Chapter 438: A Surprising Deal
Sherry pulled out a piece of parchment covered in musical notes.
"She heard that someone was fighting corrupted creatures in the northern frontier and was deeply moved by it, so she composed this piece, ’Starlight Waltz.’ Just find a musician, and they will be able to perform it."
"Thank you very much."
Phield had never even heard of the woman, and he was not particularly interested in music, but that did not stop him from being genuinely pleased.
"Thank you for your friendship. When will you be able to bring her over for a visit?"
"What is there to do in Nightfall Domain? It is far too dangerous." Sherry glared at him and scolded him playfully. "She actually wanted to come and take a look, but she is busy preparing for the Divine Descent Festival’s musical performances, so she could not make it this time."
"The Divine Descent Festival... Oh, right! I almost forgot about it."
Phield slapped his forehead.
The Divine Descent Festival was the most important holiday in the entire world, without exception. It was even more significant than the Holy Baptism Festival celebrated by followers of the Light.
At its core, the Divine Descent Festival marked the eruption of a divine power tide. For seven consecutive days, the concentration of divine power would rise dramatically.
During those seven days, the chances of ordinary people awakening as Divine Chosen increased tremendously. Those who already possessed the necessary potential would automatically awaken as Tier One Divine Chosen.
Under normal circumstances, the chances of awakening were practically zero.
Put simply, it was like a yearly anniversary celebration hosted by the goddesses. More than ninety percent of the empire’s Divine Chosen awakened during this period.
"This is the most important festival in the entire country. How could you forget about it?" Sherry put her hands on her hips. "Everyone gets together to pray, attend balls, and have fun. What could be better?"
"My territory is too poor. I never expected to celebrate it in the first place."
Phield sighed.
"Speaking of which, since you love the empire so much, when are you going to send me some supplies? I am part of the empire too, after all. I have been holding the northern frontier all by myself."
"I will help if I get the chance." Sherry looked away awkwardly. "But family matters are not something I can decide on my own."
In her mind, Phield had the backing of the Ross family and certainly had more supplies than he could ever use.
Before Phield could respond, Sherry immediately changed the subject.
"We will be setting out soon to hunt Night Owl. Do not forget to say goodbye to Miss Relycca."
"Sure. I was planning to sign a trade agreement with them anyway."
Phield went to find the Baron of House Hill, Relycca’s father, the elderly Baron Jensen.
House Hill had officially broken away from the Ross family under his leadership, casting off its status as a vassal and gaining land of its own.
"Sir Phield, please, come inside."
The old baron personally came out to welcome him.
He looked like a middle aged man with slightly graying hair. The hideous scars across his face made him look more like a battle hardened veteran than a noble lord.
"Good to meet you, Baron Jensen."
Phield politely nodded in greeting.
The two of them entered the reception room.
"I have been in Bull Territory for half a month now, and everywhere I look, there are ruins that need to be rebuilt. I have been running around like a headless chicken. My two children are no better. They are both adults and still refuse to get married, spending their days causing trouble everywhere. I simply have not had the time to visit you. Please forgive me."
Phield waved his hand.
"You are too polite."
Baron Jensen spoke solemnly.
"After Count Swaro took control of Bull Territory, he entrusted our family with its administration and specifically instructed us to maintain a good relationship with you. Our territory has very few soldiers and poses absolutely no threat to Nightfall Domain, so please rest assured."
Count Swaro was the very same man who had once traded with Phield and handed the fortress over to him.
"I understand."
Phield did not say it aloud, but he understood perfectly well.
House Hill was merely a respectable and obedient family being used by Count Swaro to handle the empire’s subsidies. Any subsidies they received would immediately be passed on to the count.
And because Count Swaro was worried that Phield might become dissatisfied and start raiding the territory, he had deliberately chosen someone he could trust, an old associate of the Ross family, to manage Bull Territory and keep Phield appeased.
"If you have any trading needs, just let me know. I can put you in contact with the count. Whether you want to buy or sell, we can offer you the best possible terms."
"Oh?"
Phield was delighted.
This was exactly what he had been hoping for. Since the other side had taken the initiative to bring it up, things could not have worked out better.
Baron Jensen smiled.
"Also, the strongest defensive structure in Bull Territory is currently under your control. I hope you can help us defend Bull Territory together. We will pay you a monthly fee for your services."
"Hmm? That depends on how sincere you are."
Phield had no idea what the old baron was really planning, so he deliberately tested him.
"We have already paid the garrison expenses that you previously agreed to provide to the count on your behalf. On top of that, we will pay you two thousand gold coins every month, along with ten warhorses. All you need to do is deal with a few bandits and raiders. If an actual war breaks out, the count will handle it."
"In fact, even if you never send a single soldier, our family would still be more than willing to maintain a good relationship with Nightfall Domain."
Jensen thumped his chest generously, looking every bit like a wealthy nouveau riche.
"Damn."
Phield was stunned.
Was this really happening? They were simply handing him money. It was practically a tribute.
After thinking it over for a moment, Phield understood what was really going on.
They were simply finding a way to pay him protection money, and there was a good chance it was Count Swaro’s idea.
Phield sighed inwardly.
As expected of an old aristocrat.
He knew that with the fortress in Phield’s hands, Bull Territory had practically no defenses. If Phield decided to cause trouble, they would have no way to stop him.
So instead of spending a fortune on defenses, they might as well bind him to them with profits and turn him into an ally. That way, they could save themselves a huge amount of military expenditure.
If only the Empress had half of Count Swaro’s political instincts, the empire probably would not be in such a mess.
"Deal. I look forward to working together."
The two sides then signed a trade agreement.
House Hill purchased the Vigor Elixirs and soap Phield had brought with him, while supplying him with a large quantity of Tier One mana potions, food, and clothing.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Phield also placed an order for another batch of timber.
By the end of the deal, Phield had obtained a massive amount of supplies and walked away with a net profit of thirty two thousand gold coins.
Both sides left the negotiations satisfied.
Phield left the slaves and cargo at the frontier fortress.
Since he was going to observe the upcoming battle, he was worried that Charlotte might encounter danger, so he had her remain at the fortress and planned to pick her up on the way back.
He then took the rest of his forces and set off with Sherry.
Along the way, everyone chatted as they traveled.
"Where exactly are you going to capture them?" Phield asked curiously. "You can tell me now, right?"
Understanding how the elites of this era thought and organized themselves would be very useful to him.
"We are going to Maple Leaf Territory. Our informants have learned that an underground ball is about to be held there. Those depraved scum need to be purged!"
"Ahem."
The moment Phield heard the words "underground ball," his mind immediately censored the rest.
That place was filled with filth and bloodshed, where young girls were forced into brutal fights, subjected to all kinds of abuse, and traded illegally. It was practically a living hell.
"You are going after Simon?" Phield asked with a knowing smile.
"Of course not. Simon is a good man. He will help us capture Night Owl."
The moment she said that, Sherry became awkward.
Everyone in the empire’s aristocracy knew just how filthy Maple Leaf Territory was. Seeing the barely suppressed amusement on Phield’s face, Sherry could only pretend she knew nothing about it.
"Simon may, perhaps, have a somewhat questionable reputation in private, but every time the empire goes to war, he provides countless amounts of money, food, and magic cores. As far as the empire and its people are concerned, he is a selfless and generous man."
"Haha, yes. Exactly."
Phield shrugged.
As usual, he casually glanced at his minimap.
A green marker had suddenly appeared at the very edge of the map!