Even if someone could understand this principle, it certainly wouldn't be Rogue. To persist in doing something knowing it's impossible – such foolishness Rogue was resolutely against. Therefore, he felt no appreciation for Dole, let alone the slightest respect. Since Dole wanted to die, he might as well grant him that wish, to avoid future trouble. As these thoughts turned in Rogue's mind, his grip on the battle-axe tightened imperceptibly.
Keevey leapt in front of Dole, her voice hoarse as she cried, "If you want to kill him, kill me first!" Rogue's icy gaze fixed on Keevey, making her shiver all over. She wanted to rush forward and fight to the death, but didn't dare.
A glint flashed in Rogue's eyes. Keevey's breastplate suddenly shifted, though this time it was a half-length chainmail hauberk, not something that could be flipped up. Rogue gave a sinister chuckle, "The standard-issue armor of the Hundred Battles Mercenary Group is quite good, really quite good." Keevey, greatly startled and reminded of past events, flushed red.
Rogue's tone gradually sharpened: "Back when we first met you in the tavern, while my brother was somewhat disrespectful, wasn't it you who struck first!? Heh, at that time, we barely knew any magic or martial skills, while you were all experienced mercenaries. Yet you still outnumbered us, prettily calling it 'teaching a lesson'!"
Keevey bit her lower lip, wanting to retort, but couldn't find the words. Thinking back on it now, a few mid-level mercenaries beating up a few young ruffians who hadn't yet left home – even if the other party was at fault – didn't seem all that justified on her part either.
"In that tavern fight, you, Miss Keevey, and your brave, peerless companions, probably never imagined you'd be beaten to a pulp by a few noble youths, did you! True, our methods weren't honorable, our fighting style wasn't noble. But a few youths, no higher than level five and with virtually no combat experience, against mercenaries of at least level eight – well, your brother was an eleventh-level mage, wasn't he? – and outnumbered at that, was that a duel? That was survival! Our methods might not have been honorable, but on the battlefield, the survivor is king, so we have no guilty conscience! We may be despicable, but at least we don't bully the weak with superior numbers when we already have the advantage!"
Rogue's speech was righteous and stern, impassioned, yet not entirely truthful. Fighting against odds was to be avoided if possible, of course, though the current situation was different. If outnumbered but still able to devour the opponent, then why not? It also conveniently allowed him to claim the moral high ground.
"Miss Keevey, you lost, plain and simple. Afterwards, you still sought revenge and tried to kill us. Is that justifiable? If that **** hadn't been a bit luckier, he'd probably be a ghost under your sword by now! I'd really like to know, on what grounds do you seek revenge against me? First, you outnumbered us. Then, you sought murderous revenge afterwards. Finally, you acted recklessly and killed multiple City Defense Force soldiers. To say you deserved to die wouldn't be too far off!"
Keevey's face was flushed deep red, her lower lip almost bitten until it bled. The onlookers, seeing Rogue render Keevey speechless, couldn't help but view her with increased suspicion.
Many more privately disapproved of Keevey and her companions' actions. Mercenary groups had always been somewhat distrusted by those in power, so they typically acted with extreme caution, avoiding conflict with government and military forces unless driven to desperation. The Ronen Duchy, known as the Mercenary Nation, had far fewer restrictions on mercenaries and hosted super-large groups like the Ice Silver Fox, Hundred Battles, and Demon Domain Wolf. Relatively speaking, these large groups maintained strict discipline amongst their ranks. In return, the Ronen Duchy required their full assistance when facing external threats.
Dole held absolute prestige within this battalion. That's why the Hundred Battles mercenaries, seeing his challenge to Rogue was almost suicidal, disregarded mercenary conventions to intervene. But accidentally killing the capital city defense soldiers of a major power was a very serious problem for any mercenary group. Especially since it wasn't just one soldier, but multiple – this was far beyond a simple accident. Even the usually arrogant Hundred Battles Mercenary Group would hand over the perpetrators in such a case to avoid disaster.
Keevey had received little formal education since childhood, but possessed considerable innate talent for martial arts. She was also young and beautiful, with many suitors coming from either good families or possessing exceptional skills. The mercenary leader was her own brother. Even when she had fallen on hard times, someone like Dole had fallen for her at first sight. Having sailed through life smoothly since youth, her young lady's temper had grown quite substantial. After the great change, she practiced her martial skills daily, thinking only of the day she could slice those degenerates meticulously into pieces. As for the reasons why she had fallen to such a state, she had never reflected upon them deeply.
