Chapter 31: Negotiation and Recruitnt
Raven touched the leather pouch, storing it back into his inventory. He looked at Jacob and Quincy.
“What do you think, Mr. Jacob? Am I eligible enough to hire you guys?”
“Y-Yes! I—I’m sorry for speaking rashly, Young Master Thomas,” Quincy said, bowing first.
“No need for formalities,” Raven replied, dropping the pouch on the table.
“There are fifty-eight Platinum coins inside. That should cover six months. If your work exceeds expectations, I might extend your contract long-term.”
Jacob remained quiet a mont before asking, “I heard from Jose that you plan to reclaim Azmar town. Do you intend to use our rcenary strength for that?”
Raven let out a soft sigh. “Impossible, you think? I was kidnapped and tortured, yes—but that ordeal brought help. Without my teacher, I wouldn’t have survived that underground dungeon.”
“Teacher?” Quincy’s eyes narrowed.
Jacob guessed, “Is your teacher a Wizard?”
Raven nodded. “No Expert Rank Walker can harm now. But reclaiming my territory is another matter. My teacher cannot interfere in politics, so I must rely on outside help.”
Jacob nodded slowly. “I see.”
“These fifty-eight Platinum aren’t for my protection—they’re to help reclaim my land. Will you help ?”
Jacob forced a smile. “I understand, Young Master. But helping you ans standing against Count Spade and other nobles. They may be small nobles, managing small towns, but their influence is above ours.”
Raven adjusted his monocle, scanning Jacob.
…
[Na: Jacob
Age: 83
Race: Human
Nationality: Zenith Empire
Title: Scarlet Wolf
Rank: Radiant Walker – Eighth Circle
Pathway: Ranger
Level: 18
Attributes:
Strength: 72
Agility: 74
Vitality: 73
Luck: 13
Spirit: 163
Class Skills: Piercing Shot, Predator’s Mark, Shadow Step, Fla Arrow, Hawk’s Eye, Hunter’s Instinct
Additional Skills: None
Affinities: Fire: Interdiate, Archery: High]
‘Peak Rank Walker. Attributes rival Franco’s.’ Raven glanced at Quincy.
‘Sixth Circle Radiant Knight. If their party is similar… I must recruit them.’
He leaned back. “Give your answer by tonight. Otherwise, I’ll seek another rcenary team.”
Jacob and Quincy stood. “We’ll discuss with the others and respond soon, Young Master.”
Raven paused. “I’ll also give one complete ‘Uncommon Rank Knight Technique’ and one ‘Uncommon Spirit Technique’ from the Hols Secret Vault once this mission ends.”
Quincy’s eyes brightened. “When do we sign the contract?”
Jacob froze. Even a single Uncommon Spirit Technique was rare. One could reach peak Radiant Knight level—and perhaps even Beginner Expert Knight.
“The consequences of lying will be severe,” Jacob warned solemnly.
Raven smiled faintly. “I’ll show an incomplete copy tonight. You can decide then.”
Silence filled the room.
Jacob asked cautiously, “And the conditions?”
“I want Sepoy rcenary to sign a ten-year contract with the Hols Household. Half pay for the remainder of the period, of course.”
Both were stunned. They could continue a normal rcenary life or accept a long-term contract with reduced pay—but the lure of an Uncommon Spirit Technique outweighed the risk. Even one mber reaching Expert Walker would be monuntal.
Jacob finally raised his hands. “I cannot refuse, Young Master Thomas. When shall we sign?”
“Anyti. Prepare the contract yourself,” Raven said, waving a hand.
After a brief farewell, Jacob and Quincy left. Raven smiled internally: They weren’t tempted by money—they were baited by the technique.
He stored the coins, leaned back, and fell asleep.
…
Hours later, a loud bell woke him. Raven glanced at his silver pocket watch. 1:00 P.M.
Outside, a hundred people stood on the lawn, so curious, so nervous.
“Explain yourselves,” he demanded.
A tall, fit man stepped forward. “Young Lord, we ca after seeing the recruitnt notice. No one answered the bell, so we waited outside.”
Raven nodded. “Co inside. I’ll interview you one by one.”
The first to enter was the tall man, handing Raven a leather file.
“Take a seat,” Raven said, pointing to the opposite sofa. He activated his monocle to scan the man:
…
[Na: Jay
Age: 54
Title: Proud Butler
Traits: Exceptional organization skills, excellent communication, flattery, narrow-mindedness, gossiping, arrogance
Past History: Worked at Windfall Household for two years but was kicked out due to a personal dispute with a fellow servant
Current Status: Contempt, Annoyance, Disdain
Attributes:
Strength: 1.1
Agility: 1.0
Vitality: 1.0
Spirit: 1.2
Luck: 1.0
Affinities: Darkness – Interdiate]
Satisfied, Raven returned the file. “Wait in the foyer. Bring the next person.”
