each knight would provide him with at least two cavalrymen and three to five peasant soldiers.
These knights were both part of the armed forces and the foundation of Angus's rule over thousands of territories.
As for pirates, there's no need to elaborate. The geographical location and historical traditions of the Western Islands have determined that piracy has long been a professional armed force. It's just that Roger doesn't understand how Angus effectively controls those pirate forces.
However, the reason why Angus was so famous in the Western Islands was not because of the knights and pirates under his command, but because of the mercenaries he employed.
Isle of Isle does not have a military system, but they do have equally professional mercenaries, reportedly numbering over two hundred.
Most of those mercenaries were of Viking blood, and were inherently brave, fierce, and skilled in battle.
Most of the mercenaries had been dispatched by Angus to fight in various places, leaving about fifty mercenaries remaining on Isle of Aylay.
The mercenaries were of varying quality in terms of weapons and armor, and their discipline was particularly lax. Roger even saw several of them engaging in illicit affairs with prostitutes in the barracks.
But they exuded a fierce and courageous aura. When Roger and Angus, fully armed, entered the barracks, the oppressive feeling was overwhelming. If the commander hadn't been with them, there might have been some friction.
"These aren't mercenaries, they're a bunch of ruthless bandits." After leaving the barracks, Roger couldn't help but whisper to Olaf beside him when the commander was a little further away.
Olaf, however, was unfazed. "Sir, the biggest difference between these people and bandits is that they are more cruel and bloodthirsty."
"These guys are a hundred times more ferocious than mad dogs and wolves when it comes to a profitable fight."
Olaf recounted, "Last spring, we sailed ashore in northwest Ireland, intending to rob a wealthy village."
When we arrived, the village was already in ruins, and all of its more than one hundred inhabitants had been killed.
"It was only later that we learned that the McDonald family's mercenaries had encountered resistance while collecting grain in the village, and then they suddenly attacked and massacred the entire village, sparing not even newborns or the elderly who were about to die." Olaf shook his head. "They are the real Satan who escaped from hell."
Roger thought to himself, "No wonder these mercenaries, earning only a penny a day, are willing to follow the MacDonald family. This army is entirely sustained by plundering spoils. Such an army may be very strong in combat, but its loyalty is..."
A moment later, the group returned to the castle, and Roger was taken back to his guest room to rest.
A little while later, a servant came to fetch Roger, saying that Lord Angus had returned.
...Such an important matter, and you didn't even send anyone to inform me! Making our distinguished guest wait for two whole days is truly despicable...
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Roger followed his servant through the courtyard, around the corridor, and up the stone steps to the lord's residence in the tower's office. There, a richly dressed middle-aged man was reprimanding the castle steward, who stood silently to the side with his head bowed.
"Sir, Sir Roger has arrived." The servant quickly stepped aside, clearing the doorway and standing respectfully with his hands at his sides.
The middle-aged man, who was in the middle of a tirade, immediately put on a warm smile upon hearing this. He quickly walked to the door, raised his hand to invite Roger in, then gave him a big hug, patted Roger's shoulder with a face full of apology, and said, "Buddy, please forgive my neglect."
After a month or so, the tall, black-haired man in his thirties still wore a warm and enthusiastic smile, but Roger could always sense the gloomy and serious expression beneath that warm face, especially when his back was turned to him.
Roger wasn't used to the modern greeting of hugs, and he disliked having strangers put their arms around his shoulders, as it made him feel uncomfortable.
Although he was displeased, his face was full of gratitude and piety. "Lord Angus, during our stay on Isle of Aylay, my entourage and I have received the warmest welcome and the most meticulous care. Please do not blame the steward."
Angus released his grip, turned to look at the butler who stood bowed to the side, and said, "Since Sir Roger has personally pleaded for you, I will spare you this time. If you dare to disrespect Sir Roger again, I will punish you severely."
"What are you still standing here for? Go down and prepare dinner immediately. I want to have a good time with Sir Roger."
The butler quickly bowed to the two of them and left the room.
Angus personally poured Roger a glass of wine. Roger took the exquisite silver goblet, sipped it, and then carefully looked around the room. There were tapestries on the walls, glass windows, a huge fireplace that made the room very warm, and all the furniture was exquisite, exuding a grand atmosphere.
What attracted Roger most was the row of wooden shelves filled with scrolls and books. These were not things that ordinary nobles could enjoy. He couldn't find more than three books even after searching the entire Milk House Manor.
"Sir Roger likes to read?" Angus noticed Roger's gaze fixed on the bookshelf.
Roger snapped out of his reverie and laughed, "I read a few books in the monastery, but I forgot them all to God."
Upon hearing about the monastery, Angus smiled. After returning from Arran Island, he had inquired about Roger's past and naturally knew about the various anecdotes and stories about him in the monastery.
Isle of ...
"I have also heard about Sir Roger's romantic escapades at Argyll Abbey, and I greatly admire your courage to indulge your nature before God." This was using trivial romantic affairs to expose Roger's shortcomings, making Roger feel inferior in front of Angus, and lowering his status in advance to discuss serious matters.
Angus then waited for the other party's reaction.
"Hey, all charlatans are the same. God is a benevolent and great being, but there aren't many good people in monasteries."
Roger spoke as if those matters had nothing to do with him, and he also took the opportunity to criticize the clergy.
There was no way to respond to that. Angus could tease Roger, but he wouldn't dare to casually comment on those high-ranking clergy. "Indeed, indeed. Since Sir Roger likes women, I do have a pair of decent twins in my castle, which I bought from Norway last year. They'll be delivered to your room tonight."
Angus felt it was time to get down to business after leaving Roger waiting for a few days, so he said seriously, "I visited your salt factory at Milk House Manor last time. How's it going? Have you started boiling salt yet?"
Roger straightened his posture as well. "Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have come to visit you."
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