Agreement

Sigmund was mindful of the happenings in the mezzanine area. He let Gary perform the task of assisting the village chief in ascension while his other clones were busy accommodating the guests.

Despite the distance from the staircase to the mezzanine area, Lord Rainier and his subjects were not aware of the village chief's current predicament.

Harry performed a cursory salute at the nobleman as he attempted to make a conversation. He noticed the group to be indifferent from the time of their arrival even during the performances and battle royale. Though they were clapping briefly as a subtle gesture, perhaps, of recognition, their actions were utterly indifferent.

Most of the guests who noticed this found their reception annoying and to the extent arrogant and condescending but they eventually ignore their presence when the performances arrived as well as the fight demonstration.

"I hope the viscount has been entertained in this banquet. If not, we certainly express our apologies for we are not aware of the preferences of the aristocratic guest." Harry with his trademark flirtatious smile seemed to irate Zanjie and his colleague.

Instead of waiting for their superior's response, Zanjie initiated the group's attempt of exchanging remarks.

"For many days, I have been here, I am still amazed at what your father and family have managed to accomplish in the village. You also seem to be close with His Excellency, Chief Rafa Libera. But I have learned you have been here in less than a month." The dark mage subordinate attempted to dissect information subtly.

"And we are aware of certain movements in your estate particularly the hiring of many people. May I ask the honorable gentleman to inform us where you have obtained such a large number of vassals in less than a month? By the way, I am Cedric Garces, the loyal vassal of First Order of the Viscount."

"If there is a first order then there must be a Second Order. Is Zanjie the leader of the loyal vassal of the Second Order?" Harry smirked as he pointed out a trivial query that could be a vital matter. He somehow steered the conversation in another direction, ignoring the matter that their guest wanted to address.

"You are not wrong on that account. I am a loyal vassal of the Viscount in the Second Order. Our purpose here is sensitive but we have managed to strike a deal with the His Excellency, Chief Rafa Libera, so we wish to comply with our end of the agreement by gracing our presence. This is when we heard from the grapevine of an incoming threat. Are you aware of that Gentleman Harry?" Zanjie's tone leaned to derision but he held most of it when he remembered their presence in the other party's territory.

"That's within our boundary of knowing the intricacies prior to acquiring this large parcel of land. We have been notified and warned about that piece of information but you are witnesses of this banquet and the festivities. Our concern is not yet high regarding that matter."

Harry brought his glass of wine to his mouth and he sipped it with pleasure. His gesture was not lost on the other party's notice who internally wished to eliminate their host.

'I am looking for the right time to blow this party out of proportion but why is Master not acting yet?' Zanjie silently remarked.

"Gentlemen, as merchants, we wish to become friends to all as we link and connect with more people with a like-minded personalities and somewhat similar objectives. I believe you are also a group of merchants based on your announcement. Our interest is to bring shared prosperity while not forgetting the 'dignity' of people. There is a saying that goes, 'What goes around, comes around'. Hence, we are very careful in making deals as we wish both parties to benefit and the result of our stakes to be positive."

Harry's gaze remained on his glass of wine which was refilled by a passing server.

"Just like this juice wine, the sweat of labor will turn to sweetness when they are incorporated with diligence and positive ingredients to produce a product or a result that can benefit many people. If there are other people involved but then they are held captive with the purpose of trading them for servitude, not only their physical body but also their dignity, then…" Harry paused as his words trailed to the other party's hearing consciousness of the implication of those statements. He then continued, "... that's another matter to deal with. We wish to help develop civilization but if there is oppression within that civilization, it might lead to unwanted repercussions. Again, I have to reiterate this, 'what goes around, comes around.' I think you can understand what I have been saying, gentlemen. We are not afraid to deal with stooges despite their façade of seemingly dignified appearance and noble stature."

After hearing the lengthy remarks, the viscount's facial gesture shifted to a slight frown but his subjects withheld their attempt to pick this young man and blow him to his death, only if they were capable of doing so.

Zanjie and Cedric were vexed to the point that their faces were frowning and their wrinkle marks were appearing.

"We apologize for the intrusion. We did not expect that by visiting your place, surprisingly, we have become frogs in the well. Our ignorance superseded our intention to retain our agreement with the village chief. And seeing you here working wonders, we also extend our hands to reach a mutual exchange of benefits with you."

The viscount's face remained stoic as he spoke, appearing nonchalant, ignoring the possible outburst from his subjects.

"But my lord!"

"Sit down, Cedric!"

The viscount was adamant though he was conscious that his subject might have his palms bled with blood from clenching his fists.

"We wish to start over, Gentleman Harry. Our impetus to ignore the present development in this village is a result of an infraction in our judgment to foresee opportunities." The viscount released a slight smile to express a subtle gesture. Harry knew that the noble was still under their spell as a precaution in the event of surprised assailment.

"That would be a clever decision, Lord Rainier. As a negotiator of this family business, my forte extends to the creation of a compromise that will result in the equity of benefits for sharing with the involved parties. Isn't our objective among merchants to enjoy the profits of our endeavors?"

Harry extended his awareness to the second floor where an illusion was activated to cloak the probable quandary when the surge of energy was not controlled. Nevertheless, the situation was still in their control as he sensed Gary was still focusing on restraining the waves of ascension energy that brought the village chief into an increasing plight.