Chapter 61: Giaris Mercenary Guild
"If you need help, come to RA-02 Police Station and ask for me. I'll do my best to help you, kid," Kyler said solemnly.
"Okay." Raven nodded quietly and picked up the leather pouch. He organized the documents, the pouch, and the tablets in a separate Gladstone bag, holding it firmly as he turned toward the exit.
"Do you want me to accompany you to Bristol Street?" Kyler asked, concern flashing in his eyes.
"No, sir. I have other plans before going home," Raven replied. After a brief pause, he asked, "Do you know where the Giaris Mercenary Guild is located?"
Kyler's eyes widened. "Don't tell me you plan on hiring a mercenary squad to protect yourself?"
"I'm powerless in the eyes of other nobles, Sir Kyler. I need a strong team to protect myself and my property. I can't risk being kidnapped again." Raven's voice carried a hint of worry.
Kyler studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. "Then head to Halberd Alley in Eastmine Borough. Look for Jose at the guild and mention my name. He'll help you get acquainted with the Sepoy Mercenaries. They were originally a Guard and Reconnaissance Unit of the Red Sepoys Army with a high reputation, but after a conflict with the vice-commander, they became private mercenaries. Their leader is a Peak Rank Radiant Walker with a Type-U Aether Rifle. With him on your side, even an Expert Walker will think twice before trying to capture you."
"Type-U Aether Rifle? Expert Walker?" Raven tilted his head, confused.
Kyler chuckled. "Ah, I forgot. You lost your memories. The Type-U Aether Rifle is an Uncommon weapon, capable of killing a Radiant Walker in one shot. Rumor has it Jacob even wounded an Expert Walker during a mission in the Shadow Nation, earning the title 'Scarlet Wolf.'" He paused. "But hiring them even for a month will cost more than a thousand gold coins."
Raven nodded. "Expensive… but I'll find a way to get the money."
"You can check your family account at Zenith Royal Bank. Some funds should still be there," Kyler added.
Raven thanked the constable quietly and left the hospital. Outside, a four-wheeled hackney carriage waited across the street. He raised his hand, and the driver quickly noticed, turning the carriage toward him.
"Halberd Alley, Eastmine," Raven instructed.
"That'll be three silvers, sir," the driver replied.
"Quite expensive," Raven muttered. As he reached for the money, he froze.
'Oh no… Thomas' corpse is still in my inventory,' he realized.
"Do you have some water?" he asked.
"There's a leather water pouch in the carriage," the driver answered.
Raven stepped in and washed his hands and the coins, making sure everything was clean.
[The corpse won't rot inside the inventory, but it's safer to dispose of it in a forest or woodland,] Zera advised.
Raven nodded, patient as the carriage weaved through the busy streets of Giaris City. Over an hour later, they arrived at Halberd Alley.
The Giaris Mercenary Guild was imposing. Dark stone walls rose high, narrow windows punctuating the façade. A massive wooden door reinforced with iron bands bore the guild emblem—a pair of crossed swords behind a shield. Two guards, rifles in hand, flanked the entrance.
Raven paid the three silvers and climbed the Perron staircase. The guards watched him warily but let him pass.
Inside, the guild's main hall was alive with activity. High vaulted ceilings and tapestries depicting battles lent it grandeur. The smell of burning wood filled the air. Mercenaries crowded long tables, discussing contracts and swapping stories.
Raven scanned the room and spotted a group he assumed could point him to Jose. He approached and asked above the din, "Excuse me, I'm looking for Jose. Can you tell me where to find him?"
A burly man with a thick beard nodded toward a side door. "He's in the back office, dealing with contracts. Knock, and he'll let you in."
Raven thanked him and approached the door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.
"Come in," a deep voice called.
The office was cluttered with papers, maps, and a large wooden desk. Behind it sat a man in his forties, rugged, with sharp eyes and gray-streaked hair—Jose.
"Who are you?" Jose asked, motioning for him to sit.
"Head Constable Kyler told me to come," Raven replied, placing his Gladstone bag carefully on the floor. "I need to hire a mercenary squad for protection. Kyler suggested the Sepoy Mercenaries."
Jose leaned back, evaluating him. "The Sepoy Mercenaries, huh? Experienced and well-equipped… but not cheap. Are you ready for the cost?" His gaze lingered on Raven's worn shirt.
Raven smiled awkwardly. "Oh… I'm Thomas Holmes, the one in the news last week."
Jose's eyes widened. "Ah! No wonder you looked familiar. How are you now? I read you lost some memories."
"Some memories are still blurry, but I recall familiar faces. I need strong protection urgently," Raven said firmly.
Jose nodded. "With your household's wealth in the Royal Bank, hiring them for a year won't be a problem."
Raven was startled. 'How does he know my exact funds?'
"Oh! After you disappeared for six months, the Council of Spade submitted your death certificate to Zenith Royal Bank and requested a public announcement of your family's property," Jose explained, pulling a newspaper from a cupboard. "Legacy News, July 28th… see the seventh page, left corner."
Raven flipped to the page.
**"Holmes Household properties are going to be auctioned! Council Leader announces: proceeds to be used for orphans' education. Holmes Household's net worth:
Savings: 12,340 Gold CoinsChâteau Holmes Wine Factory: 280,000–350,000 Gold CoinsMansion: 13,000–16,000 Gold CoinsHolmes Apothecary: 8,000 Gold CoinsThomas Book Emporium: 7,000 Gold CoinsVelvet Millinery: 11,000 Gold CoinsDorthey's Confectionery: 7,500 Gold CoinsAbandoned Azmar Town: To be assigned by the Royal Family."**
Jose leaned forward. "An abandoned town alone is worth millions. Your return ruined their secret plan."
Raven's mind went blank. Why kidnap Thomas instead of killing him? Why torture him? He decided to find out slowly.
"My decision to come here was right. I want a long-term contract with the Sepoy Mercenaries," Raven said firmly.
"How long?" Jose asked.
"One year. Have them come to Holmes Mansion for negotiations."
"I'll notify Jacob when he returns," Jose replied, noting it in his ledger.
Raven paused, then added, "I also need reliable servants and a butler. My staff either died or vanished, and I need help managing the house."
Jose nodded. "Post a notice at the Giaris Employment Office. Some may hesitate due to the kidnapping, but a good salary will attract capable candidates."
Raven nodded, a plan forming in his mind. His first steps toward reclaiming his family's strength were underway.