Lord Chronicle

Chapter 80 Cooperation
Handing over the work of researching coke to Manson, and then pushing the government affairs to Jessica, Saul once again became the shopkeeper.Fortunately, after the autumn harvest, the workload decreased, and Jessica didn't pick on Sol any more, allowing him to live a comfortable life.

At this moment, Kress came to report that the representative of the Adventurer's Guild had arrived in Lowell.

After getting the news, Sol and Jessica glanced at each other, both of them had the same thought: it's finally here.

The person who came from the Adventurer's Guild this time was named Raul. He was a tall, thin, handsome middle-aged man wearing glasses, with a rather gentle temperament.His identity is the general manager of the Adventurer's Guild in the eastern region of Dinar, which is quite a high position, which also shows that the Adventurer's Guild attaches great importance to Lovell.

There was also an old man with gray hair and beard following Raul. According to reports, he was Raul's deputy named Gris.He didn't seem to be very talkative, and kept following Raul with half-closed eyes.

However, after Saul expressed a warm welcome to the two, Raul asked with a confused face: "My lord, have we met somewhere?"

Surprised in his heart, Sol looked away guiltily: "Of course not. In fact, I am the face of the public in the legend, and people will feel familiar wherever I go."

"Oh..." Raul nodded inexplicably, but still stared at Sol.

Afraid that he would recognize him as the notorious "Zhang Anbu", Sol quickly changed the topic: "You two have worked hard from afar, please go in and have a rest first."

After all, there was something important to do, so Raul didn't pursue it any further. He followed Thor into the lord's mansion, and the adventurers who came to protect him were arranged by Jessica to rest in another room.

After sitting down in Sol's study, Marlene served tea. After chatting for a while, Raul quickly brought the topic to the formal stage: "I am here this time because of the invitation sent by the lord to the guild."

Looking at each other, Jessica took over the conversation: "Yes, we had some small conflicts before, but we think it was just based on a misunderstanding, and there is no need to cause confrontation between the two parties."

Raul exhaled lightly: "After the discussion at the top of the guild, I think so too."

Unexpectedly, the other party expressed his intention to accept the settlement so simply. Sol was very happy: "So, the Adventurer's Guild agreed to our request?"

Raul nodded: "Of course, the lord has made great contributions to the kingdom, and he was promoted to earl in a short period of time. His deeds are widely spread. How can our guild get into trouble with you because of a misunderstanding."

Jessica said happily: "It's really admirable for you to have such a generous stomach. From now on, Lovell will open the door to the Adventurer's Guild as always. Warcraft hunters can come in and out at will, and we will also provide adventurers with All kinds of services."

Raul bowed slightly to show his thanks.But soon, he said with some embarrassment: "I am here this time, in addition to showing goodwill, I also want to convey a request from the guild."

"Oh, what is it?" Sol is in a good mood now: "As long as we can do it, we will do our best."

Taking a breath, Raul said slowly: "After discussion, the upper echelon of the guild thinks that we should stick to the original request. So I hope Lovell can give the guild full responsibility for the defense of the territory."

Unexpectedly, the adventurer's guild made that unacceptable request again after a sudden turn of events.Jessica's face immediately sank: "Thank you for your kindness, but Lovell has enough defensive strength, so the defense issue is not a bother."

Raul smiled slightly: "Really? As far as I know, Lovell has always been troubled by the active monsters in the nearby mountains. Last year, he suffered a large-scale invasion by monsters, and many people died. According to another rumor, not long ago There are dead spirits active in your territory, regardless of whether this is true or not, do you still dare to guarantee that Lovell has enough defense force?"

Sol and Jessica felt the same trepidation, because the secret information network of the Adventurer's Guild was so powerful.It was not difficult to know about the invasion of monsters last year, but under Sol's deliberate suppression, they actually inquired about the invasion of the undead.

Jessica snorted: "Even if it's as you said, we will ask the king to send more troops. Anyway, it's not up to the Adventurer's Guild to intervene in this matter, right?"

Seeing Jessica indirectly admitting his words, Raul's eyes flashed with color: "If you ask the king to send troops to station, it is tantamount to admitting that the lord can no longer control the territory. Presumably neither of you want to see this?"

