Chapter 198: Viscount Larry
Matthew's strength and background, along with Bay Territory's formidable army, made the other members of the Carlisle family abandon the idea of further attacks.
When Brown mentioned
that Bay Territory now had more than 20,000 people and had hired over 2,000 adventurers,
everyone fell silent.
The only thought in their minds was:
"How is Bay Territory so rich?"
The meeting room became quiet, with most people lost in thought, exchanging glances.
Lightly tapping the table, Viscount Larry, who had long known all of this, revealed even more shocking news:
"Bay Territory has already put out notices through the Assassins' Guild and the Adventurers' Guild."
"Whoever provides information on our troop deployments and movements, verified as true and not duplicated, will receive a reward of one gold coin!"
"They've put up 50,000 gold coins!"
The previously agitated members of the Carlisle family were now completely quiet.
When their own lives and wealth were at stake, everyone suddenly became very wise.
They could sense Bay Territory's unwavering resolve and the terrifying methods subtly implied!
As long as the conflict wasn't fully escalated, it was just the lower ranks who were dying.
But if it did escalate, the other side could use vast sums of money to come for their heads at any time!
This kind of thing had happened before!
At that point, people would do anything to survive, and all sorts of tactics would emerge.
Viscount Larry, seeing their reactions, couldn't be bothered to continue wasting words. He lightly tapped the table and, in a calm tone, stated directly:
"I don't care how this incident started, and I don't intend to investigate."
"But our conflict with Bay Territory ends here!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone remained silent, though, in a way, they had already tacitly accepted Viscount Larry's decision.
Viscount Larry, seemingly indifferent to their thoughts, made his decision and, seeing no opposition, proceeded to the next matter.
"Since everyone agrees, let's discuss the compensation, just as before."
"Those who took action will bear 70%, and the rest will split the remaining 30%."
When Viscount Larry's calm gaze swept over each person, everyone nodded in agreement without hesitation, a clear sign of his authority.
At that moment, Hawk, whose chest injury hadn't fully healed, suddenly spoke in a muffled voice:
"I have a batch of goods that are very valuable and could be used for compensation…"
Viscount Larry glanced over at Hawk, who had lowered his head slightly, gave him a deep look, and nodded in agreement:
"Speak with me afterward. If it's acceptable, your task will be done."
Hawk nodded, feeling a sense of relief as Viscount Larry's gaze moved away from him.
Though Hawk was also a high-level professional, he always felt an overwhelming sense of unease when facing Viscount Larry.
This was why he chose to compromise!
The others couldn't help but glance curiously at Hawk, but no one asked questions, each contemplating what they could offer as compensation.
Glancing at the downcast Brown, Viscount Larry continued calmly:
"Since you caused this mess, you'll handle it yourself. Brown, contact Bay Territory and resolve it as quickly as possible."
"As for the ruins, Bay Territory won't be able to claim them!"
When he said this, Viscount Larry's tone carried unparalleled confidence.
The other members of the Carlisle family blinked excitedly, clearly picking up on something from his tone.
May 12.
Foggy Marsh, with excellent weather.
Bright sunlight illuminated the entire Foggy Marsh.
At the Carlisle Ruins Camp, many prisoners returned.
Each of them wore a look of doubt, still feeling uneasy deep down.
At that moment, Beelzebub's booming voice echoed through the camp:
"Everyone listen up, follow your captains and obey their instructions."
"Anyone who slacks off won't receive extra rations, but in four hours, you'll all get lunch."
Beelzebub, now remarkably calm, looked nothing like the fierce, terrifying figure he had been in battle.
His very presence filled the surviving soldiers with deep fear.
The other soldiers, infected by this atmosphere, had also learned something and quietly followed Beelzebub's orders.
Were they worried about the so-called rations?
They were worried about losing their lives!
After all, in the minds of all the prisoners, they had been on the losing side of a conflict that should never have become public.
They knew they could lose their original status and become slaves.
Although Bay Territory had promised not to mistreat them, every prisoner knew it was best to behave!
The captains from Bay Territory, seeing the anxious looks on the prisoners' faces, said nothing to explain.
They had plenty of experience and knew what these people were thinking.
Words were meaningless; it was actions that counted!
"In a couple of days, you'll all understand!"
Soon, with a renewed attitude, the prisoners cleaned the dirty, polluted ruins camp with astonishing speed.
In the center of the ruins camp,
Matthew glanced at the half-giant at work and raised his eyebrows thoughtfully.
Nearly all giants were found in the northern wilderness and icy plains.
Some also lived in the southern mountains of the New Continent.
But regardless of type, they shouldn't be here unless some hidden power was involved.
A thrilled Adam Smith approached, handing a scroll filled with information to Matthew, his eyes shining as he looked at the excavation work below the ruins:
"The Carlisle family has sent word; they've announced their defeat to all of Blood Moon City and are negotiating compensation with us."
"Meanwhile, the first batch of supplies has arrived at the Thorn Merchant Guild's warehouse. If you approve, they can be teleported over immediately!"
The Carlisle family admitted defeat?
That was indeed good news!
However, what intrigued Matthew was that when he heard about the compensation, Fate Power seemed to be subtly hinting at something!
"Arrange for them to send it over, and handle the compensation negotiations."
"I have only one requirement: take all the spoils that belong to the victor!"
Adam Smith, excited, rubbed his hands together and nodded:
"No problem, leave it to me!"