Chapter 268: Act 57: Weights (Update 1, more to come)

Brand sat on the chair, facing Viscount Test, with hesitation on his face, but his heart was clear. It seemed that the All Things Return to One group was suspicious of his connection with the ‘Red Copper Dragon’ Reto and his group, although he didn’t know how they had recognized him, some information had indeed reached their ears.

And the timing was far ahead of his expectations.

Brand knew these malevolent individuals primarily aimed to overthrow authority; countries, royal families, or governments were their enemies. The All Things Return to One group was likely interested in Reto’s group due to their influence among the refugees gathered in the south of Brags.

A faint smile appeared on his lips; understanding that he had already gained some leverage. The bargaining chip in this Viscount’s hand was his life, while his bargaining chip was the people’s hearts that the All Things Return to One group sought to manipulate in this region.

Weighing their importance against each other wasn’t straightforward. But with Brand’s experience in the ‘Amber Sword’, he knew better than to show his stakes like an inexperienced novice. He understood that his advantage lay in controlling the opponent’s trump card.

So, he wasn’t going to give up this advantage easily.

With this thought, Brand smiled faintly and took the initiative to lower his posture, “Very well, you win—or rather, your sword wins. Viscount Test, from Manowell, but I have never dealt with you. Since you believe I have ties with the ‘Red Copper Dragon’ Reto, we might as well get straight to the point—you want me to join you, but surely your goals don’t end there—”

As he spoke, he discreetly signaled his summoned creatures to stay alert. It was a small maneuver, and he knew the gesture would not escape Test’s notice, but it didn’t matter—Travel Mages had a mental connection with their summons—Brand intended for the Viscount to see it.

Hand gestures can convey correct information or misleading hints.

Following Brand’s signal, the two mercenaries standing behind the young noble subtly signaled the others. They silently approached the doorway, axes ready. These warriors were summoned from cards, embodying the essence of the ‘Rubis Mercenaries’, including all their legendary traits—unity, courage, loyalty, and superior tactical skills.

Test placed one hand on his thin sword, primarily focusing on Brand but not ignoring the others. When the mercenaries moved, he felt a subtle reaction, raising an eyebrow:

Indeed, these mercenaries were as formidable as rumors had suggested, no wonder they could carve a bloody path through Madara’s army.

Brand’s deception quickly took effect, and Test naturally fell into a trap of thought. This reinforced his belief that the young man before him was associated with those mercenaries—very likely the hidden figure mentioned in rumors.

His assumption was not incorrect.

However, the issue was that it remained a mere assumption. As he deepened his own trust in his hypothesis—Brand had not offered a single word of substantive evidence.

The conversation’s foundation was built on the hypothesis that ‘Brand is the leader of Reto’s group’.

If Test snapped out of this confidence, he would realize that nothing Brand said could substantiate this theory. Brand skillfully used the Viscount’s self-assured nature to gain an advantage in their previous exchange.

Brand watched his opponent nervously, worried that he might raise an objection—or even thrust his sword forward. In the end, however, he let out a big sigh of relief: Apparently, at least some of the rumors in the ‘Amber Sword’ were credible.

The Viscount was truly a shrewd and self-assured person.

Test did not realize that Brand seemed to possess near-‘manipulating people’s hearts’ abilities akin to cheating. Instead, he smiled, a hint of appreciation in his glassy purple eyes. To him, the willingness to admit identity indicated sincerity in negotiations. The All Things Return to One group had no problem offering generous terms—as long as absolute loyalty was given in return.

“You are not wrong, therefore what do you think, what should our goal be?” The young noble set down his sword, asking leisurely.