Jessica's face changed slightly, and Raul continued: "Lowell is an important place for our guild to capture monsters, so the guild does not want to see it being destroyed. Out of mutual benefit considerations, we decided to take over the defense. In this way It not only protects the town, but also provides security for the adventurers who come here. So please don’t worry, we have absolutely no intention of seizing the territory.”

If you want to believe you, then I'm a pig's head, Sol curled his lips and didn't speak.Thought there was something to be said, Raul further said: "To show our sincerity, we will invest a huge amount of money, and the lord of this money can allocate it freely. At the same time, for the prosperity of Lowell, the guild will also participate in the construction, such as expanding the equipment store, Build roads, strengthen fortifications, etc."

"Are you serious?" Saul regained his spirit.Denisos bless, I really come here for whatever I want, people, money, isn’t that what I lack the most.

Jessica was taken aback by his reaction: "You're crazy..."

After waving his hand to signal her to wait, Saul asked again, "Is what you just said true?"

Raul showed a mocking smile: "Of course, as long as you agree to our request."

"Well, that's good." Saul sat back in the chair.

"So, you agree?" Raul was pleasantly surprised.

"Tsk tsk..." Sol smiled and shook his fingers: "So, can we talk now?"

"What?" Raul was taken aback by the words.

Sol disdainfully said: "Do you think I will believe that nonsense? The Adventurer's Guild is not a charity, but also helps me build a territory. Come on, those monsters are not worth your troubles at all. I also want to know, Luo What is it about Vail that attracts you?"

Unexpectedly, his attitude changed so quickly, Raul couldn't help but glanced at Gliss.He wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Please believe me, we have no other intention..."

"Come on, you don't believe it yourself." Sol snorted: "I don't know what you want, but it's not impossible for everyone to cooperate. Let's put it this way, I don't like to cover up and put your Let’s clarify the real purpose, talk about it if we get along well, otherwise we’ll let it go, how about it?”

Saul's direct statement made Raul feel very depressed.Is there a mistake, we are people of status anyway, why don't we understand any politeness in communication?

However, Raul also has his own difficulties. To be honest, Sol's status has improved so quickly, which is beyond the expectations of the Adventurer's Guild.A year ago, he was an insignificant little lord, but he had won the title of earl in a short period of time and gained the favor of the king, which made them very afraid.

After all, Lovell is the kingdom's territory, and it cannot be seized by force, unless the Adventurer's Guild has the consciousness to offend the entire Dinard.In the past, they could still use the powerful influence of the guild to exert pressure, and use Lovell's dependence on the guild to gradually eat away at it.

However, under Sol's leadership, Lovell survived several crises safely, and his strength continued to grow, which put a lot of pressure on the Adventurer's Guild.It is very unlikely that the goal will be forcibly achieved now, so after Thor expressed his intention to reconcile, the guild also had to respond.

Although there is no substantial conflict between the two parties, the difficulty lies in that the Adventurers Guild cannot reveal its true intentions.This is related to the hard work and huge investment of the entire guild in the past ten years, and there must be no loss.

Raul wondered: "This...I'm sorry, please forgive me for not being able to say it."

Sol stood up very simply: "Then walk slowly. We will take care of Lovell's matter ourselves, so I won't bother you."

Raul was in a hurry: "Please wait a moment, we can discuss it again. If the lord is not satisfied, we can increase the amount of sponsorship, and you can ask for anything."

Secretly, the more you act like this, the more I can't believe it, who knows what's behind your back.Saul shrugged: "I'm sorry, I just want to know the truth."

Completely lost, Raul had to look to Gris for help.The old man hadn't said a word since he came in, and he didn't move even when the two sides were quarreling the most.

At this moment, he slowly opened his eyes: "Yes."

"What?" Raul was shocked: "Yes...Mr. Gliss, how can this be?"

Unexpectedly, this low-key old man was the one who really made the decision. Sol and Jessica glanced at each other, then sat back on the sofa and looked at each other with interest.

Gliss glanced at Sol, and said slowly: "Before I speak, I want to remind Your Excellency the Earl. The next matter is of great importance, and it is not enough to just listen. If you are not ready, the old man advises you Let’s get rid of that idea.”

