Cooperation

Renard hadn't expected the other party to agree so readily. In fact, he'd been prepared to pay a steep price.

But reality had far surpassed his expectations. He'd merely painted them a rosy picture, and had easily won their support.

A scam? Unlikely!

Then he quickly thought of his oath. This world placed great importance on oaths. He'd always sneered at them, but that didn't stop other people from treating them as precious.

Well, if the other party really could give him a hand at a crucial moment, then he wouldn't mind carving out a piece of land for them to use as a base. Saint Brieuc Fortress was surrounded by wasteland anyway.

And if he broke his word? Then he'd break it. What did he care what happened to his Duncan Family ancestors?

Some might think it unbelievable that a piece of land could earn the friendship of a powerful mercenary group. In truth, Renard still felt he was getting the short end of the stick. After all, every noble's territory was limited in size.

If he really did designate part of his territory as a base for the Blood Knight Mercenary Group, it would give them absolute control over that land, for generations to come.

Just imagine: what could be more valuable than land that belonged to you and your descendants forever?

Compared with his earlier coldness, Old Walker was now the very picture of warmth, pouring tea and water and being as attentive as could be.

At last, he rubbed his hands together and asked cautiously, "If you don't mind, I'd like to know how large a piece of land you intend to set aside. Please don't misunderstand. I just need to give the brigade commander an answer."

Renard stroked his chin and thought for a long while. Then he dipped a finger in the water and drew a large circle on the table. "There's a hillock west of Saint Brieuc Fortress. It's about twenty mu in area. What do you think of that?"

That hillock was where he'd been assassinated. He'd observed it and knew it lay on the main route for adventurers and merchant caravans. It was also where the largest number of natives could be found.

"It seems a little far from Saint Brieuc Fortress," Old Walker said with an ingratiating smile. "And a bit small."

Renard took a deep breath, then gave his opinion. "Far? I don't think so. It's only five kilometers from here and less than ten from the Ambrisset Mountains. The location is just right, and it overlooks the surrounding area. It couldn't be more suitable for a mercenary camp."

He took a sip of tea and continued, "Besides, you're only building a camp. Twenty mu is more than enough. Don't get too ambitious. That wouldn't be wise."

Before Old Walker could object, Renard added, "It's on the main route for merchant caravans, so trade will be very convenient. Isn't that right?"

"But..." Old Walker tried to say something else.

Renard immediately raised a hand to stop him. "If you're willing to pay a hefty trade tax, I don't mind carving out a plot for you near Saint Brieuc Fortress. Of course, it'll be smaller—about five or six mu."

Old Walker immediately fell silent. His eyes darted around as he weighed the pros and cons.

Renard wasn't in a hurry. He took a slow sip of tea and quietly waited for an answer.

After a long while, Old Walker looked troubled, apparently still hoping to bargain. "If young master Gilbert gets the position of heir, we might be able to get more."

Renard's expression darkened instantly. "Are you threatening me?" he asked in a frigid voice.

Old Walker immediately realized he'd said the wrong thing and hurried to explain. "No, no! I didn't mean that at all!"

Renard couldn't be bothered to listen to his excuses. "The pressure you'd face helping Gilbert is nothing like the pressure you'd face helping me. You should know that I'm the only legitimate heir of Saint Brieuc Fortress. He's nothing but a bastard."

Old Walker nodded hastily, cold sweat beading on his forehead. For some reason, when he'd just faced an angry Renard, he'd suddenly been reminded of the brigade commander when he was angry—equally imposing and not to be offended.

After a long while, Renard tamped down his anger. "Now, tell me exactly what your Blood Knight Mercenary Group can offer me."

His stance was perfectly clear: this was his final offer, and there would be no changing it.

Old Walker sighed, looking rather helpless. "That depends on what you need."

Renard considered it briefly, and soon had his answer. "Money and manpower. That's probably all you can offer."

Old Walker tilted his head in a noncommittal gesture, then continued, "There has to be a limit. We can't afford to lose money on the deal."

"Two hundred gold coins." Renard held up two fingers. "You'll give me two hundred gold coins for free when the time comes. As for manpower, I've heard your brigade commander has a beautiful daughter."

Before Old Walker could fly into a rage, Renard hurriedly changed his tune. "I was just asking."

"All right, let's settle things for now." Renard stood up and stretched heartily. "That day may still be a long way off, but that gives us plenty of time to build a friendship, doesn't it?"

Old Walker bowed slightly. "The Blood Knight Mercenary Group is very willing to make this deal. It's just that our past partnerships with others have often ended in utter ruin. I only hope this time will be different."

"Don't worry. I have complete confidence in myself, and you should have confidence in me too." Renard held his head high, like a proud goose.

Old Walker secretly curled his lip at the sight, hoping this investment wouldn't go to waste.

Once their discussion was over, Renard strode out of the shop with his legs apart.

Old Walker quickly packed up, closed the shop, and hurried toward the City of Abundance in the middle of the night. It was a substantial deal, and even though nothing had been finalized yet, it wasn't something he could decide on his own.

When Renard returned to the castle, the sun had just set. Without his lackeys swarming around him, he felt completely out of sorts, like a lonely king.

Fortunately, he had the beautiful Selina for company, which somewhat soothed his lonely heart.

Dinner was as simple as ever: steak, smoked sausages, mashed potatoes, vegetable salad, and a glass of cheap wine.

He'd been busy lately and had forgotten about teaching the cook. Now he was about to leave, so his grand plan to improve the food at Saint Brieuc Fortress would have to be put on hold.

After dinner, it grew completely dark, and the usually noisy Saint Brieuc Fortress sank into silence.

The place was poor and backward, with no entertainment to speak of, so making babies had become the only pastime.

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

But he'd underestimated how open this world was, and Selina's boldness as well.

Late that night, Selina appeared in his room wearing a sexy black silk nightgown. In the flickering candlelight, the shyness she usually wore had fallen away, and she looked alluring and captivating.