Reincarnated Into The Middle Ages

Despite the effectiveness of Norn's "holy water" in saving many lightly wounded, a significant number of severely injured still succumbed to their wounds. Out of the 800 who marched to Montgisard, over 200 died on the battlefield, and another hundred-plus succumbed to their injuries later. The majority were mercenaries, but there were also more than 20 from Norn's manor guard. While others might see this casualty rate as a blessing from the Lord, Norn couldn't shake the feeling that it was still too high.

When the last of the wounded was carried into the cemetery, Norn gathered everyone from the manor for a funeral. In an open area of the manor, hundreds of wooden markers were neatly arranged on the ground.

All the mercenaries who could still move gathered around the perimeter. The deceased's friends and family, following the customs of the fallen, placed gold coins on the mouths of the dead to pray for their entry into Valhalla; buried their weapons alongside them to ensure they could continue to enjoy battle in the afterlife; or placed copper crosses on their graves to pray for their swift passage into heaven.

The somber atmosphere affected everyone, and the final farewell was conducted in silence. Norn ran his fingers over the stone markers inscribed with each person's name, feeling a deep sorrow. On the battlefield, he could treat soldiers as numbers, but in life, these names represented real, vibrant lives.

"Perhaps their reasons for fighting were different, but I chose to honor them with a gravestone," Norn said solemnly. "No matter where they came from in life, they were brave warriors who gave their lives to protect our home. Their bravery will be recognized by the Lord, and we pray they find their place in the halls of the afterlife."

Many began to weep. Over the past three years, several members of Norn's manor guard had started new families with the freed female workers. Now, this battle had left many of them widows once again.

"The dead are gone, but the living must go on," Norn sighed, then added, "Please bury your pain, and with memories of the fallen, continue to live strong and happy lives."

"I will provide a pension to the families of every soldier who died in battle. It's not much, but it's my way of expressing my condolences." Ten gold nominals for each fallen soldier, five for the wounded and disabled—enough for widows to raise their children and for the disabled to buy a few acres of land to live out their days.

Although Norn's contract with the mercenaries didn't include pensions for the fallen, he paid out regardless. He personally handed each sum to the relatives, who accepted the money with mixed emotions—some with gratitude, others with heavy hearts.

After the funeral, as the crowd dispersed, the mercenary leaders approached Norn together, knelt on one knee, and expressed their heartfelt thanks. "Noble Baron, we are but crude mercenaries with no silver tongues, but please allow us to thank you on behalf of the wives and children of the fallen."

"It's what they deserve," Norn replied solemnly. "Make sure this money gets to their families."

"You have our word. By the grace of God, it will reach their kin," they vowed.

With a sigh, Norn turned to the Danish mercenary leader, Harald. "Harald, I have a long-term contract here. Are you interested?"

These Norsemen had left a deep impression on Norn during the war. Standing at least 1.8 meters tall, they could crash into the enemy like iron towers, their massive axes creating a storm of blood and gore. Though their discipline needed work, Norn believed they were worth keeping for the long run.

The 2-meter-tall Norseman's face lit up with joy. He had been worried about finding another employer as generous and reliable as Norn, who paid well, provided food and shelter, and even offered pensions for the fallen. To his delight, Norn was making the offer.

Amid envious glances from the other mercenary leaders, Harald nodded eagerly. "With room and board, 150 gold nominals a month, and you'll have 50 of the best warriors in the kingdom at your service."

Norn did the math and realized it was a good deal for such formidable Norse fighters. He agreed to Harald's terms.

By the time the contract was signed, the sun was setting. As Norn turned to leave, he noticed Anna watching him quietly.

"What's up, little Anna?" Norn greeted her with a smile, ignoring the fact that she was actually taller than him.

Still immersed in the sorrow of the funeral, Anna looked sad and hesitated before saying, "Norn, you'll always be with me, right?"

"Of course, little Anna!" Norn ruffled her hair. "You're so beautiful. How could I bear to be apart from you?"

Seeing Anna's expression turn gloomy, Norn thought for a moment, then pulled a small package from his pocket. "Look what I got for you!"

As the paper was slowly unwrapped, a dark, unappealing lump of candy was revealed.

"This is such a good thing that I myself can't bear to eat it. I'm giving it to you!" Norn carefully handed over the candy, considering that the small piece had cost him 2 gold nominals—enough to buy a piglet. If it fell, he'd be heartbroken!

Understanding, Anna took the candy, licked it gently, and then offered it back to Norn. "You should have some too, Norn!"

Staring into Anna's big, expressive eyes, Norn was momentarily stunned.

Anna, seeing Norn's daze, blushed slightly, which only made Norn more captivated. After a moment, Anna gently pushed the candy back towards Norn, who finally snapped out of it.

"Hahaha!" Norn laughed awkwardly. "You eat it. I've got plenty more of this candy!"

Anna took tiny licks of the dark candy, her pink tongue gently sliding over its surface, leaving a glistening trail. With each lick, her eyes curved into crescents, and a happy smile spread across her face as she savored the sweetness.

Norn swallowed hard, reminding himself internally: She's just a 12-year-old girl! I can't be worse than a beast! I need to remember the three-year rule! Three years is a good start... three years is a great deal...

Shaking his head vigorously to clear his mind of inappropriate thoughts, Norn took Anna's hand affectionately and said, "It's getting dark. Let's head back!"

Anna looked up at Norn's face, her own face blossoming with happiness, and nodded vigorously.

"Okay!"