Sean was about to lose his mind listening to Old Gryan’s stories.
Old Gryan was a versatile man. Not only was his skin thicker than the city’s walls, he had the gift of the gab, making up stories better than Sean ever could. Old Gryan fabricated dozens of stories at the expense of dozens of people…
Yes, Sean did not believe a word Old Gryan said.
However, deep down, Sean began to sigh.
Although Old Gryan’s words did not ring true, they were all likely scenarios.
Sean was a kind person, after all.
He had to do something for the sake of the people of Westfall, his friends, and Old Saldean. Acting with a little more caution would not harm him.
Old Gryan may go to great lengths, but it was still all for the people of Westfall!
After giving it a thought, Sean cut Old Gryan off and nodded.
Just when Old Gryan thought he had Sean wrapped around his little finger and ready to spill the beans — the truth and all his trump cards— Sean spoke.
“About that, Sir Gryan, if I’m able to think of a way for the Kobolds and Murlocs to fight amongst themselves… What will you offer me?”
Gazing at Sean’s sincere face, which held no shame despite what had been said, Old Gryan was filled with respect and admiration towards the Half-Elf.
For Sean to ask outright what was in it for him, the young man sure had thick skin… At least half as thick as Old Gryan’s!
Old Gryan thought about it before holding up a finger.
“Half of all the profits?” Sean was living in a fantasy.
“Young man, you’re dreaming.” Old Gryan wagged his raised middle finger in front of Sean. “One tenth. You get 10% of the returns from Jangolode Mine. You’ll be paid annually. I’ll be in charge of the mining so you can just wait for the money to come in. What do you think? Pretty good, right?”
Sean rolled his eyes. “Good? How so? Why can’t I be responsible for mining and you take 10% profit?”
The annual output of ore from Jangolode Mine may not compare to the Deadmines, but it was still the second largest mine in Westfall. The annual Gold output was definitely an astronomical figure. Otherwise, Old Saldean and the others would not have agreed to fork out five thousand Gold Coins. It was all for 40% of the profits in Gold from Jangolode Mine and the loot from the Gold Coast.
In fact, 10% profit from Jangolode Mine was a substantial amount, but Old Gryan was at his mercy at the moment. To avoid any regret at a later date, he was obviously going to fight for more. There were no do-overs with regret!
Hearing Sean’s words, Old Gryan cried out loud, “Sean! You think 10% of the profit is small? You know, Old Saldean and all the other farmers will only receive a total of 40%. When it’s averaged out, the amount is still a lot less than what you’ll receive! Sean, listen to my advice, you need to learn to be content!”
Sean curled his lips. “Grandpa, I’m not insatiable. I don’t have a problem with 10% of the profit from Jangolode Mine but I want to be paid on a weekly basis. Additionally, after winning the war, all looted Magic items will go to me!”
Sean could see through Old Gryan’s little game with a glance.
Paid annually?
No way!
The vital issue was Old Gryan assuming full authority for the mining! Who knew if something fishy would happen behind the scenes! What if the profits were ten thousand Gold Coins but he reported it as mere one thousand Gold Coins? It was not as though Sean would be in the position to argue.
Hence, being paid on a weekly basis was a more secure option. With the time span being only a week, Old Gryan would not have much time to falsify the account entries. Secondly, he would be able to identify the problem early if Old Gryan did make falsified records. Early detection meant early prevention.
Also, the Jangolode Mine was only a tiny stream of cash. The spoils of war was the real jackpot. Thus, Sean wanted in on it no matter what.
Based on Sean’s requests, Old Gryan could tell that this scheming young fox had seen through his plans. He had no choice but to play along with Sean’s rules. He would still go ahead with falsifying the accounts and at worst, would look for someone who knew the ropes so the books would look good. The young fox would not suspect a thing…
As for all the looted Magic items…
Old Gryan thought about it before finally nodding in agreement.
He was in a tight spot as Sean’s requests were fair and reasonable!
As the sole Caster in the army, he had an irreplaceable role in this war. His request for all looted Magic items was within reason.
Unable to make a logical rebuttal, Old Gryan had to dance to Sean’s tune.
The negotiations came to a satisfactory conclusion in a joyous and relaxed atmosphere. Sean and Old Gryan explored further options for their long-term cooperation and had only sincere well wishes for their profound friendship.
Soon, Sean and Old Gryan parted ways, with one party headed towards Jangolode Mine while the other made his way towards Gold Coast.
This was one of the terms discussed by both parties.
Sean would take action and get the Kobolds in Jangolode Mine to attack the Murlocs on the Gold Coast. However, the method he used was proprietary and had to be kept a secret. Old Gryan was not to steal Sean’s unique skill in any way or the deal was off.
Sean did not put any weight to Old Gryan’s promises. Hence, he decisively adopted the most simple and effective method of evasion.
Sean rode off on his domesticated boar.
Indeed, the most simple method was to get to Jangolode Mine and dispatch the Kobolds towards the Gold Coast before Old Gryan could come up with a plan. This way, any schemes and trickery would crumble under absolute strength.
In any case, the domesticated boar charged faster than any regular War Horse!
Once again arriving at Jangolode Mine, Sean was exceptionally calm. This was a walk in the park to him. Not only that, his overall strength had increased significantly.
Holding the Kobold War Horn and assuming a seemingly cool pose, Sean sounded the horn. All the Kobolds guarding the entrance of Jangolode Mine as well as the multitudes within the depths of the mine were lured out. A total of several hundred Kobolds gathered in front of Sean. Sean felt as though he was giving a speech in the school hall.
With his hand still on the horn, Sean began preparing the Kobolds for war.
The Kobolds had below average intelligence, even lower than that of a toddler’s.[1] Sean could easily mobilize them and raise their morale and enthusiasm by telling them that the Murlocs were the eternal enemies of the Kobolds. The Kobolds would live happily as long as the Murlocs perished.
With the Kobold War Horn about to give out at any moment, Sean immediately ended the preparations. Squeezing the boar’s belly with his legs, Sean dashed towards Gold Coast.
Following behind him were several hundred Kobolds, shouting, “Defeat the Murlocs, free the Kobolds!”, as they marched towards the Gold Coast.
These were all the Kobolds in Jangolode Mine, but not all of them in Westfall.
Ever since the last battle, a large number of Kobolds had been stationed near the Gold Coast vanguards and scouts in order to prevent the Murlocs’ vengeance.
These scattered Kobolds joined when Sean and the Kobold army passed through.
All things tended to flow in one direction, much like all rivers led to the sea.
By the time they reached the Gold Coast, the army of several hundred had grown to over a thousand.
Thus, the war had finally begun!
[1] Author made a typo here, we have corrected it to fit the context