Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 9: The First Expedition (5).

In the evening as the sun was setting, the subjugation force reached the city of Berge. That was as far as the company traveled together. The mercenaries, having completed their mission, scattered each to their own path.

The carriage carrying the porters and the Allen-Mercenary Group—stopped in front of the grand mansion of the Pomwell family. Jumping down from the carriage, Allen felt a strange surge of emotion, as if he had returned home after being away for several months.

He couldn’t find the words to describe his feelings. So, he slowly uttered a silent curse.

‘Shi—it.’

It seemed the other members shared the same feelings, as each of them let out their most confident curse as they each disembarked from the carriage.

Allen instructed the servants who came to greet them to lead the members to the reception room—, and then he immediately headed to his father’s study.

It was almost sunset, but given Baron Pomwell’s workaholic nature, he was undoubtedly still working.

As expected, the baron was in his study. It seemed he had already heard that Allen had safely completed his mission in the mines.

“The mines?”

“We couldn’t completely exterminate the monsters, but we dealt a significant blow. I doubt it will come near it for a while.”

“That still leaves me uneasy.”

“We tried to eradicate it completely, but there were far more monsters than expected. Our side also suffered considerable damage, making it difficult to stay longer. There were many injuries as well.”

The word “damage” made the baron’s eyebrows twitch. Sensitive to any word related to losses, he persistently inquired.

“How extensive is the damage? Were there any deaths? What’s the loss in terms of money?”

“One porter died, and another was seriously injured. A mercenary was also seriously injured, but fortunately, there were no fatalities. It seems that the only extra expense will be the compensation for the deceased porter.”

At that, the stern expression on the baron’s face slightly relaxed. After all, even the lowest-ranking mercenary couldn’t be compared to the value of a porter’s life.

“…That’s fortunate. Yes, we can’t have mercenaries dying just from going to kill a few monsters.”

The word ‘just’ slightly twisted Allen’s mood, but he didn’t show it. The baron might be skilled in other trades, but he was ignorant when it came to the mercenary business… Surely, he spoke like that because he didn’t know the details. Anyway, it wasn’t like enlightening him would make him listen.

“Anyway, I understand. Go and rest now. Make a report, even if it’s brief, and submit it.”

“Understood.”

As befitting of the owner of a large trading company, the baron wanted reports that detailed expenses. He was the type of person who considered a task finished only when he stamped it with his approval.

Upon leaving the study, Allen headed straight to the reception room where his group members were waiting. His arrival momentarily silenced the bustling noise, which then resumed.

The mercenaries, who hadn’t touched water to their faces for five days and had engaged in fierce battles, looked worse than beggars. Their mere presence turned the splendid drawing room into what felt like a den of beggars.

Karakul, the youngest who had suffered a severe injury with his arm being torn off, was nowhere to be seen, presumably having gone straight to the temple upon arrival. Honestly, it was hard to guarantee whether his arm could be reattached after so much time had passed.

However, Allen simply wished with a pure heart for the youngest to recover safely. He might be a bit of an idiot, but he’s an innocent one.

“I really hope Karakul gets his arm reattached.”

“Even if, well, even if his arm doesn’t get reattached, he won’t starve to death. He’s even done this shitty mercenary work, after all. Don’t worry too much. Accidents in missions are inevitable. It’s his fate.”

It was harsh, but not incorrect. Unforeseen accidents were indeed his fate.

Ironically, mercenaries were particularly fond of the concept of fate. It allowed them to easily let go of any regrets. Because the moment a mercenary thinks of their regrets, the end is usually miserable.

“Anyway, everyone has worked hard during this time. The rest of the payment will be made right here, right now.”

Allen liked to settle money matters as quickly and cleanly as possible. Especially with something like labor costs, since dragging it out benefited no one.

He personally handed the pouches containing the remaining seven gold coins to each member. They immediately pulled the string, checked the contents, and then chuckled mischievously.

After paying everyone except Karakul, who had headed to the temple, he lightly rubbed his palms together and drew their attention with a “Now—”.

“The contract is hereby concluded. You may disband now.”

Everyone seemed slightly regretful. The job hadn’t been entirely easy, but the pay was relatively good for the work, and they liked their employer.

They would have to work again once they ran out of money, so they seemed to prefer staying here if possible…, but in truth, Allen didn’t want that.

‘…These guys won’t do. I’m not a philanthropist either—.’

At first, he had hired them due to the time constraint and the difficulty in gauging levels based on stats, but after going through a mission, he now roughly got the feel of it.

