Agreed Upon

 The bustling crowd, once charged with an electric atmosphere, fell into hushed confusion, their collective energy dampened by the unsettling participation of a military official.

 Was he acting on the behalf of a military branch? Was he merely seeking recruits? Who was footing the bill?

 As uncertainties and worries mounted, John desperately tried to goad back everyone into the race, only for his efforts to prove futile. Even the influential figures nestled above withheld their voices, further intensifying the prevailing solemnity that had now descended upon the gathering.

 What the hell was going on?

 Meanwhile, Alejandro found himself ensnared in a predicament he hadn't anticipated. He had impulsively acted in Lloyd's stead due to his urgent insistence, only for regret to now gnaw at his conscience. If he were to be falsely accused of representing the Gruzian military in this affair, not only would his career end, but he might also face severe penalties, which included incarceration. In retrospect, he realized the gravity of his ill-fated decision. On the other side, the engineer was quite aware of what he had just asked of him, making him inwardly promise to clear his name and explain his reasoning. After all, these places had no rules nor shame, meaning that anyone rich enough could participate, regardless of their job, social standing or race. As long as the price was right, a blind eye would always be turned.

 A fleeting minute had already passed since Alejandro's bid, much to Christopher's delight, as the big factions showed absolutely no interest in even entertaining it. The lower level also remained shell-shocked, unable to assess whether this was worth risking and fighting for, especially at that price point. After scanning the crowd once more for signs of potential interest, the middle-aged man ultimately resigned himself to defeat, releasing a weary sigh.

"Once… Twice… Sold to the Soldier over there!"

 The engineer, overwhelmed by a mixture of relief and triumph, repressed the urge to let out a triumphant cry. Though the price had been steep, he could now say that he possessed an army under his name — a twist he had never dared to envision. This intoxicating realization began to course through his veins, igniting the belief that this marked the dawning of something truly momentous. Simultaneously, Alexander's grin widened, brimming with excitement at the prospects that lay ahead. While these soldiers had certainly displayed impressive technical prowess, he also discerned that they were missing a crucial element due to their sheltered upbringing. What they lacked was the very essence of what made an army truly terrifying: unyielding fearlessness. When coupled with his military tactics, this characteristic was what had truly enabled him to conquer vast territories without incurring devastating losses. There was simply no better feeling than seeing an enemy despair in the face of absolute, unstoppable power. He also couldn't help but wonder about how they'd fare when confronted with adversity, as it was an aspect often considered weak in every soldier's development.

 Meanwhile, the engineer decided to address the gatekeeper.

"Thank you and sorry, Alejandro. I know I've put you in a horrible spot, but don't worry, as I won't mention your name anywhere near this. I just needed another voice to reduce the upper level's interference. Again, I'm terribly sorry."

 His sincere thanks and apology made the experienced soldier let out a tired sigh, still unsure about why he had even stepped in. Nevertheless, he could easily tell that the scientist's intentions hadn't been malicious, which was enough for him. However, and considering the Emperor's meddling in Christopher's admission at the United Inn, he harbored doubts that this would be swept under the rug.

 With his conscience feeling lighter, the engineer then proceeded to calculate his spending so far. While initially only allocating 500 gold coins to acquire personnel, he had ultimately spent 525, which slightly exceeded his projections yet remained within reason. With this subtracted from his earlier winnings of 640, he now found himself left with 115 coins — a sum he thought ample enough to cover emergencies and futures acquisitions. However, the 20 soldiers also came with an additional cost — the procurement of their equipment. All he could hope for was that it wouldn't be too exorbitant.

 With everyone's focus gradually shifting away from them, the trio then navigated its way through the bustling crowd, slowly but steadily making their way towards what appeared to be the claiming area. There, they instantly encountered a quartet of imposing guards that immediately demanded identification and purpose of entry, which Lloyd declared with assurance.

"We've come to claim our winnings. I've acquired Frederick Holland, while he has purchased the 20 soldiers who were just on stage."

 Satisfied with his response, the guards stepped aside, granting the trio access to a spacious private chamber. But just as they thought they had finally been given complete entry, their gaze instead met that of a young and vibrant woman who seemed to check in all guests.

"Please state your name and the bids you've won."

 Her voice, with its charming and melodious tone, simply provided a soothing respite from the raucous atmosphere.

"Merchant Lloyd. I've won the Red Circle and Baxtron bids. For the latter, I'll be assuming this person's bid and its price."

 As if alarm bells were starting to ring, her eyes quickly lifted from the ledger to meet Alejandro's, who gave a positive nod. Trading bids among participants, he had been told, was not uncommon, but it looked like she needed to ensure it was done willingly, which Lloyd assumed was the result of a few unsavory situations. After noting down all the necessary information, she then turned the black ledger towards him, surprising him.

"Please put your thumb down here."

 Her instructions, while perfectly clear, seemed to cause reluctance, making her realize that she was dealing with a newcomer.

"By doing so, you will officially seal the contract between you, the seller, and the Slave Trading Syndicate, binding all parties to honor the terms of the two bids you've claimed. Failure to do so can result in penalties of up to 200% of the goods' value. With that in mind, please ensure that the details are correct."

