"Hiss!"
With a sharp intake of breath from the pain, Rufu slowly woke.
But the sage quickly gathered his wits. He rolled over and scrambled up, immediately spotting Qin Ran seated opposite him and the ruthless young man standing behind Qin Ran. When he saw his disciple lying unconscious beside him, he relaxed slightly.
As long as he was all right.
As for the rest?
There was still room to maneuver.
"Greetings, Your Eminence."
"I am Rufu of the Yote Plain. I know the secrets of its lords, the watchtowers within their domains, and their soldiers' patrol routes. I also know of their hidden military camps and the forces they keep in the shadows."
"If you require my services, I will tell you everything truthfully."
Shaking out his robe, Rufu rose and addressed Qin Ran with a solemn expression.
"You know the Yote Plain well?"
Qin Ran regarded the seemingly honest but actually crafty fellow with interest. Roff had told him everything that had happened, including the potion the man had hidden in his sleeve. Qin Ran had examined it carefully. Judging by his Alchemy knowledge, brewing it required at least proficiency-level skill.
More importantly, ever since waking, the man had not once asked where that potion was. After merely checking that his disciple was beside him, he had begun devising a way to handle the situation.
Crafty and adaptable.
That was Qin Ran's assessment.
As for anything more?
Until he knew whether the man was putting on an act, he would reserve judgment.
"I was born on the Yote Plain and have served several of its lords."
"So I know more than most."
"And I am willing to serve you as well."
An ingratiating smile appeared on Rufu's face.
"Mm."
"Do you know about the contract between the Yote