"What kind of cooperation did you have in mind?" Ang leaned back in his chair and looked calmly at Haru.
Haru scratched his head and gave an awkward smile. "To be honest... I haven't figured out the details yet."
"You may not know this, but the main people I brought to the Tarim Plane this time were young men from my territory who were of military age. There aren't many of them—only fifty in total," Ang said.
"Fifty?" Haru raised his brows slightly, clearly surprised.
Haru sighed, lifted his wineglass, and took a sip. "No wonder you took on such a dangerous mission... Fifty men. That's nowhere near enough." As he spoke, he shook his head, his voice carrying helplessness and self-mockery. "In that case, it really will be difficult for us to cooperate. My original plan was to take the initiative and hunt Hellhounds, but now it seems cooperation isn't very realistic."
Ang nodded, showing his understanding. He knew that although the viscount had ambitions, his plan truly would be difficult to carry out with so few troops.
Just then, Haru looked up, a trace of hope appearing in his eyes. "Still, Baron Ang, since we can't cooperate for now, could you do us a favor? In all of Bahoya City, you're the only mage. Those magic apprentices can't use Magic Brooms, let alone scout the movements of the Hellhounds. Could you help us with some reconnaissance?"
"That won't be a problem," Ang agreed readily. "Even if you hadn't asked, it was something I needed to do next anyway."
A grateful smile appeared on Haru's face. "Then thank you!"
As Ang rose to leave, he suddenly stopped and turned back to Haru, his gaze probing. "Haru, let me ask you something. Do you really want to take the initiative?"