"What? The outpost is on lockdown? "
The temporary person in charge of Kate Trading Company, Ainte, was standing in front of the Sicar outpost when he was stopped by a soldier. When he heard the soldier's explanation, Ainte couldn't help but look at Pol beside him.
Although Ainte had been in Kate Trading Company for 10 years, most of the time, he was just following orders. He wasn't used to being the leader all of a sudden.
Especially after what had happened before, Ainte was really scared.
Now, the temporary resting spot that he had planned had an accident, it made Ainte's heart even more messed up.
Ainte didn't conceal his emotions as his heart was in a mess.
Pol could tell with a single glance.
However, Pol didn't have the intention to mock Ainte.
In order to complete his main mission, Pol was trying his best to rope in anyone he could.
Ainte was a decent choice.
Or in other words, the appearance of the God of War emblem in Kate Trading Company's convoy told Pol that the person in front of him was worth investing in.
Think about it, when the convoy met with an accident, the leader of the convoy and the leader of the guards died one after another, Ainte alone supported the whole convoy and safely brought them back to Aïtantin Castle.
As long as the owner of the trading company wasn't an idiot, he would put Ainte in an important position.
Likewise, Ainte, as the person who contributed during the process, would naturally enter Ainte's line of sight.
Pol made up his mind right away and said, "We have enough food with us.
"We have enough food with us. Although we can't enter the outpost, we can rest outside for the time being."
"Okay, okay."
I'll make the arrangements right away. "
Ainte nodded repeatedly and went to make the arrangements.
It was no different from before.
Pol thought for a while before stopping Ainte.
"What's wrong, Mr. Pol?"
Ainte looked at Pol in confusion.
"Mr. Ainte, you are now the person in charge of the trading company. Even if it's just a temporary person in charge, you should have your own imposing manner, you don't need to be a yes-man.
"What's more, a leader will affect the entire team."
Don't forget, we still have a day and night's journey ahead of us. "
Pol reminded Ainte.
Some things were better said on the spot. Otherwise, it would be counterproductive.
Pol knew that he needed allies, not enemies.
Ai Te was stunned.
"I know."
"But there are some habits I really can't change."
"Thank you, Mr. Pol."
Ai Te smiled bitterly and thanked him sincerely.
Facing such sincere thanks, Pol smiled.
He had achieved his goal.
Next?
Naturally, it was to start a fire and cook.
That person's requirements for food were not low.
Under Ainte's command, the caravan arrived at the side of the outpost in an orderly manner and began to rest. Ash Kano, who had already seen Pol, was tidying up and inspecting the carriages. At the same time, he untied the warhorses that had been running all night and pulled them to the side to rest and feed them fodder.
One by one, the bean cakes were broken up by Ash Kanuo and placed into the bag of fodder.
The bodyguard stroked the horse's mane and turned to look at Pol.
More precisely, the big wok in front of Pol.
Two big rocks formed a simple fireplace. The firewood inside was burning fiercely and the cured meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions in the wok were boiling in the gravy.
A couple of eggs covered in mud were tossed into the wok by Pol and a couple of big cakes were placed beside the wok. Soon, the aroma of wheat spread.
Ash Kanuo's nose was twitching non-stop, his saliva was swallowing non-stop.
However, he knew who the boss' bodyguard was in the caravan, so he quickly turned around and knocked on the door.
Dok, Dok, Dok.
"Sir Corin, it's time to eat."
Ash Kanuo said loudly.
"Okay."
Kieran pushed the door open and walked down.
Kieran would never reject food. Even if the taste was average, as long as the food was cooked with care, Kieran would still accept it.
Without a doubt, Pol really put his heart into cooking.
Although … his skills were average.
"I've never learned how to cook.
You know, I focus more on how to survive. "
Pol honestly took the bowl and passed it to Kieran.
"Em."
Kieran nodded in understanding and took the bowl.
Players, especially newbies, would never pay attention to skills like cooking when they entered the dungeon world. Skills and items that could quickly increase their strength were what mattered most.
It was a situation that wouldn't change even if a player reached the Advanced Rank.
