Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Successful Recruitment
Under Su Li’s command, the knights of Hesse spread their formation in three directions, their banners fluttering as they approached the lineup of the Half-Elves with a sharp formation.
This formation showcased the advantage of cavalry maneuverability to the fullest, allowing attacks from any direction, forcing the Half-Elves to adopt a passive defense. They dared not launch an offensive against the cavalry from any direction, for the sharp formations on the other two sides would launch a fierce charge at the flanks and rear of their attacking troops.
Even as strong as an Ogre, with a massive body of three meters and a weight of over five hundred pounds, would be severely wounded instantly if pierced by a knight’s lance.
Both sides rapidly approached, and a tense atmosphere enveloped the Half-Elf formation. The knights came with imposing force, clearly with high fighting spirit. If they couldn’t respond quickly, this large Half-Elf family wouldn’t escape some tragic fate.
Therefore, when Knight Su Li led his team to a position about five hundred meters away, Frederick, at his side, became uplifted, raising his chin proudly, laughing and shouting, "Lord, the Half-Elves have raised the Empire’s white olive branch flag. This is the understood signal for negotiation among the Empire’s Electors. Whichever of the two armies raises this flag first, it essentially means they’ve yielded."
In all other directions, the knights also erupted in cheers, each invigorated and triumphant. Forcing the enemy to surrender was a testament to their own powerful strength.
In an empire where strength is revered, victories inspire the morale of armies more than anything else, and any victory can please the knights and even the Divine Spirit.
Su Li was a bit surprised; he thought they would at least have to test each other’s strength a little before negotiations could commence.
Unexpectedly, the opponent yielded and requested negotiations upon seeing their banners approaching.
Su Li raised his right hand and ordered Frederick: "Give the command, all knights halt, maintain vigilance. Then let the other side send someone to discuss."
The musicians in the formation immediately stopped the bugle calls, and soon the three cavalry troops ceased their march.
The Empire’s development in terms of civilian matters might just be passable, but its military development was quite complete and advanced.
Each unit is equipped with its own cavalry buglers and infantry drummers, with many tactical maneuvers accompanied by orderly and loud military drums or music. Currently, there are at least 17 tactical commands within the Empire that can be conveyed through music, including attacking the left wing and forming a phalanx.
The training focus for Knight Stein these days has been precisely on this aspect.
This orderly command, strict military discipline, and well-trained display made all the Half-Elves deeply inhale, and many couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.
"Oh, Divine Spirit above, is this truly the army of an ordinary Pioneer Lord? I feel as if I am looking at the elites of the Flame Sun Knight Order, only those elite knight orders comprised of devoted followers of the Sun Goddess can be this well-trained."
"Even an Ogre’s dim-witted head can see that this army is completely different from those ragtag groups gathered for profit by ordinary Pioneer Lords."
"Oh, Hyacinth above, what have I seen, two sets of Vibranium Rune Armors, nearly ten sets of heavy fine plate armor, and a large and small Griffin pair, is this the elite corps directly under an Elector present here?"
Amidst the noisy whispers of the Half-Elves, an old Half-Elf holding a smoking pipe stepped forward from the ranks, accompanied by two large, dull Ogres as she approached Su Li from a distance, shouting.
"Pioneer Lord across from us, the Balantangborne Clan of Halflings sends you their greetings, may the generous and merciful Divine Spirit Hyacinth bless your territory with prosperity. The peaceful and law-abiding Halflings are merely passing through here and mean no conflict with you."
Su Li looked in surprise at the old Half-Elf and asked, "Why is a woman coming to negotiate?"
The other party wasn’t offended either. She knocked her smoking pipe against the leg of the tough-skinned, burly Ogre beside her, patiently explaining to Su Li, "Unlike your human society, we Half-Elves live in a matriarchal society, maintaining a genealogy through the mother’s bloodline. Therefore, usually, the most prestigious and wealthy members of a Half-Elf family are women. I am the clan leader of the Balantangborne Clan, Hartskline, and it is my honor to speak with you."
Considering the inherent affectionate nature of the Half-Elves, their close relations with many potential partners sleeping in the same bed leading to a high birth rate, their matriarchal societal structure is understandable.
Su Li then did not remain astonished, instead addressing this old Half-Elf woman, "Although that may be the case, you have trespassed into my territory without authorization, and even brought numerous Ogres, which is evidently a severe military threat to the security of my territory. Just now, you nearly sparked a conflict."
Hartskline did not argue back—debating with an emperor holding troops is the most unwise move.
She bowed slightly, saying, "Perhaps we could compensate you with a satisfactory amount, as a passage fee for crossing your territory. Additionally, if you don’t mind, we would like to purchase some specialties and resources from your territory."
Su Li was very satisfied with her attitude, turning a conflict into reconciliation is something every lord appreciates.
Moreover, her suggestion piqued Su Li’s interest, so he said, "As for the compensation, let’s set it aside for now. If you wish to purchase something from our territory, I have two special options that might intrigue you."
Hartskline grinned widely, problems solvable with money are not too much trouble for the Half-Elves. She confidently said, "Then please, Lord, introduce them. If the price is reasonable, we will certainly satisfy you."
Su Li gestured towards the endless grassland, saying, "I have two choices here: the first is for you to spend a small amount of money and buy a plain within my fief, build a farm, become its master, and pay me taxes."
"The second choice is to spend a large fortune to buy a piece of land, where I will grant your Half-Elf community complete autonomy."
Given the vast expanse of the Hesse foothills, relying solely on Su Li, developing such a broad area would take unknown decades, possibly generations.
So he would inevitably allocate some land to aid development. He wouldn’t interfere in the internal affairs of these territories as long as they supply sufficient troops to the Hesse Territory, such as a few knights, dozens of soldiers, and the necessary vassal taxes; they could decide everything else themselves.
The favorite occupations of the Half-Elves are merchants, nobles’ servants, peddlers, cooks, and tending to the beautiful gardens of territories. Su Li naturally hoped this group of Half-Elves could end their wandering journey, join his territory, and help him develop it. After all, in the Empire, humans and Half-Elves coexist harmoniously, and it is one of the few racial relationships without disputes or animosity.
Su Li thought it might be difficult to force the Half-Elves to settle and submit, but Hartskline quickly responded after a brief discussion with her family, "Respected Lord, we choose to spend a large sum of Golden Crowns to buy land under your governance for autonomy."