Witch Hunter Rhapsody

"It seems that the reason why the bat-sheep is called bat-sheep is not only because of its sheep head, but also because its meat and taste are similar to mutton."

Declan enjoyed the bat meat that Vitas had brought back while enthusiastically taking notes in his notebook.

"So, you conclude that you and your companions cannot safely enter the forest and bring back the prey I need?"

"Yes, the number and size of the wild beasts in the forest are greater than I imagined. We need more people, and I won't let my companions risk their lives."

Despite Vitas's undeniably correct words, Declan had a different opinion.

"Are you and the Flying Eagle Knights truly comrades?"

"What do you mean?"

Vitas stared at Declan.

"When I inquired about the Flying Eagle Knights before, I had absolutely no information about you, and it seems that you don't have a very good relationship with either of them."

"What do you know?"

Vitas was a knight who, even without swearing an oath, without making a formal promise, and even if it was just verbal, said he would help them.

Then, Vitas will uphold the reputation of the Flying Eagle Knights in front of others.

"I'm sorry, I really don't know much about it."

Vitas went on to say more.

"The fact that they allowed me to meet you directly shows that they value you; my coming to see you alone also shows that I trust you. Are you going to betray their trust, and betray me as well?"

Declan's expression tightened; he was startled by Vitas's words and realized he might have indeed offended him.

Vitas didn't stop; he said it again.

"I won't let these people take the risk in that kind of place; you'll need to hire more people."

"No, Mr. Vitalius, that won't do. You must understand that only a monopoly can bring greater profits. Once others get involved, news of Guros will spread, which is not good for me."

"Huh? Your idea is quite unique."

Declan was quite serious.

"This is my request; the price is negotiable."

Vitas frowned, but of course it was an act. Vitas had a way of dealing with those beasts, and his goal was simple: to squeeze more money out of the merchant in front of him.

"If we insist on this, then we need more weapons, better equipment, better medicine, and better supplies, all of which cost money."

"Hahaha, are you trying to use this opportunity to upgrade all the equipment of the Flying Eagle Knights? You should know what that means, right?"

Vitas knew, of course, that such a request was tantamount to seeking refuge from the person in front of him.

Impoverished knightly orders, unable to complete their own preparations independently, need to seek sponsors or find their own masters.

Merchants who can connect with wizards are at least financially secure, and befriending them or becoming their permanent mercenaries would be ideal for the Flying Eagle Knights.

Declan lowered his head and thought about it carefully for a while before making his request.

"Of course I can provide some assistance, but you will have to work specifically for me. I will give you ample opportunities and compensation, which will be better than what you have in this city now."

"That won't do. We can't put our entire future on you. Don't forget, we're risking our lives to do this for you."

"Alright, alright, I've run out of ideas. Let's just consider this a friendship. I'll give you a loan, interest-free, but you have to bring Guros back to me."

A loan? Okay, that's acceptable too, at least there's no interest. Let's talk to the Flying Eagle Knights first.

……

"Thank you so much."

Hammer Forging Workshop received a very large order.

The members of the Flying Eagle Knights are all here choosing their armor.

Vitas persuaded them to accept Declan's loan without much effort; as mercenaries, they knew all too well the importance of equipment.

Helena knew that these people had done a lot of work in the past, but after deducting costs and living expenses, they only had a small amount of money left, which was not enough to buy a new set of equipment.

As for borrowing money, the principal is fine, but the interest is really prohibitive.

Vitas receiving these from Declan was truly a favor.

"Well, if you don't mind, you can choose whatever you want. Of course, we'll pay for your share."

Helena's words lacked confidence. Vitas's armor might be enough to rearm the entire Knights. Even if he was in a bad financial situation, why would he care about such a small amount of money?

"I appreciate your kind gesture, but such a vulgar expression of gratitude is nothing but a pointless insult to me."

Vitas's response was lukewarm; as he looked at the members selecting equipment, his words, however, were filled with more emotion.

"Hey! Do I have to teach you how to choose equipment? First, you need a primary weapon and a secondary weapon. If you don't have enough stamina to carry heavy equipment, at least buy some equipment to protect your vitals!"

"Helena, don't worry about it too much, that's just how Vitas is."

Ether also came over and stood next to Helena. The two had known each other for a long time.

"Mr. Vitalius is indeed a peculiar man, Ether. I think I can understand why you like him now."

Ether quickly reached out to try and cover Helena's mouth. But Helena was much taller than Ether, and Ether couldn't cover it at all.

"What are you talking about?"

Helena's initial frustration at Vitas's answer turned into delight; teasing the little girl was unexpectedly fun.

"Please, I'm a woman too, isn't this kind of thing obvious at a glance?"

Helena hugged Ethella tightly.

"You have to seize the opportunity. Mr. Vitalius could leave at any time. A man like him doesn't stay in one place for no reason. You have to try to become his reason."

Ethella blushed. She pushed Helena away, feigning anger, and said, "If you laugh at me again, I'll ask my father to cancel the discount!"

The women's playful antics went unnoticed by Vitas, who was busy selecting the equipment he needed.

There are other consumables in Hammer's workshop, such as throwing knives, ropes, wood ash, and Vitas also needs some spare undershirts.

"Mr. Vitalius."

"Just call me Vitas, Leon."

Leon hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and stood in front of Vitas.

"Why did you accept Helena's employment?"

Leon felt he had made himself clear enough, and anyone with common sense could understand what he meant.

Everyone in the Flying Eagle Knights could see their feelings for Helena.

After Vitas appeared, Leon felt an unprecedented threat.

A noble, or rather, once noble, knight, embodies the kind of fantasy Helena shared with herself when she was a child.

Vitas was completely baffled by Leon's actions. Wasn't the reason obvious to anyone with eyes to see?

I don't have any money. If I did, would I be working for them? I'm maintaining a respectable image for now, but that itself costs a lot of money.

"Anyone can see the reason, right?"

Even Helena, who seemed the least intelligent, could understand that she was broke.

He looked at Helena, but Leon's expression was even worse.

"you……"

Leon wanted to speak, but Vitas gestured for him to be quiet.

"I have my own things to take care of right now. Let's talk about it later."

After saying that, Vitas left, leaving behind an angry Leon, without even saying hello to Helena and Ether as they played by.

For Vitas, the crows fluttering outside the workshop were incredibly annoying.

"Damn Maximus, you better not make me give up a good mission when I've already got one."

Vitas so sincerely hopes so.