Chapter 65: Negotiation and Recruitment
Raven touched the leather pouch, storing it back into his inventory. He looked at Jacob and Quincy.
"What do you think, Mr. Jacob? Am I eligible enough to hire you guys?"
"Y-Yes! I—I'm sorry for speaking rashly, Young Master Thomas," Quincy said, bowing first.
"No need for formalities," Raven replied, dropping the pouch on the table.
"There are fifty-eight Platinum coins inside. That should cover six months. If your work exceeds expectations, I might extend your contract long-term."
Jacob remained quiet a moment before asking, "I heard from Jose that you plan to reclaim Azmar town. Do you intend to use our mercenary strength for that?"
Raven let out a soft sigh. "Impossible, you think? I was kidnapped and tortured, yes—but that ordeal brought me help. Without my teacher, I wouldn't have survived that underground dungeon."
"Teacher?" Quincy's eyes narrowed.
Jacob guessed, "Is your teacher a Wizard?"
Raven nodded. "No Expert Rank Walker can harm me now. But reclaiming my territory is another matter. My teacher cannot interfere in politics, so I must rely on outside help."
Jacob nodded slowly. "I see."
"These fifty-eight Platinum aren't for my protection—they're to help reclaim my land. Will you help me?"
Jacob forced a smile. "I understand, Young Master. But helping you means standing against Count Spade and other nobles. They may be small nobles, managing small towns, but their influence is above ours."
Raven adjusted his monocle, scanning Jacob.
…
[Name: Jacob
Age: 83
Race: Human
Nationality: Zenith Empire
Title: Scarlet Wolf
Rank: Radiant Walker – Eighth Circle
Pathway: Ranger
Level: 18
Attributes:
Strength: 72
Agility: 74
Vitality: 73
Luck: 13
Spirit: 163
Class Skills: Piercing Shot, Predator's Mark, Shadow Step, Flame Arrow, Hawk's Eye, Hunter's Instinct
Additional Skills: None
Affinities: Fire: Intermediate, Archery: High]
'Peak Rank Walker. Attributes rival Franco's.' Raven glanced at Quincy.
'Sixth Circle Radiant Knight. If their party is similar… I must recruit them.'
He leaned back. "Give me your answer by tonight. Otherwise, I'll seek another mercenary team."
Jacob and Quincy stood. "We'll discuss with the others and respond soon, Young Master."
Raven paused. "I'll also give one complete 'Uncommon Rank Knight Technique' and one 'Uncommon Spirit Technique' from the Holmes Secret Vault once this mission ends."
Quincy's eyes brightened. "When do we sign the contract?"
Jacob froze. Even a single Uncommon Spirit Technique was rare. One could reach peak Radiant Knight level—and perhaps even Beginner Expert Knight.
"The consequences of lying will be severe," Jacob warned solemnly.
Raven smiled faintly. "I'll show an incomplete copy tonight. You can decide then."
Silence filled the room.
Jacob asked cautiously, "And the conditions?"
"I want Sepoy Mercenary to sign a ten-year contract with the Holmes Household. Half pay for the remainder of the period, of course."
Both were stunned. They could continue a normal mercenary life or accept a long-term contract with reduced pay—but the lure of an Uncommon Spirit Technique outweighed the risk. Even one member reaching Expert Walker would be monumental.
Jacob finally raised his hands. "I cannot refuse, Young Master Thomas. When shall we sign?"
"Anytime. Prepare the contract yourself," Raven said, waving a hand.
After a brief farewell, Jacob and Quincy left. Raven smiled internally: They weren't tempted by money—they were baited by the technique.
He stored the coins, leaned back, and fell asleep.
…
Hours later, a loud bell woke him. Raven glanced at his silver pocket watch. 1:00 P.M.
Outside, a hundred people stood on the lawn, some curious, some nervous.
"Explain yourselves," he demanded.
A tall, fit man stepped forward. "Young Lord, we came after seeing the recruitment notice. No one answered the bell, so we waited outside."
Raven nodded. "Come inside. I'll interview you one by one."
The first to enter was the tall man, handing Raven a leather file.
"Take a seat," Raven said, pointing to the opposite sofa. He activated his monocle to scan the man:
…
[Name: Jay
Age: 54
Title: Proud Butler
Traits: Exceptional organization skills, excellent communication, flattery, narrow-mindedness, gossiping, arrogance
Past History: Worked at Windfall Household for two years but was kicked out due to a personal dispute with a fellow servant
Current Status: Contempt, Annoyance, Disdain
Attributes:
Strength: 1.1
Agility: 1.0
Vitality: 1.0
Spirit: 1.2
Luck: 1.0
Affinities: Darkness – Intermediate]
Satisfied, Raven returned the file. "Wait in the foyer. Bring the next person."
Jay hesitated but obeyed.
Next was a young man, blonde-haired with red eyes, 170 cm, dressed formally. Raven reviewed the file and status screen:
…
[Name: Emanuel
Age: 22
Race: Human
Title: Little Fox
Traits: Etiquette, Wine Knowledge, Discretion, Culinary Knowledge, Problem Solver, Household Management
Past History: Completed Apprentice Knight Training School seven years ago; worked as apprentice servant at Humphrey Household for three years; later left for unknown reasons
Skills: Immature Swordsmanship
Affinity: Sword – Intermediate, Wind – Low]
"Sit," Raven commanded.
"As a servant, I cannot," Emanuel replied, bowing.
"Very well. Have you practiced swordsmanship?"
Emanuel widened his eyes. "Four years ago, I learned the basics from a Rogue Knight, My Lord."
"Not bad. Wait in the foyer," Raven said.
…
Over the next hours, he interviewed over a hundred applicants. Nearly half were spies from other Knight Households, including five from the Spade family. Two were Elite Rank assassins—but Raven stayed calm. No need to provoke them yet.