Chapter 671 Conditions

As the head of a small village, how much strength can the knight have under his command?

Fang Yuan estimated that there might be a hundred households of serfs and commoners under Jola Knight's subordinates, which is quite a lot.

If the fishing is exhausted, about a hundred adult men can be dispatched to fight. Of course, the location cannot be a day's journey from the fief. After all, these are strong laborers. Once they are far away from production activities, the territory will inevitably encounter famine in the coming year.

"Therefore...the number of troops that can be kept on a regular basis is at most twenty. According to the principle of drawing one out of five households, we can not damage the power of the people..."

"As vassals of superior lords, knights are required to prepare their own horses, equipment, and retinues every year. They are obliged to fight for the superior lord for free for 30 days. If they exceed this number of days, they will be compensated. If they do not exceed this number, they can only collect spoils by themselves... And the obligations of the Jorah knights clearly stipulate that the number of militiamen should not be less than fifteen..."

Although it has not been formally inherited, Fang Yuan has undoubtedly regarded the entire knight collar as his own.

After all, under the system at this time, even the lords of the upper ranks of the Knights of Jorah have no right to take back the confiscated territories, and it is even common for vassals to rebel due to excessive demands from the lord .

"But... It is said that the Jorah Knight family died of the plague?"

Fang Yuan looked around. There was a harmonious pastoral scene, and there was no sign of mourning: "Is it only for the family? It's interesting!"

Thinking of this, he casually stopped a passing farmer: "Take me to the villa of Knight Jorah!"

The lord has great financial, military, and other powers in his fief, and no one will take care of the construction of the palace.

Of course, due to financial problems, it is difficult for even a baron to have his own castle, and most knights can only live in villas.

On the other hand, a castle that has been inherited for hundreds of years is a landmark, a source of noble glory, and it also represents safety.

After all, apart from showing off military power and financial resources, the most important function of castles in this era is defense, or in other words, defense is the main function.

"Who are you……"

The person who was called seemed to be in his thirties or forties, with a disheveled face, wearing a sack-like clothes, and had some muscles on his body.

However, Fang Yuan knew that it was not from eating and drinking enough to exercise, but from the long-term oppression of heavy physical work, which often represented the consumption of future life.

In fact, this person should only be in his twenties, but he already has a tendency to age prematurely.

At this time, he raised his head, his face full of vicissitudes was full of doubts and a little awe.

After all, a man who can ride a horse and wear a weapon is not something he, a little farmer, can offend.

"I am Rune, the heir to the Knights of Jorah!"

Fang Yuanxuan spoke generally.

"It turns out to be Lord Lord! My name is Willy!"

Willie hurriedly bowed and saluted, in the posture of taking off his hat, but unfortunately he didn't have a hat on his head, instead it was disheveled like a chicken coop, which was a bit nondescript.

Moreover, Fang Yuan was even more keenly aware of the fear and pity in his eyes.

‘Do you think I will die in various accidents in a few days like those unlucky heirs before? '

He thought to himself, then threw a few coins over: "I am a generous person, this is your reward!"

"Ah...how is this possible?!"

Willie spoke quickly, but unconsciously clenched the coins tightly with both hands.

This little money can buy a loaf of black bread, and feed the kids in the family. Alas... Poor little Creel has never been full since he was born, and often competes with his sister for food.

Because of the tip reward, Willie burst out with indescribable enthusiasm. While leading the way, he introduced the deeds of the former lord Qiao La and several heirs to Fang Yuan:

"Knight Jorah is a good man, his wife is also very kind, and sometimes he will give bread to the people... Unfortunately, the whole family died of disease... Fortunately, the pastor came and controlled the source in time, so it didn't spread. ..."

"After Lord Knight left, Master Marvins was the heir in line. Unfortunately, on the way here, he was thrown off by a horse and broke his neck..."

"Compared to Marvins, Engel is much worse. He has a very bad temper, and some unlucky ones were even whipped by him. It's just that after he stayed at Lord Knight's villa for one night, he seemed to be frightened by something. , became a lunatic, and drowned himself not long after..."

"Since then, accidents have happened to all heirs one after another. It is rumored that there is a curse of Knight Jorah haunting the villa. He is unwilling to see outsiders inherit his family business..."

...

Although serfs in this era have a natural awe in front of their lords. But at this time, under the influence of money and a little hint, Willie seemed to be very familiar with Fang Yuan, and turned into a big mouth.

