Chapter 2: The Triumphant Return

  "Young master, those guys are not trustworthy at all. They will definitely embezzle." At this time, Bast said: "Why don't I go with you? I guarantee they won't dare to play tricks."

  Raymond shook his head: "No need, I'm very clear what kind of people they are."

  "Huh, why is that..."

  "Let's not forget what they were originally, I don't expect to teach these unruly guys discipline and obedience in just a few months. The best way to control them before thoroughly subduing them is to use both 'power' and 'benefit'."

  "It's time for them to taste some sweetness now that I've stood up."

  "So you're willing to sacrifice those spoils of war? But isn't the cost too great?" Bast said with a huff.

  Raymond patted her head: "How is it possible, I do this for two reasons. First, to show that I trust them, which is very important, and this will be the foundation of our future relationship; second, to let them realize that working under me will have more benefits than being a bandit."

  "As for the spoils of war from that camp, it should be roughly the same as here, so as long as they can bring back the main part, the rest can be considered their reward, I don't mind."

  "But, young master, can they really understand your intentions?" At this time, Rutz also expressed his own concerns.

  As an "instructor", he naturally understood those guys' character all too well.

  "Relax, there's a guy who will definitely understand."

  "Who?" Bast asked curiously.

  "Harlot."

  "He?" Bastard was surprised, and then showed a look of disdain: "Young master, you overestimate that fool, I think he's just a useless coward."

  "Wrong, Harlot is far from as stupid as he seems on the surface. He's just usually covered up by his cowardly appearance. Although he's like everyone else, undisciplined and lacking in loyalty, when it comes to life-and-death issues, this guy is smarter than the average person. At least when it comes to saving his own skin, he's top-notch."

  "So, Haruto must have already guessed my intention and understood what to do and what not to do. As long as he understands this point, it's enough, and if I can grasp him, the others won't be a problem either."

  "If he can't guess, did he really embezzle those spoils of war?" Bast still asked relentlessly.

  Raymond hadn't spoken yet, but Rutz had already said lightly: "Then he's just a useless waste, I don't mind taking the place of the young master and using him to intimidate those guys once again."

  "Haha, that's exactly what happened." Raymond said with a smile.

  No wonder, Raymond had been influenced by Amada since he was a child and was very familiar with this type of wrist movement. It's just that in the Beastman Empire, this talent has always been suppressed and hasn't had the opportunity to be displayed.

  If even a gang of robbers can't be subdued, it's really unforgivable for the blood flowing through his veins.

  Bastiat remained behind to supervise the removal of the treasure from the cellar, while Raymond and Ruze went towards the entrance of the camp, where a large number of prisoners were waiting for them.

  "Young master, what do you plan to do with these captives?" Rutz asked.

  Knowing that he had a vow not to kill prisoners, Raymond shrugged his shoulders: "Hand them over to Haidington's guard team and let them escort them back. Let them have a good time and calm down the dissatisfaction that we may have taken most of the spoils of war. Besides, I don't have the leisure to feed more than 100 mouths. Let Charlotte worry about how to deal with it, it's a win-win situation, saving money and effort."

  Even handling prisoners can be done with maximum efficiency, all I can say is that Raymond really lives up to someone's bloodline...

  Rudolph didn't think it was strange at all, he nodded: "So after everyone leaves, I'll burn this place down."

  "Raimon asked: 'Why burn it?'"

  Rudolph was taken aback: "Since we've already eliminated the bandits, this place is no longer needed. I think it's better to get rid of it."

  "Raymond suddenly asked: 'What do you think of this place?'"

  "Very good."

  "With a professional eye, he pointed to the undulating hills below: "From here, you can see the surrounding terrain at a glance, and the main road leading to Haidington is also under its control. Those robbers are stupid, but they have a good eye for choosing camps... Ah." He said, and then he suddenly understood Raymond's intention."

  Raymond smiled and said, "This camp is built very solidly. Although we burned it down, the main body has not been damaged. It's obvious that those guys put in a lot of effort. How can such a good place be wasted?"

  He said with a seemingly meaningful tone: "Besides, who can guarantee that one day in the future, we won't need to use it again, right?"

  Rudolf nodded thoughtfully: "Understood, young master, I will keep it here."

  That afternoon, after Harlot and Shawn returned with a full load of spoils, Raymond's group escorted the captives and set off on the return journey in high spirits.

  The news of their great victory had already been sent back to the city, so when the troops arrived outside Haddington, they were met by almost the entire population, who had turned out in joy.

  Haidington has been suffering for a year, and the whole town is almost on the verge of collapse. The townspeople have been eagerly waiting every day to get rid of the bandits. Now that their wish has finally come true, everyone is overjoyed.

  They spontaneously formed a long human wall on both sides of the road, cheering for every passing warrior. Whether it was the city's garrison or Raymond and these outsiders, at least in this moment, everyone forgot their past unpleasantness.

  As the robbers were escorted in the back of the procession, they were met with a chorus of curses from the crowd and a hail of stones and rotten vegetables. Eggs would have been a necessary addition to this scene, but given Haddington's current financial situation, that was too luxurious.

  Harold and the others were encountering this scene for the first time. When they used to be bandits, they never thought that one day they would be welcomed by these "fat sheep" in such a way. Therefore, almost everyone was stunned and at a loss as to what to do.

