Yveta said, "Given the damage you've done to our village, we believe you should compensate us at least 3,700 gold pounds before you retreat."
In this era, the purchasing power of a gold pound was still considerable.
The land in an entire village might be worth only a little over a hundred gold pounds. Houses would cost more, perhaps bringing the total value of a village's buildings to one or two hundred gold pounds.
Leili's quote at the Shao Jiu Inn last time had included some deliberate overcharging.
In truth, a forest inn couldn't possibly be worth 40 gold pounds.
And 3,700 gold pounds had tremendous purchasing power. It could even equip an entire militia force.
Pan's expression turned amused as well. "We can retreat right now."
"But why should we have to pay you?"
"Because if you do, we'll warn Jielong that the Children of the Forest are hunting him," Yveta said. "Pan, you don't want us warning your target, do you?"
Pan's smile faltered slightly.
You really are shameless.
If I remember correctly, Jielong is your enemy, isn't he?
And you're actually using the threat of notifying your own enemy as leverage to blackmail me.
Pan coughed. "The Children of the Forest have no money."
Before Yveta could speak, he added, "The Treant People can get their hands on some supplies, but that's not something they can do under normal circumstances."
"Transferring large amounts of gold coins would take a long time. You don't want us staying here indefinitely, and we can't stay here forever either."
"Let's trade goods instead. Two knights on your side have drunk the ancient tree's sap and contracted Thirst Addiction. I can have the Treant People provide the antidote."
"That way, you'll save them, and they'll surely become even more devoted to you."