It wasn't until he saw the two-storey villa that he suddenly remembered his identity, and quickly waved his hands and said:

"Oh! I'm sorry, my lord, I'm not talking about you! ... The so-called curse ... is just a rumor! Rumor!"

"hehe!"

Fang Yuan smiled, and didn't care about Willy, who was scared to death by himself, and knocked on the door.

As the residence of the knights, this villa has a large area, the mahogany gate looks very strong, the windows are large, and the purple curtains are drawn to let the sun shine freely. The lighting is very good, which is very suitable for Fang Yuan's appetite.

"No matter what, it's better than a castle..."

A castle as a fortification can destroy the dreams of teenagers and girls in many cases.

Narrow windows and a cold, damp and dark environment are the mainstream. If you stay in it for a long time, you will definitely contract rheumatism or other diseases-of course, the physique of the extraordinary is an exception.

In comparison, the villas of the knights have put a lot of effort into it - the floor is paved with marble, and there is a small garden at the back, with fountains, statues, and clipped vegetation faintly visible, some flowers are in full bloom, exuding An intoxicating aroma.

Seeing this, Fang Yuan immediately decided that even if he had enough funds in the future, he would not build a stone coffin to bury himself in.

While he was daydreaming, the exquisitely carved door opened from the inside, revealing a middle-aged butler wearing a wig, with some doubts in his cloudy eyes: "You are..."

"I'm Luen from Blue Moon Town, here is my identity card, and other documents!"

Fang Yuan handed over the inheritance document in the package: "I will inherit the legacy of Knight Jorah!"

"So it's Master Luen. I'm Master Jorah's housekeeper—Masai. I've been waiting for you for several days. Please come in!"

Butler Marseille immediately stepped aside, bowed slightly, and welcomed Fang Yuan into the villa.

The light in the villa is not bad, there are copper candlesticks everywhere, and there are marble sculptures and oil paintings on the walls and corners, which looks very aristocratic.

"The young master has been working so hard from afar, please take a rest first, I will let the servants prepare dinner!"

Massey said politely.

"There's no rush for these things!"

Fang Yuan came to the living room, sat down on a sofa-like chair wrapped in a thick layer of cloth, and waved his hands: "First of all, let's confirm whether my inheritance is legal or not, and what is needed to truly inherit the knighthood. formalities……"

"Yes!" Marseille was a little surprised, and immediately took a pot of black tea, filled it for Fang Yuan, and said in a slow tone: "After the death of Master Raymond, you are already the first heir. If you don't renounce it, the inheritance right is unshakable, but in the master's will, you must complete a condition before you can fully inherit these inheritances!"

"What conditions? Noble trial?"

Fang Yuan took a sip of black tea, crossed his fingers, and asked with great interest.

"No, no! It's just a very simple request. Lord Jazz needs you to stay in the study of this villa for one night!"

Marseille replied in a calm voice.

"Stay overnight in the study?"

Fang Yuan immediately thought of the unlucky Engel that the guide Willy had mentioned before. It seemed that he had a mental problem because he stayed for one night?

"Can!"

But to him, this is naturally nothing, and he nodded immediately.

"In that case, I'll invite some notaries over immediately!" Ma Sai bowed and went out as if he had let out a sigh of relief.

"Is there really any evil spirit in this villa?"

This kind of performance made Fang Yuan slightly suspicious, his spirit spread away, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

...

The dinner in the villa is very good. There are grilled lamb chops that are charred on the outside and tender on the inside, various vegetable salads, as well as white bread and fruit puree. The drinks include wine.

It's worth mentioning that Fang Yuan didn't dine alone, there were several designated 'notaries' with him!

Among them were the superior lord of Knight Jorah, the envoy sent by Baron Shawshank, local dignitaries, and a bishop of the Church of Death.

What surprised Fang Yuan even more was that they seemed to be living nearby. Ma Sai went out and immediately brought them back.

"Thank you for the hospitality!"

After eating and drinking, the bishop of Hess, Daniel, spoke first: "I wish you success!"

"Thank you!"

A few people held up their wine glasses and drank it all in one gulp. Because it was the first time they met, it was taboo to talk lightly, so Fang Yuan didn't say much.

It's just that the bishop looked at him with a deep meaning.

...

"Good night, Master Luen!"

After dinner, Fang Yuan was taken to Knight Jorah's study.

Immediately, Ma Sai directed the servants to put down the bedding and the like, exited the study room, and closed the door politely.

Through the window, Fang Yuan saw that the servants were leaving the villa, and they obviously had other residences. He couldn't help being even more surprised: "It seems that the water in this villa is really deep!"