The Pitiful Gatekeeper

As a lord who values his promises, Hudson immediately set about assembling a transport fleet after agreeing to deliver the goods to his door.

Fortunately, the situation in Wright and Hutton Prefectures has stabilized, and the nobles who were personally reprimanded by Count Pierce are now behaving exceptionally well.

Otherwise, with the risk of their base being raided, no matter how lucrative the rewards, Hudson wouldn't dare lead his troops away from their stronghold.

Even now, necessary precautions must still be taken. Just because no one dares to act openly doesn't mean no one will cause trouble secretly.

In this context, the main force must remain in its base to deter adversaries. This also ensures an effective counterattack should any unforeseen circumstances arise.

In this context, the use of mercenaries is inevitable. While the shipping costs are nominally borne by the other party, in practice it's a package deal, such as adding a certain percentage to the price of the goods.

The specific cost will depend on the actual situation. The shipping cost for fighting with the Skull and Bones Skull Society and for not fighting with them will definitely not be the same.

In these matters, nobles are usually quite particular. In all of Hudson's business dealings, everyone only discussed the general outline; the specific details relied entirely on their own initiative.

They never caused any trouble; even the stingiest nobles rarely resorted to tricks in these matters.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that Hudson, as the seller, is too powerful. Monopolistic sellers always have more bargaining power in transactions.

Hudson's restraint from greed and his decision not to exploit the situation were the reasons these transactions were able to proceed smoothly.

If they have a good relationship with someone, they'll inevitably offer a discount. Hudson has invested heavily in maintaining his network of connections.

"Tom, send these letters out one by one. And while you're at it, arrange a hunting trip with Baron Katerley tomorrow!"

Hudson only planned to send one hundred elite soldiers to the transport brigade, and the rest would be hired from noble private armies. It was simply a matter of money; not all knights were as expensive as his "Divine Bow Knight."

"Yes, sir!"

Upon receiving the invitation, Baron Katerley, a good neighbor of Maple Leaf Territory, couldn't help but exclaim:

"Are you kidding me? Your master invited me to go hunting tomorrow?"

It's not unusual for nobles to hunt together, but that always involves booking a time in advance.

The invitation, given that we're leaving tomorrow but were only given tonight, is not uncommon, but it only happens between nobles who have a good relationship with each other.

If the relationship isn't strong enough, it would be awkward if you sent an invitation and were rejected with a simple "I don't have time."

Looking back on all my interactions with Hudson, not a single one was pleasant, let alone a friendship.

What kind of misunderstanding could make the other person think that you have a good relationship?

Baron Katerley was very puzzled.

"Yes, Your Excellency Baron Katerley. My master said you must attend, or you'll definitely regret it later."

The messenger's original narration only deepened Baron Katerley's suspicions. It was just a hunt; why make it sound like something serious was going to happen?

Knowing that the soldier who delivered the message was completely unaware of the situation, Kateley didn't bother wasting any more time on him and simply sent him away.

"Uncle Holman, what kind of wicked scheme does that swindler Hudson have up his sleeve this time? He can't possibly be inviting me hunting tomorrow just to show off his incredible archery skills, can he?"

It's clear they have absolutely no goodwill towards Baron Katerley Hudson -Cateley. Heroes only cherish other heroes; no one will pity a cunning businessman.

Having been repeatedly tricked, he now despises even the Mountain Territory, let alone Hudson, the instigator.

"That's hard to say. He might just be trying to show off his archery skills. Actually, none of that matters. Being able to get up close and assess his abilities is a significant gain in itself."

Perhaps this Baron Hudson has other plans, but surely sending someone to invite you openly and honestly wouldn't be detrimental to you?

We have no grudges against each other. Even if there's a minor disagreement, it's because we're the ones who suffer losses; he has no reason to go after you.

Knight Holman answered calmly.

Nobles have their own rules of the game. Inviting someone to their home to kill them is such a foolish thing that even the most ruthless nobleman would not do.

Let alone the fact that we're not enemies, even if we were truly mortal enemies, we wouldn't act like this.

"What? Your master invited me to go to Qiaomu County with him?"

"My poor cousin must have lost his mind. Knowing that Skull Society are around, he still dared to go to Qiaomu County at this time."

"What did you say? With twenty guards, a round trip takes fifteen days and costs one hundred gold coins. The employer is responsible for all expenses along the way. If a battle occurs, the cost will be calculated separately and the employer will bear the losses."

Wait, I think we can consider that. If there are enough participants, it might be worth taking the risk.

It wasn't that Knight Adrian was short-sighted; it was simply that the other party was offering far too much. The normal market price for hiring someone would never be that high.

The price for hiring twenty elite guards is only a little over 100 Silver Coin per day, which seems slightly high. However, the problem is that combat costs are calculated separately, and all losses are borne by the employer. (1 gold coin = 15 Silver Coin)

Mercenaries charge high fees because they risk their lives for money, bearing all the consequences of their own deaths and injuries.

You won't find another conscientious employer like Hudson who will compensate for losses on the entire Aslant Continent.

