Chapter 362: Rain's Influence

Chapter 362: Rain's Influence

Inside the luxurious carriage, a white-haired, balding noble elder and a bearded middle-aged man sat on one side. Although Vandar had never met Duke Dale, it was clear that the white-haired elder was him.

Judging by their similar features, Vandar surmised that they were likely father and son. He nodded politely and took a seat on the other side.

The bearded man scrutinized Vandar before speaking, "Greetings, Vandar Commander. I'm Camacho, and this is my father, Duke Dale."

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Vandar replied.

"Commander Vandar, let's get straight to the point. I heard you were lucky to find those items on the cart?" Camacho asked bluntly.

"Yes," Vandar nodded.

To avoid revealing Rain's exact situation, Vandar had indeed mentioned this, explaining how they came into possession of the items.

"Then, Commander Vandar, do you know the value of these items?"

"Of course. They are among the top three bounties in the Howling Gorge," Vandar confirmed. By then, the cover cloth had been lifted by Spencer, revealing the head of the Deep Sea Giant Overlord Dunn to many onlookers.

Soon after, the items from the remaining two carts also became common knowledge, with various rumors circulating.

Clearly, the two in front of him were already aware of what was on the other two carts. As the most influential person in the Howling Gorge, it was no surprise that Vandar could obtain this information.

"Well, since we're being straightforward, I'll do the same. Commander Vandar, if you truly acquired these spoils through your strength and skill, I believe no one would dare to envy the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps."

"But if it was the Goddess's favor, Commander Vandar, you should know that her blessings are not eternal," Camacho smiled.

He was confident he could convince Vandar, as investigations revealed that the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps wasn't affiliated with any major noble families or acting as a front for powerful forces to handle dirty work.

They had no powerful backers or notable connections with Baronial families, which, at their level, was laughable.

However, Vandar had learned from reliable sources that the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps was highly unified and formidable. Even if the Dale family deployed their elite forces, they would likely suffer significant losses.

Hence, this conversation.

"Please speak your mind, Lord Camacho," Vandar said, his expression turning solemn.

"Commander Vandar, the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps needs to publicize that they retrieved the spoils originally belonging to the Dale family."

"Of course, the Goddess's favor is still favor. We can promise to provide the tangible rewards from the Imperial bounty, such as gold coins, in advance to your corps."

"Additionally, we will also supply some high-quality weapons and equipment to the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps," Camacho offered with a smile.

In Camacho's opinion, these terms were already very generous.

The Dale family had given up their share of the bounty rewards to gain the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps' agreement.

In a sense, the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps had used this opportunity to establish a connection with the prestigious Dale family, a dream come true for many mercenary corps.

"I'm sorry, Lord Camacho, but I cannot agree to your terms," Vandar shook his head.

"Hmm?" Camacho's smile froze, and his expression turned sour.

At that moment, the white-haired Duke Dale intervened in the conversation between his son and Vandar, his voice grave, "Commander Vandar, are you sure you've thought this through? Don't bring disaster upon your small mercenary corps."

Duke Dale narrowed his eyes, exuding an air of authority from years in a high position of high position. Most people would tremble in his presence.

"I've made myself clear, Lord Duke," Vandar replied, unfazed.

However, after some thought, he decided to offer a reminder.

"Also, although I found the items, what if the person who cleared the Sea God Sect stronghold returns to claim the spoils?"

Vandar's words caused Duke Dale and his son to exchange glances, their faces changing.

Vandar's words caused Duke Dale and his son to exchange glances, their faces changing.

For a moment, no one spoke in the carriage.

"My lords, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Vandar bowed slightly and exited the carriage.

"Father, do you think what Vandar said is true or false?"

"I feel it's likely true. If the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps truly knows someone of that caliber, they wouldn't have lingered in the eastern Frostwind Tundra for so many years."

"Yes, your analysis makes sense. But is it important?"

"What's important now is that with the items from the cart, the Dale family can take another step forward."

So, this is something we must do." Count Dale looked at his eldest son with relief.

"I've already contacted Lord Luther, and with the full support of the Snyder family, our Dale family will definitely advance further!"

