Or rather, is this intentional?
Therefore, returning back to the beginning regarding the hired combatants, young nobles and ronins want to be placed into the ranks of the Associate Baron Baumeister’s household troops in order to give weight to their personal careers with this activity and to receive written letters of recommendation.
This system is called hired combatants.
Although calling it a system might not be appropriate either.
Even on the kingdom’s side, given that the feudal troops of the mobilized nobles are too little, they won’t be dependable in battle. Thus it was right to say that this hiring was partly tolerated.
“The hired combatants want to receive distinguished military services, honor and rewards.” (T/N: Mercenaries work for money)
In the present situation, they will be able to earn rewards for hunting many monsters while having the opportunity to receive a letter of recommendation depending on the evaluation given for the degree of distinguished military services they performed.
If they play a very active role, there is also the chance to be scouted by a noble household as hired combatant. Additionally, a letter of introduction together with the letter of recommendation would become effective documents at the time when they apply for other military services.
Conversely, the advantage for the Baumeister household is that it won’t at least lose face due to the number of military forces fielded.
Due to the mobilization the providing of food is in the care of the head of the Baumeister household, however the responsibility of preparing such things like armors naturally lies with the hired combatants themselves. Death in action and battle injuries will be settled with a one-time payment of money.
In regards to the aspect of filling up the ranks of the military forces cheaply, there is no such convenient system in place.
“Still, to tell me to organize the troops is …” (Erwin)
Although we are more or less capable, having three 12-years old boy and girls act as main administrators of the troops organisation is impossible, especially since there are many veterans among those applying as hired combatants.
Being troubled by this, the rescuing lifeline was thrown by Erich-san.
“Therefore it seems to be my turn. Un, just like my patrons said.” (Erich)
Although Wend is a dragon-slaying hero, for the Associate Baron household it is the first sortie.
Embarrassing Wend at this time, how could I do that as noble of the same kingdom?
Originally calling it a ceremony for the erection of a household, disregarding Breithilde-sama, it will be a great scheme to demand gratitude from Finance Minister Rückner and Viscount Mongérard.
“As the nominated Brigadier General I entrust this task to you, Erwin-kun, as junior leading commander.” (Erich)
I hear that these Baumeister troops won’t be able to link up with Wend, who is commander-in-chief, during the upcoming battle.
Therefore Erwin will be set as commander and Luise and I will act as staff officers.
The plan is for Erich-san to deal with the contract negotiations of the hired combatants, manage the necessary funds and materials, and submit the necessary documents to the royal palace and governmental offices.
As far as I understand, a lot of businesslike work has to be done.
“Working as nominal staff officer and second-in-command of the Baumeister troops, should I? Since my physical strength is completely no good, I will do my best to specialize on logistical support.” (Erich)
By now it’s too late, as it seems the necessary funds have already been provided by Wend after inquiry.
I guess I should say as one would expect of Erich-san, huh?
“However, aren’t you the head of the Brandt household, Erich-san?”
Because they are fellow nobles of the same rank, I have a feeling that it will be a problem if one enters underneath the other (T/N: Erich working under Wend, both heads of a noble household)
“It’s fine since I am still only the successor as father-in-law still holds the title.” (Erich)
If that’s the case, there is no problem. Though it was expected and planned to be done after the wedding, the inheritance of the noble rank has been delayed.
It seems to be primarily upon the request of Finance Minister Rückner.
These days it is fine to inherit the noble rank either while the current head is still alive or postmortem.
However, those clad in a noble rank in the central government mostly pass on their title while still alive, whereas those nobles holding territory mostly pass on their title after their death.
Although nobody understands why there is such a difference, it is more correct to say that is nothing more than a custom.
Given that there are many who wear an official position, the reason or perhaps I should say opinion is that those holding such official position pass it on before losing the ability to properly manage it due to advanced age.