Lind did not respond directly to Lucanus’s words, but he still inquired in detail about some matters concerning the Northern Border nobles, intending to verify their truth with others after leaving.
Although this bard betrayed Wisk and joined him, such individuals are generally untrustworthy. Yet, this bard demonstrated an unusual level of strength; ordinary means couldn’t contain him, and he moved freely in and out of prison.
People with such abilities inherently do not need to pledge allegiance for survival.
After Lind asked, Lucanus further introduced the group of bards to him. Just like there are various odd schools among professional mages, bards also have their own unique form of magic. However, this magic lacks lethality and serves only purposes of stealth and reconnaissance; they likely couldn’t stand up against a large goose in direct combat.
Lind felt that it wasn’t as simple as it seemed because no bard magic had ever been passed down. No one knew which system of magic the bards were employing, and these bards were exceptionally low-key—ordinary people saw little difference between them and those who sold songs.
Noticing this, Lind continued to ask, “Do you bards recruit people? Or how do you bards recruit your members?”
Any organization that needs to survive must require fresh blood. How can it ensure that these fresh blood members will act according to the rules and doctrines?
“No, my king, we do not need to recruit. Since the inception of bards, our total number has never changed. However, to collect information more efficiently, we develop some offline organizations, but those cannot be considered true bards.”
“My king, do you know what is most needed to witness history?”
A strange smile crossed Lucanus’s face as he answered his own question.
“It is longevity, a lifespan longer than that of the elves.”
Lind was slightly shocked by this answer but quickly nodded in acquiescence. In a world with gods, is it so strange to encounter some peculiar things?
“So, you bards are actually beings with a lifespan longer than that of elves, who enjoy fanning the flames and are responsible for recording history. Is that correct?”
“No, my king, I assure you, we are humans!”
Lucanus’s tone was no longer that of a jester trying to amuse; his expression was unprecedentedly serious when he spoke these words.
“We have always been human and always will be.”
Lind was taken aback; the way this person spoke about humans felt different from his understanding. However, it was clear that this bard cared deeply about his human identity.
Before leaving, Lind asked Lucanus one last question: “So, what can you bards bring me?”
“Information. As long as it’s within the range our group can step into, we can provide you with information from that place. For other regions, it’s possible too, but the influence of different groups varies. Our control in other areas is somewhat weaker, and the truthfulness of the information can only be discerned by you.”
After all, bards are not omnipotent; their level is akin to that of ordinary spies. In places where full control is implemented, like the Graywhite Territory, it becomes difficult for bards to infiltrate. Lucanus is a special case.
“At the same time, we have brought you a gift, which we believe can be a solid support on your path forward. As for what it is, you will know when you wake up tomorrow morning.”
Having roughly understood what the bards were about, Lind did not rush to recruit them. Instead, he planned to observe for a while. Lucanus indeed spoke without reservation, but he also deliberately concealed some information. For example, when Lind asked what these bards really were, Lucanus only vaguely answered that they were humans, assuring Lind not to worry.
Given the definite lack of an intelligence department in the territory, Lind accepted Lucanus’s suggestion but required him to compile a booklet of his jurisdiction and subordinates to hand over to Lind.
Although the other party was mysterious and had unclear origins, as Lucanus stated, his loyalty would not change based on Lind’s denial. Accepting Lucanus could at least ensure that these people were under Lind’s control.
The next morning, Lind got up as usual. Soldiers continuously escorted captured fleeing nobles back to the camp for custody, and Lind smiled at these soldiers as he usually did.
However, Lind keenly sensed that the soldiers’ gazes toward him had changed.
It wasn’t simply because he had just won a battle; it was a different kind of emotion—greater respect and curiosity, or perhaps these soldiers’ eyes were filled with a desire for gossip.
When Lind came to the temporary cafeteria to have breakfast with everyone, he quickly became the focus of attention. Although he was often the center of attention, today was particularly different as many seemed to have things they wanted to say.
Confused, Lind was eating breakfast while looking at the latest reports when Lena walked over, carrying her breakfast and sitting directly across from him, her eyes scrutinizing him from top to bottom.
“Just say what’s on your mind.”
Unable to take it any longer, Lind decided to find out what these people found so curious.
“Brother, are you a descendant of the Rom Empire?”
“What descendant? I don’t know.”
Lind took a sip of soup and finished his breakfast quickly. Is this what they were curious about? The original owner of this body had no memories in this regard; he was an unambiguous border viscount with no connection to the so-called imperial descendants.
“That human empire from a thousand years ago, it’s rumored outside that you are of the royal bloodline of that empire.”
Lena said seriously, as if she genuinely believed this rumor.
“Really? Then why don’t I know? And besides, it’s been a thousand years. Am I supposed to go and inherit the throne of that empire?”
It’s baffling that some people would believe such a patently false claim, leaving Lind unable to comprehend. It seems that people in this era are so starved for entertainment that even baseless gossip can spread; it’s time to develop some military pastimes.
“According to legend, the royal bloodline of that Rom Empire all had black hair and black eyes. Isn’t that exactly the same as you, brother?”
As soon as Lena finished speaking, everyone’s attention was drawn over, seemingly waiting for Lind’s response.
“How is that the same? There are more people with black hair and black eyes besides me. Furthermore, a thousand years have passed; who knows what the descendants of that empire look like now? Surely not all people with black hair and black eyes are so-called royal descendants?”
Lind was perplexed and packed up his things, preparing to leave with the reports.
This reaction is normal thinking; after a thousand years, who still cares about royal bloodlines? Moreover, in the world before Lind crossed over, as long as someone was still alive, who didn’t have some affluent ancestor? Pets care about bloodlines.