"I understand." Camacho's face showed realization as he spoke.

This was also the reason he admired his father—when it was time to be ruthless, he would not hesitate.

"As soon as our carriage leaves, we'll take action. Any delay could lead to changes!" Count Dale said in a low voice.

"Yes, I'll make the arrangements now." Camacho nodded.

As soon as Vandar returned to the group, everyone surrounded him.

"Vandar, what's the other party's intention?" Spencer, his old friend, asked as he stepped forward.

"It's just as you thought."

"You... you're not going to refuse, are you?" Spencer glanced at Vandar's solemn expression, and his face froze as he spoke.

The situation seemed to be developing in a direction that he had not expected.

Because the previous Vandar, when faced with such matters, could always handle them with ease, although he would have to give up some benefits, but he could always return with a smile.

"Yes!" Vandar nodded.

Spencer was momentarily speechless, and after a moment of thought, he said with a grave expression:

"Vandar, although I know that your harvest this time is very precious, and if it were me, I would also be reluctant."

"But I still suggest you consider it carefully. The other party is the most powerful noble in Fjord County, and giving up a portion of the benefits may not be a bad thing for you and the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps." Spencer advised.

Spencer was well aware of what it meant to refuse an Imperial Count with real power.

"Brother, is it the Dale family?" Georgia and the others naturally also noticed something amiss and asked.

"Get ready for battle! I estimate that this journey won't be peaceful." Vandar sighed.

"I'm afraid it's not on the road, but now! Leader, look!" An archer stared intently at the front, his eyes filled with seriousness.

The luxurious carriage of the Dale family had already moved to the side, and suddenly, two teams of fully armed elite private soldiers appeared, followed by several third-tier wizard apprentices in long robes.

"Everyone, battle stations!" Vandar's eyes widened, and he shouted.

He really hadn't expected the other party to turn on them so quickly.

Just as both sides were at a standoff.

Suddenly, a two-headed flying creature flew in from the horizon, quite large in size.

The creature had two heads, one resembling a lion and the other a goat, and its body was similarly divided, with the front half being a lion with strong and sharp claws, and the rear half a goat with a pair of extremely sturdy goat legs.

The bat-like wings had no feathers, and it looked exceptionally fierce.

The anomaly in the sky caught the attention of both Vandar's Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps and Count Dale's private soldiers, and they all looked up.

"Not good! Vandar, it's Lord Luther's two-headed Chimera!" Spencer exclaimed, his face turning pale at the sight.

"I didn't expect the Dale family to call for Lord Luther over your spoils of war!"

"Lord Luther? Is he the famous Chimera Knight of the Tundra realm?" Georgia's face paled as she spoke.

"That's right, Lord Luther is the second son of Duke Snyder, the governor of Maen Province, and he possesses legendary strength." Spencer sighed and explained.

The second son of an Imperial Province's highest official has also come? Could this also be a manifestation of Duke Snyder's will?

At this moment, the originally unruffled Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps, although somewhat agitated, quickly calmed down.

"Brother, do you think Lord Rain can..." Georgia's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"I don't know either." Vandar also felt uncertain about the situation before him for the first time.

If it were a county-level power, Vandar wouldn't be particularly worried, but Lord Luther was different. His strength alone could easily annihilate the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps.

Additionally, the other party's noble background might make Lord Rain hesitate to act.

Even if the other party killed them all, Lord Rain probably wouldn't want to antagonize a small Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps.

If Vandar believed that if he truly died.

Then, even if Lord Rain wouldn't seek revenge for him, he should take good care of his sister and the other corps members.

The two-headed Chimera with Lord Luther on it was rapidly heading towards Ilgarra Town.

Over the past two days, according to the news Lord Rain had previously told him, the high priest and some high-ranking members of the Black Flame Cult had been killed, so he immediately returned to Mann City and organized the recapture of three counties, including Overn County.

Without the high-end power that could rival the Black Flame Cult, the recapture operation was swift and decisive, and the situation was soon under control.

This news made Luther even more grateful to Lord Rain.

