CHAPTER 570: THE MERCENARIES’ RETURN TO HORN BAY

TL: Rui88

At the end of the Holy Year 1995, two pieces of news spread like wildfire throughout the Horn Bay region, especially in the coastal nations.

The first piece of news was that the Duchy of Eton had independently repelled the Crusader Army’s attack from the north and had even pushed them back beyond its own borders. This was achieved while the main force of the Etonian army had not yet returned to the country.

The second piece of news was that the Horn Bay Alliance army on the eastern front had finally conquered the fortress of Sigitas that stood in their way and was now advancing deep into enemy territory. A rumor had it that the Alliance army had suffered enormous casualties in this battle, but the Fort Ness side firmly denied it. The official announcement was that there were fewer than a thousand casualties.

After a series of twists and turns, Friedrich Liszt finally made his way back to Fort Ness, the capital of the Horn Bay Alliance. As the capital of the largest nation in Horn Bay, it was relatively the safest place. Moreover, Fort Ness was a port city, so if anything happened, it would be more convenient to escape by sea.

Because it was far from the front line, Fort Ness, after seeing off its expeditionary soldiers, was still a scene of peace and prosperity. For those not personally participating in the war, the news from the front only gave them more to talk about. On the other hand, the Church’s witch-hunting campaign, which had lasted for several years, had placed a huge suppression on people’s speech and lives. Since the coastal nations, led by the Horn Bay Alliance, had fallen out with the Church, all the shackles that had been placed on people’s heads had disappeared overnight. Everyone happily went to the taverns to eat and drink, boasting and chatting without any taboos. As a result, the streets of Fort Ness had become much more prosperous during this period.

At this moment, Liszt was in a tavern in the port district. Three men dressed as warriors were sitting beside him.

“Well then, thank you, three gentlemen, for your escort along the way. After we finish this drink, we shall part ways.”

Liszt raised his wine cup and said to the three men dressed as warriors.

“Don’t be polite, Mr. Liszt. In any case, we have to live up to the commission you gave us. We are men of our word.”

Raja, who had a full beard, said. He and the other two also raised their cups and clinked them with Liszt. The four men drained their drinks in one go.

Liszt asked curiously, “So, what are the three of you planning to do next?”

Raja glanced at his two companions and replied, “The three of us are planning to become mercenaries for the time being…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a man at the next table suddenly stood up and shouted at them, “Mercenaries? Are you going to be mercenaries?”

This man approached. Liszt saw his appearance clearly. He was a slightly plump middle-aged man with a round face, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed round glasses. He was dressed in a well-made silk robe and looked like a man from a wealthy family.

Liszt did not interrupt. Raja looked at the other man and said, “Uh… my two brothers and I do have this plan. May I ask who you are, sir…?”

The middle-aged man bowed slightly to them and said, “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sangay Mahabavi. I am a middleman, and my main business is in arms dealing and military recruitment.”

“Oh, so it’s Master Mahabavi.” Raja poured him a glass of wine in greeting. Mahabavi had come over holding his own drink.

The two drank a cup. The middleman named Sangay Mahabavi said, “The leaders of all the major mercenary companies in Horn Bay are friends of mine, especially those in the Horn Bay Alliance. If you want to become mercenaries, I can be your introducer. I guarantee you’ll be able to choose a team you’re satisfied with.”

His words piqued the interest of Raja and the others, and they soon began to chat. This Mahabavi was very skilled in conversation. After just a few sentences, it felt as if they had known each other for a long time.

Liszt, who was left to the side, felt a bit bored and thought he should leave. Just as he was about to stand up and take his leave, he suddenly saw Sangay Mahabavi’s eyes widen. ȑã𝐍Ổ₿Е𐌔

“My goodness! Could this be my lucky day?”

Mahabavi’s eyes were fixed on the tavern entrance. Liszt followed their gaze and saw a group of people who had just entered, looking for a table.

“Hey! Over here, over here, look here. Ferguson, Doug, do you still recognize me? Sangay Mahabavi.”

Mahabavi jumped up and down, waving his arms continuously at the group that had just entered.

His actions caught the attention of the newcomers. They looked over at Liszt’s table, and two of them, upon seeing Mahabavi, had their eyes light up. It seemed they were the two old acquaintances Mahabavi had mentioned.

Those two muttered something to their companions, then walked over to Liszt’s table with them.

“Mahabavi! I never thought I’d see you here.”

Doug, the leader of the Black Dog mercenary company, said to him in surprise.

“Haha, I thought you’d have been chopped to death by your creditors by now.”

Ferguson, the leader of another mercenary company, said with a sharp tongue.

“Don’t talk nonsense, my debts were paid off long ago.” Mahabavi said with a grin, “As for you two, how come I haven’t heard any news of you these past two years? I remember your last mission was to…”

“Yes, the Northwest Bay!”

Ferguson’s face suddenly changed. With a speed that was hard to follow, he suddenly shot out both hands, grabbing the exquisite silk robe of Mahabavi and lifting him off the ground.

“It was such a good business you introduced me to, making me dig coal in the Northwest Bay for two years. Do you know how I’ve lived these past two years? I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth!”

Ferguson’s face, full of tough flesh, trembled. He looked as if he wanted to eat Mahabavi alive.

“Master Mahabavi!” Mahabavi’s servants, who had been at the original table, crowded around.

“It’s fine, it’s fine!” Mahabavi, who had been lifted up by Ferguson, was quite calm, still wearing that same grinning expression. He waved his hand to dismiss his servants.

“Ferguson, I was just an introducer. Once you’re on the battlefield, you entrust your fate to the Lord of Light. What happens after that has nothing to do with me. The moment you became mercenaries, didn’t you already accept that?”

But from Ferguson’s appearance, he still didn’t intend to let him go. Doug also looked on as if enjoying the show.

Just then, a companion beside Ferguson spoke up, “Alright, Ferguson, don’t cause trouble.”

Ferguson reluctantly put Mahabavi down.

A single sentence had made the notoriously unruly mercenary leader obediently listen. Mahabavi couldn’t help but cast a curious glance at the man.

He smiled and asked the other man, “My lord, my full name is Sangay Mahabavi. I wonder how I should address you?”

The man smiled faintly in response, “My name is Bogdan. I am the one sent by Doug and Ferguson’s employer to accompany them.”