Lord of Caldera

This was a reason that he could never reveal now.

"Anyway, since you've brought the mercenaries, let's make use of them for a moment."

"Use the mercenaries?"

"Shouldn't we punish the village? Were you just planning to let it go?"

"That's not true. I was thinking of that too."

While he said that, he inwardly cursed. In the end, it all came down to money when hiring mercenaries.

If something happened, it would cost extra; why should he pay for someone else's revenge?

'I'll have to get a cut after it's all over'

After all, they were just lowly mercenaries. Even if they were rogue knights, As a vassal knights of the Corleone family they wouldn't have the guts to argue with him.

***

After finishing his story, Gaiden stepped out of the hut. Roderick and Sylas were still inside preparing to leave.

Gaiden shouted towards the mercenaries who had been waiting outside.

"Additional work has come up. We need to take care of that village over there."

"Sir Knight, that will cost more money," one of the mercenaries replied.

"I know! Why are you making such a fuss when I'll take care of it myself if you just keep quiet?"

Gaiden shouted back, clearly annoyed by the mercenary's mention of money.

"Shut up and just get ready! I'll pay you, so don't worry about unnecessary things!"

Without waiting for a response, Gaiden turned away. The mercenary captain, Eric, gritted his teeth at this display.

"Captain, what do you think?" one of his men asked.

"It's obvious. I haven't seen a proper payer among those loudmouthed fools. Ha, spitting!"

With that, Eric spat, expressing his frustration. Having spent over a decade in this line of work, he had met all kinds of employers. Those who tried to save money and those who were generous had completely different attitudes.

"What are you going to do? Do you think we'll work for free without extra pay?"

"Is there another option? We've already received an advance, our status is secure, and besides, it's the Corleone family!"

The Corleone family was quite powerful in the East, the region where Eric's mercenary band primarily operated. Once marked, it was likely to cause issues in future endeavors.

"Even so, that brat isn't the lord," Eric's subordinate countered.

"Stop talking nonsense. Who do you think they will mention our names to later on?"

"Damn it!"

The subordinate, at a loss for words, kicked the ground in frustration. Eric felt the same urge to quit on the spot.

Although they were receiving fair pay for what should be an easy job, they found themselves in a situation where they had to bargain.

"Are you mercenaries?"

The sudden voice caught the mercenaries off guard. Sylas had approached and was speaking to them.

Unsure how to respond, they hesitated until Roderick shouted,

"Didn't the young master ask you a question!"

"Yes, yes! That's right!"

Eric and the mercenaries quickly bowed their heads. Although they didn't fully grasp the situation, their years of experience told them not to underestimate the young boy before them.

"Are you currently employed by Gaiden?"

"Yes, we are."

"Indeed. Does he pay you properly?"

The mercenaries fell silent, their mouths dry. Hadn't they just been cursing about this very issue? If they didn't want to seem unfavorable, they had to at least give a polite answer, but they didn't want to lie either.

"Does he not pay you what you deserve?"

"Uh, well…"

"Sir Gaiden seems to have a miserly disposition," Sylas remarked.

'What the hell? Why is he saying that?'

The mercenaries felt a chill run down their spines at Sylas's words. There was nothing more troublesome than the upper echelons gossiping about each other.

If they responded poorly, it could lead to dire consequences. But remaining silent would also likely earn their disdain.

While the mercenaries were in turmoil, Sylas quietly whispered,

"It can't be helped. I'll make sure to give you a little something for your troubles."

"Excuse me? You're saying that, young master?"

Eric responded, bewildered. They would gladly accept if it was offered, but why was he saying such a thing?

"Indeed. If you've worked hard, you should be compensated. I can't give it to you right now, so please wait."

"Yes, sir."

The mercenaries exchanged puzzled glances, unable to grasp the reason behind this unexpected offer.

Sylas's motivation for wanting to help the mercenaries was simple:

"It's not my money anyway."

If he took it himself, he would appear greedy, but offering it to someone else seemed like a noble gesture.

That money pouch was right in front of him. A sharp smile appeared on Sylas's face as he looked towards Brick Village.

He was eager to see how this situation would unfold and how Gaiden and Roderick would react.

***

Sylas and his group descended from the hill and headed towards Brick Village. Upon seeing the knights approach, the villagers panicked and rushed outside.

"Oh dear, sir! Welcome!"

The village chief was the first to appear, bowing so low that his forehead nearly touched the ground. His body shrank from nervousness, but he had a sense of confidence that he could get through this situation.

'I've prepared the hospitality and even arranged for a pretty maiden. As long as they don't find any fault, we'll be fine.'

The chief relied on his experience of surviving this long. He rubbed his hands together, trying to show as much humility as possible to please the knights.

"It's an honor to host you, sir. Would you like to have a meal first? Or perhaps a bath? Just say the word."

"That's unnecessary. Do you think I'd want to eat or rest after knowing what you've done?"

"W-What do you mean by that?"

"Perhaps you should ask the people here for the details."

Gaiden stepped back with a chilling smile, revealing Roderick, who had been obscured by their conversation until now.

Upon seeing Roderick's face, all color drained from the chief's face.