After all, the reclamation of these three counties significantly bolstered the Snyder family's prestige in Maen Province, and it also spared his father, Duke Snyder, from further imperial scrutiny.

Half a day ago, upon learning that Rain had already set off for Howling Gorge, Luther immediately decided to rush over to meet him.

After all, Rain had helped him and the Snyder family immensely, and he had to show his gratitude.

Additionally, the collaboration on the Koraxus Nest gold mine made Luther well aware that this young Lord Rain was someone he and the Snyder family must forge a good relationship with.

At this moment, the lion head of the dual-headed Chimera sniffed and let out a low roar.

"Kureini, you said you smelled the bloody scent of powerful creatures down there?" Luther asked, slightly taken aback.

"Roar~"

Luther could see that there seemed to be two groups confronting each other below, but as he was in a hurry to find Rain, he couldn't afford to pay attention to this minor incident.

However, if Kureini could sense the bloody scent of powerful and threatening creatures, then it was a different matter.

Legendary creatures were worthy of anyone's attention.

So, Luther guided the Chimera beneath him and spiraled down towards Vandar's position.

"Hmm? Is that the Dale family's emblem?" Luther's peripheral vision caught sight of the pattern on one group's armor.

As the second son of the highest administrator of Maen Province, Luther was naturally well-versed in the emblems of the powerful families in each county.

"Oh, that's right. Yesterday, Lord Dale mentioned that he had prepared a gift that I would definitely be interested in," Luther suddenly recalled, muttering to himself.

He then descended towards the Dale family's team.

"Lord Luther, you've arrived so quickly?"

"Could it be that you've guessed what gift we've prepared for you?" Lord Dale and Camacho exchanged glances, both revealing delighted expressions.

This was indeed good news!

It meant that the gift they had prepared had piqued Lord Luther's interest.

"Father, it seems we might avoid unnecessary trouble. To be honest, the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps is not weak. If we were to forcefully exterminate them, our losses would be significant."

"But with Lord Luther here, the situation is entirely different. After seeing Lord Luther, they might not even have the courage to resist!" The bearded middle-aged man exclaimed with joy.

"Indeed! Let's go, we'll greet Lord Luther." Lord Dale smiled and took the lead, quickly dismounting from the carriage and walking towards the descending dual-headed Chimera.

Camacho followed closely behind.

"Hmm? Lord Dale is here too?" Luther's eyes widened slightly, expressing surprise.

For a city governor to be here in person, it was evident that something important was happening.

"Haha, Lord Luther, I didn't expect you to arrive so swiftly." Lord Dale burst into laughter.

At the same time, he glanced at the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps, intentionally or not.

However, to his slight disappointment, the mercenaries were somewhat chaotic but not panicked.

This was a bit different from what he had anticipated.

"Lord Luther, the gift we've prepared for you is on that wagon over there." Lord Dale said with a meaningful tone.

Several dozen meters away, Spencer witnessed this scene and couldn't help but exclaim in shock:

"It's over! This Lord Luther, as expected, is the one who will take the gift from the Dale family!"

"Brother, what should we do? Lord Rain isn't here. If Lord Luther takes action..." Georgia's pretty face showed concern, speaking anxiously.

Although she believed that no one could take the items from the wagon if Lord Rain were present, the current issue was that Lord Rain wasn't around.

"Georgia, you and the others should leave first. I'll stay here."

"Brother!" Georgia's beautiful eyes widened, clearly understanding the meaning behind her brother's words.

"Captain!" The others also shouted.

"I'm just preparing for the worst-case scenario. If something happens to me, you must report this matter to Lord Rain. I believe he will make proper arrangements for you." Vandar waved his hand, stating.

"Vandar, do you mean that Lord Rain you mentioned is the one who killed Primordial Dragon Kraxis?" Spencer, standing nearby, couldn't help but freeze.

There was no need for Vandar to hide this information from his old friend anymore, so he nodded.

"Damn! I knew it! How did you get so lucky? It turns out that you killed him!" Spencer immediately understood.

This conversation was overheard by the powerful Luther, not a word missed.

Upon hearing this news, Luther's expression turned peculiar.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end