However, this also reflects that the risk of this operation is not too high, at least it will not cause a large number of casualties, otherwise his shrewd cousin would not have promised to compensate for the losses.

"Yes, Your Excellency Knight Adrian. The contents of the letter are all promises from my master."

Besides you, there were more than a dozen other noble gentlemen who also received invitations.

Our master will personally lead the army to participate in the escort, and he guarantees that there will be no fewer than ten knights participating in this operation, so your concerns about safety are not an issue.

Looking at the confident messenger, Adrian became even more convinced of his judgment. It was most likely that some sucker had bribed his cousin.

The Skull Society is indeed powerful, but it's just a bunch of remnants, and its numbers certainly can't be that many.

With a dozen knights and hundreds of elite soldiers escorting them, they are well-equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances.

After all, this world is ultimately a world of nobles, and once a fight breaks out, it will quickly attract the attention of the surrounding noble lords.

As long as the battle is not one-sided, reinforcements will arrive on the battlefield quickly.

No matter how skilled the Skull Society and Bones members are, they can't possibly kill them all right away, can they?

If he were that powerful, he would have reversed the outcome of the last major battle, instead of having to hide everywhere from XZ.

If you don't encounter any enemies, then earn some hard-earned money to fill your empty pockets.

If you encounter an enemy and manage to capture them, that would be a huge win.

Not only can you earn money from your employer, but you also get a reward from the Governor's Mansion. If you kill one of the important figures, you can also earn a military merit.

Although there are no new territories to be allocated for the time being, no one can ever have too much military merit. Even those who serve in the Kingdom Army and have military merit will be given a higher position.

In peacetime, it has little impact, but in wartime, the rank of a soldier will directly affect the survival rate on the battlefield.

"Tell Hudson that I'm taking this deal. And if there are any more good deals like this in the future, have him continue to patronize me."

Knight Adrian answered casually.

Unlike Hudson, who was worried about his base being raided, he had absolutely no such concerns. The unfortunate few who had previously attacked Lord Adrian's territory were still busy licking their wounds.

To do it again would be to treat Count Pierce as if he were dead. The Governor himself had made the ruling, and less than two months later, to dare to overturn it would be a provocation against the Governor's authority.

Such stubborn fools do not exist in the Southeast Province. Even if a nobleman dares to go against the Governor, it is within the rules and he is going against him.

If you break the rules or challenge the Governor's authority, you will have to feel the power of the kingdom's iron fist.

Similar scenes played out in several other territories. Although none were as dramatic as Knight Adrian's performance, they were all ultimately defeated by gold coins.

Perhaps not everyone is as domineering as the Knight Adrian, who taught his neighbors a lesson, but few are as afraid of having their homes burgled as Hudson.

The reason is very simple: those invited were all poor knights. The most important wealth of the territory was its serfs, and unfortunately, no one dared to touch them now.

The land is there, and you can't move it. Before leaving, livestock, farm tools, and other valuables can be stored at the home of a good neighbor.

Unless it's a Heretical Cult attack, no nobleman would want such a poor, unprofitable territory.

If you're attacked by Heretical Cult, you should run even faster. Whether they're there or not won't affect the outcome.

Being away from home allows one to evade the obligation to defend the territory. Afterwards, one can seek help from employers to suppress the rebellion, since aristocratic societies value personal connections.

In name, Hudson was hiring bodyguards, but looking at it another way, wasn't he also doing a favor?

In just half a month, making such a round trip, you can earn back the money for farm tools and daily necessities. Such a good job is rare.

Without a certain level of rapport, you simply won't get a chance.

Under the bright sunshine of the Salam Mountain Range, a flock of geese descended from the sky with a few whooshing sounds.

If you look closely, you will find that the arrows came from 300 meters away. Although only five arrows flew out, thirteen geese fell. What is most amazing is that these arrows all passed through the heads of the geese.

How did this illogical scene happen? Nobody knows, but the facts are undeniable.

"Baron Hudson, what excellent archery skills! I doubt you can find anyone in the entire Alpha Kingdom who can rival you."

Even among the entire human race, very few can reach your level. Perhaps only some of the Elves archers can rival you.

It wasn't that Baron Katerley was deliberately exaggerating; the scene before him truly stunned him.

Laymen watch the spectacle, experts watch the details.

Having fought his way through the Northern Frontier Battlefield, he had seen his Divine Archer, but he had never heard of Hudson's unreasonable archery skills.

It's important to know that from the moment he drew the bow to the moment he released the arrow, Hudson made absolutely no preparations; it was all done on a whim.

Not only is the accuracy incredible, but the most unbelievable thing is that five arrows can be fired in quick succession without pausing, as if no aiming is needed.

Such beings, once they appear on the battlefield, would be nothing short of slaughter.

Especially regarding the arrow's range, Kateley clearly felt that over 300 meters wasn't the limit. The arrow only flew that far, precisely the distance the prey was at.

Such precise control of force should never be found in humans. Even among the most skilled archers, very few elves can achieve this level of precision.

Anyone with a little common sense knows that the skill of an archer is usually proportional to their strength, and the archers in an army are often selected from the strongest soldiers.

