Cooperation

Renard hadn't expected them to agree so readily; in fact, he'd been prepared to pay a hefty price.

However, the reality far exceeded his expectations. With just a vague promise, he had easily gained their support.

A scam? Unlikely!

He quickly thought of his oath. Oaths were highly valued in this world. While he personally scoffed at them, others cherished them.

Fine, if they could truly help him at a critical moment, he wouldn't mind granting them a piece of land for their base. Saint Brieuc Fortress was surrounded by wasteland anyway.

And if he broke his word? So be it! What did he care about what his ancestors in the Duncan Family thought?

Some might find it unbelievable to gain the friendship of a powerful mercenary group for a piece of land. In fact, Renard still felt he was losing out, as every nobleman's fief had a limited area.

If he were to designate a part of his territory as the Blood Knight Mercenary Group's base, it would mean they had absolute control over that land, generation after generation.

What could be more valuable than land that belonged to them for generations?

Compared to his previous indifference, Old Walker was now incredibly enthusiastic, serving tea and water with remarkable diligence.

Finally, he rubbed his hands together and asked cautiously, "If you don't mind, I'd like to know how much land you plan to allocate. Please don't misunderstand, I just need to report back to the Guild Master."

Renard stroked his chin, thinking for a long time. Then, he drew a large circle on the table with his finger in the water, "There's a hill west of Saint Brieuc Fortress, about twenty mu in size. What do you think of that?"

That hill was where he had been attacked. He had observed it; it was a place adventurers and merchant caravans passed through, and also where the native population was most concentrated.

"It seems a bit far from Saint Brieuc Fortress," Old Walker said with a smile. "And it's a bit small."

Renard took a deep breath and then stated his opinion, "Far? I don't think so. It's only about five kilometers from here, and less than ten kilometers from the Ambrisset Mountains. The location is perfect, and it's elevated, making it ideal for establishing a mercenary camp."

He took a sip of tea and continued, "Besides, you're just establishing a camp. Twenty mu is more than enough. Don't expect too much; it's not good."

Before Old Walker could retort, Renard added, "It's on the route for merchant caravans, making trade very convenient, isn't it?"

"But..." Old Walker still wanted to say something.

Renard immediately raised his hand to interrupt him, "If you're willing to pay a high transaction tax, I don't mind opening up a piece of land around Saint Brieuc Fortress for you. Of course, the area will be smaller, about five or six mu."

Old Walker immediately fell silent upon hearing this, his eyes darting around as he clearly weighed the pros and cons.

Renard wasn't in a hurry. He gently sipped his tea, quietly awaiting an answer.

After a long pause, Old Walker showed a troubled expression, clearly still wanting to negotiate. "If young master Gilbert becomes the heir, perhaps we could get more."

Renard's expression instantly turned grim. He asked sharply, "Are you threatening me?"

Old Walker immediately realized he had said the wrong thing and hastily tried to explain, "No, no, no! I absolutely didn't mean that!"

Renard, unwilling to listen to the explanation, said directly, "The pressure you'll face helping Gilbert is entirely different from helping me. You must understand, I am the only legitimate heir to Saint Brieuc Fortress. He's just a bastard."

Old Walker quickly nodded, cold sweat beading on his forehead. For some reason, facing Renard's anger, he was suddenly reminded of the Guild Master's fury – the same imposing and unchallengeable aura.

After a long moment, Renard suppressed his anger. "Now, tell me specifically what your Blood Knight Mercenary Group can provide me."

His attitude was clear: this was the final offer, unchangeable.

Old Walker sighed with a hint of helplessness. "That depends on what you need."

Renard pondered for a moment, and an answer quickly formed in his mind. "Money and manpower. That's probably all you can offer."

Old Walker tilted his head noncommittally. "There must be a limit. After all, we can't do business at a loss."

"Two hundred gold coins," Renard said, holding up two fingers. "You will provide me with two hundred gold coins free of charge. As for manpower, I heard your Guild Master's daughter is very beautiful."

Before Old Walker could fly into a rage, he quickly corrected himself, "I was just asking casually."

"Alright, then things are tentatively settled," Renard said, standing up and stretching with force. "That day might still be far off, but it gives us time to slowly cultivate our friendship, doesn't it?"

Old Walker bowed slightly. "The Blood Knight Mercenary Group is willing to make such a transaction. However, in past collaborations, we often ended up losing our shirts. We only hope this time won't be the same."

"Don't worry, I have full confidence in myself, and you should have confidence in me too," Renard said, tilting his head back like a proud goose.

Seeing this, Old Walker secretly curled his lip, only hoping this investment wouldn't go down the drain.

After the negotiations concluded, Renard left the shop with a swagger.

Old Walker, on the other hand, quickly packed up, closed the shop, and rushed to the City of Abundance overnight. After all, this was a significant transaction. Although not yet finalized, it wasn't something he could decide on his own.

When Renard returned to the castle, the sun had just set. Without his lackeys fawning over him, he felt uneasy, a sense of being utterly alone.

Fortunately, Selina's company, a beautiful woman, offered some solace to his lonely heart.

Dinner was as simple as usual: grilled steak, smoked sausage, mashed potatoes, a vegetable salad, and a glass of cheap wine.

Because he had been busy lately, teaching the cook had slipped his mind. Now that he had to leave again, his grand plan to improve the food at Saint Brieuc Fortress had to be put on hold.

After dinner, it was completely dark. The usually bustling Saint Brieuc Fortress had fallen into silence.

Due to its poverty and backwardness, there were no entertainment facilities, so making babies became the only recreational activity.

Renard was anxiously waiting, wondering if that girl would be too shy to come.

However, he underestimated the openness of this world and the boldness of Selina.

Late at night, Selina appeared in his room wearing a sexy black silk nightgown. Under the flickering candlelight, she shed her usual shyness, becoming stunningly beautiful and captivating.