 A chill ran down the engineer's spine. In his case, the penalty could amount to the staggering sum of 730 gold coins, an unfathomable amount for him to simply discard. Without further delay, he pressed his thumb lightly onto the designated spot, which prompted the system to confirm the transaction. He also couldn't help but wonder about how these penalties would actually be enforced… Not that he'd find out himself, of course.

 With the formalities completed, the woman then led the trio through a sparsely populated room adorned with tasteful decor and an overall dark color scheme, with accents of rich mahogany red and luxurious furniture crafted from dark woods, evoking the atmosphere of a refined speakeasy. Warm light coming from evenly-placed wall lamps also gently permeated the space, creating a nice balance and contrast.

 As they ventured deeper inside, they also began to encounter individuals who exuded power and opulence, making the scientist wary. This was definitely not the time to cause a scene. After a few more steps, the woman then abruptly stopped in front of a door labeled '313' before informing them of whom awaited beyond it.

"The Red Circle's representative is waiting inside."

 After delicately knocking three times, she opened the door and invited them in.

"I'll be outside."

 Beyond its threshold was what could only be described as a small conference room, complete with a round table and five chairs, but of which two were already occupied by Elias and Frederick. When seeing that their company had finally arrived, the tall and stunningly dressed man rose in anticipation, his twisted and sickening smile still plastered on his face.

"If it isn't the Merchant who bid 250 gold coins for Frederick! What a fortunate encounter!"

 His voice dripped with contempt, causing the confined space to feel even more suffocating. On top of Frederick still seething with hatred and vengeance, every condition seemed favorable for an unpleasant meeting… But despite this, Christopher refused to show any sign of weakness. It was time to get down to business.

 Whilst deciding to not answer Elias' greeting, he then went to take the seat facing him, as he maintained eye contact and dismissed the opening taunt. But to his surprise, and instead of being deterred, Elias seemed further invigorated by this defiant behavior, a response he hadn't anticipated.

 What kind of perverted individual was he dealing with?!

 Only once comfortably seated and flanked by both Alejandro and Alexander did he finally choose to respond.

"It is I, yes, but let's not make this any longer than it has to. As you've already pointed out, I've had to expand quite a bit to get him, which I hope is accompanied by the utmost discretion, especially considering his background."

 His tone was grave and his voice, glacial. If this transaction had any chance of not blowing up in his face, this was how firm he'd have to be. He was already well aware that Frederick's appearance was going to alert a few parties, but it didn't yet matter in his case. With his rather anonymous profile, he could easily stay beneath their radar, but that was only if Elias and the Red Circle cooperated. Without it, he was sure to fail.

 But upon hearing his request, the representative's expression transformed into one of curious intrigue, catching the scientist off guard. After sitting back down and casting a peculiar gaze at the boy next to him, Elias then responded, his tone laced with skepticism.

"Hmmm... I expected more from someone who paid so much for a known mountain of problems. I thought you'd have an army at your disposal, or even the support of a ruler, but it seems I was mistaken. All you have is... money. And as far as I know, money alone can only take you so far in this world… You're looking quite pathetic."

 After this blatant insult, he then locked eyes with his counterpart, which sent chills down Christopher's spine. From Elias now emanated unwavering authority, one that could only be attained through absolute confidence in one's self and organization. This compelled Alexander, who had remained silent so far, to hover over his weapon, ready to hack this fool in half. Never, NEVER, in his entire life, had he been taken for such a lowly insect… But Alejandro, who had seen this scenario unfold before, was quick to intervene as he placed his arm in front of the General, barring him from doing anything reckless. This was the first time he could actually fulfill his role as their escort, which greatly pleased Lloyd. Losing control here would be disastrous, especially with the potential contractual penalties.

 Meanwhile, Elias was quick to notice the former King's actions, calming some of his bravado. While confident in the Red Circle's influence, he was also aware that provoking the warrior standing behind the Merchant, particularly in such close quarters, would be unwise. Additionally, fights were strictly forbidden by the Syndicate, an entity so fearsome that everyone in Gruzia trembled at its mere mention.

 After taking a deep breath, the representative reclined in his chair before exuding newfound calmness.

"While I understand your concerns, they're not mine to deal with. We usually don't divulge the identity of our clients, but in certain cases, it simply cannot be helped. We might appear to only engage in the slave trading business, but brokering information can be equally valuable these days…"

 His frankness and blatant disregard drew a smile from Christopher, as the latter finally recognized his underlying motive: money. More and more money. He had tried to discredit his wealth earlier, but they both knew it was a hollow statement. Money was, and always would be, absolute. Without it, one simply couldn't be powerful. And Christopher, having witnessed firsthand the immense wealth generated from his research, understood this truth. Everything and everyone had a price. All he had to do was find it. But he was also no fool. He wouldn't just give him what he wanted without something in return.

 With only 115 gold coins left, he would have to be strategic, as he was certain that Elias believed he possessed far more. And so, he pondered: what did he need? He had already acquired firepower with Alexander and Elisen, a skilled weapon smith in Thildran, a small army consisting of 20 soldiers, and an economic engine involving magic crystals. But then, it dawned on him, and he couldn't believe he had forgotten these things, causing his smile to widen.

"Very well. I'd then like to expand on the deal we've already made."

 This unexpected follow up made Elias break into a large grin again. It seemed that his counterpart wasn't completely naive...