The emissaries’ moods instantly soured as they realized the price for the food: soldiers. Ghislain’s audacity left them in disbelief.

‘This brat has truly crossed the line.’

‘Who on earth asks for soldiers in exchange for food?’

‘And how many does he expect us to give up? Our lord won’t stand for it, no matter the amount.’

A weakened military force would make it difficult to fend off external threats or maintain control over restless subjects, and for many, soldiers were the backbone of their territories. But with Ghislain’s recent actions, refusing outright seemed risky.

Sensing their unease, Ghislain offered …