Chapter 51: Anything that can be solved with money is trivial

White Sturgeon Island, sturgeon dock.

Knight Yuepu's face broke into a gloating smile: "Baron, running into trouble again?"

Luosen nodded: "You should already know the situation; I think professional work should be left to professionals."

Yuepu chuckled a smile: "That's right. But we only obey Count Robert, and Count Robert's order to us is to investigate the black iron mine."

Luosen gazed over the Flame Regiment's soldiers and saw that each one wore a gloating expression.

Obviously, they loved seeing him suffer.

Seeing this, Luosen was actually pleased: "Hehe, laugh all you want; when you're done laughing, you'd better fight well for me."

These soldiers gloated mainly because they wanted to earn more money from him.

For Luosen, who held six million Ogre in cash, money was nothing.

So this was truly a great thing.

Thus he smiled and said: "Regiment Commander Yuepu, Count Robert surely still ordered you to assist me in stabilizing White Sturgeon Island, right?"

Yuepu didn't deny it: "That's right, Count Robert did say that, but he only said it casually and never issued a clear written order."

"Now my soldiers and I have been on a boat for half a day, we fought before even disembarking, we're exhausted and hungry, and we need to rest properly for a few days before we have the strength to keep fighting."

Having said that, Yuepu shouted to his men: "Right, brothers?"

"That's right, Regiment Commander!"

The regiment members replied in unison.

Luosen immediately stepped forward, leaned close to Yuepu, and lowered his voice: "Regiment Commander, I won't waste words. Tonight I want to stay in Crescent Castle—name your price."

This was practically saying to Yuepu, "Come on, pick my pocket."

Yuepu's eyes lit up; he instinctively wanted to name a lion's share, but the words shrank back at his lips.

Because this baron has a stiff personality, hard to handle, and is a favorite of Count Robert, he feared that if he asked too much, the other side would turn face and go complain to Count Robert.

When that happens, a single order from Count Robert would mean the brothers earn not a penny, and they'd still have to fight for this baron for free.

Thus he cautioned: "I need to consult with the regiment members."

Luosen nodded: "Go ahead, but don't take too long, because the battle opportunity is precious."

Yuepu also understood this, immediately turned and began discussing quietly with the deputy regiment commanders.

"How much should we charge?" Yuepu whispered.

The deputy regiment commander of the Crossbow Squad, Naide, whispered: "He's just a minor baron; he only won some pocket money in the victory chess match, the princess added a bit more as dowry, and after buying all these supplies I estimate he has at most ten thousand Ogre left."

The mage deputy regiment commander, Harry, said: "How about three thousand? After all, this mission is a bit difficult."

The shield deputy regiment commander, Alex, said: "You're being too greedy. In my opinion, fifteen hundred is about right; after all, the island is in internal strife, there are plenty of combat missions, and it's not like we're missing a bit."

That was also reasonable.

After a few minutes of murmured discussion, Yuepu settled on the final price.

He turned back to Luosen: "Two thousand Ogre."

Luosen nodded without hesitation: "All right."

He then turned to Ailiya: "Give the money, give twenty-five pieces."

Ailiya said nothing, immediately pulled twenty-five Ogre gold coins from the money box and handed them over.

Yuepu had never seen such generosity; he was momentarily stunned: "Baron, you gave five extra."

Luosen nodded: "I know, because I have additional requests."

He raised two fingers, pressing down one: "First, change your address, collect the flags."

"After you land on the island, the islanders will surely be curious about your identity. If anyone asks, say nothing about the Flame Regiment; just say you are loyal warriors following the Princess."

"To ensure no leaks, any insignia related to the Flame Regiment must be put away."

Yuepu's face immediately showed difficulty: "We are loyal to Count Robert; that cannot be ambiguous."

"Ailiya, give another five Ogre gold coins."

"Yes, master."

Looking at the deep-blue Ogre gold coins handed over, Yuepu felt a bit dizzy, as if his personality were split in two.

His conscience shouted: "Hey Yuepu, this is a matter of principle, you can't just change it!"

But his hand seemed to have become a slave to money, uncontrollably taking the coins.

Then he saw himself speak in a respectful tone: "No problem, Baron, we'll change right away."

