Gift Giving

"Hmm?"

"This is the first time I've encountered someone refusing a gift. Are you, the Blackthorn family, trying to disrespect Sinbad?" Magnus Valorion was getting more and more into his role, but it made things increasingly difficult for Victor Blackthorn, who was kneeling on the ground.

Victor thought to himself, "People often refuse gifts because they simply don't want what you're offering."

To avoid Magnus actually sending him the head of some unlucky bandit from the Crimson Vultures, Victor had to reveal another layer of their connection.

"Do you know who the Governor of Fierce Lion Province is, Sinbad?"

Of course, Magnus knew. When he first crossed over, he had nearly lost his life to bandits due to the Governor of Fierce Lion Province, Lucius Blackthorn. Hearing Victor mention the Governor, Magnus immediately suspected that the Blackthorn family had a special connection with Lucius.

Magnus guessed that the scoundrel Lucius Blackthorn was indeed from the Blackthorn family. His guess was correct, but he decided to feign ignorance, as his character was supposed to be an outsider who knew little about the political structure of Great Latium Imperium.

Feigning ignorance, Magnus asked, "The Governor of Fierce Lion Province? Who is that?"

Victor, seeing Sinbad's lack of understanding about the province's officials, felt more confident. "The Governor of Fierce Lion Province is named Lucius Blackthorn, and he's from the Blackthorn family."

Magnus was secretly delighted, "So Lucius Blackthorn is indeed from the Blackthorn family. Today, I'll settle my old scores!"

"Ah, it turns out the Blackthorns living in Willowbrook Town are relatives of Lucius Blackthorn. What a huge misunderstanding!"

Magnus's exaggerated expression made Victor think Sinbad was intimidated by Lucius's name, giving him more confidence.

"To be honest, Sinbad, I'm a studious person. I rose early and studied hard, but due to my humble background, I couldn't get an official position. In the end, I had to run to the northern snowfield and fight to make a living."

Victor dared not voice his doubts, but he had never heard of a scholar turning into a bandit just because they couldn't get an official post.

Magnus continued with his made-up story, "I have always respected scholars. I've had a long-standing friendship with the Governor, Lucius Blackthorn, and today, I didn't expect to meet his family."

Victor believed Magnus was now afraid of Lucius's reputation and began to think about using Lucius's name to waive the 15 gold bars.

Unexpectedly, Magnus said, "Now I must give you this gift!"

"Luigi Vampa, take some men to the storehouse and bring all the new grain Tuco stole three days ago."

Hearing that the gift wasn't a bandit's head but the grain Tuco had stolen, Victor breathed a sigh of relief. Noah, understanding that Luigi Vampa was another name for himself, responded quickly and went to carry out the task.

At the warehouse, Noah found the grain Tuco had stolen piled up. Remembering Magnus's instructions to take the new grain from three days ago, he realized it was the poisoned grain. Fortunately, these bags were specially marked to avoid mixing with the non-poisoned grain.

Before long, Noah and a few soldiers had moved all the poisoned grain to the hall.

"Victor, isn't your family in the grain business? This high-quality rice was forcibly taken by Tuco from your rival Magnus's grain shop a few days ago."

"After settling accounts with the Crimson Vultures today, my brothers and I haven't touched this grain. I'm giving it all to you. Now, you tell me if you still have a reason to delay paying me those 15 gold bars!"

Looking at the several hundred pounds of grain in front of him, Victor knew it wasn't worth 15 gold bars, but losing less was better than losing more. He forced a smile and accepted the grain.

Magnus walked down from his seat to help Victor up. "Originally, I should keep your leaders as hostages in my camp, but considering your family's scholarly reputation and close ties with Governor Lucius Blackthorn, I'll make an exception and let you all go."

Victor had no hope for kindness from Magnus. He knew Magnus, despite his scholarly appearance, was more ruthless than any fierce bandit, as shown by his massacre of over three hundred people in the Crimson Vultures.

"Sinbad" must have another twist coming, Victor thought.

Sure enough, Magnus said, "I'll let you all go today, but I'll send a team with you to retrieve those 15 gold bars."

"Luigi Vampa, are you willing to accompany Victor to get our 15 gold bars?"

Noah knew this was a test and immediately responded, "Sinbad, I'll complete the task, but what if they refuse to pay when they get back to their family?"

Magnus cut Noah off, smiling warmly at Victor, and said in an archaic tone, "I've heard the Blackthorns always keep their promises, like the eternal sun and moon, never changing. You won't disappoint us, right?"

Victor, shivering at Magnus's seemingly kind smile, quickly replied, "No, we won't. Definitely not!"

Today, Victor finally understood the saying, "Don't fear bandits who can fight; fear bandits with culture." This scholarly bandit leader, Sinbad, was truly terrifying.