Chapter 40: Low Loyalty? Just a Collar's Matter. |
.....
Looking at the black coil before him, Kuroth gritted his teeth.
This was a magical collar meant for the lowest of slaves.
The slave owner could even control the death of the collared person at any time.
How could someone of his status and nobility wear such a thing?
Staring at the collar, he suddenly recalled the pitiful stray dogs by the roadside.
The man before him didn't treat him as human at all.
He even felt he wasn't worthy of being his retainer.
In those few seconds of hesitation, the flames hovering above his head grew increasingly scorching, singeing his hair and emitting a faint burnt odor.
Status and dignity were instantly thrown to the wind.
In a flash, he picked up the collar from the ground and put it on.
He had once lived a privileged life—how could he die meaninglessly like the swordsman beside him?
....
Watching Kuroth, Jonas smiled with satisfaction.
The chief retainer held considerable power—securing him meant securing Tars City.
Jonas turned to the swordsmen and mages and asked, "Do you wish to continue?"
They glanced at the collared Kuroth on the ground, then at the flames before them.
One by one, they dropped to one knee.
"We pledge our allegiance to Lord Jonas."
Indeed, as Jonas had said, a meaningless death was nothing but foolishness.
Jonas then looked at the lords. "And you?"
Meeting his gaze, the lords immediately replied, "Our territories are willing to merge with the Regin Family. We offer our loyalty."
One lord ventured cautiously, "But first, allow us to return and gather our soldiers."
Jonas chuckled. "I know what you're thinking.
I won't stop you. Go back.
But think carefully—only Thunderkeep can withstand the Destiny Army.
You needn’t fear merging with us will worsen your plight. Here, you’ll find the finest houses and food.
One more thing—war is coming.
This is the only fair negotiation I’ll offer before the fighting begins."
The lords exchanged glances, eyeing the collar around Kuroth’s neck and then Jonas.
Clenching their fists, they fell into brief silence.
Jonas tapped the table. "Go. You have ten days to decide.
Thunderkeep must grow stronger—time waits for no one."
With those words, the crowd departed as if a weight had been lifted.
None had expected today’s events.
Nor had they anticipated Jonas' overwhelming strength.
His threats and power now loomed large—what worried them more was whether merging with the Regin Family would make them cannon fodder in factional struggles.
Watching the departing lords and the chamber president,
Jonas’ gaze lingered meaningfully on Liliana’s retreating figure—her curvaceous form strikingly alluring.
....
Once everyone had left, Kuroth dropped to both knees.
"My lord."
[Kuroth]
[Loyalty: 10%]
Jonas smirked.
Low loyalty?
Just a collar's matter.
Still, loyalty coerced by mortal fear would never be high—but it was enough for now.
Jonas: "Take control of Tars City.
You know what to do better than I do."
Kuroth hesitated. "Third Young Master Joson is a top graduate of the Empire’s Magic Academy, and many nobles still pledge loyalty to the Joson Family.
I fear..."
Jonas: "I’ll remain here for two days.
Every obstacle will vanish."
"Thank you, my lord."
"Also, send the magic crystals to Thunderkeep!"
Here, transactions used copper, silver, and gold coins—but beyond those were magic crystals.
These crystals, translucent and rare, served as high-end currency.
Their most crucial function? Accelerating cultivation speed across professions.
Thus, they were highly sought-after among the elite.
Many nobles used them to win over powerful allies.
Kuroth whispered, "Most of our stock was squandered by Kodaga."
Jonas’ expression darkened instantly.
"Send whatever remains."
"At once, my lord."
Seeing his face, Kuroth hastily added, "The Joson Family may lack crystals, but the merchant guilds don’t.
In peacetime, they amassed wealth across cities—they must have plenty now.
President Liliana’s Golden Cloud Chamber of Commerce, as the largest guild, surely has what you seek."
Jonas’ golden eyes glinted. "Liliana, huh?
Perfect. I was just planning to visit her."
All progress relied on wealth—and Liliana’s talents could provide vast resources.
Along with accelerating geniuses’ cultivation speeds.
...