After saying that, the little conscience-man in Yuepu's heart spat blood and collapsed, while the heavy gold coins in his hand made him feel utterly at ease.

These thirty Ogre gold coins—even if most were given to the brothers, he could at least keep five.

That's five hundred Ogre, equivalent to his pay for a year and a half.

Earning a year and a half's pay in a single day was practically a dream.

Another voice rose in his heart.

"Count Robert also told us to cooperate with the baron, so I am actually carrying out Count Robert's order."

"Furthermore, we are still following the noble Dawn Princess, and we have in no way tarnished the Flame Regiment's honor."

"A soldier's honor is his face; if we followed the White Sturgeon baron, the regiment members would absolutely not accept it, because word would get out and be utterly embarrassing."

"But following the Princess is actually a way to gain face."

Thinking this, Yuepu felt the gold coins in his hand were not hot at all.

Luosen watched all this, then pressed down his second finger.

"Second, the regiment members must obey White Sturgeon Island's laws. Aside from daily food and lodging, any extra services or goods purchased must be paid for at market price in coin or equivalent goods."

"I will not tolerate seeing my subjects humiliated, raped, or even killed."

Yuepu wanted to shake his head and refuse, not because he disagreed, but because he wanted to squeeze more money out of the other side.

But his conscience ultimately corrected his greedy wrongdoing, for the other party's demand was justified.

So he nodded in agreement: "I will restrain my subordinates, but we retain the right to self-defense and the dignity to protect our person from insult."

"I agree on that."

Luosen clapped his hands: "Then for now, let's leave it at that."

"You must now organize the troops, as quickly as possible. Once done, we will immediately set out for Crescent City, to launch a splendid surprise attack before the enemy can react."

When it comes to warfare, Yop is an expert; he wholeheartedly agrees with Luosen's idea and slapped his chest: "Baron, give me ten minutes to prepare!"

Luosen immediately put on a stern face: "You are the princess's follower, I am the princess's husband; you should now address me as 'Lord'."

"Well... alright, we'll change the way we address you."

Yop felt something was off, but after thinking it over he found no problem. With the battle imminent, he simply stopped worrying and decided to win first, then talk later.

The knight Tato, standing nearby, had been watching Luosen from afar; seeing Yop begin to muster the troops, he vaguely guessed something and hurried over to warn him.

"Lord, the situation in Crescent City is somewhat chaotic; it's probably not suitable to go there now."

Luosen laughed and retorted: "Then when do you think it would be suitable to go? Should we wait for my uncle to leave Crescent City on his own, and before he leaves, help me clean the castle's stables and latrines?"

"Um~"

Tato was speechless, but he immediately reported a new situation.

"Knight Ales is very concerned about the lord; he not only ordered me to report your news to him at any time, but also arranged some secret watchers near the dock that I don't know about."

"Perhaps by now someone has already reported your return to Ales, so you must be especially careful."

This matter is indeed important, but Tato could see that Luosen naturally had already prepared for it.

Before he even set foot ashore, Puppet No. 1, Sage Levin, had already silently landed and was waiting.

By then, the hidden watchers near the dock had already been quietly removed.

He also wasn't worried that Sage Levin would be exposed.

Because White Sturgeon Island has few people, few eyes, and poor information flow—even to the point of being blocked.

In a bustling place like Dawn City, where nearly a million people gather and the arcane arts flourish, even the slightest stir spreads throughout the city; but in a civilized backwater like White Sturgeon Island, Levin faces far fewer restrictions.

There are advantages as well as disadvantages.

On the island, the Detect Guard sigil is not very effective, making information-gathering efficiency extremely low.

However, from an ordinary person's perspective, Tato's warning is crucial.

So he nodded solemnly: "I will pay attention."

He then asked again.

"I ask you, have the Forest Spirits gotten involved as well?"

Tato wore a troubled expression: "Lord, since the island fell into chaos, the Sea Fishmen have also come to stir trouble, and I have been guarding the dock, so I know little about inland affairs."

"But I've heard people say, for some reason, the Forest Spirits seem to have improved; they no longer raid villages or destroy farmland, and unlike the fishmen, they are not taking advantage of the chaos to attack us."

"Mmm~~ really interesting~~"

This corroborates Stonard's report.

