Don Quixote watched Cole's back as he hurried away excitedly, a smile touching his lips.
Taking Cole on as his squire wasn't some spur-of-the-moment whim; it was a plan he'd had in mind for a while.
Not only that, but he also intended to keep an eye out for other suitable commoners to take on as squires.
It was a subtle, under-the-radar way to build up a group of fiercely loyal subordinates.
Of course, his wallet would need to keep up.
After all, a knight was responsible for his squire's food, clothing, equipment, and training.
With these thoughts in mind, Don Quixote turned back, glancing around the table, and said:
"Drink up, everyone!"
Hearing this, the men snapped back to reality and quickly laughed:
"Yes, Captain Don Quixote!"
"Yes, Lord Don Quixote!"
They were a bit surprised by Don Quixote's sudden decision.
But with good ale on the table, why overthink it?
Before long, Cole brought over the food they had ordered.
A massive platter of roasted venison leg.
The skin was roasted to a crisp, sizzling and dripping with fat.
Sprinkled with spices and herbs unique to the North, the mouthwatering aroma filled the air.
There was also a large platter of smoked wild rabbit, the meat firm and heavily seasoned with a rich, smoky flavor.
Next to these were a few small dishes of pickled vegetables and roasted meats—classic Northern bar food.
The men were already starving and didn't bother with manners.
They stuffed their mouths full of meat, mumbling their approval between bites.
Pots of ale were poured one after another, and cups clinked together constantly.
Don Quixote didn't wolf down his food like the rest of them; he just ate slowly and steadily.
Cole watched the men chugging ale and tearing into meat with envious eyes, leaning in close to whisper:
"Lord Don Quixote, my grandmother agreed!
"It's just Miss Elise we need to talk to now."
Don Quixote nodded, thinking for a moment before replying:
"I'll go talk to Miss Elise about it in a bit.
"I'll swing by the Iron Axe Tavern again the day after tomorrow, and you can leave with me then."
"Yes, Lord Don Quixote!" Cole said, his voice full of anticipation.
Don Quixote tossed two Silver Stags to Cole with a smile:
"I won't keep you here to eat with us today. Go over to Ronan and order whatever you want.
"Use the leftover money to buy a thick set of clothes from the leather shop outside. It's much colder outside the city walls.
"Kid, being a knight isn't as glamorous as it looks. A lot of the time, you just have to eat dirt and take your lumps!"
"Lord Don Quixote, I can take it!" Cole said firmly.
Then he hesitated, looking down at the two Silver Stags in his hand, unsure if he should accept them.
He barely had a few copper pennies to his name, let alone Silver Stags.
"If I tell you to take it, you take it!" Don Quixote took a sip of ale and a bite of meat.
"Remember, a squire must absolutely obey his knight's commands!"
"Yes, Lord Don Quixote!" Cole answered loudly.
Cole turned and left.
Pot after pot of ale was emptied, and as the men caught a buzz, they started talking more.
Some talked about the rough days of being a freelance knight.
Hiding out in broken-down shacks during the dead of winter, gnawing on rock-hard black bread without even a sip of warm ale.
Others bragged about their glory days and the things they had accomplished.
And some brought up their fears about the coming winter.
Terrified that this winter would be too brutal, and that their wives and children wouldn't survive it.
Don Quixote listened in silence.
He carefully observed their words and expressions, sizing them up.
He listened for a good while.
It wasn't until he saw Elise free up out of the corner of his eye that he finally stood.
Don Quixote walked over, sat down in front of Elise, and smiled:
"Miss Elise, you look like you've got your hands full."
Elise, who was looking down and sipping her drink, looked up at Don Quixote:
"Knight Don Quixote, it's been a while."
Don Quixote nodded:
"It has."
Elise sighed in frustration:
"The Earl recently gave orders for the city guards to strictly check anyone entering or leaving Castle Cerwyn, especially outsiders and strangers.
"We've lost a lot of customers at the tavern."
Saying this, she pointed at Don Quixote's men and smiled:
"I guess I should thank you for bringing business our way."
"I like the Iron Axe Tavern, so naturally, I recommended it." Don Quixote then asked:
"Is the Iron Axe Tavern going to move outside the city?"
Hearing this, Elise looked even more exasperated:
"Judging by the Earl's recent orders and his general attitude...
"If the trade market outside the city takes off, the trade district inside the city is definitely going to be shut down.
"When that happens, we'll have to move whether we want to or not."
Don Quixote nodded.
The two of them made small talk for a bit longer.
Then, Don Quixote finally brought up the matter regarding Cole.
Elise was a bit surprised, and even a little envious.
She smiled and agreed:
"No problem. I'll just hire someone else tomorrow, that's easy enough.
"That kid Cole is pretty lucky to catch your eye. He's got a bright future ahead of him!"
Don Quixote let out a sigh:
"I just hope he can stick it out. Knight training is no walk in the park!"
Just then, Elise suddenly asked:
"By the way, Knight Don Quixote, could I ask a favor of you?"
Don Quixote nodded:
"Go ahead."
Elise didn't hesitate:
"If the Iron Axe Tavern does end up moving to the trade market outside the city, could you look out for me?"
Don Quixote was slightly taken aback but agreed anyway:
"Not a problem.
"If anyone dares to mess with you, Miss Elise, they'll have to answer to my sword!"
"You really are an honorable knight!"
Elise flattered him, then went on to explain:
"If we move outside the city, my older brothers won't let me keep running the tavern.
"They can't keep an eye on me out there, and they're worried people will take advantage of me.
"If that happens, I'll probably be stuck back home, bored to death doing needlework!"
Don Quixote said indignantly:
"They're underestimating you, Miss Elise! I don't think any ordinary person could push you around."
"Hmph, exactly," Elise agreed.
"They always treat me like some fragile little flower!"
Don Quixote concluded:
"Then just tell them I'll be looking out for you outside the city!
"That way, they won't have any excuse to turn you down!"
A small smile broke across Elise's face:
"Thank you, Knight Don Quixote!"
————
That night, at Windsor's Lodge.
Don Quixote looked at the delicate girl standing in front of him.
Adele Baker, a poor orphan from a nearby crofter's village.
Her cheeks were flushed pink from the biting cold, framing a pair of wide, doe-like eyes.
Her irises were a clear, deep black, and the corners of her eyes tilted up slightly, turning into two little crescent moons whenever she smiled.
She had a small, slightly upturned nose and soft, pale pink lips.
Don Quixote studied her closely for a moment before saying seriously:
"Adele, have you thought about what we discussed?"
"My Lord, why would you choose me?" Adele asked timidly.
Don Quixote chuckled:
"Because I can't bear to leave you behind, and I want you to take care of my daily needs."
Adele blushed:
"You wouldn't look down on me, My Lord?"
Don Quixote shook his head, then pointed to himself and fired back a question:
"Well, Adele, would you look down on me?"
"Ah..." Adele didn't quite catch his meaning, but she answered quickly anyway:
"You've been so good to me, My Lord. I'm very grateful."
Don Quixote stepped closer, gently rubbing her cute, delicate cheek:
"Then I'll take that as a yes!
"Pack up and come with me today. From now on, you'll be my personal maid."
The tips of Adele's ears turned red as she answered softly:
"Mhm."
Don Quixote gave a soft, reassuring smile:
"Go gather your things. I'll take you with me shortly."
"Yes, My Lord."
Adele turned and quietly stepped out of the room.
Not long after, Lady Ella walked in.
She walked in with that same familiar, heavy sway that always managed to get a man's blood pumping.
Her skin was as white as snow, like pristine ice.
Radiant and breathtakingly beautiful.
...