Mercenary System: I can increase innate potential !

Chapter 52 Unveiling the plan

The situation became particularly tense when this question was asked.

Whether in this world or in the real world, talents are considered secrets.

So any question on the subject is generally perceived as highly disrespectful unless the person belongs to very close family.

Maxime and Irut had just met.

But Irut hadn't finished his questions, even though he was very curious.

"What is this talent that can allow a brat like you to possess such fighting power at such a young age?"

"What talent makes it possible to have so many talented people in a small mercenary group?"

The mercenaries' faces turned very dark.

Asking so many questions could be enough to make mortal enemies.

Andrew pounded his fist on the table, which resonated particularly loudly in the room.

"We're not here to be interrogated," Andrew declared coolly.

"That's right, excuse me, my curiosity got the better of me." replied Irut lightly, smiling.

Irut straightened up, then revealed his initial objective.

"I'm keen to invest in a band as talented as yours, so we'll respond to your requests."

Maxime nodded.

"As for the accommodation..."

Maxime didn't have time to finish as Irut cut him off.

"Don't worry, the construction of your homes has already begun," announced Irut, as if everything were under his control.

Maxime was pleasantly surprised.

"Well...thanks?"

"You're welcome. Now let's talk about the plan of attack."

Everyone focused on the map spread out on the table.

"Our Hypocamp city is here, 80km west of the ancient Quessoi village."

"Itac, the Baron's town is here, 60km north of Quessoï."

"Between our two towns, there must be approximately 70km to cover as well as a dozen villages."

Everyone listened attentively, even Ron and Jack had a solemn expression.

In this plan, they were also putting their lives on the line.

No one took their own lives lightly.

Irut continued to speak.

"Four of these villages are under my jurisdiction. The problem remains the other six villages, which are Baron Barthon's responsibility."

"These villages serve as his control tower."

"So, if we send troops, there's more than a 90% chance they'll be discovered before they reach Itac."

"Once discovered, the surprise attack effect will be lost and we won't be able to defeat Baron Barthon quickly."

"And if we don't defeat him quickly, Baron Kenepis will take the opportunity to steal some of our villages."

Despite his scruffy appearance, Baron Irut's expression was very serious, as he clearly explained the military situation on both sides.

Maxime listened attentively, but he had absolutely no knowledge of military strategy so he didn't really understand what needed to be done.

"Let's get down to business, where and when should my mercenaries intervene?"

Irut smiled slightly.

"I was getting to that."

"An iron mine has been discovered precisely 20km from Hypocamp and about 50km from Itac."

The news Irut dropped was surprising.

An iron mine could easily generate sales of over 500 gold coins a year.

Counting expenses and taxes, net profit could still reach 450 gold coins.

This revenue would undoubtedly allow Irut to get its head above water and breathe a sigh of relief.

"Baron Barthon presents well, but as you now know, he does many things in the dark."

"All for a specific purpose: to earn more money, improve the strength of his territory and then accomplish merits to obtain the title of viscount."

"This is also the goal of all nobles, move up to the next class."

"Although on the surface Baron status is already a status that 99% of people will aim for throughout their lives, this status is the lowest on the nobility ladder."

"Many have difficulty accepting this gap in reality, including Baron Barthon."

"It's also for this reason that many of them will use any means to achieve their goals."

As he finished this sentence, Irut's face was calm.

But Knight Jack and Knight Ron's faces were both sad and angry.

Maxime observed all this calmly.

"So to get to the point, Baron Barthon will undoubtedly come and steal this mine from us," Irut finished.

"But how could he? Legally speaking, the mine belongs to you," asked Andrew suspiciously.

Irut shook his head ironically.

"The law only serves to oppress civilians. Against the nobility it's just a piece of paper."

Andrew, Peter and Piedro were shocked by this reality.

Rodrigo and Ernest seemed to know it already, judging by their unruffled expressions.

Maxime naturally knew it too, it was part of the basics to know before going into Eternity.

"On the bright side, he can only use brutal means to force us to concede the mine to him," said Irut, resuming his speech.

"All we have to do is wait until he starts attacking our villages and the mine."

"Baron Barthon is extremely likely to attack our villages which border this territory."

"Since if he takes the mine, he'll also take the territory that goes with it."

"According to our forecasts, 2 villages are in danger."

"They are the villages of Hénor and Plouta."

"I'll send 12 apprentice knights to protect Hénor and 3 apprentice knights to protect Plouta."

Seeing where Irut's speech was going, Maxime asked him:

"So I guess we'll have to protect Plouta?"

Irut nodded.

"Indeed, Maxime, I'd like to entrust your mercenary group with the protection of Plouta."

But Maxime still had a few questions.

"Why not send at least one of your two knights? If Baron Barthon sends a knight, my mercenary group could be eradicated and Plouta captured."

Irut shook his head.

"In this kind of conflict, knights don't intervene easily otherwise, if just one of them dies then barons like us will only have our eyes to cry over."

"The loss would be truly enormous; a knight is worth far more than a single iron mine."

"But the advantage being that in this kind of battle apprentice knights stuck at a certain stage can break through through combat."

"So the important force in this kind of small skirmish is the apprentice knights followed by the elite soldiers."

"The ordinary soldiers are also important thanks to their numbers, but generally they're just cannon fodder."

Maxime agreed with this, indeed he'd heard about it quickly while watching news reports.

"So, when do we have to leave?"

"As soon as possible, Baron Barthon will undoubtedly send troops in less than a week."

"What if they don't attack for a long time?" asked Maxime.

"They'll certainly attack." replied Irut with a firm face.

"Okay, give me time to gather my mercenaries and we'll go to Plouta."

Irut was glad it had all gone so smoothly.

"Ron, you'll protect the mine in case Baron Berthon goes mad and sends a knight," said Irut, addressing Ron.

"All right."

"That way, Ron can protect the mine directly but also come to your aid if things really get out of hand." continued Irut, but this time addressing the saber-toothed tigers.

"Let's do it that way then," Maxime replied simply.

The discussion continued, but this time in a more informal manner, with the mercenaries discussing anything and everything with the knights.

The map was collected later, and various meals were served.

This did indeed help to deepen relations.

Maxime and his men didn't leave until late afternoon.

As they crossed the sad garden again, Maxime heard a loud voice behind him.

"Aren't you forgetting something, Max?" exclaimed Irut, shaking something in his hand.

Baron Irut was a very sociable man, and called Maxime by his nickname very easily.

It was just that he didn't get on with most of the nobles, and Baron Irut didn't like to pretend, so he appeared to be a loner to the other nobles.

Maxime smiled, then returned to the top of the steps in front of the manor house.

"Ron discussed this with you, didn't he? Here's your down payment of 200 gold coins."

Maxime received the small but heavy linen package filled with gold coins.

"Be careful and try not to croak easily. It would be a shame if the world didn't get to know your talent."