Bandits Spoil

Kael sat on the edge of his bed, rubbing his temples.

The faint light of dawn crept through the curtains, illuminating the fatigue etched across his face.

Last night had been... indulgent. Mila's soft touch and Lysara's commanding presence had pushed him to his limits, leaving him both satisfied and utterly drained.

He hadn't realized just how much his stamina would falter after back-to-back rounds with two passionate women.

"Damn," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I need to do something about this."

The familiar chime of the NTR system echoed in his mind, and a translucent screen appeared before him.

---

System Notification:

Physical Status: Fatigued.

Recommendation: Purchase Enhanced Endurance to improve stamina and recovery.

---

Kael sighed, smirking faintly. "Convenient timing."

He navigated the system's interface, his finger hovering over the skill he now desperately needed.

---

Skill Purchased: Enhanced Endurance (Cost: 60 SP)

Effect: Increases physical stamina, reduces fatigue, and allows for prolonged performance in combat and... other activities.

Remaining SP Balance: 110 SP

---

The moment the purchase was complete, Kael felt a surge of vitality coursing through his body.

His muscles loosened, and the dull ache in his limbs faded as if it had never been there.

He stood, testing his movements with a few stretches.

"Much better," he muttered, cracking his neck.

As he dressed, a knock sounded at the door.

Before he could respond, it creaked open, and Gerald stepped inside, a thick leather-bound ledger tucked under his arm.

The old butler's sharp eyes flicked over Kael with a hint of amusement.

"You look better than I expected, my lord," Gerald said dryly, shutting the door behind him. "I trust last night was... eventful?"

Kael snorted, slipping on his tunic. "Eventful doesn't cover it. What do you have for me?"

Gerald placed the ledger on the desk, flipping it open to reveal pages of neatly written notes. "A detailed report of what we recovered from the bandit camp, as well as some new information that may interest you."

Kael poured himself a glass of water, gesturing for Gerald to continue. "Let's hear it."

Gerald adjusted his glasses and began reading. "First, the tangible resources. From the camp, we recovered:

120 gold pieces in coin and trade goods.

40 swords and axes in fair condition.

15 barrels of preserved grain and dried meat, still edible and suitable for military rations.

10 pieces of quality leather armor, likely stolen from merchant guards."

Kael nodded, already calculating how these resources could be used. "Not bad. What about their supplies?"

Gerald turned the page. "The grain and dried meat will last the troops for a month if rationed carefully. The weapons and armor can be repaired and redistributed to the infantry. It's not enough to re-equip the entire force, but it will bolster their readiness for now."

"Good," Kael said, taking a sip of water. "Anything else?"

Gerald's tone grew more serious. "We also found maps among the bandits' belongings, detailing caravan routes and village defenses. It appears they had a network of informants, likely within our own territory."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "Traitors?"

"Possibly," Gerald said. "But none of the informants' names were listed. We'll need to investigate further."

Kael exhaled sharply. "See to it. I want anyone working against me rooted out and dealt with."

Gerald gave a curt nod. "Of course, my lord."

Gerald hesitated for a moment, then turned another page in the ledger. "There's another matter, my lord. One that could present an opportunity or a significant challenge."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"A famous chamber of commerce is traveling to the region," Gerald began. "It's led by none other than Lady Calista, the wife of Duke Avens of the neighboring duchy. She's well-known for her sharp business acumen and her ability to strike lucrative deals."

Kael leaned forward, intrigued. "And why are they coming here?"

Gerald adjusted his glasses again. "There are rumors of impending war with a neighboring kingdom. If the conflict breaks out, the duchy will need vast quantities of food to supply their armies and sustain their people. Your barony, with its fertile lands and ample harvest, is uniquely positioned to provide what they need."

Kael's mind raced. "So, they want to buy food. How much are we talking?"

"Potentially enough to clear out our entire surplus," Gerald said. "Grain, dried vegetables, salted meat anything that can be stored for long periods. If we strike the right deal, the profits could be enormous."

Kael rubbed his chin, considering the implications. "And the risks?"

Gerald's expression darkened. "If war does break out, selling too much of our stock could leave the barony vulnerable. We'd struggle to feed our people if the conflict drags on or disrupts future harvests."

Kael stood, pacing the room. "What do you recommend?"

"Strike a balance," Gerald said. "Sell enough to profit and strengthen the treasury but keep enough reserves to ensure the barony's stability. Lady Calista is a shrewd negotiator. She'll push for the best deal possible, but she also respects strength. Show her that you're no fool."

Kael nodded, his gaze sharpening. "When will she arrive?"

"Two weeks, perhaps sooner," Gerald said. "Her caravan will likely stop in the Central Plains. I've already sent word to prepare accommodations."

"Good," Kael said. "I'll handle the negotiations personally."

Gerald smirked faintly. "I suspected you would. A word of advice, my lord, Lady Calista is not easily impressed. She values intelligence and cunning. Bring your best to the table."

Kael returned the smirk, his confidence unwavering. "I always do."

Kael spent the next several hours reviewing reports and drafting plans.

He ordered additional surveys of the barony's grain stores and instructed the granary repairs to be expedited.

Gerald stayed by his side, providing insights and ensuring the logistics were in place.

"How much surplus do we have after the recent harvest?" Kael asked.

"Enough to sell half without risking shortages," Gerald replied. "That would still leave us with reserves to last through the next growing season."

Kael nodded. "And the pricing?"

Gerald opened another ledger. "Current market rates for grain are moderate, but if war is imminent, prices will skyrocket. I suggest setting a baseline now but remaining flexible during negotiations."

Kael smirked. "Always the cautious one. Very well. Make sure everything is ready before they arrive. I want no surprises."

"As you wish, my lord," Gerald said, bowing slightly before leaving the room.