Baron Katerley had seen Hudson's powerful elven Strong Bow in the North; it was impossible to fully draw it without the strength of Great Knight. To control it with ease required even greater strength.

Although Hudson didn't pull the trigger at full power, Baron Katerley didn't believe he could. Hudson's composure and calmness during the shooting process alone greatly elevated his standing in Baron Katerley's eyes.

There's no explanation; it's all about showing off. The more intimidating, the better. Whether it scares the audience is none of his concern.

"Baron Katerley, you flatter me. The Aslant Continent full of hidden talents, and the legendary Archer Saint can bring down Giant Dragon with a single arrow. My meager skills can only make me a leader in a small place like the Southeast Province."

Hudson spoke without any politeness, showing no shame about cheating, as if he truly possessed such strength.

Baron Katerley's comparisons to legendary figures, used the least bit of his pretense, seemed perfectly natural. Judging from the strength Hudson has displayed so far, it might very well be a new legend in its own right.

Witnessing the birth of a legend should have been a joyous occasion, but Baron Katerley, a good neighbor, felt no joy whatsoever.

Since ancient times, being associated with legendary figures has inevitably resulted in being relegated to a supporting role.

Even though Baron Katerley was confident in his abilities, he wavered at this moment. Small Wright County couldn't accommodate two dragons.

The Baron Ciss had already put enough pressure on him, and now this powerful neighbor, who should have been peacefully cultivating the land, was baring his fangs.

"Baron Hudson, you didn't invite me here today just for the hunting, did you?"

I can't believe it Baron Katerley asked, puzzled.

Whether you stick your neck out or not, you'll get stabbed anyway. Might as well just ask directly and get to the bottom of it; I'm too lazy to waste time here.

"Ha ha..."

"Baron Katerley, you're still as quick-witted as ever. To be honest, I did invite you here today because I have something to discuss with you."

I'm planning a long trip soon, which could last anywhere from fifteen days to a month. During this time, some unscrupulous individuals might try to cause trouble.

The Mountain Territory is located in a remote area, surrounded by mountains on three sides and a plain on the other. The only suitable route for a large army to travel is through Maple Leaf Territory, so we asked our neighbors to keep an eye on things and not let any random people in.

As good neighbors, we've been through thick and thin together. I doubt Baron Katerley would refuse this small favor.

Upon hearing Hudson's shameless acceptance, Baron Katerley nearly fainted from anger.

Is this how you ask for help?

This is clearly a blatant threat.

So he was just unlucky enough to be stuck outside the gates of the Mountain Territory, and had to act as a gatekeeper without pay?

But Baron Katerley didn't dare refuse; the phrase "together we'll suffer" was incredibly powerful, and Hudson was clearly clinging to him.

It was as if they were telling him outright that if something happened to the Mountain Territory, the Maple Leaf Territory would suffer the same fate.

If it weren't for his fear of the man's strength, Baron Katerley would have loved to kill this shameless scoundrel, but unfortunately, he was not an impulsive person.

"Hudson, are you sure you can get your hands on me?"

"Baron Katerley said through gritted teeth."

It's clear he's really angry this time; he's started calling people by their first names, even omitting the word "Baron."

"I'm sorry, Baron Katerley. Actually, I didn't want this to happen either."

But there was no way to defend against an enemy hiding in the shadows until they showed themselves.

"But Maple Leaf Territory is right before us. As long as we deal with you, the enemy won't be able to get through."

Hudson said with a face full of shame.

His deep apology was palpable, but he refused to change his mind. Regardless of Baron Katerley's wishes, he was forced to act as the goalkeeper.

They were forced into this situation; for the sake of territorial security, Hudson had no choice but to be shameless once.

Unless Baron Katerley lets the enemy in, there are no other mountain paths. Getting around the vast Salam Mountain Range is no easy feat.

If they accidentally got lost along the way, Hudson would probably have to turn back from Qiaomu County before the enemy could even reach the gates of the mine.

"Baron Hudson, this is going too far! Aren't you afraid I'll fight you to the death?"

"Baron Katerley said bitterly."

If looks could kill, Hudson would have been torn to pieces and skinned alive long ago.

"Your Excellency would not do such a thing. Even if the Mountain Territory is attacked, I will only suffer heavy losses at most."

No matter how much destruction they cause, the loss is only some money and food. Surely no one would dare to slaughter all the serfs in the territory?

With my reputation, plenty of people will be willing to lend a helping hand. With the support of my family, we should be able to recover in a year or two at most.

But you are different; one failure and you lose everything. Even if your family were willing to continue providing support, it would be a drop in the ocean compared to your immediate needs.

Without your three hundred elite troops, you will not only have no foothold in Wright County, but it is also uncertain whether you will even be able to return to the North alive.

After all, you've offended quite a few people since you entered Wright County.

Perhaps they dared not do anything when Your Excellency was in a position of power, but these people certainly do not lack the courage to kick someone when they're down!

Hudson said coldly.

His eyes were fixed on Baron Katerley, as if he were waiting for the final answer.

He knew that it was precisely in situations like this that he couldn't back down. Any act of concession would only arouse suspicion in the other party.