Loyal Lion Mercenary Group

The next morning.

Jonathan was extremely efficient this time. In just one night, he had arranged a meeting for Roland with O'Neal Grey, the captain of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group.

The three agreed to meet at the Mercenary Guild. It was likewise an official organization established directly by the Terra Kingdom, but compared to the Apothecary Guild, the kingdom exerted far greater control over the Mercenary Guild.

Not only did every hiring task have to be notarized by the Mercenary Guild, but the kingdom also took a cut of the reward. It strictly regulated the size of mercenary groups of every rank and raised the threshold for establishing a mercenary group through a deposit system.

After all, apothecaries were not only rare, but also greatly enhanced the kingdom's strength. Mercenaries, on the other hand, were far less important to the Terra Kingdom. The difference in status between the two was as vast as heaven and earth.

Led by Jonathan, Roland stepped into Highland City's Mercenary Guild for the first time.

Likewise, compared to the Apothecary Guild, the environment here was undoubtedly far worse. Crowds packed every corner, loud voices rose and fell as people boasted to their companions about their past feats, and what shocked Roland even more was that people were actually dueling on one side of the hall. Although neither side used battle aura, every punch landed with solid force, drawing waves of cheers from the surrounding crowd.

Seeing this, Roland could not help frowning slightly. Though the scene before him was rather novel, the situation in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands weighed heavily on his mind, making him dislike such chaotic and disorderly surroundings.

"Apothecary Roland, please bear with it for a moment. O'Neal Grey has arrived and is waiting for you in the reception room inside," Jonathan said apologetically.

"Lead the way," Roland said with a nod.

A short while later, Roland and Jonathan arrived in a quiet room.

The furnishings were simple, with only four chairs arranged around a round table.

A middle-aged man clad in armor was already inside.

The man appeared to be in his thirties or forties. His gaze was resolute, his body powerfully built, and the exposed parts of his thick arms were covered in knotted muscles. He looked like refined steel tempered a thousand times.

When he saw Roland behind Jonathan, he immediately rose to his feet and asked in a deep voice, "Apothecary Roland?"

"That is correct. I am Roland." Roland stepped out from behind Jonathan and looked up at the middle-aged man.

"I am O'Neal Grey, captain of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group. Greetings to you," O'Neal said respectfully.

Although his professional rank was higher than Roland's, Roland's status as an Intermediate Apothecary far surpassed that of a Level 7 Advanced Warrior. Thus, O'Neal was exceedingly deferential before Roland.

"Captain O'Neal, please sit." Roland smiled. Seeing O'Neal's attitude, he developed a favorable impression of him.

If mercenaries did not even know how to respect their employer, could Roland expect them to protect his safety?

After the two sat down, Jonathan naturally took on the role of attendant and poured each of them a steaming cup of tea.

"I heard from Jonathan that you wish to hire our mercenary group to protect you while you establish a territory?" O'Neal was the first to speak after sitting down.

"Yes. Jonathan strongly recommended you, and through other channels, I learned that your Loyal Lion Mercenary Group truly has an excellent reputation and is highly trustworthy," Roland praised.

At Roland's praise, a trace of pride immediately appeared on O'Neal's face. This was indeed something their mercenary group could be proud of.

"You flatter us, Apothecary Roland. We are merely fulfilling our most basic duties."

"No, not every mercenary group can accomplish even the most basic duties. You have every reason to be proud."

With Roland deliberately closing the distance between them, the smile on O'Neal's face grew even broader.

Even so, O'Neal did not forget the main purpose of his visit today.

He then lowered his voice and asked, "Apothecary Roland, where do you intend to establish your territory?"

"The Azure Sea Region."

"Have you already arranged matters with the local forces there?" As O'Neal asked this, a trace of nervousness appeared on his face. Clearly, this question was very important.

Previously, Roland would certainly have been stumped by O'Neal's question, but after Leslie's reminder, he instantly understood what O'Neal meant.

So he answered calmly, "The Black Knight Pirates will protect my territory for one year."

When he heard the name Black Knight Pirates, surprise immediately flashed across O'Neal's face. He had clearly heard of their reputation, and upon learning that Roland had actually contacted the Black Knight Pirates, he immediately let out a sigh of relief.

He had seen far too many Pioneer Knights rashly charge into the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands to establish territories before gaining the protection of a major local power. Their endings were often unimaginably miserable.

Therefore, if Roland had not made preparations in this regard, he would never have accepted Roland's employment.

