Brand looked at Frey who remained silent, knowing that she might find it difficult to understand the intricate details for a while. This was normal, after all, this village girl had never been exposed to the complex and decayed transactions behind the nobles’ backs.
But to put it simply, it was actually very straightforward, nothing more than a matter of interest.
So he decided to open up the topic candidly and said, "I know this is hard for you to accept. But the fact is this, even what we’re doing now isn’t enough—because honestly, we are nothing more than a pawn in the hands of the nobles. They only care if this pawn can be effective, and won’t concern themselves with the life and death of the pawn itself."
Frey was startled and looked up at him again.
Madden, however, frowned and sighed. What Brand said undoubtedly confirmed what he had observed these past few days. The nobles verbally promised immediate rewards, and everyone was enthusiastic, but in the end, it was all to achieve their own goals. What would they eventually get? Maybe a promotion for one or two people, a bit of reward, or perhaps just honor.
Yet the issues he brought up several times about the homeless villagers in Buqi had always fallen on deaf ears.
"Frey," Brand now turned to look at Frey’s light brown eyes and said, "if you wish to protect the villagers of Buqi, and if you naively think that after the war ends everyone will be rewarded and honored, and then happily and peacefully return to their former lives, you will be disappointed."
"If you hold onto the idea of relying on others, you will become a discarded pawn used by the nobles." He interrupted her and continued.
If this had been said by Brand earlier, Frey would certainly not believe it. But after witnessing so much along the way, she somewhat grasped this point. The long-ponytailed girl hesitated for a moment and then asked, "But what should I do, Brand?"
"You must grow yourself and become someone who can shield others." Brand answered.
"I understand, but I—" Frey couldn’t help but reply urgently. She thought she was just a small Militia Captain, how could she possibly grow to the level of those high and mighty nobles? This village girl thought and thought, but still felt it was impossible.
"Are you worried you’re not up to it?" He asked.
"Don’t worry, opportunities will come soon, trust me. Remember what I said?" Brand smiled and replied.
Frey was a little dumbfounded.
Brand understood that he hadn’t revealed his true intentions, in fact, he hoped the long-ponytailed girl could enter the Royal Cavalry Academy, receive a high-level education, and learn the most orthodox command and tactical knowledge of this kingdom.
Because on one hand, he did not wish to change the path once walked by the future Valkyrie, and on the other hand, he indeed needed someone to enter the high ranks of the kingdom.
At present, Romantic had no such intention, and the only person with ideas who he could trust was Frey.
As for safety, it was naturally not a concern. The Royal Academy located in Vilan in Southern Anlek, was one of the Royal Family’s private territories, and was one of the earliest territories controlled by the Princess during the December uprising, so there would be no issues.
And this would only benefit Frey without causing any harm.
Because in fact, Erune’s classical military command and tactics are not backward, the war-torn history had left this country with many outstanding military commanders and tactical ideas—it’s just that the internal factions were too corrupt for these legacies to be utilized.
Just like in the Renaissance period, Erune also had a batch of excellent young officers. And Brand believed with Frey’s diligence in this environment, she would absorb knowledge like a sponge. After she had accumulated enough, she would quickly emerge and catch the attention of the Princess just like in history.
Brand remembered that historically, in June of the following year, during the 64th Gunsmanship Competition of the Royal Cavalry Academy, Frey met Erune’s elder Princess. Perhaps history would change slightly, but he hadn’t yet flapped his wings like a butterfly, so he thought the changes wouldn’t be too significant.
Moreover, he was particularly eager to use Frey to understand the future Regent Prince Griffith Colcova Manofi, who had just turned sixteen this year.