Chapter 79: Appointment

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Appointment

Vili carefully examined the document. Its main content outlined the structure of a hundred-man guard detachment, with him at the center of a hierarchical command.

He would serve as the detachment captain, with two deputy captains under him. Below the deputy captains, there would be six squads.

A thick roster was attached to the back of the document, containing a list of candidates for the deputy captain and squad leader positions. Each candidate’s identity, experience, and family background were detailed within.

Vili gave it a cursory glance and saw that none of the candidates were merely there to fill a spot; the list had clearly been screened beforehand. Bamos understood very well that at such a critical, life-or-death moment for Diamond Town, he could not allow any freeloaders to join and become pests.

"I see no problem with any of these candidates’ qualifications. The final decision rests with you, Master Bamos."

Vili handed the document back to Bamos. ’As long as there are no problematic individuals, it doesn’t really matter who specifically is under my command.’

Bamos gave a resigned smile; he had expected this outcome. ’I don’t mind, but both Vili and Bisen are being remarkably sensitive about personnel appointments, deferring completely to my judgment.’

"In that case, let’s make the deputy captains Sandoor and Dane."

Bamos had obviously made up his mind beforehand.

Vili gave an imperceptible nod. ’Those two names were at the top of the roster.’

Neither of them was very old, having joined the Diamond Town Personal Guard Team only two or three years prior. For that very reason, they hadn’t yet been reassigned to the Guard Team to serve as captains. Instead, this opportunity allowed them to be selected as deputy captains for the new guard detachment, making them key figures under Bamos’s command.

Being only around sixteen or seventeen years old, Sandoor and Dane’s combat prowess wasn’t particularly high; both were at the level of a Junior Knight’s Squire. The two of them came from good backgrounds. Sandoor’s father was a high-ranking official in the Town Hall, while Dane’s father was a merchant.

"The friction on the border is growing more intense, sometimes even erupting into direct armed clashes. As a result, the border defense has already started requesting more men from my father. He had me form this new hundred-man guard detachment in the hopes that you can lead them to the front lines and provide effective support."

Bamos explained his plan to Vili.

Vili was slightly surprised. ’I didn’t expect this guard detachment to be formed so quickly. At this rate, I’ll be on the front lines very soon. It seems the situation at the border is even worse than I imagined.’

"I know you’ll be under immense pressure, but I trust you can handle it."

Bamos clearly held high expectations for Vili.

"I won’t disappoint you, Master Bamos."

Vili promised.

Bamos nodded, adding in a cautionary tone, "Once you get to the border, you’ll need to be strategic in how you handle those old-timers. They originally requested men to expand their own units, and sending you over like this effectively infringes upon their authority. So, you can expect some pushback."

Vili’s eyes grew pensive. ’I already knew that nearly ten of Diamond Town’s Senior Knight’s Squires had been dispatched to the border because of the escalating friction. They’re all veterans of the Personal Guard Team or the Guard Team; of course they won’t give me a warm welcome.’

"To be frank, I can’t stand those old fossils. So, on this assignment, you are representing me. Don’t embarrass me."

Even as he said this, Bamos knew full well that Vili would face covert sabotage from those men when he first arrived at the border. ’And in terms of both strength and prestige, Vili still has a ways to go compared to those old-timers.’

For Vili, this would be a great challenge.

"Don’t hold back. I’ll be very pleased if you can seize the initiative."

Bamos’s smile held a hint of amusement and cold calculation.

Vili caught the change in Bamos’s expression and immediately put it together. ’Bamos isn’t just saying that; he genuinely despises the veterans from the Personal Guard Team and the Guard Team.’

Vili pondered for a moment and understood the reason. ’As the Baron’s heir, what Bamos truly wants isn’t to inherit an old regime. Those wily veterans, relying on their previously close relationship with the Lord Baron, tend to act without restraint and are difficult to control. If people like me and Bisen can gradually supplant them, he’ll be able to control all of Diamond Town with ease.’

’Therefore, what Bisen and I represent isn’t just an emergency wartime measure, but the cutting edge of a generational shift—the blade that will supplant the old guard.’

"This afternoon, I will give you the complete roster for the new guard detachment. You have three days to assemble your men, and then you will depart for the front lines. By the way, the detachment’s official designation will be Diamond Team Six, aligning it with the other units on the border."

Bamos announced his final decision.

"Understood, Master Bamos."

Vili knew with certainty that real power had just been placed in his hands. He was no longer just Diamond Town’s rising star in the eyes of others; his potential had now been forged into actual authority.

"Bisen, you should get to your duties as well. As the newly appointed deputy Town Mayor, assuming a portion of the Town Hall’s authority won’t be easy."

Bamos said to Bisen.

"Yes, Master Bamos."

Bisen gave a slight bow, then left the room with Vili.

They had only taken a few steps out the door when Bisen lowered his voice to congratulate him. "Congratulations, Captain Vili."

Previously, Bisen had always addressed Vili as ’Sir,’ because while Vili was favored by Bamos, he held no real power or official position. Things were different now. Vili was the captain of Diamond Team Six, a rank that put him on the same level as those arrogant old-timers from the Personal Guard Team.

"You flatter me, Town Mayor Bisen."

Vili replied with a faint smile.

The two exchanged a look, both knowing they were allies.

One was in civil administration, the other in the military; their spheres of authority did not overlap, which ensured there would be no major friction between them.

Bisen had a good impression of Vili, and Vili, in Bisen’s eyes, was an exceptionally rare talent.

"Captain Vili, you haven’t been in Diamond Town for long, so you might not know how unreasonable those old-timers from the Personal Guard Team can be. When you reach the border, you must be extremely careful."

Bisen added in a low, cautionary voice.

"I know."

Vili gave a slight nod. ’No matter how difficult they are, I have to secure my position at the border.’

"Well then, I’ll get to my own work."

Bisen gave Vili a slight bow and turned to walk deeper into the Town Hall.

Vili paused for a moment before he, too, walked out of the Town Hall.

’The challenge is about to begin.’