Loyal Lion Mercenary Group

The next day, early in the morning.

Jonathan's efficiency this time was extremely high. In just one night, he had arranged for Roland to meet with O'Neal Grey, the leader of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group.

The three agreed to meet at the Mercenary Guild. It was also an official organization directly established by the Terra Kingdom, but compared to the Apothecary Guild, the Terra Kingdom's control over the Mercenary Guild was much stronger.

Not only did every hiring mission have to be notarized by the Mercenary Guild, but the Kingdom also levied a tax on the mission rewards. Furthermore, the scale of mercenary groups at each level was strictly regulated, and the entry threshold for mercenary groups was raised through a deposit system.

After all, professions like apothecaries were not only rare but also greatly enhanced the Kingdom's strength. However, the profession of mercenary was too insignificant to the Terra Kingdom; the difference in status between the two was like night and day.

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

Similarly, compared to the Apothecary Guild, the environment here was undoubtedly much harsher. Crowds of people were everywhere, and noisy shouts rose and fell, with companions bragging about their past bravery. What shocked Roland even more was that on one side of the hall, duels were actually taking place on the spot. Although neither party used battle qi, their punches still landed with solid impact, eliciting cheers from the surrounding crowd.

Seeing this scene, Roland couldn't help but frown slightly. Although the scene was novel, he had been deeply affected by the situation in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands and disliked such chaotic and disorderly scenes.

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

"Take me there," Roland nodded and said.

A moment 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 in armor was already in the room.

The man was about thirty or forty years old, with resolute eyes and a robust physique. His exposed, thick arms were covered in bulging, knotted muscles, looking like finely tempered steel.

When he saw Roland behind Jonathan, he immediately stood up and asked in a deep voice, "Apothecary Roland?"

"That's right, it's me." Roland stepped out from behind Jonathan and looked up at the middle-aged man.

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

Although his professional Level was higher than Roland's, Roland's status as an Intermediate Apothecary was far superior to that of a Level 7 Advanced Warrior, so O'Neal appeared very humble before Roland.

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

If even the employer didn't know how to respect them, could Roland expect these mercenaries to protect his safety?

After the two were seated, Jonathan naturally took on the role of an attendant, pouring each of them a cup of steaming hot tea.

"I heard from Jonathan that you wish to hire our mercenary group to protect you as you open up territory?" O'Neal asked first after they were seated.

"Yes, Jonathan highly recommended you, and I learned through other channels that your Loyal Lion Mercenary Group has a good reputation and excellent credibility," Roland praised.

Upon receiving Roland's praise, O'Neal's face immediately showed a hint of pride. This was indeed something their mercenary group could be proud of.

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

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

With Roland deliberately trying to build rapport, O'Neal's smile grew even warmer.

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

He then asked in a low voice, "Apothecary Roland, may I ask where you plan to open up territory?"

"The Azure Sea Region."

"Have you made any prior arrangements with the local powers there?" O'Neal asked, a hint of nervousness appearing on his face. It was clear this question was important.

If it were before, Roland would have been stumped by O'Neal's question. However, after Leslie's advice, he immediately understood O'Neal's meaning.

So, he calmly replied, "The Black Knight Pirates will provide protection for my territory for one year."

Upon hearing the Black Knight Pirates, a flash of surprise crossed O'Neal's face. He had clearly heard of their reputation. Therefore, upon learning that Roland had actually contacted the Black Knight Pirates, he immediately felt relieved.

He had seen too many Pioneer Knights rashly charge into the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands to open up territory without the protection of the local major powers, and their fates were often tragic.

Therefore, if Roland had not made such preparations, he would absolutely not have accepted Roland's commission.

If they were to follow Roland to sea and open up territory just like that, they would not only have to face attacks from sea monsters but also resist the internal strife from various powers in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands. This was by no means something a mercenary group of less than a hundred people could withstand.

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

"Please ask," Roland said, not minding at all.

After all, a cautious choice was important for both parties.