As for Starbeck?
He was special, so he wasn't counted.
Thinking of Starbeck, Kieran took the bowl and took a sip.
The taste of the cured meat had completely blended into the gravy, the potatoes were mushy, the carrots were soft, the pancakes were crispy, and the eggs were average. Similar to the other food, there was no conflict between the two but nothing that caught Kieran's eyes.
But …
Eat your fill!
Therefore, Kieran didn't think much and started to eat his breakfast.
Pol couldn't help but heave a long breath of relief when he saw Kieran's reaction.
To him, Kieran's expression didn't change at all was the best thing.
As for more?
He had made up his mind to learn how to cook when he returned to the big city.
But that was in the future.
Now?
"Ash, it's time to eat."
Borl called out to his bodyguard.
The bodyguards, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly joined the meal.
Not just Kieran and the others, the whole convoy was having breakfast as well.
Some were simple, just black bread and hot water.
Some were like Pol, burying themselves in the pot and cooking.
From sunrise until the sun reached the center of the sky, it was the convoy's rest time.
In the afternoon, they would continue their journey.
Of course, that wasn't all.
Some merchant groups that went through last night's incident would temporarily stay around the outpost station. After a full day's rest, they would choose to continue their journey at dawn because they would reach the next outpost station before dark. The outpost station of Aïtantin Castle.
However, Kate Trading Group and some other merchant groups that had to reach Aïtantin Castle as soon as possible would never choose to do so.
If they had a choice, they wouldn't want to take such a risk.
But they had no other choice.
Most of the reason was because of the contract.
Merchant groups had to pay a huge amount of Gold Purton when they were transporting their goods.
If the time limit was exceeded, the merchant group would have to pay a huge amount of Gold Purton.
It was enough to send most of the merchants back to their pre-liberation state overnight. Some might even go bankrupt.
Those who had already lived a decent but prosperous life would definitely not want to return to the poor class.
So, they chose to take the risk.
After breakfast, other than the necessary guards, the whole convoy fell into silence. Most of the people went to sleep. After a night of fear, the merchants that were staying at the outpost station could finally have a good rest.
However, that did not include Kieran.
After checking the surroundings out of habit, Kieran looked further away, towards the direction of Aïtantin Castle.
More than 10 minutes later …
Kakroom!
The clatter of hooves sounded like thunder.
The sleeping merchants woke up one after another, instinctively grabbing their weapons. The guards of the merchant group even drew their swords out of their sheaths and lit up their matchlocks.
The soldiers of Sicar outpost even walked up to the wooden fortifications of the outpost station and looked towards the direction of Aïtantin Castle with a high vigilance.
It wasn't until the group of a hundred riders appeared and when they saw the golden swallowtail flag raised high by their leader, the Knight, everyone heaved a breath of relief.
The golden swallowtail flag fluttered along with the wind.
The image of a majestic eagle was carved on it, spreading its wings and soaring.
It was the emblem of the imperial court of Aïtantin.
When the group of riders arrived in front of Sicar outpost station, they reined in their horses in unison. One of the riders in leather armor jumped down from his horse and galloped towards the outpost station.
A while later, when the rider returned, the hundred riders galloped towards the direction of Sicar again.
Throughout the whole process, the riders did not communicate with the merchants at all, not even sparing a glance at them.
The merchants cooperated well and didn't make any noise, only whispering to each other after the riders left.
"These are the guards of the royal family."
It's the elite army created by His Majesty the First, the one who created the whole of Aïtantin.
They are the guardians of Aïtantin Castle, why are they here?
Is it to welcome the new lord of Sicar?
"Looks like His Majesty Edward VI really values that new lord!"
"Of course!"
In the whole of Aïtantin, no, in the whole of the Northern Lands, who else is more 'eye-catching' than the new lord? Don't forget, she is an extremely wealthy widow!
His Majesty the Sixth's treasury isn't that rich, otherwise he wouldn't have given such a decree.
So, you know what I mean. "
…
The merchants were undoubtedly well-informed.
Soon enough, some rumors that were hard to differentiate between real and fake appeared in the merchant group.
