System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 939 - 282: Rare Spiritual Guardian Armor (1W)_6

Dorian could only sigh in resignation. Though dusk had settled and the evening air offered a noticeable cool down from the day's heat, the heavy composite armor they wore still caused them to sweat profusely. Furthermore, Master Lynn had previously issued an order: all soldiers and guards were strictly forbidden from removing their armor outside of designated rest periods. Dorian understood the reasoning behind this command; Master Lynn aimed to ensure the soldiers' safety. The territory's city walls had previously provided security, but they were now in Morgan Town, a place Master Lynn did not yet have complete control over. Additionally, intelligence indicated that unknown cavalry had approached Morgan Town's borders. Uniformly clad in armor, they could better defend against surprise attacks from hidden foes. Without this protective gear, their bodies would be as vulnerable as any ordinary person's. This was precisely why Dorian had hesitated when he heard the soldiers' request to bathe. Watching them use unfamiliar linen cloths, soak them in the creek, and then wipe down their bodies, Dorian felt a pang of sympathy. However, he ultimately decided against it.

Dismounting from his horse, Dorian began to patrol the surroundings on foot. This allowed him to avoid being a stationary target and also gave his body a rest after being seated in the saddle for so long. After several minutes, the four soldiers who had finished their makeshift wash returned, donned their armor, and approached Dorian. The youngest among them politely inquired, "Captain Dorian, won't you wash up? It's still early; even after bathing, we'll have ample time for our patrol." Another soldier added, "Indeed, Captain Dorian. The four of us can assist with the patrol!" Dorian shook his head, stating, "No need for that, let's wait until after the patrol." With that, he walked towards the horses grazing by the roadside. The four soldiers exchanged glances of understanding and proceeded to their mounts. After a few commands, they expertly mounted their horses, and the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the gravel road resumed, their sounds weaving an intricate symphony.

Refreshed from their wash, the four soldiers exhibited a marked improvement in their mood. Their eyes constantly swept their surroundings, alert for any anomalies. The young soldier riding beside Dorian edged his horse nearer. He appeared hesitant, as if wanting to speak but unsure how to begin. Dorian noticed and asked, "Did you have something on your mind?" The young soldier, Du An, flashed a grin and hurriedly asked, "Captain Dorian, is it true what the lord said?" Dorian looked at Du An, puzzled and about to ask for clarification. Realizing his words were unclear, Du An quickly elaborated, "I mean, what Lord Early announced after returning from the territory! That every castle guardhouse soldier will be granted fifty acres of farmland! And, as long as the soldiers fulfill their grain tax obligations, all the remaining harvest will be theirs to keep." Dorian finally understood. He nodded, confirming, "Lord Early was personally appointed as Centurion by our Lord. His relay of the Lord’s directives is accurate." Du An's eyes lit up with excitement, and he pressed on, "Then, Captain Dorian, can we, who were transferred from the territory, also receive fifty acres of farmland?" Dorian paused for a moment upon hearing this. "At this moment, I cannot provide a definitive answer. Once we conclude our patrol and return to town, I will consult with Lord Early." Dorian then shifted his tone, continuing, "However, I believe you should indeed be able to receive the fifty acres. When Lord Early conveyed the instructions, he specifically mentioned that garrison soldiers would be farming during busy seasons and training during downtime! In essence, soldiers will be both farmers and combatants. Though we were reassigned from the wall garrison, we are still considered soldiers." Du An listened intently, his face filled with hopeful anticipation. Dorian turned to look behind him, noticing that not only Du An but also the other three soldiers wore similar expressions. Dorian raised an eyebrow and asked, "What? You're eager to farm?" Du An chuckled, "Of course, Captain Dorian. Our families have been farmers for generations; our survival has always depended on cultivation. Captain Dorian, I don't know if you can grasp that feeling. It's like watching barren land slowly awaken, sprout, grow into crops, mature into a harvest, and finally become food... the entire cycle. It's akin to witnessing the genesis and conclusion of a life. Most importantly, this life flourishes through my own efforts!" Dorian summarized, "So, you're talking about... the satisfaction of harvest?"

Du An pondered for a moment before replying, "It's somewhat like that, but not precisely!"

"I find it difficult to fully articulate that sensation..."

"However, if we could secure fifty acres of fertile land and implement the Lord's advanced agricultural methods, a plentiful harvest would undoubtedly be within our grasp!"

"Beyond the mandatory public grain tributes, any excess yields could be properly stored."

"Having sustenance readily available is the bedrock of our confidence to endure!"

Dorian's brow furrowed slightly upon hearing Du An's words.

He recalled that Du An's origins lay in the southern regions of the Portlands Empire.

There were persistent rumors about a 'witch' whose influence supposedly caused a prolonged period of relentless rainfall during what should have been a prosperous harvest season, lasting for half a month.

Consequently, the crops cultivated in Du An's village had failed entirely!

Exacerbated by stringent military oversight and oppressive measures,

Du An's family had faced starvation within their own homes.

Dorian finally grasped the depth of Du An's understanding.

It was precisely individuals like Du An, who had personally endured the pangs of true hunger,

that could comprehend the terrifying reality of extreme starvation and food scarcity.

Dorian offered a reassuring nod and stated, "Rest assured, you are now a soldier under the Lord's banner."

"Our Lord has given his solemn vow not to allow his people to suffer from hunger!"