"If we reach an agreement, in future possible battles, will our mercenary group prioritize the safety of your territory or your personal safety?"

Facing O'Neal's question, Roland couldn't help but look at him sideways. Such a meticulous question was vastly different from his robust image.

Territory safety versus Roland's personal safety – the two seemed similar, and Roland would naturally be at ease if the territory was safe.

However, for the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group, these were two different concepts.

This would determine their deployment in future battles. If Roland prioritized territory safety, they would have to protect the entire territory, which would be a great pressure.

But if they prioritized Roland's safety, they would only need to focus on protecting Roland, and the defensive pressure would be much less.

Roland pondered for a moment before replying seriously, "When facing an insurmountable enemy, prioritize my life."

"But in evenly matched battles, prioritize the protection of the entire territory."

O'Neal fell silent after hearing this, lost in thought.

Due to the prosperous trade environment of Highland City, it had attracted the influx of many mercenary groups, leading to intense internal competition in the mercenary industry.

Although the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group had a good reputation and was popular in the industry, it wasn't to the extent that they had missions every single day.

Furthermore, the eastern coastal cities of the Terra Kingdom had well-developed roads, and many missions could be completed in as little as a few days or as long as half a month. This significantly reduced their mercenary group's profits.

However, once they accepted Roland's employment, not only did their mercenary group avoid the exhaustion of running around, but they also received a very stable and generous monthly income.

Not to mention that Roland was an apothecary. He knew very well what a great asset the friendship of an apothecary could be to him.

But facing the situation in the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands, he couldn't help but fall into a dilemma. After all, compared to within the Kingdom, the Sea of Ten Thousand Islands was a complete lawless land.

Even with the protection of the Black Knight Pirates, it was impossible to completely avoid the outbreak of war.

Seeing O'Neal, who hadn't spoken for a long time, Roland also remained silent.

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

Moreover, the employment price offered by the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group far exceeded their current scale, so Roland had no intention of increasing his offer again.

Finally, after a long silence, O'Neal's eyes flashed with determination, and he replied very seriously, "Apothecary Roland, our Loyal Lion Mercenary Group is willing to accept your employment."

Faced with O'Neal's answer, a hint of joy rose in Roland's heart. However, he didn't agree directly. Instead, he asked, "Commander O'Neal, what is the current number of professionals in your Loyal Lion Mercenary Group?"

Upon hearing this, O'Neal immediately knew that it was Roland's turn to assess them. So, he quickly replied, "Our mercenary group currently has a registered strength of one hundred and five people. Among them, I am the only Advanced Warrior. There are five Intermediate Warriors, consisting of one Level 5 warrior and four Level 4 warriors. The number of Beginner Warriors is twenty-eight."

"Not bad, a reasonable distribution. May I know where your mercenary group's base is located?"

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

Upon hearing this, Roland couldn't help but turn his gaze to Jonathan. After receiving confirmation from him, he immediately asked again, "Commander O'Neal, do you know approximately how many members of your mercenary group are married?"

This question surprised O'Neal. This was the first time he had encountered an employer inquiring about the marital status of mercenaries before hiring them.

However, for Roland, this was very important. The reputation of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group was one aspect, but their families also represented the stability of the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group.

With the bond of family, they would have to consider the safety of their families before making any decisions.

This was why Roland specifically asked this question.

"Apothecary Roland, approximately thirty members of our mercenary group are married. However, most of those who are married are professionals, as their income is higher," O'Neal said, seemingly sensing Roland's intention and emphasizing the word "professionals."

"Mm, may I visit your base?" Roland asked tentatively.

O'Neal was somewhat speechless at this moment. 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 an extremely bright smile to Roland's face. He immediately got up and said, "Alright, let's go then."

"Now?" O'Neal was taken aback.

"Is that not possible?"

"No, no, of course, it's possible. It's just that the base is a bit messy and hasn't been tidied up," O'Neal quickly waved his hand.

"It doesn't matter," Roland said indifferently.

After all, what he wanted to see was the Loyal Lion Mercenary Group in their unprepared state.