Jay hesitated but obeyed.
Next was a young man, blonde-haired with red eyes, 170 cm, dressed formally. Raven reviewed the file and status screen:
…
[Na: Emanuel
Age: 22
Race: Human
Title: Little Fox
Traits: Etiquette, Wine Knowledge, Discretion, Culinary Knowledge, Problem Solver, Household Managent
Past History: Completed Apprentice Knight Training School seven years ago; worked as apprentice servant at Humphrey Household for three years; later left for unknown reasons
Skills: Immature Swordsmanship
Affinity: Sword – Interdiate, Wind – Low]
“Sit,” Raven commanded.
“As a servant, I cannot,” Emanuel replied, bowing.
“Very well. Have you practiced swordsmanship?”
Emanuel widened his eyes. “Four years ago, I learned the basics from a Rogue Knight, My Lord.”
“Not bad. Wait in the foyer,” Raven said.
…
Over the next hours, he interviewed over a hundred applicants. Nearly half were spies from other Knight Households, including five from the Spade family. Two were Elite Rank assassins—but Raven stayed calm.
‘No need to provoke them yet.’
The murmurs in the foyer died the mont Raven stepped out of the living room. Dozens of hopeful faces turned toward him—so expectant, so nervous, all waiting for judgnt.
“First of all,” Raven said, his voice carrying easily across the marble hall, “thank you for coming here.”
He let the silence settle before continuing. “Although many of you have good skills, I only need a few mbers to maintain this mansion.”
Dozens shifted uneasily. Hope flickered and dimd across faces like candles in a draft.
Raven’s gaze swept over them and stopped.
“Emanuel. Step forward.”
A young man with cropped blond hair stiffened, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Y-Yes, my Lord!” He stepped out of the line, posture rigid but trembling slightly.
Raven studied him for a beat, then smiled faintly. “I appoint you as the Butler of this house. Don’t disappoint .”
Emanuel’s eyes widened before he bowed deeply, relief and pride washing over his expression.
Raven turned his attention to the next candidate—a woman in her thirties, with dark hair that frad a calm, composed face. Her eyes, warm brown and intelligent, didn’t waver when he t her gaze.
“Stephanie,” Raven said, tone asured. “You’ll serve as the housemaid.”
Her breath hitched, then she dropped to one knee. “Thank you, my Lord.”
Raven gave a small nod. Stephanie wasn’t the most skilled, but the others carried shadows in their eyes—spies, opportunists, or worse. She would have to do.
His gaze flicked to the next group. “Briana, Kate, Lyra—step forward.”
Two young won with jet-black hair and one older, silver-haired woman obeyed, bowing low.
“You two will serve as housemaids,” he said, pointing toward the younger pair. “Lyra, you’ll manage the kitchen.”
All three voices overlapped. “Thank you, my Lord.”
A few among the crowd sighed quietly, realizing their chances were over. But none dared speak.
“Jace,” Raven called.
A round man with a flushed face and nervous smile shuffled forward. “Yes, my Lord?”
“You’ll be the chef,” Raven said, then added with a knowing smile, “and your wife, Lyra, will assist you in the kitchen. Don’t disappoint .”
Jace blinked. His jaw went slack. “H-How…?”
He hadn’t written her na anywhere on his application. A ripple of unease crossed the room. Raven didn’t explain—his faint smile was answer enough.
Then his gaze landed on a boy standing near the end of the line. Red hair, worn clothes, and eyes that darted between the exits like a cornered animal.
‘Do I need to hire him, Zera?’ Raven thought, fingers brushing his monocle.
A faint hum resonated in his mind, and a translucent screen blinked into existence.
…
[Na: Roland]
Age: 14
Title: Gardener’s Son
Traits: Bartering, Pruning and Trimming, Street Genius, Tool Maintenance
Past: Lost father a year ago. Supported by elder sister. Elentary education. Learned gardening from father.
Current Status: Nervous.
Attributes:
Strength – 0.6 | Agility – 0.7 | Vitality – 0.8 | Spirit – 1.0 | Luck – 1.1
Skills: None
Affinity: Ti (Interdiate)
…
[People born with Ti affinity are rare. Even at an interdiate level, he could one day wield the Star Constellation Book. If trained well, he’ll be a fine strategist—a valuable ally during warti.]
Raven’s expression softened. ‘Then he stays.’
“Roland,” he said aloud, drawing every eye. “You’ll tend the lawn and garden. Emanuel, teach him basic etiquette.”
The boy blinked, disbelief written across his face before he hurriedly bowed. “Y-Yes, my Lord!”
Raven turned back to the crowd. “That’s all the people I needed. Thank you for coming.”
The disappointed shuffled feet filled the hall as the others filed out. None dared complain.
When the doors finally closed, only Raven and his chosen staff remained.
