Chapter 244: Mutual Respect

Chapter 244: Mutual Respect

The room was filled with silence as Fabian and General Lytton approached a large boulder a few meters away from the place where they had their meeting.

"The boulder is the only thing that could support that Elephant's strength," Arriane said. She was a middle-aged woman with a gentle smile on her face. However, Rosalind knew how dangerous she really was. The Madilu Family was not only well known for their archery skills but because of how good their eyes were. They could use a stone or anything that they could throw and hit someone right in the eye if they wanted to.

While they had this reputation, Arriane Madilu, the current Head of the Madilu Family, had been known for her grace and beauty. In her past life, Rosalind had never met Arriane and only heard rumors about her when the war started. The four pillar families of the Rothley Family became very well-known figures in the war.

Right now, Arriane was standing just next to Rosalind.

"That man is the strongest in the North if Barnard could defeat him in a simple arm wrestling, then everyone will acknowledge your abilities," Arriane continued. "I hope this does not offend you."

"No. It's alright." Rosalind answered beneath the hood.

"You must know why we are doing this, right? Although I am not quite sure how sorcery works, I have never heard of a sorcerer that helps people without any sort of payment. So, I am very interested in what payment you desire in exchange for this help."

Rosalind said nothing. She knew this was a trap question. If she would say that she wanted nothing, that would make her look more suspicious.

If she would demand gold, they would say she was greedy and shallow. There is only one way to beat this

"Let us talk about this once I have proven my skills," Rosalind said. She already saw a few soldiers around them. It seems that the group attracted the attention of many soldiers.

"Very well"

They watched as the two started to arm wrestle, their faces instantly turned red as the two tried to see which one was stronger. At first glance, it was pretty obvious that Fabian was winning. With his large hand and muscles, one would think that he was the stronger one amongst the two. Everyone, even the soldiers, could not help but think that the winner had been decided.

They were wrong.

The cheers had stopped when suddenly, a loud cracking sound echoed.

"The boulder is going to break!"

Rosalind heard someone behind her say.

*CRACK*

"Oh my. It seems that the Elephant cannot beat the General?"

"Oi Fabian, what are you doing? Beat him! Why aren't you showing us your strength?" Alian Bohan said. Hearing this, Fabian's already flushed face became even redder. He glared at General Lytton as veins protruded from his neck.

"Alright. That is enough," General Lytton said. "Old Alain will give me his money."

"I said I will give the money to whoever wins!"

"I did not lose, did I?"

"You How could you be so shameless?"

"Since that is the case, then I should ask for some money too!" Fabian chimed in. It seems that they had already forgotten what happened just a few minutes ago as they approached Alain Bohan. "I did not lose, did I?"

"Both of you are really shameless!"

"Men," Arriane sighed. She looked at Rosalind, who was calmly observing the three older men. "Shall we go back inside the room?"

Rosalind nodded without saying a word. It seems that the four pillar families' relationship did not revolve around competition and jealousy, but mutual respect and camaraderie.

It is refreshing.

Rosalind always wondered why the North was considered a powerhouse of people. Perhaps powerful people wanted this kind of atmosphere too. She lowered her gaze as she fell into deep thought.

.......

"What is your plan?"

The shift in everyone's tone was unexpected. Even their gazes toward her had changed.

"She can only use sorcery on five people every hour." General Lytton answered them. "We thought it would be best to focus on the powerful people first. We cannot let our soldiers die when we have capable people on our sides."

"I agree. Sending ordinary soldiers would be akin to sending a lamb to defeat a lion," Arriane said. "However, before we even talk about that. I would like to know the payment that a powerful sorceress like Lady Rosie wants. Do you need us to gather the blood of virgin lambs? I am going to tell you now, Lady Rosie, we cannot give you something that would break any laws. However, the four pillars are willing to provide you with anything else other than humans. Gold? Properties? What is it that you want, sorceress?"

Rosalind swallowed. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. This time, it was different, as there was no anger or disgust in their eyes. Just curiosity pure curiosity.

She cleared her throat. "I want something that you could easily provide."

"What is it?"

"Pastries," Rosalind tried to keep a serious face. "The sweeter, the better."