Quoted By:
After that then, Franz and his officers lead you along to clear a space that you can speak together. Feeling a little silly for how minuscule you seem among these Gostolnan brutes, yet they afford you respect or feign as much.
<span class="mu-r">"All the commanders I think are aware that this is to be a long conflict, and surely you cannot all remain here on the grounds indefinitely! Tomorrow then I shall venture forth and survey my new domain, and in the process accompany the men that the commanders may seek accommodations in the available towns... except you, your men. I expect you to remain here, that you would serve as my personal guard for whenever I would need you."</span>
You'd gone over this in your head before engaging the men, but you're not sure how they'll take it since usually you are listened to but not heeded. As well, the worry about seeming to choose favorites from among the mercenary companies. Increasing loyalty with some but decreasing with others.
<span class="mu-i">"If you keep the oath to the Reichsfurst, then the Black Bears are at your disposal to the man, my Konigin... but... would you not prefer your own countrymen kept close?"</span>
Ah yes, the betrothal Franz speaks of. From your understanding based on your limited personal interactions with the Black Bears, they are an exiled criminal group and so Franz supported you in the first place with the expectation that you would marry his liege and earn his own pardon to return home. One of the two companies in your pay, who hold something above money in their support of you. Although you refrain from correcting him that your betrothal was not your own oath sworn, and your rightful decision as to whether you honor it or not.
But he does raise the point about your assumed preference for either of the two companies who actually hail from Dalmace, same as you do. Though you had considered that the most, you're not sure you can trust any of these mercenaries really. Especially those of your own countrymen who, although you can better relate to and understand, could also be compromised or swayed by your rivals within Dalmace. At least with foreigners you don't have to worry about their home countries bothering to sabotage you, when your cause would benefit them. So in the end that's why you came to the decision of preferring the Black Bears to the other possible companies.
That, and because the Black Bears are fewest in number so you can sufficiently accommodate them here on the estate! At least you assume so, these brutes from Gostolnes seem to eat and drink twice as much as a man of Dalmace! Also a potential issue that few of them speak the language, only Franz himself knows it well. Either way you intend to see the other companies off tomorrow, which can double as a chance to tour your new holdings. Just a question of how you want to venture forth.