After Pol heard the rumors, he quietly observed Kieran's expression.
In Pol's point of view, what happened in Sicar must have something to do with Kieran. In simpler words, Kieran used a series of sudden incidents to control the whole of Sicar.
Now, someone popped up out of nowhere and wanted to snatch the fruits of victory, to pick the peaches.
Based on the rumored Flaming Devil's character, the royal guardians would die a graveless death.
However, to Pol's surprise, Kieran didn't show any expression, leaning back in the carriage as if he was about to fall asleep.
Kieran didn't show any expression. Pol dared not ask anymore.
He did what he was supposed to do.
He filled the heater with charcoal to make the carriage warmer.
The sound of charcoal filling the heater entered Kieran's ears ceaselessly. Pol's observation that he thought was hidden didn't escape Kieran's instinct.
However, Kieran didn't explain further.
Just like how he would never tell the other party that he had already arranged everything in advance.
Otherwise, why would he send Bloody Mary to follow the baroness around?
Just to watch the baroness stare at Bloody Mary like a young girl?
Kieran wasn't that bored.
All he did was occasionally pay attention to Bloody Mary.
…
Bloody Mary, who had been sitting opposite the baroness like it was sleeping, suddenly opened its eyes.
It couldn't help but curl its lips.
"Everything is just as Boss predicted."
"Even a king would be tempted by a large piece of land."
The current situation in Sicar was very special.
After the viscount's death, his son's whereabouts were unknown, and a bunch of his relatives were executed, the only heir left was the baroness.
Even though she hadn't officially inherited the land of Sicar yet.
However, her value wasn't what it used to be anymore.
It could even be said to be extremely popular.
No one would mind marrying the widow and inheriting the land of Sicar through her.
Land was sacred and inviolable!
It was a fact acknowledged by the whole of Aïtantin, even the Northern Land and the South.
However, the joint property of a married couple was also acknowledged.
Especially when one side was at a 'disadvantage', such recognition was even more obvious.
In order to better serve its boss, Bloody Mary had done some research on it.
At the same time, Bloody Mary understood the saying: never overestimate a person's bottom line in the face of temptation.
Therefore, it looked at the baroness.
"What's wrong, Simon?"
The sensitive baroness noticed Bloody Mary the moment it opened its eyes. When Bloody Mary looked at her, the new lord of Sicar asked.
However, it wasn't a question, it was a question in a weak tone.
"Erin, my lord told me that trouble is coming."
Bloody Mary didn't hide it.
"Trouble?
It's from … "
The baroness didn't say the exact word, but she pointed at the direction of Aïtantin Castle.
Bloody Mary nodded.
The baroness sighed softly, her face showing worry.
As a noble born baroness, she might be a shut-in and afraid of socializing, but it didn't mean she was stupid. Quite the opposite, a lot of reading gave her knowledge that others didn't have.
Therefore, the baroness knew what kind of situation she was in.
Otherwise, when her brother passed away, she wouldn't have gone to Aïtantin Castle at first notice.
Because she knew very well that only by going there would she be able to deal with a group of greedy people and obtain a chance of survival.
But now, the situation was different.
The greedy ones inside the castle were all wiped out.
It was a good news.
But there was another bad news.
The bad news was that she had to face the greedy ones from the outside.
A bunch of vicious and cunning bastards.
And the leader of the enemies must be Aïtantin VI.
The worse thing was, she was heading to the enemy's lair, Aïtantin Castle.
Once the thought popped into her mind, the baroness was at a loss.
A lot of reading granted her knowledge that surpassed others, but it didn't grant her the corresponding abilities.
An armchair strategist.
Maybe it was the best way to describe the baroness.
Fortunately, she wasn't fighting alone.
Without a second thought, the baroness grabbed Bloody Mary's hand and placed it under her chin. She looked like she was praying and her eyes were showing a sense of begging.
"Simon, help me."
"Of course, my lady.
This is why I'm here. "
Bloody Mary nodded with a smile and quietly drew its hand back, wiping it behind its back when the baroness didn't notice.
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