Franz was lying down on a grassy area under the shade of a tree. The reason being? He was exhausted and so sore he didn't feel like moving at all! Or he would risk aggravating his bruises and muscles further!
His father was not holding back when he said he would put him through a good training regime!
Franz just didn't realize it would be his father's level of training!
He sits up with a loud groan of protest as his body throbs from the pain of this new training. The training would make him stronger than ever. But he had a huge hurdle to overcome.
The fact that he has hit the plateau for skill growth. Even with Growth boost aiding him, his stats increased. But his skills would require more time to upgrade.
He rises up a bit and looks around, all the guards had a fire lit in them at the effort he was putting in as the young master. They didn't want to lose to someone who was obviously improving quickly compared to some of them who had been training for at least 3 years longer than himself.
Franz sighs at that with a smile, it would do them well in the future. Afterall there will be many situations where he will need his growing strength along the future. After the battle between the households in 7 weeks, he had to help his father battle a goblin infestation, that led to a battle against gnols and kobolds. And even after all of that mess they then had to deal with a rampant invasion of orcs attacking their border that his father had to charge off to with a majority of their knights. But never returned as he fell in battle against an Orc king that appeared, leading the invasion until his father gave his life to save the territory and kingdom from the green skinned bastards.
Which left him with his friends, that he gained from each and every situation, to watch the territory until they were forcefully conscripted for the war.
Franz smiles as he thinks back to his squad from the war that was forged over the years from them teaming up against these incoming threats.
But... Franz couldn't help but think, They were powerful in their own rights when I met them. But what if... I found them early and helped them train earlier? Especially since I know their methods of training and have the experienced knights here to guide them? It could work! I'll need to let fatherknow!
Franz ran down to where his father was wrapping up a spar against their senior knights. Seth notices Franz and goes, "Hmm? What is it Franz? Something on your mind? Or were you hopping for one more round? Because it would be better to let your body rest for the remainder of the day."
Franz shudders in fear at the thought of another round of his father not going easy on him before he shakes his head, "No I was actually hoping to get your help with something."
His father nods and listens, "I was hoping to make a deal. I know I have no right to the funds of the family treasury until I am proclaimed a full knight rank by the court, but I was hoping to get your help with funding a search of talented individuals?"
Seth looked intrigued by his sons thoughts, it was always good to welcome new talents into the households. Especially with the reports of new monster clans moving on the territory. But Seth knew that most talents would have been swept up from the capital, towns, and villages long ago for training in the army academy. "Then tell me son, before I listen to your deal, where do you hope to get the talents you want to find?"
Franz looks his father straight in the eye without backing down as he says, "The orphanages! There are plenty of young talents that slip through the cracks as the academy does their sweeps through the houses and huts of families, but ignores the orphanages due to them being out of the way and thought to be simply the leftover children with nothing to provide the kingdom with. But I have faith that there are talents we can bring in. Not to mention talents we can grow! After all even if they lack innate talents, they possess the drive to work hard and change their futures! And that is way more than what many big family households have in their upcoming generation!"
Many knights and guards all whisper at that proclamation, it was true sadly, many upcoming family heads to those of the nobility are riding their parents coattails and stop training once they break 22 years of age simply because they have their families wealth and status to protect them. Instead of being battle ready, they were feast ready.
Seth eyed his son, seeing his firm stance, his unwavering eyes, and his aura being focused and prepared should he lash at his sons accusation of his fellow noble children. Baron Bronzewing instead smirks and nods, "Then tell me son, what deal were you hoping to strike with me?"
Franz smiles at his father, he knew he would agree, but he needed to be firm and unwavering in his request. His father hates those that seem shifty or lacking resolve for their requests, it always makes his father feel like he is working with slippery merchants who only want the profits and care nothing for process or the people working on said products.
With a breathe of fresh air Franz says, "I want you to promise me that you will look around the orphanages for any children willing to work for us and grow their skills to serve this household and our businesses. In exchange I will win the upcoming tournament! If I fail then you will not give me knight gear once I reach 18, instead you will use my allowance of the family funds to reimburse your search."
Seth looks to his son, seeing no flinching, wandering eyes, or any other signs of lying or nervousness, he nods and claps his sons hand with his own into a firm handshake, "Very well son! In return I shall endeavor to gather every child I can who can work and support their homes with this search! After all if the orphanages grow we can gather more skilled youths! I like this plan! Excellent work my son! Now don't fail us! And win! That! TOURNAMENT!"
Franz has slight tears in his eyes in happiness from his fathers faith in his abilities and shouts, "YES FATHER! FOR HOUSE BRONZEWING!!"
A great cheer erupts from the guards and knights at this exchange and they all felt that the household was being cared for by a great upcoming head of the family.