The low, damp thatched huts remained unchanged, and a muddy path led to the distant farmland. The black crows in the trees were eerily silent.
In the open space in the middle of the village, the ferocious totems on the parchment notice board inspire awe.
The bright red color, as unforgettable as Marcus's words, drew the villagers together in small groups.
Everyone excitedly discussed the Lord's policies regarding the guard and autonomous lands, which were read aloud by Steward Marcus.
Villager A: "Hunting is dangerous. There are bears and wolves in the mountains. You could lose your life if you're not careful."
Villager B: "I'm not afraid at all. My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens." (Ed: You're the one who time-traveled, aren't you!)
Villager C: "Yeah, my brother used to go to the edge of the forest and he got eaten by wolves."
Villager Ding: "I don't care, I'm going to sign up right away, you guys can talk slowly."
Villager Ding looked inscrutable.
In the castle hall, Ed was still writing and drawing.
"These parchment and quills are really terrible; they absolutely need to be improved." Ed had long been dissatisfied with these two items.
"Adelaide, go and call Roderick and Andrew over for a meeting."
"Yes, Master," Adelaide replied weakly.
The two soon arrived in the hall. After they sat down, the maid quickly placed a cup of hot tea in front of each of them.
"Andrew, how is the guard?" Ed asked, looking at the person opposite him.
"My lord, the guard has been assembled, consisting of seven people including you. They are currently undergoing some basic physical training, weapon handling, teamwork, and other exercises."
"Yes, very good. Let Adelaide join the guard team as well. She will be in charge of medical treatment, transportation, weapons, and so on." Basically, it's logistics.
Adelaide didn't know how to describe her feelings at that moment; the gloom of the past two days had vanished.
It's like a long-awaited rain after a drought, or a withered tree welcoming spring again.
"Thank you, Master. I will definitely study medicine diligently with the wise Gisela and learn combat skills from Lord Andrew." Adelaide was as happy as a child.
Actually, Adelaide wanted to join a couple of days ago, but Ed didn't agree because he was afraid of the danger. But today, he thought that with him and Andrew there, there shouldn't be any major problems.
If he lacks even this little bit of self-confidence, then he's quite a failure.
"How's the weaponry?" Ed continued to ask.
Adelaide listened attentively and quickly got to work as a logistics officer.
"Due to the road being cut off, the territory is severely lacking in iron. Apart from my longsword, all the other weapons are wooden spears, and iron arrowheads are also very rare."
After taking a sip of hot tea, Andrew continued, "The armor is practically gone too. The lord rarely opened hunting grounds before, so our furs are almost all gone as well. As for how much the castle has left, you'll have to ask Butler Marcus."
Ed was speechless. The old man used to be quite closed off from the world!
But Ed is helpless now; repairing the road is difficult for him too! A group of people would starve to death halfway there. And things might not be safe outside.
"Adelaide, go find the steward and have him use all the leather in the castle to make as much armor as possible. Prioritize armor to protect the chest and abdomen."
"Yes, Master." The little maid was still happy.
"And what about our ranged weapons?" Ed knew that every inch longer was an inch stronger.
The way to stay away from danger is to eliminate it before it gets close.
"You'll have to ask Roderick about that."