Dole remained silent, not refuting Rogue's words. Keevey's tears rolled down as she stared at Rogue, gritting her teeth and shouting, "You pig from hell! If it weren't for you, my brother wouldn't have died! I wouldn't have suffered so much! It's all because of you! It's all your fault!!"
Dole failed to grab Keevey as she lunged at Rogue. But her fairly decent greatsword offered no resistance against 'Soul Binder', easily being sliced in two. Keevey launched a flying kick, landing heavily on Rogue's chest. She felt as if she had kicked a large slab of butter, her strength meeting empty space, an indescribably uncomfortable sensation.
Rogue stood motionless as a mountain.
Of course, the fatty combined with the full plate armor weighed nearly 300 jin, and he was holding a battle-axe that also weighed over 300 jin. For Keevey to kick him away would require real effort. Moreover, the protective force field of 'Samsara' diverted most of her strength. A silver thread flashed in Rogue's eyes. Keevey immediately felt a sharp needle pierce the root of her thigh. She screamed and fell to the ground. The stinging pain vanished as quickly as it came, bafflingly, but it had occurred in the most private place. She could only assume Rogue was behind it again. Back when Rogue was useless, he had already made Keevey suffer greatly. Meeting now, the fatty's cunning and power were even more beyond her ability to handle.
Humiliated and furious, Keevey lay on the ground, weeping bitterly. Dole sighed, laboriously helped Keevey up, and said to Rogue, "I never imagined Lord Rogue's martial skills were also so astonishing. What you said earlier also holds some truth. Since we were defeated, we should naturally honor our promise. Please, make your move."
He glanced at Keevey, his heart aching, and said softly, "Keevey, you've been strong-willed since childhood, skilled in martial arts, and beautiful, so you always wanted to come out on top. But there's always someone better. If you always rely on strength and strive to win, you'll inevitably hit a wall someday. In the future, when things happen, first consider if you were wrong. If you were the other party, how would you act? From now on, I can no longer be by your side to protect you, so you must take good care of yourself. These three years with you have been the happiest time of my life. Remember, you must not think of revenge anymore."
Dole's voice grew softer, until only Keevey could hear him clearly. He suddenly roared, "Run!" Grabbed Keevey, and threw her through the window. She landed perfectly on a warhorse. Whoosh! A broken sword flew out, severing the horse's reins.
The startled horse galloped away, dust flying behind. Keevey, on its back, felt her mind go blank, as if in a dream.
Dole's violent movements aggravated his injuries again, blood continuously trickling from the corner of his mouth. He spread his arms, blocking Rogue's path of pursuit.
Rogue gave a sinister laugh, stared at Dole for a moment, then turned and returned to his subordinates. "Tell the boss to serve the food!"
Dole had been holding on by sheer will. Now that the great crisis had suddenly passed, he could no longer support himself. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
The boss, also having narrowly escaped disaster, kept the good wine and dishes coming, temporarily leaving the merchant caravan and Hundred Battles mercenaries out in the cold. The Dragon and Beauty knights drank, ate, and lavished praise. Rogue sat upright, smiling faintly, neither accepting nor denying, appearing profound and inscrutable.
With the crisis past, Robersky naturally woke up. Once this man regained his senses, the flattery at the table reached a new level of absurdity, so shameless and fantastical that even those uttering it probably didn't believe it.
To the Hundred Battles mercenaries, the Dragon and Beauty knights' flattery was grating. But having witnessed Rogue's unfathomable methods and being spared his wrath, their leader's life mercifully spared, they felt a mix of gratitude and fear. No one dared cause further trouble.
The elderly leader of the merchant caravan walked over to Rogue's table, toasted him with a cup of wine, and said, "This old man is Benjamin of the ClarkChamber of Commerce. Lord Rogue, your magical power is formidable, and even more commendable is your benevolent heart. This old man is deeply impressed."
Rogue hurriedly stood up, pulled Benjamin to sit down, his face breaking into a perfect smile. "Sir, you mustn't say that. Although I am a knight, I also have some small business ventures. So I've always held the elders of the merchant councils in high esteem. Please, sit. I am Rogue Rivers, currently Captain of the Dragon and Beauty Knight Squadron, Third Knight Regiment of the Duchy of Bavaria."
