The next day, Sir Albert started teaching Alicia sword skills. He also helped Alicia learn the Etiquette, administration, and laws of the Empire. After one of the sparring sessions, he explained to Alicia the important skills and rules that every Mercenary in the Empire must follow.
He explained,
"Princess, in the Empire, every Mercenary must follow some rules.
Rule 1: Only a Person with a combat or healing skill may become a Mercenary; that is, they must have learned swordsmanship, magic, or healing techniques. A healer must always be accompanied by two or more mercenaries who have combat skills.
Rule 2: No matter the circumstances, they must never run away while their comrades are in a dangerous situation. If they do, not only will they be penalized heavily, but they will also have to spend up to 5 years in prison.
Rule 3: Mercenaries are classified by their ranks, the highest being S-rank and the lowest being F-rank. They always have to be in a party of at least three to take on quests.
Rule 4: If they ever come across a monster classified higher than their rank, they must retreat immediately. If not, and their whole party is demolished, the leader of their party will be held liable, and their relatives or friends will have to pay the fine.
Rule 5: The Mercenary parties with S-rank must always participate in wars. Parties with B- or higher ranks must and should participate in wars if they are called upon. And no pay should decline rank promotions without adequate reasons.
these are the important rules that every Mercenary must follow. These rules are established and enforced by the Mercenary Guild. When the Empire was founded, it did not have Adventurers like other kingdoms, so Mercenaries were tasked with duties typically assigned to Adventurers, such as dungeon exploration. This tradition has continued over the years. Therefore, becoming a Mercenary can bring great honors, but it also involves significant risks."
Little Alicia asked,
" But why did the Empire have no adventurers when it was founded? Is it because it was a tiny kingdom at that time?"
Sir Albert replied,
"Princess, the answer lies in the founding legend of the Empire. Haven't you heard of it?"
Alicia replied, "No, please explain it to me, Uncle."
Sir Albert said, "Alright, Princess, listen carefully."