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Chapter 27: Forging Horse Shoes
Chapter 27: Forging Horse Shoes
"I'm sorry, Sir Hamilton, but does this bounty hunter still require a license?" Rayn asked, puzzled.
"Haha, Rayn, it seems I need to explain this to you. If you were of noble birth, you wouldn't need a bounty hunter license. But for a commoner who aspires to make a living from bounties, having this license can be very convenient."
"First, the bounty hunter license is recognized throughout the Empire, allowing you to carry weapons day or night. Otherwise, according to the Imperial Law on Public Security, civilians can only keep weapons in their homes, except in special circumstances."
"Additionally, if your accumulated bounty total reaches 100 gold or more, you can apply for a mid-level bounty hunter certification, which grants the privilege of riding a horse."
Rayn was stunned. Carrying weapons and riding horses at will, privileges usually reserved for the nobility, were also available to bounty hunters?
Indeed, in this world, strength was the optimal path to class advancement!
"However, the Empire strictly controls the number of bounty hunters. Fortunately, I happen to have a spare recommendation slot," Sir Hamilton continued.
Rayn's face showed contemplation. He was indeed tempted by the bounty hunter slot, as it offered the ability to carry weapons, ride horses, and earn a substantial income, which was an essential step on his Extraordinary Path.
Even if he became an estate guard or a watchman, his salary alone would not be enough for his cultivation.
But since Sir Hamilton mentioned the scarcity of the slot, it was clear that there were no easy gains to be had. The underlying message was apparent.
After a moment's hesitation, Rayn spoke up, "Sir Hamilton, I appreciate your consideration, but I've already made a promise to someone else. I might... become someone's follower in the future."
Before Rayn could finish his sentence, Sir Hamilton burst into laughter, "So, that's what you're worried about! Don't worry, Rayn, there's no conflict here. Regardless of whose follower you are, as long as they are an Imperial Noble, they will inevitably pledge allegiance to our great Dragon Empire."
Rayn was taken aback, surprised by this unconventional arrangement.
Shouldn't it be, "My vassal's vassal is not my vassal?"
However, he soon realized that this world was not like medieval Europe, where various kingdoms ruled. Instead, the Dragon Empire had a high degree of centralization, and the Emperor naturally commanded the loyalty of all.
After Sir Hamilton's explanation, Rayn quickly understood that the Empire's nobles valued their followers becoming administrative staff in the kingdom's power departments.
"Have you not yet taken the oath of allegiance as a follower?" Sir Hamilton asked.
"No, I haven't," Rayn replied.
Rayn thought about his relationship with Lady Claire; indeed, they had not conducted any formal ceremony of allegiance.
Her exact words were that he could become her follower if he attained the rank of a full knight.
"Then quickly improve your strength. It's best to swear allegiance as a Guardian Knight rather than a Follower." Hamilton spoke.
"Sir Hamilton, is there a difference?" Rayn asked, slightly taken aback.
Although the amount of information he had received today was overwhelming, it also made him feel that he had come to the right place. In just a short conversation with Hamilton, Rayn had gained access to information that was previously out of reach.
This was the information barrier caused by class differences!
"To put it simply, it's a matter of initiative. You can be the Guardian Knight for many people, but only a Follower for one person. You'll understand this later," Hamilton explained after some thought.
"Thank you, Sir Hamilton, for clearing my doubts. And with your kind offer, I accept the invitation to join the Night Watch."
"However, I'm still undergoing Page Training. Can I join the Night Watch after it's completed?" Rayn asked.
"Of course. The Page Training at the Habsburg Manor is quite good, and you can learn archery during the training," Hamilton said, seemingly well-informed about the training, which included archery lessons.
"But if I need you for something, Rayn, you must respond immediately."
"Of course, Sir Hamilton."
The meeting ended on a harmonious note.
With the gray bag containing fifteen Imperial gold coins safely tucked away, Rayn bid farewell to Hamilton and left the town hall, feeling incredibly happy with his newfound wealth. However, the thought of the Jackal Gang's threat dampened his spirits.
He hadn't expected that the leader of the Jackal Gang, Cole, was Blackbeard's brother.
Rayn knew he had to improve his strength quickly. With money now in hand, he was determined to enhance his abilities.
He had already prepared an explanation for his family: he would tell them that he had provided crucial clues to the new Sheriff, Sir Hamilton, regarding the missing children case, and was rewarded with two Imperial gold coins.
Then, he would inform his family that Sir Hamilton had agreed to let him join the Night Watch after completing his Page Training.
This way, his family wouldn't have to worry about his future, and with their worries alleviated, everyone's mood would improve significantly. It would also allow Rayn to make full use of the two gold coins.
However, it was still early, not yet nine o'clock, and Rayn decided to continue to the blacksmith shop to gain more experience in his profession.
Wait! Speaking of the blacksmith shop...
Now that he had money, Rayn could afford to have Blacksmith Boris teach him the true forging techniques.
Previously, he couldn't due to financial constraints. But now, it was just a matter of paying a hefty tuition fee.
It was worth it, though, as it could significantly increase his experience gain efficiency. This would not only rapidly level up his Blacksmith Apprentice profession but also lay a solid foundation for crafting his own equipment later on.
Rayn nodded, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought.
So, Rayn turned left and right, hurrying to the blacksmith shop.
As he entered, the sound of hammering filled the air, with the blacksmith apprentices busy at work and Blacksmith Boris forging horseshoes, which immediately caught Rayn's attention.
This horseshoe forging, combined with hoof care, was a complete set of skills!
(End of Chapter)
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