As he said this, Saul's interest aroused even more.But the meaning of the other party is also very obvious. Since you have listened, there is no way out. If you want to go back on your word at that time, it is up to you.

To make the Adventurer's Guild so solemn, the other party is obviously not alarmist.This made Jessica a little worried, she whispered: "Do you really want to listen? I'm afraid..."

Sol waved his hand: "It doesn't matter. Look at their posture. If they don't come up with a result today, the other party will definitely not give up. Will there be endless troubles by then? What are you afraid of? I still don't believe that the sky can fall."

This is the only way to go at this time, Jessica nodded in agreement.Sol then said to Gris: "Please tell me."

Gris chuckled, turned his head and gestured to Raul.Raul wanted to say something else, but under Gliss' gaze, there was only compromise.

After hesitating, he said, "This matter... is actually related to the relic forest in your territory."

"The relic forest?" Sol was taken aback.On the first day he came here, he felt that there must be something wrong with this forest. Otherwise, what would a good primeval forest be called a "relic", but he didn't expect that it really hit the nail on the head.

Jessica frowned and said, "I grew up here, and I've never heard of any problems with the relic forest. What's in it?"

Judging by Raul's appearance, he still seemed unwilling to speak out.But Glis coughed lightly, and he could only smile wryly: "As the name suggests, there are ancient civilization relics buried in this forest..."

"Damn!" Saul gasped before he finished speaking.

I don't understand why he suddenly made such a sentence, and all three pairs of eyes stared at him for a while.Saul felt very embarrassed, so he had to laugh dryly: "Haha, it's okay, it's okay, keep talking."

Is there any mistake, it is called the relic forest and there are really ancient relics buried in it. Do you think you are playing a game?For a moment, Saul felt extremely absurd.

But as usual, facts are facts.Raul continued: "In fact, it is different from the long-standing legend. A long time ago, there was another civilization in the Majna continent. It is said that the magic system passed down from the gods, and many skills are actually the inheritance of this civilization. .”

"However, due to the age, all traces of this civilization have been wiped out. After nearly ten years of hard work, our guild is finally convinced that there are still the last relics in this forest."

"So, you want to dig it out?" Thor tentatively asked.

Raul nodded: "This ruin is the last key to revealing the ancient civilization, so our guild decided to start digging."

Jessica wondered: "What does that have to do with your wanting to occupy Lovell?"

Raul was a bit dumbfounded: "Actually, it's not an occupation... Forget it, we do have that intention. The inside story is quite complicated, and I can't explain it clearly for a while. Simply put, our guild doesn't want to discover the ruins." The news spread. You must know that there are huge secrets buried in the ruins, and the existence of ancient civilizations conflicts with the myths that people are familiar with, which may cause unnecessary trouble.”

Saul nodded: "So you want to control Lovell to make it easier to move?"

Gliss said at this time: "If you want to excavate, you can't bypass Lovell. Besides, excavation requires a series of preparations and a stable logistics base. That's why we have this plan."

Sol finally understood, no wonder the Adventurers Guild took the initiative to find trouble last year.It is estimated that the old lord had just died, and Lovell himself was very weak, so they felt that the time had come, so they wanted to take the territory as their own.

Of course, this is not really occupied, after all, this is the territory entrusted by the king.The opponent's plan was probably to take advantage of the weakness of Sol, the second ancestor, and turn him into a puppet, so that the Adventurer's Guild could live behind him and do whatever he wanted, completely turning Lovell into his own backyard.

Unexpectedly, the new lord is a "fake" from another world, and the guild's first attempt failed.Coupled with the series of events that followed, Lovell gradually grew stronger under Sol's leadership, and he also got rid of his dependence on them financially, making the guild's chance of seizing Lovell increasingly slim.

It happened that Sol took the initiative to ask for reconciliation, and the upper echelons of the guild took advantage of the slope to go down the donkey, and today's negotiation came about.

Damn, this is simply a disaster!Thinking of this, Sol couldn't help cursing secretly.What kind of ancient ruins did my business, but it ended up attracting this group of malicious guys.If it weren't for my strength and luck, I'm afraid I would have been bombarded to death long ago.

