At first, when Samuel and his companions entered Soaring Bird City, they kept a low profile.
Although the guards at the camp’s gate demanded some bribes, the group didn’t 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 giants’ territory to escort Her Highness back, you’re sure to gain the King’s favor."
With Torin plying him with drink, Sir Samuel—now slightly tipsy—began explaining their mission to rescue the royal princess.He decided to share this information partly in the hope of using Torin’s forces, already stationed here, to help escort the delegation to the giants’ territory.
Getting to the giants’ domain means passing through land inhabited by ogres. Given the ogres’ 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 Torin’s eyes. Giants’ territory, royal delegations, the princess, the king, and noble titles—all 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?"
"That’s quite a stunning piece of secret news!"
"Still, it’s also an opportunity. If I manage to capture the princess’s 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 me—your territory is about to become the most valuable stretch of land."
Hearing this, Torin’s 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, it’s 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, no…that’s not how it is!"
Samuel, who hadn’t 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 there’s reliable news…"
Samuel’s 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 haven’t heard: our human kingdom has signed the Five-Race Alliance with the Blood Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and Giants."
Samuel’s 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 device…"
"Our human kingdom is about to open a trade route to the giants’ territory."
"And this route will very likely pass right through your domain."
"Just think: would that make your land extremely valuable? Wouldn’t it attract swarms of mercenaries and merchants?"
"Uh… but keep this secret—don’t let it spread."
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Torin’s 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 won’t be false, Baron. Just watch. Along with the delegation, there will definitely be a team of royal officials assigned to survey the route. I’d 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. It’s already late. I won’t 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.
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"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.
"She’s just one Blood Elf. Next time we go out capturing, I’ll 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.
"I’m not sure. The chance it’s misinformation is quite high. But since they’re staying here in our camp, if he dares deceive me, however much pleasure he’s having tonight, I’ll 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 knight’s information is real, then we might be in deep trouble. If Samuel’s news is true, we won’t 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 can’t protect the slice that belongs to us."