In other words, after he takes Crescent City, the other four knights may not readily surrender; they are likely to join forces with the Forest Spirits and make a last stand.

Although it's only a possibility, he must nevertheless prepare in advance.

As for Tato right before him, since he voluntarily disclosed the watchers, it shows he has made up his mind to follow, and can be put to good use.

Seeing him and his two deputies present, Luosen turned to Ailiya and said: "Go find Klub and get three sets of brand-new iron-plated thick leather armor, plus three steel spears."

"Yes, Lord."

Soon the armor and weapons were brought over, gleaming brightly; by comparison, the gear of the three dock knights was like rags.

Luosen told Tato: "One set each, change into them."

The three knights' eyes lit up, staring fixedly at the armor, as if they had seen a naked beautiful maiden.

They quickly donned the new gear, and their spirits were refreshed.

Luosen also straightened his face and called out the three knights' names: "Tato! Lowehan! Ogrlin!"

"Present!"

The three knights replied in unison, their morale high.

"I order you to lead the villagers and cargo ship sailors, and with all your strength guard the supplies and the safety of those left behind—any problems?!"

Tato led the shout: "Lord, we will fulfill the mission unto death!"

"Very well. Now go organize the defense."

Luosen then turned and returned to the cabin.

After a while, "Luosen" reappeared, now in a different guise.

He wore a pure-black refined crocodile-dragon scale armor, chest fitted with a high-grade lure-style protective amulet, waist bearing a sharp knight's magic sword, and a leg sheath holding a brand-new rune dagger, appearing neat and formidable.

This "Luosen" briskly walked to his wife Selena's side: "My lady, wait for me at the dock; Ailiya will protect your safety."

Selena blinked slightly: "And what about you?"

"Luosen" grinned: "I will join the Flame Brigade and take part in the assault on Crescent City."

"I will go with you."

Before she could finish, Luosen waved his hand to interrupt: "My lady, I trust your courage, but you are not a battle mage; staying in the rear is the safest course."

"These days my magical power has also made considerable progress, and I have high-grade inducement protective devices and various potions to assist me, so there will be no danger."

"My lady, you also have a mission. Our supplies are extremely important; if the Sea Fishmen attack again, you will need to take charge of the situation."

Selena understood: "All right, I'll take care of this here."

Luosen then strode toward the Flame Brigade.

At this moment, the brigade had basically finished gathering.

Yapu glanced at Luosen, a hint of surprise in his eyes: 'Male lord, I suggest you wait for news at the dock, rather than personally go to the battlefield.'

Luosen patted the Knight's Guardian Magic Sword at his waist, smiling faintly: 'White Sturgeon Island has no lord who shrinks back. You're also unfamiliar with the terrain; you really need a guide, right?'

Seeing Luosen's firm resolve, Yapu shrugged, turned to Shield Guard Deputy Regiment Commander Alex, and said: 'Assign two warriors to focus on protecting the lord's safety.'

He didn't doubt the baron's personal combat ability, after all the opponent had once defeated Xueyan Salasi in a one-on-one duel.

He was worried that Luosen couldn't tell the difference between a battlefield and a one-on-one duel, that his eagerness to show off his personal martial prowess would draw fire from many and get him killed on the battlefield.

Rosen Ziran would naturally not refuse having dedicated protection, after all this No. 2 puppet was also meticulously crafted, and losing it would be a great pity.

He raised his head to look at the sky; it was just past ten in the morning, almost lunchtime.

"Crescent City is about ten li from the dock, all flat ground; Regiment Commander, how long do you estimate it will take to get there?"

"Half an hour, can the lord keep up?"

The Flaming Flame Regiment at least consists of mid-level professionals, their charge speed is very fast, and Yapu worries that Luosen won't be able to keep up.

Luosen gave a faint smile and whispered to his wife Selena: 'Grant me a buff of high-level robust strength.'

Selena pointed her staff at him, and a faint red light enveloped Luosen's body.

Driven by the Master's magical power, the high-level spell's power is more than double that of an ordinary high-level spell, and its effect can last at least two hours.

Luosen's No. 2 puppet possesses tremendous strength; after being bolstered by this powerful auxiliary spell, in terms of pure physical strength it is already nearly on par with a high-level warrior.

"Now there's no problem. Let's set off!"

(End of chapter)