Seeing his unkind expression, Gris obviously guessed what he was thinking.The old man laughed and said, "I'm ashamed. We didn't expect the lord to be so young and promising that he made repeated miscalculations. But now everyone is open and honest, and I ask you to be generous and forgive us for our previous stupid behavior."

This old man was powerful, he praised Sol and expressed his apology even when he beat him. He was neither humble nor overbearing.

After being stunned for a while, he was discouraged and said: "Forget it, you can do whatever you want."

"Hehehe..." Gris said with a twisted beard with a smile, "Now that we've said everything, what does Master Saul think?"

Sol was taken aback, knowing that the other party was waiting for him to express his opinion.He glanced at Jessica, who shook her head, indicating that she had no idea.

"Does Mr. Gliss have any suggestions?" Sol kicked the ball to the opponent again.

Gliss' eyes narrowed slightly: "Is the lord interested in cooperating with the guild?"

"Master Gliss, how is this possible!" Raul immediately objected.

Gliss waved his hand, indicating that he would bear all the consequences.Then he looked at Sol again, waiting for his answer.

Sol couldn't help but feel a little troubled. Who knows what the Adventurer's Guild wants to do in excavating this relic. If it's just purely academic research, it doesn't seem to take so much effort, right?But the opponent has already laid their cards down, and if he wants to retreat, once he annoys them, there is no guarantee that these guys will not kill them.

Just kidding, I will depend on this territory for my comfortable life for the rest of my life.

Gliss obviously saw this point in his mind, and took a sip of black tea leisurely, his smiling eyes seemed to say: Little boy, do you regret it?Who told you that you had to listen to it just now.

"So, if we cooperate, what conditions do you have?" At this time, Jessica was calmer.

Raul said: "Since it is a cooperation, the guild will no longer invade Lowell, and all affairs of the territory are still up to you. But correspondingly, you must provide all convenience for our excavation work and keep it strictly confidential. Once the news leaks , you are responsible for the consequences.”

This is clearly stated, and the threat is also obvious.Sol and Jessica both frowned, unable to make a decision for a while.

Gliss added: "Of course, we will fully compensate for any inconvenience caused to Lovell. In addition, if the excavation work achieves any results, we will not forget your benefit."

Saul was overjoyed when he heard that, but in fact, as long as he thinks about it carefully, the advantages of this matter definitely outweigh the disadvantages for Lovell.First of all, tying the Adventurer's Guild and Lovell together through excavation work is equivalent to having a backer, and Cliff has to weigh it if he wants to attack the territory.

At least, if the last undead invasion happened again, you don't have to be afraid of being alone, with this group of adventurers ahead of you.

Second, the influx of adventurers and the development of excavations can greatly stimulate the prosperity of Lowell, and it can be said that there are many benefits here as a logistics base.After all, everyone is rich if they are rich, and Reed's caravan alone cannot benefit everyone.

Third, I just provide a venue, and hand over the difficult work to the Adventurer's Guild, and if there is any achievement, I can get a share of it, so why not do it?
As for the issue of secrecy, the excavation work was carried out in the forest, which was inherently hidden, and since there were few people in Lovell, it was easy to manage, so it was not difficult.

After thinking this through, Saul finally made up his mind.He laughed and stretched out his hand: "Then, happy cooperation."

It wasn't Raul, but Gliss reached out to shake his hand: "It's a pleasant cooperation." This made Saul believe that he is the real decider of this negotiation.

In this way, the Adventurer's Guild and the Lowell Territory formally reached a cooperation agreement.

However, what kind of changes this agreement will bring to the territory is not something that Saul can foresee.After all, he is just a mortal, and he can only consider the conditions in front of him.

"Then, the advance team of our guild will begin to move in in a few days. I hope the lord will take care of it." Gliss stood up and said.

"Of course." Sol smiled and stood up: "But there is one more thing..."

"Oh, if you have anything to say, please feel free to say it." Gliss was slightly taken aback.

