Epic Of The Demonic Sage



"Well, I've already made a list of all the Mercenaries available for working, their specific gifts and they all have the prices listed here in this brochure for you to choose from," Lucius said.

Kiana who was with them in the carriage, offered the brochure that she had brought, making sure that it was provided to the Baron with care.

In this particular carriage, there was no Lily or Benjamin, or even the Viscountess Blackshield. The two were delegated into another carriage while Viscountess Blackshield opted to ride on horseback for this time.

Once Baron Hugh received the brochure in his hands, Baroness Hugh immediately glanced over the shoulder of her husband, piqued about the prospect.

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise once she saw the prices, but it was Baron Hugh who let out a cry of alarm.

"Two silvers for one mercenary and up to one gold for the most expensive one?" Baron Hugh looked in Lord Asher's way.

"Yes, that is the case." Lucius replied with a nod. The surprise was not borne out of outrageousness, as he had already made sure of the prices beforehand and checked the current market rates with Kiana.

The reaction of Baron Hugh was expected in this regard, and Lucius planned to take advantage of it.

"This is… a steal compared to the others. Pricing it like this might infer to others that the quality of your mercenaries is a little less than stellar, Lord Asher." Baron Hugh said.

"On the contrary, since I am simply going about this endeavor for the first time, it makes much more sense that I will price it a lower and discounted price, Baron Hugh. And while some may believe that it speaks of a diminished quality, I know by a fact that if people were to hear that Baron Hugh, a sharp business man hires them as his people, then I think any rumors that will wonder about the quality of the mercenaries will be diminished or forgone altogether." Lucius explained.

"Of course, this is all under my hopes that you may promote them. Please do not simply take my word for it, but that of the state of the city here as well as the account of the people who witnessed the appearance of the Masked Legion during our battle against Viscount Drew." Asher added

"Haha, I am simply worried. These mercenaries are asking help from you, Lord Asher to become their intermediary, yes?" Baron Hugh asked.

"Yes." Lucius nodded. That was the story that he told when asked about it. Truth be told, the Count and Countess didn't have any specific idea about how the Masked Legion came to be.

'The two are aware of my ability to command other people because I've claimed to be from the Goddess Etara, but I have not really brought them in to witness the transformation of prisoners to the Lost.' Lucius thought. 'So, if anybody were truly to investigate this matter, then it would be necessary to find a way to subdue them. Fortunately, the two trust me that much.'

"Then, are you not taking any cuts or percentages from this, Lord Asher?" Baron Hugh asked with concern. "I hope that you are taking a cut, but if you are not, then I implore you to do it for the sake of increased income."

"Please do not worry about things for now, Baron Hugh. I am mostly happy to have met the Masked Legion. They have been my daily companions during the time when we've first encountered each other and I am happy to share their services with anyone who finds them useful." Lucius said. "This is but small work, considering what they've done for me."

With his less than stellar experience with the Black Rose Petal Knights from before, it became more conscious to Lucius that there were people who might be able to poke through the veil of disguises that he put up.

Hence why, the most important thing was keeping it all together.

"Ah, you have done this from the generosity of your heart." Baron Hugh said with a shake of his head. "Truly, you are beyond words, Lord Asher. Of course, I will do my best to spread this news through the word of mouth. You need not worry about it. In fact, this is much more than what we've expected to gain from our visit here, Lord Asher."

"What are you talking about, Baron Hugh?"

"You have assisted my son, Benjamin to take more leaps of faith from out of his books and into this world. The clarity that you've given him is far more precious than anything else, Lord Asher." Baron Hugh said before he coughed lightly. It was embarrassing to say aloud, but Baron Hugh thought it was needed to be said. "And it… it is not only him who has learned something if you understand what I mean, Lord Asher."

It wasn't so often that Baron Hugh found himself getting a word of lecture from someone younger than him, but it had been able to improve his self-awareness.

"It is my pleasure to be of help to you and your family, Baron Hugh. I know that you will not be staying long due to your preoccupation with work, but the friendship between you and my father is something I am also grateful for. I wish to perhaps establish the same thing with your son." Lucius said with a smile.

"Haha, I can already imagine that myself, Lord Asher." Baron Hugh nodded. "Frankly, I was also a little surprised by your invitation with my dearest Lily. Isn't that right, dear?" 

"Hmm, yes." Baroness Hugh nodded curtly. "But it is also a good opportunity for her."

Baron Hugh coughed. It was one of those rare moments where he didn't quite see eye to eye with his beautiful wife. 

However, Baron Hugh needed to convince himself of it.

'It is good in the long-run. It will be good in the long run for everyone if Lily stays here, even though I cannot help but worry.'

"Just as with my son, I hope that you may also take care of my daughter, Lord Asher."