  There are also many people who think that if they continue to do their old job on the Veronica continent, they will probably end up like their peers one day. In contrast to being hailed as heroes now, they can't help but have a new understanding of what Raymond said before.

  At this time, the troops arrived at the city gate. Charlotte was accompanied by Morini and others, as well as Javier, Reed's envoy, and Freddy, Rickett, and others who had been waiting for a long time.

  When Shawn reported that the three bandit groups outside the city had been wiped out and presented the captives, everyone cheered loudly, and the atmosphere on the scene reached its peak.

  Only a few family members who knew the news of their fathers, sons and brothers' sacrifice outside the crowd shed silent tears, which were out of place with the surrounding joy. However, who would notice them at this time?

  At this time, Charlotte walked up to Raymond and bowed deeply: "Mr. Raymond, thank you for bringing this crucial victory to Haidington."

  Raymond smiled and said: "You're too polite.I once promised to rescue Haidington from the hands of these robbers, so I must do it."

  What he said now is not just a courtesy.

  Charlotte nodded understandingly at his words: "In any case, everyone in Haidington will remember your kindness."

  She then took a deep breath and said loudly, "People of Haiton, listen to me. I once promised that as long as Mr. Raymond can eliminate these bandits, we will accept them."

  "Now he has fulfilled his promise, so we will also fulfill our commitment. From today on, Haidington will be their base city, and we will support each other, never to betray!"

  This was just a private agreement between the leadership of Ramond and Haidington, but now Charlotte announced it publicly, showing considerable sincerity and making the agreement more binding. Her decisive and efficient style is evident.

  Charlotte's words immediately brought another round of cheers, and in the unprecedentedly warm atmosphere where Raymond and others had just saved the town, who would oppose accepting these heroes?

  Almost no one noticed that when Charlotte announced this decision in public, the three people standing beside her, Depero, Lambert and Vanning, exchanged a look with each other, their faces flashing deep dissatisfaction.

  However, there were two people who noticed the change in their expressions. One of them was Javier, who had caught Lambert's subtle movements and wore a rather amused expression, as if he had discovered an unknown plot twist in a play.

  And another, was none other than Freddy. Unlike Javier who looked like a complete bystander, he stood pale-faced in the crowd, his eyes hidden under the brim of his hat, but hawk-like, intently staring at the three, his sharp gaze missing not even the slightest change in them.

  Suddenly, as if he had noticed something, he turned his head around, and at this moment Javier also looked at him as if he had been affected. The two men's eyes met, Javier showed a meaningful smile, Freddy hummed and slightly raised the brim of his hat, then both of them turned their heads back as if nothing had happened.

  Of course, this tiny episode did not cause any waves. Soon, the welcoming team surrounded by crowds walked towards the city, and the whole Haddington was immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

  That evening, in the central square of Haddington, Charlotte hosted a banquet for all the soldiers who had taken part in the battle. For this banquet, the cooks almost turned over every available ingredient in Haddington and worked tirelessly throughout the day to barely manage to put together a decent dinner, which showed just how strained Haddington's resources were at present.

  However, everyone was filled with hope. Because after driving away the robbers, trade in Haidington can be restored, and when the merchant caravans poured in continuously, everything will return to its original state.

  At least, that's what people think now...

  "So let us pay our highest respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this battle."

  As Charlotte's voice echoed through the square, everyone below stood up in silent mourning, commemorating their fallen comrades in this battle.

  Then the waiters brought up a sumptuous feast, bottles of fine wine were opened, and the intoxicating aroma began to waft through the air, and the banquet officially started.

  The guards, being professional soldiers, soon shook off their sorrow. As for the original bandit guards, these carefree guys had long since taken life and death lightly, and besides, they hadn't lost many people, so as soon as the wine was brought up, they indulged in wild drinking, occasionally bursting into fits of laughter, which was quite refreshing.

  The originally somewhat dull atmosphere gradually began to liven up.

  Set in a corner of the square, this table belonging to the current Haidington leadership is also in a harmonious atmosphere at this moment. The participants in the banquet are lively and cheering with their cups, as if there was no gap between them.

  "Mr. Leman, your means are truly breathtaking. In just one night, you've eliminated the three notorious gangs that have been terrorizing this place for nearly a year. No wonder Mr. Reed speaks so highly of you." Javier raised his glass to Leman.

  "Haha, you're too kind." Raymond smiled and raised his glass for a toast with him.

  At this time, Moriani came over and said eagerly: "Mr. Javier, now that the environment around Haidington is safe, I don't know if Mr. Lide will..."

  "Of course, Mr. Raymond and Miss Charlotte have both fulfilled their promises, how could I go back on my word?" Javier nodded immediately: "I will return and report the situation here to Lord Reed in detail, and our merchant ships should arrive soon."

  Having obtained his promise, Morin and the others were overjoyed. To be able to welcome a fleet of merchant ships personally dispatched by Reed, compared to relying on Raymond's single ship for trade, was simply worlds apart. For the currently devastated Haidinton, this promise was worth more than tens of millions in gold coins.

  In the excitement, Morini, Lambert and several other committee members raised their glasses to toast with Javier, pulling him into a discussion about establishing trade routes, inadvertently leaving Raymond out.