Sol rubbed his hands with a smile on his face: "That's right, as you can see, Lovell is still very poor and lacks infrastructure. For the convenience of your association's future excavations, I think it is necessary to build a road leading to the ruins." The road in the forest, and other medicines, equipment, etc., also need to be updated, so..."

Raul and Gris couldn't help being stunned. They really didn't expect that just after signing the agreement, this guy would brazenly ask for benefits, but he was so confident.

For a moment, he was dumbfounded, and Gliss even had the weird idea of ​​"if he is such a shameless opponent, then he will not be wronged if he loses".

In desperation, he had no choice but to sigh: "We will consider it."

Sol laughed even more happily: "Thank you, thank you, your club is really rich... Oh no, it's generous. Of course, the sooner these facilities are built, the better our cooperation will be, so please hurry up... But please Rest assured, our principle is mutual benefit, so if you build for us, we will definitely provide the best service.”

At this moment, Gliss didn't know what to say, this guy is really shameless and creative... Fearing that if he stayed a little longer, he would make some weird request again, the two hurriedly left.

After sending Gliss and his party to the entrance of the town, Sol sent them away reluctantly.Nonsense, if someone takes advantage of you to build roads for you, upgrade equipment stores and hospitals, you will also send them as relatives.

After watching the backs of a group of people disappear into the woods, Sol turned his head and smiled triumphantly at Jessica: "It's done, the road to the ruins forest is now settled."

Jessica is not as optimistic as he is: "I don't know if it's right to cooperate with them this time..."

Sol curled his lips and said: "Don't worry about him so much, it's the kingly way to get as much benefit as possible first. If you are afraid of wolves before and tigers later, and have a lot of worries, you can't do anything."

Jessica agrees with this point: "You're right, sometimes I do think too much."

Saul said with a hippie smile: "There's nothing wrong with that. I decide the big things, and you consider the details. This is what we call complementary advantages, a natural pair."

"You..." flushed by his words, Jessica looked embarrassed when she wanted to hit her but didn't know whether she should do it or not.

Saul has liked her look more and more recently, and he couldn't help but feel very happy.

After all, she was still tender-faced. Jessica gave him a sideways glance, and changed the subject, "You said, Cliff's coveting of our territory is also related to that ruin?"

Sol shook his head: "Probably not. Don't forget that one end of the forest is adjacent to the Bahrain Territory. If Cliff is also for the relics, why bother to seize our territory? Just start working on his own site."

Jessica said worriedly: "That's true, then what is he doing for?"

"Who knows." Saul yawned lazily: "It's dinner time, let's go, let's go back to work too, I wonder what delicious food Marlene will make tonight."

Angry at his unprogressive rogue, Jessica sighed and had no choice but to follow.

*
The Adventurer's Guild really kept its promise, and after a while, the first batch of supplies and the advance team arrived in Lovell.They brought large quantities of weapons and equipment, magic items, and a batch of doctors and medicines.

The original intention of the guild was for them to open new shops in the town, but under Sol's strong request, the batch of weapons and armor was expanded to the equipment shop in the town, and Sol temporarily paid for the goods on credit.For nothing else, but also to earn money from adventurers, Sol of course chose to let the townspeople get actual benefits.

For this reason, the bosses of the equipment store and the weapon store were all smiling. They expanded the store without spending a penny, and it was the first time that their store was filled with a wide range of high-quality equipment. They really felt a sense of accomplishment.Sol also intends to let Reed go directly to Kavi to purchase as the number of adventurers increases in the future.

In addition, the town finally opened the first magic item shop, which is sold to magicians among adventurers.The supply of goods is provided by the guild, while Lovell provides the storefront and manpower, and both parties hold half of the shares.

Since the store opened, Hitches has been walking around outside the store every day, looking at all kinds of magic materials and coveting.However, under Sol's temporary reduction of funding, the poor magician can only live with his eyes.

At the same time, a group of priests and doctors also came to join the hospital in the town.Although they are not under the jurisdiction of Lovell, these people will still treat civilians, and the medical level of the town will be raised to a higher level.

This is also the result of the deliberate arrangement of the Adventurer's Guild. In order to cover up the excavation of the ruins in the future, they must find an excuse for their future residence in Lowell.So the guild began to encourage adventurers, monster hunters, and herbalists to return to the territory, and under the cover of these people, the secret excavation work would be difficult to detect.