Benjamin didn't decline much and sat down. "I truly didn't expect Lord Rogue to be not only highly skilled but also so astute. May I ask what business Lord Rogue is in?"
Rogue poured Benjamin a glass of thirty-year-old Bourbon wine, smiling, "In Riel City, I manage a high-end magic equipment shop for someone. I also dabble in jewelry, ore, and military supplies. It's just starting up, only been open a few days. I was in a hurry to return home to see my parents, so I left the business behind."
Benjamin stroked his beard and smiled slightly. "This old man is an elder of the Clark Chamber of Commerce, responsible for business in the eastern regions. I mainly deal in rare minerals and luxury goods, sometimes importing exotic treasures from overseas. Lord Rogue, you are young and promising, broad-minded, and highly capable. Your future prospects for great achievements are assured."
The fatty's face beamed with joyful smiles, even blushing slightly for once. "Praising me like that is really too much. You, sir, are well-traveled and knowledgeable, what don't you know? Regarding these rare minerals, what exactly are we talking about?"
Benjamin chuckled. "Lord Rogue, why be so modest? This old man has traveled through many countries, and individuals of your caliber are rare indeed. Since Lord Rogue is in the magic equipment business, our Chamber of Commerce happens to have some sources for magic silver ore, which should be of some help to you."
"Oh? Heh, of course it's needed, the more the better. What about the price?" Rogue's eyes immediately lit up, though he thought to himself, *This old fellow is full of tricks, quite formidable. I must proceed carefully.*
"As for the price, let's set it at eighty Lyon gold coins per tael of mithril. Our Clark Chamber of Commerce can supply you with two jin of mithril per month."
Rogue was astonished. "Mithril sells for a hundred and twenty gold coins in the Lyon Alliance, and it's in short supply. Two jin of mithril... this... how can I possibly accept?"
"Heh heh," Benjamin laughed. "Lord Rogue, that we met here is fate. Consider this merely a gift upon meeting. There will be many opportunities for cooperation with the Hammer of the War God in the future. At that time, we will have to rely on Lord Rogue's support."
The smile instantly froze on Rogue's face. The Dragon and Beauty knights sensed the shift in atmosphere; many placed their hands on their sword hilts.
The freeze lasted only a moment. In the next instant, Rogue's smile was more brilliant than ever. "Lord Benjamin is truly formidable. I'd like to ask, the Hammer of the War God has only been open for three days. Presumably you were already on the road, so how did you come to know of it?"
Benjamin replied unhurriedly, "Those of us in the mineral and jewelry trade naturally keep a constant eye on magic equipment merchants. The crushing defeat of the Ice Silver Fox Mercenary Group shook the entire Ronen Duchy. Losing to Ophirok was one thing, but their elite Snow Fox Battalion being wiped out by an unknown 'Dragon and Beauty' mercenary group made interested parties investigate thoroughly. Lord Rogue had already begun to show his skill and cunning back then, earning considerable respect."
Benjamin took a sip of wine and continued, "Back in Faerburg, the 'Hammer of the War God' produced the Blue Crystal Battle Armor, causing quite a stir. To be honest, this old man was also very impressed with the Hammer's business strategy at that time. Forgive my bluntness, Lord Rogue, but since then, I have kept a close watch on the Hammer and on you, carefully collecting information. I originally planned to pay you a visit in Riel City on my return trip from the south. I never expected that rather than a planned meeting, we'd encounter each other by chance on this southern road!"
Rogue calculated silently for a moment before speaking. "I dare not accept rewards without merit! What can the Hammer of the War God possibly offer your Chamber of Commerce?"
"Forging!"
After a moment of silence, Rogue smiled slightly. "Sir Benjamin, you are no ordinary man. You've taken a fancy to this battle-axe of mine, haven't you?"
"Precisely. Lord Rogue, your armor and battle-axe are both extraordinary. This old man has traveled the world, and aside from a few masters, the only establishment capable of producing magic equipment of this caliber is the Hammer of the War God. My Chamber of Commerce, though lacking in other areas, has some small expertise in collecting various rare raw materials. Our cooperation should be mutually beneficial." He emphasized the word 'materials'.
Rogue lightly lifted his battle-axe, caressing the sleek, streamlined head adorned only with a single black crystal, and responded faintly, "Materials?"