However, it was clear that Lind underestimated the influence of public opinion in this feudal world.
Although this bard betrayed Wisk and joined him, such individuals are generally untrustworthy. Yet, this bard demonstrated an unusual level of strength; ordinary means couldn’t contain him, and he moved freely in and out of prison.
People with such abilities inherently do not need to pledge allegiance for survival.
After Lind asked, Lucanus further introduced the group of bards to him. Just like there are various odd schools among professional mages, bards also have their own unique form of magic. However, this magic lacks lethality and serves only purposes of stealth and reconnaissance; they likely couldn’t stand up against a large goose in direct combat.
Lind felt that it wasn’t as simple as it seemed because no bard magic had ever been passed down. No one knew which system of magic the bards were employing, and these bards were exceptionally low-key—ordinary people saw little difference between them and those who sold songs.
Noticing this, Lind continued to ask, “Do you bards recruit people? Or how do you bards recruit your members?”
Any organization that needs to survive must require fresh blood. How can it ensure that these fresh blood members will act according to the rules and doctrines?
“No, my king, we do not need to recruit. Since the inception of bards, our total number has never changed. However, to collect information more efficiently, we develop some offline organizations, but those cannot be considered true bards.”
“My king, do you know what is most needed to witness history?”
A strange smile crossed Lucanus’s face as he answered his own question.
“It is longevity, a lifespan longer than that of the elves.”
Lind was slightly shocked by this answer but quickly nodded in acquiescence. In a world with gods, is it so strange to encounter some peculiar things?
“So, you bards are actually beings with a lifespan longer than that of elves, who enjoy fanning the flames and are responsible for recording history. Is that correct?”
“No, my king, I assure you, we are humans!”
Lucanus’s tone was no longer that of a jester trying to amuse; his expression was unprecedentedly serious when he spoke these words.
“We have always been human and always will be.”
Lind was taken aback; the way this person spoke about humans felt different from his understanding. However, it was clear that this bard cared deeply about his human identity.
Before leaving, Lind asked Lucanus one last question: “So, what can you bards bring me?”
“Information. As long as it’s within the range our group can step into, we can provide you with information from that place. For other regions, it’s possible too, but the influence of different groups varies. Our control in other areas is somewhat weaker, and the truthfulness of the information can only be discerned by you.”
After all, bards are not omnipotent; their level is akin to that of ordinary spies. In places where full control is implemented, like the Graywhite Territory, it becomes difficult for bards to infiltrate. Lucanus is a special case.
“At the same time, we have brought you a gift, which we believe can be a solid support on your path forward. As for what it is, you will know when you wake up tomorrow morning.”
Having roughly understood what the bards were about, Lind did not rush to recruit them. Instead, he planned to observe for a while. Lucanus indeed spoke without reservation, but he also deliberately concealed some information. For example, when Lind asked what these bards really were, Lucanus only vaguely answered that they were humans, assuring Lind not to worry.
Given the definite lack of an intelligence department in the territory, Lind accepted Lucanus’s suggestion but required him to compile a booklet of his jurisdiction and subordinates to hand over to Lind.
Although the other party was mysterious and had unclear origins, as Lucanus stated, his loyalty would not change based on Lind’s denial. Accepting Lucanus could at least ensure that these people were under Lind’s control.
The next morning, Lind got up as usual. Soldiers continuously escorted captured fleeing nobles back to the camp for custody, and Lind smiled at these soldiers as he usually did.
However, Lind keenly sensed that the soldiers’ gazes toward him had changed.
It wasn’t simply because he had just won a battle; it was a different kind of emotion—greater respect and curiosity, or perhaps these soldiers’ eyes were filled with a desire for gossip.
When Lind came to the temporary cafeteria to have breakfast with everyone, he quickly became the focus of attention. Although he was often the center of attention, today was particularly different as many seemed to have things they wanted to say.
Confused, Lind was eating breakfast while looking at the latest reports when Lena walked over, carrying her breakfast and sitting directly across from him, her eyes scrutinizing him from top to bottom.
“Just say what’s on your mind.”
Unable to take it any longer, Lind decided to find out what these people found so curious.
“Brother, are you a descendant of the Rom Empire?”
“What descendant? I don’t know.”
Lind took a sip of soup and finished his breakfast quickly. Is this what they were curious about? The original owner of this body had no memories in this regard; he was an unambiguous border viscount with no connection to the so-called imperial descendants.
“That human empire from a thousand years ago, it’s rumored outside that you are of the royal bloodline of that empire.”
Lena said seriously, as if she genuinely believed this rumor.
“Really? Then why don’t I know? And besides, it’s been a thousand years. Am I supposed to go and inherit the throne of that empire?”
It’s baffling that some people would believe such a patently false claim, leaving Lind unable to comprehend. It seems that people in this era are so starved for entertainment that even baseless gossip can spread; it’s time to develop some military pastimes.
“According to legend, the royal bloodline of that Rom Empire all had black hair and black eyes. Isn’t that exactly the same as you, brother?”
As soon as Lena finished speaking, everyone’s attention was drawn over, seemingly waiting for Lind’s response.
“How is that the same? There are more people with black hair and black eyes besides me. Furthermore, a thousand years have passed; who knows what the descendants of that empire look like now? Surely not all people with black hair and black eyes are so-called royal descendants?”
Lind was perplexed and packed up his things, preparing to leave with the reports.
This reaction is normal thinking; after a thousand years, who still cares about royal bloodlines? Moreover, in the world before Lind crossed over, as long as someone was still alive, who didn’t have some affluent ancestor? Pets care about bloodlines.
However, it was clear that Lind underestimated the influence of public opinion in this feudal world.