“Now,” Raven said, hands clasped behind his back, “regarding your salaries. Emanuel and Stephanie—one gold and fifty silvers per month. Briana, Kate, Lyra, and Jace—one gold each.”
His eyes landed on Roland. “You’ll start with seventy-five silvers, boy. Learn well, and your pay will rise.”
He pulled a leather pouch from his inventory and tossed it to Emanuel. The heavy jingle of coins drew quiet gasps.
“Fifty gold coins. Buy everything the mansion needs. Return what remains. Work together to clean and restore this place.”
“Yes, my Lord!” they echoed in unison.
“I’ll be in the living room. Wake if there’s trouble.”
Raven turned, the tails of his coat sweeping lightly as he left. Within minutes, he was sprawled across the ornate sofa, sleep claiming him before he even realized it.
…
Three hours later, a sharp knock stirred him awake.
Raven blinked groggily. “What is it?”
Emanuel stood in the doorway, dressed impeccably in a black suit and tailcoat. The young man had clearly taken his new position seriously.
“My Lord,” he said, bowing slightly. “Sepoy rcenary Leader Jacob and his team are waiting in the guest room.”
“Oh?” Raven stretched, rolling his shoulders. “When did they arrive?”
“Just monts ago. Shall I prepare a bath? The master bedroom is still under repair, but the guest room bath is functional.”
Raven waved dismissively. “No need. I’ll et them soon.”
Emanuel hesitated. “But, my Lord… it might leave a poor impression.”
“They’ll be staying here for a while,” Raven said, tone light but firm. “Etiquette won’t matter after that. Prepare rooms for them instead. I’ll handle the contracts later.”
“As you command.”
Raven left the living room, passing through the quiet halls until he reached the study. The scent of old parchnt and dust lingered inside. A table stood at the center, bookshelves lining one wall.
He closed the door, locked it, and dropped into the leather chair. A quick search of the drawer revealed a blank notebook.
“This should do,” he murmured.
Then, closing his eyes, he entered the mory Library.
…
He appeared in a vast, glowing archive—rows upon rows of shelves stretching into infinity.
Beside him, Zera materialized, silver hair shimring, long ears twitching slightly.
[What are you looking for?] she asked, voice lilting.
“An Uncommon Spirit Technique,” Raven replied, scanning the endless spines of books. “Where’s it kept?”
[First floor. Co.]
They passed through sections labeled Alchemy, Rune Study, Spell Models, and finally stopped before a wall marked Physical and ntal Enchantnts.
Raven frowned. “Only Common and Uncommon techniques here?”
[Naturally. This library has five floors. But with your current spirit power, you can only access this one—for now.]
“How many spirit points to reach the next?” he asked.
[Twenty. And even then, you’d last only a few minutes.]
“That’s ridiculous,” Raven muttered. “They’re just books.”
[Books that breathe with rule power. Touch the wrong one and your consciousness will burn. It’s the sa as standing before an Expert-ranked Walker’s killing intent. You’d faint before you even realized it.]
Raven grimaced. “You make it sound like climbing a mountain barefoot.”
[Then grow stronger, lad.]
He scanned the spines again. Lotus Bloom Spirit Absorption. Spectral Essence Gathering. Void Harmonization Technique.
Then his eyes stopped on one. Mystic Spirit Convergence.
‘Fifty-four Uncommon, a hundred and fifty-nine Common,’ Raven counted silently. ‘That one should do.’
Zera nodded. [That technique’s safe to share. The original was only a pseudo-Legendary rank.]
“What’s the difference between Common and Uncommon techniques anyway?” Raven asked, flipping through the book.
[Common ones gather about 0.01 spirit points a day. Uncommon ones can exceed 0.04—and so help break soul shackles.]
“And Rare?”
[0.08 per day, sotis 0.1. Epic Techniques? Half a point daily—if your soul survives the strain.] She shot him a look. [Which it won’t. So don’t try it.]
Raven smirked. “I have the Bloodline Devouring System to help anyway.”
Zera’s expression darkened. [That system’s not a gift without a price.]
Raven stilled. “Explain.”
[Every ti you absorb a creature’s soul essence, you take in both the light and the dark. The more corruption builds, the stronger Casper becos. If your soul rots too far, he’ll consu you.]
Raven’s fingers tightened around the book. “And you didn’t tell earlier because…?”
[Because it wouldn’t have mattered. For now, focus on creating your elental circles. We’ll find a purification thod later.]
He sighed and began morizing the technique. For over an hour, the library’s whispers filled the silence.
…
When his eyes opened again, the sky outside the window had darkened to twilight. He pulled the notebook closer and began to write, his pen scratching steadily.
After three hours, he closed the book. The Mystic Spirit Convergence Technique—copied and deliberately incomplete—was ready.
Raven leaned back, exhaling. “That should keep them busy.”
Then he rose from the chair and stepped out of the study, shadows of the setting sun spilling across the hall as the mansion began to stir once more.
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