Chapter 86: 86. Negotiation

Compared to Knight Wili of the Qingzhu Tribe, the leaders of the Ziguo Tribe, the couple Jenny and Huoen, were clearly much wiser.

They did not reveal any hostility or resistance, especially after Ailin returned to their side safe and sound, and they even invited Luoning into their mountain stronghold with a very enthusiastic attitude.

Seeing this, Luoning knew that this time, he would likely be able to make the Ziguo Tribe surrender without needing to use force.

This method of subduing the enemy without fighting was still the most time-saving and effortless.

As leaders, the couple Jenny and Huoen had relatively spacious living quarters; although simple, they were fully equipped, with a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, and two servants.

After some conversation, they had a certain understanding of each other's backgrounds.

Jenny Frank's father was a Viscount of the Orland Empire, and after the empire split, he pledged loyalty to the Telixiya Family, but unexpectedly stood on the wrong side, and the north was occupied by the Auduin Family.

The Wushan Family was ordered to launch a siege against hostile nobles, and Jenny's father, Jierweite Frank, was forced to hide in the northern woodlands during the fighting.

In fact, the backgrounds of most savage tribes were like this.

Over these years, the fleeing nobles had mostly died off, and there were almost no leaders like Jenny who came from a Viscount family.

Hong Knight was originally a Professional Knight who followed the Frank Family; he developed feelings for Jenny during their repeated escapes, which led them to become a couple and give birth to their daughter, Ailin.

To continue the bloodline of the Frank Family, both agreed to let Ailin use Frank as her surname.

If one day they died in the annexations between tribes, Ailin could also continue the legacy of the Frank Family (even though it had already fallen to the point of being dispensable).

"I heard from Wodun and Dandi that you wish for Huoen and me to lead the Ziguo Tribe to submit to you."

Inside the simple living room, the Jenny family and Luoning sat opposite each other; it was clear that although Hong Knight was the husband, the person in charge of the Ziguo Tribe was still the lady before him.

"If we submit, I wonder how you will settle us?"

Jenny's demeanor was poised and her manners were natural and appropriate; she was indeed worthy of someone educated by a Viscount family, as her temperament and speech were truly different.

Luoning said straightforwardly: "I will grant you a legal status. From the moment you pledge loyalty to me, you will no longer need to worry about being thrown into prison or sold as slaves under the pretext of being 'remnants'."

As he spoke, he looked at the girl Ailin, who was sitting to the side and blinking her large eyes, "I heard from you that Ailin awakened her Mana Space on her birthday three months ago and became a Primary Mage."

"A Primary Mage who has just turned thirteen—if such talent is trapped in this wilderness, it would be a great pity."

A Primary Mage who has just turned thirteen; Ailin's potential is great.

Although she was still young, she had already attracted Luoning's attention; his polite attitude toward Jenny and Huoen was actually partly due to this little girl with such excellent talent.

"Once you obtain a legal status, Ailin can also go out and see the world. If she follows me, she will surely become a powerful Magician in the future."

Jenny and Huoen looked at each other, both seeing the agitation in each other's eyes.

After so many years, they had longed to live in the outside world, but they had never had a way to do so.

Even if they could occasionally sneak out to look around, they had to be extremely cautious and try to avoid having too much interaction with others.

Especially in the last two years, the conflicts between savage tribes had become increasingly intense, and they no longer had the strength to support the development of the Ziguo Tribe.

If there were no surprises, it wouldn't be long before their tribe was annexed by the Huitu Tribe or the Heiling Tribe, and at that time, the two would be even more passive.

Now, Luoning's appearance undoubtedly gave them a second choice, and it was the best choice.

From the perspective of Jenny and Huoen, this young noble had already annexed the Qingzhu Tribe and was about to annex the Ziguo Tribe; he would inevitably attack the Huitu and Heiling tribes in the future, and there was a high probability of success.

Moreover, the other party was of the bloodline of the Wushan Family, belonging to the highest level of nobility in the Wushan Territory.

Following him now was undoubtedly a very good choice.

Jenny suppressed the thoughts in her heart and continued to ask, "Then, Lord Luoning, I wonder what you need us to do for you?"

Luoning smiled slightly; it was clear that the other party had basically agreed.

"There are many things I need you to do; I don't need to hide that."

He said: "Territorial management, construction, defense, expansion—there are many areas where I need you to contribute. And as Intermediate Professionals, you possess considerable combat power; when necessary, you, especially Hong Knight, I need you to charge and break through enemy lines for me."

Huoen nodded secretly; this was how a Knight should be.

"Furthermore, the others of the Ziguo Tribe will honor me as their master; you no longer have the right to command them."

"As for these people, although they are equivalent to my captives and slaves in the beginning, I can guarantee that I will not sell them to others. Moreover, as long as they work for me for ten years, I will not only grant them a piece of land but also elevate their status to Serfs and Free Tenant Farmers."

Jenny frowned slightly, "Then what about our status?"

If they were also slaves, Jenny could not accept this status, as she was, after all, from a Viscount family.

Luoning smiled slightly and said: "You, Hong Knight, and Ailin are naturally not included in this. I will treat you as Free Citizens and will pay you a salary commensurate with your strength."

Hearing this, Jenny and Huoen looked at each other and nodded slightly; they agreed to this arrangement.

The two stood up smiling, walked to the front of Luoning, and then knelt on one knee, "Respected Baron, please accept our loyalty."

Ailin, who was to the side, became immediately flustered upon seeing this scene.

She still hadn't reacted to the situation; she had originally intended to let the other party eat the White Fruit, so why were her parents using such formal etiquette now?

Helplessly, she could only follow suit and kneel on one knee, "Please accept my loyalty~"

"Good!"

Luoning laughed, "I accept your loyalty, Lady Jenny, Hong Knight, and Ailin."

He stepped forward and helped the three of them up.

"Lord Luoning, I will go and have Auntie Moya make you some White Fruit to eat."

Ailin was, after all, a thirteen-year-old child; after the restraint and seriousness, seeing the atmosphere return to being cheerful, he could not help but reveal his true nature.

"I am very curious about what the 'White Fruit' looks like; if possible, please show it to me."

"Of course, I'll go get it right now~"

Ailin hurried toward another room.

Watching their daughter run out happily, the couple Jenny and Huoen could not help but show relieved smiles; from now on, they could also walk out openly and live in the outside world.

"My Lord!"

Jenny looked at Luoning with a very serious expression, "If you want to take down the Huitu Tribe, I have a way that might help you save a lot of effort."

Luoning was startled and looked with some surprise at the lady before him, who looked ordinary but possessed a leader's temperament, "Please speak!"

Jenny glanced at Huoen, and the latter nodded slightly as if he knew something.

However, just as she was about to speak her own method, Ailin came back skipping and hopping, handing Luoning a white fruit.

"My lord, this is the White Fruit. If you peel it first and then deep-fry the Core inside, it will be very delicious~"

Luoning could not help but look at the white "fruit" in his hand, and he was completely stunned.

"This is!"

This was no fruit at all; it was clearly...

(End of this chapter)