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"Well then, consider it agreed." I smiled in delight and turned to the Sword Master, whose face had turned ashen. "You can leave now." Lanster attempted to resist, but I kicked him away. His followers promptly rushed forward, picked him up, and fled at a distance.

Glancing back, I suddenly realized that under the moonlit night, all the werewolves were regarding me with an incredibly ambiguous gaze, as if I were some sort of irresistible casanova.

"Sigh, those who know me understand my worries, while those who don't question my motives. How could you trivial beings comprehend the depth of my intentions? I definitely did not retain them for their beauty alone."

Was it truly not for the allure of beauty? Perhaps, a little bit, I'm not entirely sure.

Chapter Eleven: Strategic Ploys Amidst the Barren Village's Illusory Formation

The following morning, the former Captain Hake was brought before me. He had unexpectedly requested a private meeting, and I was curious to see what this cunning old man had in mind. If he were staying behind merely to avoid leaving his comrades, such an excuse might deceive naive youngsters, but let alone the bonds among smugglers, could his presence truly alter the destinies of these people?

"Well, old man, tell me, what is it you wish to say?"

"Lord Xuanfeng, the Captain of the Cobra Mercenary Group, Hake Lehman, along with my forty-two subordinates, are willing to become your slave soldiers, pledging our unwavering loyalty to you."

"Hmm? Such a fortunate turn of events? Pray tell, what reasons do you have for your loyalty?"

"After being defeated by Your Excellency, we were deeply moved by your boundless aura of kingship. Our bodies and minds trembled, and from that moment on, we willingly submitted ourselves to your majestic presence, ready to dedicate our lives without regret or complaint."

"Cough, old man, to have uttered such an iconic line, I must ask, do you think me more of a fool, or were you once a third-rate bard?"

"Neither, milord. It's merely that both you and I require a plausible excuse, an explanation for our actions that can be shared in public. After all, neither your true intentions nor mine are suitable for open declaration."

"Hmm, you are an intriguing old man. Then tell me, what is the reason you cannot proclaim openly?"

"It is a matter of interest, milord. While the aura of a king may indeed be nonsense, I do see immense benefit in associating with you."

Intrigued by the elder's words, I inquired, "Immense benefit? What kind of benefit?"

"The profits of the Third Golden Trading Route," Hake the elder suddenly looked straight into my eyes.

"A daring notion," I returned his gaze, attempting to discern his true intentions.

"Certainly daring, but I merely dared to think it, while Your Excellency has already dared to act. Once the Swallowing Marsh becomes a passage, the formation of the Third Golden Trading Route will be irreversible. And the rules among Beastfolk are different from those of humans; whoever pioneers and defends a territory, it becomes theirs. The Lion Clan's Battlefang family rose to become the first among Beastfolk thanks to Lion Heart City. Similarly, the Eagle and Bear Clans, who constructed the God of War Corridor with its three cities and four forts, saw their power expand. Now, with the opportunity before us and the Beastfolk Alliance preoccupied with war, the time is ripe. Naturally, Your Excellency would not wish to remain idle."

"Your analysis of the situation does hold some truth, but how do you know that I am restless?"

I had to admit that the old man had guessed my thoughts accurately. The transformation of the marsh into a passageway was a fortuitous moment, and my proximity to it offered geographical advantage. Furthermore, I had over three hundred young Werewolves, skilled in the sixth level of the Golden Bell Shield and beginning to cultivate Battle Aura, whose combat prowess rivaled that of trained Wolf Knights. Coupled with thousands of half-beast slave soldiers, the alignment of heaven, earth, and people was in my favor. What reason did I have not to act?

"When Your Excellency fought against me, you might not have known the situation with the passageway. But after rescuing that Shaman, you must have understood the circumstances and had plans in mind, which is why you've come to inquire about the identity of the Lanster knight and his companion. When you learned from me that the Lanster knight was the third legitimate heir of the Duchy of Langton, I'm sure Your Excellency had already made your decision. Initially, I didn't connect the dots until today when Avril informed me of last night's events. How could those inexperienced youngsters have escaped so smoothly unless Your Excellency intentionally loosened the guard?"

"That's peculiar. Why would I let them escape? Have I gone mad?"

"Not at all, Your Excellency, you are more lucid than anyone. You are well aware that building a castle strong enough to control the passageway on your own is a pipe dream. The only way is to seize the Corrupted City on the other side of the passage, utilizing its manpower, resources, and existing fortifications to establish your fortress before the human army arrives next spring. Given the speed of Your Excellency's mount, it was inevitable that they would be caught up to, whether to capture or kill them. Yet, Your Excellency spared the girls and let Lanster go. The only reason for this is to exploit Lanster's identity. The Duchy of Langton is the sole nation connected to the Corrupted City, and its influence there, both open and covert, is considerable. Once Lanster, an important figure, fully mobilizes, he can divert the city's main forces, leaving the way open for Your Excellency to seize the Corrupted City."

"You're quite astute. A fascinating tale. So, how does this concern you and your mercenary group?"

"Of course, it's for our interests, Your Excellency. The Corrupted City is home to smugglers, adventurers, and criminals from across the continent. Once the Golden Trading Route opens, regardless of who controls it, there will be no place for us. Thus, we must strive to secure a chance for our future. Taking part in the ambush and staying behind to cover our retreat were attempts to earn accolades. Keeping the Werewolf Shaman was to ensure no one else claimed the credit, not to hold him as a hostage; we, accustomed to dealing with beasts, know such measures are futile. However, I've now found a better option, and that is you, Your Excellency. If you control the Golden Trading Route, you'll need human subordinates to manage relations with the human world. At that time, our loyalty to you may grant us greater benefits."