If they followed Roland out to sea to establish a territory like this, they would not only have to face attacks from sea beasts, but also withstand the internal conflicts of the various forces in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands. That was absolutely not something a mercenary group of barely a hundred people could withstand.

"Apothecary Roland, I have one more question." O'Neal continued somewhat awkwardly.

"Please ask." Roland did not mind in the slightest.

After all, making a prudent choice was very important for both sides.

"Once we reach an agreement, in any battles that may occur in the future, should our mercenary group prioritize the safety of your territory or the safety of your life?"

Faced with O'Neal's question, Roland could not help giving him another look. Such a meticulous question stood in stark contrast to his burly appearance.

The safety of the territory and Roland's personal safety seemed to differ little. If the territory was safe, Roland would naturally be safe as well.

But to the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group, they were two entirely different concepts.

This would determine their future battle arrangements. If Roland prioritized the safety of the territory, they would have to protect the entire territory, placing enormous pressure on them.

But if Roland's safety took priority, they would only need to focus on protecting Roland, and the pressure of defense would be far lower.

After pondering for a moment, Roland answered seriously, "When faced with an irresistible enemy, prioritize protecting my life."

"But in an evenly matched battle, prioritize protecting the entire territory."

After hearing this, O'Neal fell silent and sank into thought.

Highland City's thriving commercial environment had attracted many mercenary groups, resulting in intense competition within the mercenary industry.

Although the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group had a good reputation in the industry and was quite popular, they were not at the point of having jobs every day.

Moreover, the roads in the eastern coastal cities of the Terra Kingdom were well developed. Many jobs could be completed in as little as a few days or at most half a month, greatly reducing their mercenary group's income.

But if they accepted Roland's employment, their mercenary group could not only avoid the exhaustion of constantly running about, but also gain a highly stable and generous monthly income.

Not to mention that Roland was an apothecary. O'Neal knew very well what an immense fortune it would be for him to gain an apothecary's friendship.

Yet the situation in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands made him hesitate again. Compared to the kingdom's interior, the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands was a completely lawless land.

Even with the protection of the Black Knight Pirates, war could not be entirely avoided.

Seeing that O'Neal had remained silent for a long time, Roland did not speak either.

This was a mutual choice. While Roland was choosing them, they were also choosing this task.

Furthermore, the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group's hiring price already far exceeded their scale, so Roland had no intention of raising his offer again.

Finally, after a long while, determination flashed in O'Neal's eyes. He then answered seriously, "Apothecary Roland, our Loyal Lion Mercenary Group is willing to accept your employment."

At O'Neal's answer, a trace of joy rose in Roland's heart. However, instead of agreeing outright, he asked, "Captain O'Neal, how many professionals does your Loyal Lion Mercenary Group currently have?"

Hearing this, O'Neal immediately understood that it was now Roland's turn to assess them, so he quickly replied, "Our mercenary group currently has a total of one hundred and five registered members. Among them, I am the only Advanced Warrior. We have five Intermediate Warriors, consisting of one Level 5 Warrior and four Level 4 Warriors, as well as twenty-eight Beginner Warriors."

"Not bad. The composition is balanced. Where is your mercenary group's base?"

"Our current base is in Gomosa Town, under Highland City."

Hearing this, Roland could not help turning his gaze toward Jonathan. After receiving his confirmation, Roland immediately asked again, "Captain O'Neal, roughly how many members of your mercenary group are married?"

This question caught O'Neal off guard. This was the first time he had encountered an employer who asked about the mercenaries' marriages before hiring them.

But to Roland, this was very important. The Loyal Lion Mercenary Group's reputation was one factor, while their families also represented the group's stability.

With family ties, they would have to consider their families' safety before making any decision.

That was why Roland had deliberately raised this question.

"Apothecary Roland, around thirty members of our mercenary group are married. However, most of those who are married are professionals, since their incomes are relatively higher." O'Neal seemed to have noticed Roland's meaning as well and deliberately emphasized the word "professionals."

"Mm. May I visit your base?" Roland asked tentatively.

O'Neal was somewhat speechless. This was the first time he had encountered such a cautious employer, but he did not refuse.

"It would be our honor."

O'Neal's permission brought a radiant smile to Roland's face. He immediately stood and said, "Good, then let us go."

"Now?" O'Neal was startled.

"Is that not possible?"

"No, no, of course it is. It is simply that the base is somewhat messy and has not been tidied up," O'Neal said hurriedly, waving his hands.

"That is of no concern," Roland said indifferently.

After all, what he wanted to see was the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group as they were, completely unprepared.