"Yes, materials!" Benjamin replied with a smile.
"Good, good, good. It's too rushed today. When will Sir Benjamin be returning from the south?"
"In about a month."
Rogue immediately said, "By then I should be back in Riel City as well. It's settled then. I will await your esteemed presence in Riel City! We can discuss the details then, on how to make a fortune together, hahaha."
Just as host and guest were enjoying themselves, Dole regained consciousness. Struggling, he came to Rogue's table to express his thanks.
"Thank you, Lord Rogue, for sparing my life! And thank you for letting my wife Keevey go! Dole is a man who broke his word, I must seem laughable to you. Henceforth, I am at your disposal!"
Dole's attitude was somewhat ashamed. After all, letting Keevy escape had already violated his earlier vow, utterly unbefitting his identity as a warrior.
Rogue laughed in disbelief. "Disposal? Why would I dispose of you? And how could I dispose of you? Force you to pledge your service to me? I imagine you'd rather commit suicide than do that."
Dole's face alternated between red and white, but he remained silent, tacitly acknowledging it.
"But then again, I'm not a particularly magnanimous person either. I simply admire your character and couldn't bear to see you throw your life away so easily. I think you already know that even if I didn't use magic or summon demons, you still wouldn't be my match."
Dole nodded in silent agreement, yet couldn't help but glance resentfully at Rogue's armor and axe. Rogue laughed heartily, "Ha ha! It's true I have a significant advantage in equipment. But in a fight for victory, who doesn't use their strengths to the fullest? Doesn't the Hundred Battles Mercenary Group also equip its mercenaries with armor? In matters of life and death, where is the fairness?!"
Dole was an upright man who valued righteousness, but he wasn't inflexible. He was also an expert in troop deployment and strategy on the battlefield, so he naturally agreed with Rogue's reasoning.
"Sir Dole," Rogue looked at him, "Since you were defeated, I have two requests I believe you should honor."
"Please speak, my lord."
"First, you and Keevey must henceforth refrain from any hostile actions against me and my affiliated forces. Second, within three years, train two hundred elite soldiers for me. All expenses will be covered by me. As for the standard of 'elite', I trust your judgment. What do you think?"
Dole pondered briefly. "Lord Rogue's magnanimity fills Dole with gratitude. Dole is no longer with the Hundred Battles Mercenaries, so these two requests are not a problem. However, regarding Keevey, I will need to persuade her thoroughly. Concerning the soldiers, could Lord Rogue provide more details?"
Rogue lowered his voice. "Head northwest sixty li from here. There is a forest inhabited by a group of mountain bandits. Mention my name, and they will follow your arrangements. I'll send someone with you to show the way. After gathering these bandits, proceed further northwest to the borderlands. There you'll find Cyrus Castle, my territory. Train these men there and incidentally handle the local defense. Once these men are trained, you are a free man. If you still wish to seek revenge against me then, so be it."
Dole heaved a long sigh. "Dole broke his word, yet Lord Rogue spared my life. Though my skills are mediocre, I still have a sense of shame. Do not mention revenge again."
"Ha ha, excellent! The Lyon Alliance will likely become a place of strife soon, and the Ronen Duchy won't be spared either. Dole, after handling this matter for me, it's best you take Keevey and find a quiet place to live a few peaceful years. Wait until the storm passes before venturing out again. In these turbulent times, right and wrong aren't easily distinguished by simple notions of good and evil. Acting with good intentions, yet reaping evil consequences – is such a person good or evil? You are a man of considerable skill and good character, but you are simply not suited for survival in a chaotic era."
Dole remained silent for a long time, then sighed. "To think I've lived thirty-five years in vain... Thank you, Lord Rogue. Dole takes his leave." At Rogue's signal, a 'Dragon and Beauty' knight stood up to guide Dole to the mountain bandits. Robersky, watching the foundation he'd painstakingly built being taken over by Rogue, felt a heartache beyond measure. But after witnessing Fengyue, any thought of rebellion died completely. He then reconsidered: This Lord Rogue was young, yet his methods and cunning were already so formidable, and he had a demon king backing him. If he stuck close, his future prospects would surely be limitless.
Of course, he didn't know that Fengyue was merely Rogue's Familiar. But with how things were developing, it was hard to say who was truly whose pet.