Chapter 61

The previous night's events were a fun break for Kane. It also helped him improve his relations with the townspeople. The only negative was the headache he got afterwords.

He spent the next couple of his days interacting with the townspeople. He would stop to chat and purchase things from the vendors and even managed to make a trade deal with the merchant Baboo.

He traded some combat stories with the guard captain and his men and even had a drink with the Mayor.

Kane still needed to talk to Lo about magic and improve his relationship with the healer. If he could bring the mage to his side then Kane would buy troops with magic potential from the system shop. This way it would be more affordable than purchasing mages. He did not need combat mages currently and so the healer was perfect as Kane had no current medical system. Only a few troops knew some rough ways to bandage up wounds and such.

Kane also wanted to talk to the Mayor about dealing with the bandits as it would be very helpful for the town and may even gain the town's loyalty.

Today Kane walked to the Mayor's house to suggest his idea. Kane would suggest that the Mayor ask the Iron Rose Kingdom for help and he would send a note for the Mayor.

When he arrived at the house he knocked. It only took a second before the door was answered by the Mayor's daughter. Kane had come in the morning and had a feeling the family was still eating breakfast.

"Good morning Mr. Kane. How can I help you this morning?" asked Yia. She may not be too comfortable around strangers and still nervous around people from the Iron Rose Kingdom but she was still polite.

"Sorry for the intrusion but may I see your father?" asked. Kane.

"Yes we are just eating right now but you may come in. Would you like to have anything to drink or eat?"

"No, it's fine thanks Yia. I already had breakfast."

She was a bit surprised at being called by her first name but nodded all the same before showing him into the house.

Kane followed her to the dining room where Luth and Allea were sitting.

"Sir Kane! How are you this fine morning? What do I owe the pleasure?" asked the Mayor.

"I was hoping to talk to you about Cleaver and his bandit clan."

The Mayor furrowed his eyebrows for a second but then went back to his previous joyfully expression.

"Sure please sit with us. I hope you don't mind that we are still eating."

"It's perfectly fine Mayor it was me who intruded on your morning."

"Nonsense Sir Kane! Anyways why do you wish to talk about the bandits today?"

Not only the Mayor but Allea and Yia both looked interested in what Kane would say.

"Well as we both know the Kokar Kingdom seems to have left without finishing the plans of taking out the clan with you. You still have the problem and it would be annoying for merchants like me to get our goods to the town if we are being attacked constantly by bandits."

"So what do you suggest? They were going to help but for some unknown reason, they left. I was even willing to go against my ways and join their kingdom. Now with no supporters we will only have increased trouble with them."

Allea chimed in "Yeah we have little guards to protect the towns and we have maintained a free town for so long that we are still unsure about outside influences."

"As you saw with those Kokarians who just abandoned us after we put our hope into them we cannot trust others," said Yia angrily.

"Well, I have an idea. You won't like it either but it will help you and your people" said Kane.

The Mayor perked up at this. The wife and daughter looked skeptical.

"What is your idea?" asked the Mayor.

"Well, I have a close relationship with the king of the Iron Rose. With your permission, I would be happy to send a letter asking for assistance. He would send troops to clean out the bandits."

Shock could be seen in the family's eyes and Yia seemed a little upset while Allea seemed suspicious. The Mayor had a neutral look and was in deep thought.

"What would the King get out of this?" asked Allea.

"Whatever the bandits have of course. It would belong to him unless there is anything important to you or your people. Then it would be returned to its respective owners."

Allea seemed more comfortable when she heard this and so did the Mayor.

"And I am sure that's all the King wants. He probably just wants to take control of Crazus Town like everyone else" said Yia.

The Mayor looked annoyed at her daughter.

"Dear respect the person trying the help us," he said.

"I assure you that your loyalty will not be a condition of the help. He probably would like to have you join his empire but that is a decision of you and your people. It is not one a deal can make. If you follow a leader it should be one you like. You Mayor is a great example of this."

The group looked surprised about what Kane said. Yia had an "I knew it face" while the Mayor and his wife seemed unsure.

"The king would help us and not take over? Why?" asked Allea.

"He wants his people to be loyal and accept him as a ruler. You are a peaceful village so he would not conquer you or force you to serve him. I told you before I have a close relationship with him and I promise he will help you with no other conditions except the bandit clans loot."

"That seems like a fair deal. I would like to meet this King" said the Mayor.

"But father..."

"Quiet child." said the Mayor.

"I will send a letter right away Mayor. Help should arrive in a few days."

The mayor nodded "Thank you Kane this your help and kindness with not be forgotten."

Kane smiled "It's my pleasure. You and your people have been very welcoming. I assure you that the bandits will be dealt with soon."

Kane said his goodbyes and turned to leave but Allea quickly stopped him.

"Before you go can you get something for me? The bandits took something from a caravan that was headed here a while back. It was a statue of my mother that I ordered. It would be a miracle to see it in person."

"I sure can Mrs. Crazus. No matter what it will be returned to you," said Kane.

Allea smiled broadly and her eyes watered. Luth bowed and thank Kane again. Yia also smiled and looked a bit ashamed. Possibly because of her objection to Kane's help.

"I will see you later then," said Kane before leaving.