Although he has grown somewhat attached to them through the mission they had completed together, it’s not like Allen was so flimsy as to be swayed by such sentiments. After all, as a descendant of Baron Pomwell, he too had the cold blood of a merchant running through his veins.

“Take care, everyone. Have a pleasant night.”

“Young Master, take care as well.”

The title changed from group leader to young master. It meant they had let go of their attachments. It was good they gave up quickly.

The members left one by one. The reception room was left empty, except for Allen. However, he did not stand up from his chair, as if waiting for someone… And not long after, a man appeared.

“Young Master.”

“Ah, come in. Take a seat here.”

Allen offered the seat in front of him. Sitting opposite him was Aiden, who had been acting as the temporary captain.

“The reason you called me…”

Having lived off reading the look on others’ faces and even dipped his toes into a famous mercenary group for a while, he wouldn’t be asking if he didn’t know.

However, Allen kindly explained the reason.

“Because I need you.”

In the mercenary business, mercenaries were no different from goods. In that sense, Aiden was a somewhat useful ‘good’ here. It wouldn’t be bad even when it came time to sell him off.

Allen leaned his elbows on the table and propped his chin on the back of his hands. A faint smile, barely visible, spread slyly across his handsome face.

“I’m thinking of getting into the mercenary business.”

“The mercenary business, you say.”

“Yes.”

“…It won’t be easy.”

“I know. I felt it clearly this time. However, the mercenary business is an unavoidable trend. This southern region will soon be swept up in it too.”

For Aiden, it was an unexpected statement. The nobles of the southern region tended to look down on the mercenary business. But this young businessman seemed to think differently.

“You think so.”

“I assure you. You can even bet on it.”

There was an unwavering confidence in Allen’s tone.

“So, you’re saying you want to hire me?”

“Yes.”

The moment the affirmation was made, the place turned into a negotiation table. Aiden, seasoned in this field, couldn’t possibly miss the swift change in atmosphere.

Allen’s posture changed again. He crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair as much as possible.

“How much do you want?”

It was a simple question, but it contained a complex battle of wits.

Short-term employment doesn’t bother with bargaining unless it significantly deviates from the average, but long-term employment was different. Even a single gold coin could lead to a fierce battle of nerves. It’s no wonder they call it a negotiation battle.

Aiden kept silent for a moment. He wouldn’t easily bite even if the bait was right in front of him. Of course, he would have to bite at some point, but he had to tease and make the fisherman as anxious as possible.

“…Every month, I want twenty gold coins.”

He called out a slightly high price. Of course, that was only natural. Who would undervalue themselves?

“Twenty coins?”

Allen’s expression became subtly complex. The smile gradually faded, and his eyes turned cold.

“…That’s a bit excessive.”

“I believe I should receive that much. It’s rare to find someone with my experience in the southern region.”

This is why experience was necessary. Whether he had a line to use or not determined if his statements carried weight or not.

“Considering that.”

“I can’t go below twenty.”

“I was thinking fifteen.”

“Just add five more.”

“Considering the kids we’ll hire in the future, we can’t spend recklessly.”

“This is about my pride.”

“Fine, sixteen. How about that?”

‘This fucker.’

‘Just one more and acting all generous—!’

“…How about nineteen.”

“Sorry. My capital is limited too.”

“I’m sorry, but that won’t do.”

“Is that so? …Understood. Can’t be helped then.”

“Tsk.” Allen let out a deflated sigh.

“Let’s pretend this conversation never happened. It was a pleasure talking.”

The strong move from the opponent. Aiden couldn’t lose either.

“Understood. Then.”

He abruptly stood up from his seat.

Stable long-term employment might be an attractive option for mercenaries, but that doesn’t mean they want to be sold cheaply. As stable as it is, freedom is greatly restricted, who would want that for a small amount of money?

“Take care.”

Aiden walked steadily to the door of the reception room. Still, there was no call from behind.

He was not someone to be underestimated because of his youth. Indeed, the son of a merchant lord. His negotiation skills were different from those of the nobles.

He grabbed the doorknob. And twisted it.

…Still, the other party remained silent. So, he finally cracked the door open.

‘Damn it.’

In the end, he gave up and turned around. If it had been someone else, he might have really left, but after seeing how coldly he had sent off the members earlier, he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Even if he had left, that noble young surely wouldn’t have stopped him.

“I understand. Fine. How about seventeen?”

However, Allen shook his head firmly.

“The moment you opened the door, today’s negotiation was over. If you want to negotiate, come back tomorrow. Politely. …If you don’t feel like it, you don’t have to come.”

He smiled faintly.

“Take care.”