At first, when Samuel and his companions entered Soaring Bird City, they kept a low profile.
Although the guards at the campâs gate demanded some bribes, the group didnât pay much attention to it, because nobles in human territory have the right to collect passage fees and similar tributes.
Exhausted in both body and mind, they simply wanted a safe environment where they could get a few days of peaceful rest.
Who would have expected that, in less than three days, another squad of guards would show up outside their tent, demanding further "protection fees"?
Naturally, Samuel and his companions refused to be extorted, so a fight broke out.
The dispute escalated quickly, drawing the attention of Torin and a large group of fully armed mercenaries. Only then did Samuel have no choice but to reveal that they were part of an official delegation.
Torin, recognizing the potential in this news, immediately changed his attitude. He invited Samuel into his own tent, exempted all of them from any protection fees, and offered endless rounds of wine and roasted meat as an apology.
"Baron Torin, trust me: if you join us in heading to the giantsâ territory to escort Her Highness back, youâre sure to gain the Kingâs favor."
With Torin plying him with drink, Sir Samuelânow slightly tipsyâbegan explaining their mission to rescue the royal princess.He decided to share this information partly in the hope of using Torinâs forces, already stationed here, to help escort the delegation to the giantsâ territory.
Getting to the giantsâ domain means passing through land inhabited by ogres. Given the ogresâ volatile nature, they attack outsiders on sight, and those who lose will undoubtedly end up as their next meal.
So, the more powerful the delegation, the safer everyone will be.
A glint of ambition flickered in Torinâs eyes. Giantsâ territory, royal delegations, the princess, the king, and noble titlesâall these words strung together, stirring his mind.
In truth, Torin had little interest in rescuing the princess. But once he realized this was a chance to earn higher rank, he began to make plans.
"So the princess has been captured?"
"Thatâs quite a stunning piece of secret news!"
"Still, itâs also an opportunity. If I manage to capture the princessâs heart, my territory and I might soar to new heights."
Torin continued drinking, secretly imagining all sorts of scenarios while showering Samuel with words of praise. His flattery made Samuel feel even more proud and honored.
After several more rounds, Samuel suddenly leaned in close to Torin and whispered:
"Baron Torin, believe meâyour territory is about to become the most valuable stretch of land."
Hearing this, Torinâs eyes widened slightly, though he forced a bitter smile.
"Sir Samuel, you must be joking. My territory is on the far edge of the human kingdom. Apart from the occasional mercenary group desperate enough to camp here, itâs all forest and beasts beyond these borders."
As he spoke, Torin put on a somber expression and downed two big mugs of ale in one go.
"No, noâŠthatâs not how it is!"
Samuel, who hadnât had such a good drink in a long time, was genuinely a bit drunk now.
Of course, he also had some personal motives. He wanted to grow closer to Torin, knowing the baron might soon rise to power.
So Samuel revealed another piece of information:
"Baron Torin, you may not know this, but thereâs reliable newsâŠ"
Samuelâs voice dipped so low it was almost inaudible. He hiccupped, gesturing for Torin to lean in.
Torin, his curiosity already piqued, moved closer, smiling intently.
"Baron, you surely havenât heard: our human kingdom has signed the Five-Race Alliance with the Blood Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and Giants."
Samuelâs voice rose and fell unsteadily as he continued in a half-drunken murmur.
"Heh⊠I can let you in on a little secret: Grand Duke Richard sent word through a magic deviceâŠ"
"Our human kingdom is about to open a trade route to the giantsâ territory."
"And this route will very likely pass right through your domain."
"Just think: would that make your land extremely valuable? Wouldnât it attract swarms of mercenaries and merchants?"
"Uh⊠but keep this secretâdonât let it spread."
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Torinâs eyes went wide with surprise.
"Sir Samuel, are you certain of this?"
Any hint of drunkenness vanished from Torin. This piece of news completely overwhelmed him.
"It wonât be false, Baron. Just watch. Along with the delegation, there will definitely be a team of royal officials assigned to survey the route. Iâd wager a large contingent of slave laborers from the kingdom are already on their way, too."
Torin fought to contain his excitement, steadily drinking more as he spoke to Samuel with even greater respect.
Late into the night, Torin personally escorted Samuel to a larger, cleaner tent.
Inside, a naked Blood Elf lay waiting on the bed.
"Sir Samuel, the woman in that tent is yours. You may do whatever you please with her tonight. Itâs already late. I wonât disturb you further."
With a sly grin, Torin guided Samuel into the tent. Only when he heard the sounds of passion from within did he finally step away.
Returning to his own quarters, he found Mercenary Corps Deputy Commander Mike and Slave-Hunter Captain Wyatt already waiting.
Both men had contracts with Torin and were wholly trustworthy.
"Master, that Blood Elf is your favorite woman. Are we really just giving her away like this?"
Wyatt was clearly upset. Torin had promised him that once he got tired of the Blood Elf, Wyatt could have her as his lover.
"Sheâs just one Blood Elf. Next time we go out capturing, Iâll let you pick whichever one you like."
Torin patted Wyatt on the shoulder, though his own thoughts were elsewhere.
"Master, do you think what that knight said could be true?" Mike asked, his voice raw with anticipation.
"Iâm not sure. The chance itâs misinformation is quite high. But since theyâre staying here in our camp, if he dares deceive me, however much pleasure heâs having tonight, Iâll make sure he pays for it twice over in pain."
The tent fell silent for a moment. After a pause, Mike spoke again, his tone grim.
"Master, if the knightâs information is real, then we might be in deep trouble. If Samuelâs news is true, we wonât just see the arrival of the royal delegation and slave workers; countless nobles will come bearing down on us as well."
"Master, that would put us in a dangerous position."
"This territory will become a massive piece of cake, but we might end up losing our right to even share in it.With our current strength, we canât protect the slice that belongs to us."