Facts have proved that Thor's prediction is completely correct, and the positive effect brought about by the influx of a large number of adventurers is obvious.

Not only equipment stores, but also a large number of related industries including hotels, food stores, and taverns in the town were also driven.The immediate consequence of this change is that the town bursts out with unprecedented vitality as if it suddenly woke up.

Looking at these changes with joy, Saul couldn't help but sigh with emotion.What is real prosperity?It is not enough to have money, but also to communicate.It is impossible for Lovell to be isolated from the outside world forever. Only through constant communication with the outside world can there be real prosperity.

Just like now, with the influx of outsiders, the vitality of the town is gradually stimulated.And due to the continuous stream of people entering and leaving, it is very difficult for the last time the undead invasion happened again.

The two mountains around the territory have always been flooded with monsters. In the past, Lovell relied on the hunting of monster hunters to control their numbers.As they haven't entered for nearly a year, the monsters in the mountains are ready to move again, and now the defense team, which is always facing an enemy, can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The number of people on the streets increased day by day, responding to the call of the guild, adventurers from all over the place came in and out of the shop, and the tavern was always full.After nearly a year of silence, the residents of the small town were once again delighted to see the lively scene that could only appear during the active period of Warcraft.

Of course, the influx of adventurers did not bring only benefits, and the security problem also became severe.After all, these adventurers are mixed dragons and snakes, and not all of them are well-behaved babies.

In order to solve this problem, Sol signed an agreement with the Adventurer's Guild.The guild sent a picket team to maintain law and order together with the town's garrison team.This picket team is only dispatched when adventurers make trouble, and uses the authority of the guild to restrain their behavior. The daily security is still in charge of the garrison team, so that the guild will not be afraid of too much interference in the affairs of the territory.

Under such circumstances, the first ruins excavation team secretly dispatched by the Adventurer's Guild finally arrived in Lowell.On the surface, this group of adventurers is no different from other adventurers who entered Lovell, and the banner is to go to the mountains to capture Warcraft and sell them.But the difference is that they are all adventure groups directly under the guild, not ordinary free adventurers.In addition, they were personally received by the lord.

So Saul and the Ruret team met again.

"What, it's you?" He looked at the leader, Ruret, in astonishment.

Rulert still looked shy, he scratched his hair: "Lord Lord, hello."

Seeing Ruret, Jessica's face changed slightly, obviously she was still worried about what happened to Ferry last time.Sol had to explain to her that the matter had been exposed long ago, but for one reason or another, the other party would not reveal it.

After arranging the other adventurers, Sol welcomed Ruret and his party into the study room: "Should you take the lead this time?" They are the most powerful adventure group under the guild, and they were sent to carry out the initial exploration this time, which shows that the guild is serious about excavation. I am determined to win.

Luret nodded: "Many adventurers have entered Lowell now, and the guild thinks the time is ripe, so they sent us to start the initial exploration work."

As he spoke, he lowered his voice and approached Sol and said, "I'm sorry for what the guild did before."

It seems that he has already heard a little about the previous adventurer's guild's intention to get involved in Lovell.Hearing what Ruret said, Saul couldn't help but feel good about him. After all, it's none of his business. Now that he comes to apologize, he treats Saul as a true friend.

"It's okay, it's over anyway." Saul waved his hand and asked again, "When are you going to leave?"

Ruret said: "I will set off tomorrow after buying some equipment. How is the situation in the relic forest?"

Jessica said: "No problem, the entrance has been sealed according to your request."

In order to keep it secret and prevent people from straying into the forest, Thor forbids adventurers from approaching that area in the name of the lord's private forest farm according to the requirements of the adventurers' guild.

The next day, the advance team officially entered the relic forest after purchasing a batch of food and equipment in the territory.Thor himself delivered them to the entrance of the forest, where there was a Lowell's tree farm.

"Be careful." Saul said to Ruret.After all, any discovery about the ruins has his share.

Lu Reite nodded, and after bidding him farewell, the group formally set off into the depths of the forest.

(End of this chapter)