Chapter 91 - Bringing back two unwanted baggage

With these two spies, they would not attempt to infiltrate again or at least they will not try too hard. Aurelius had a cunning smile that flashed for a brief second after Aile accepted his proposal. Aile noticed it and realized that he is not showing all of his cards. But neither was he unveiling his cards. As long as they both profit, Aile had no problem with a minor risk of the two spies or their schemes.

Then there were some more discussions, smoothing the method to deliver each other the goods.

They finally came up with a system, Aile would prepare two flags each month. If one of them is carried, it would mean that they should not loot the caravan.

If the other is carried, it would mean they should loot the caravan. Then it would be the alternative the next month or a new flag. So that no one could guess a pattern to it. This way, the other merchants will not doubt Aile, having any relationship with the bandits, because his caravans will be plundered too.

The caravan that they would loot would be the stuff that the bandits bought with money.

On the trips that the bandits do not loot, the bandits will add a few more mounts to the caravan with their gathered herbs and other supplies that they will sell to Aile. These will be better optimized after a few trades. Then they worked out some of the kinks in the deal.

Aile then received the first order from the bandits, including the gold beforehand as a show of trust and cooperation.

They similarly expected a show of good fate. Aile thought about what to offer them then he came up with the perfect gift for them. He would not lose in this.

Aile said, "Since we have formed a deal, I will be providing you with some exciting news."

Aurelius and Beshoy became curious and paid attention to Aile. Aile told them that the magistrate of the town was attacked in the birthday celebration of the princess and it was unknown when and if she is coming back. Until a magistrate comes to Port Kiar, they will have the opportunity to infiltrate the town or do some other stuff that will benefit them.

Aile gave them this information to first spread the news, so it does not get suppressed. Whichever party that wanted to benefit from Hazel not being the magistrate would not be able to gain all the benefits. Second, they would eventually hear this news after all if Hazel does not return for a while, it would be pretty obvious. Thus, he was giving them a piece of information that will be pointless very soon, if they can benefit from it, they would only be thankful to him.

Then Aile was ready to leave when Aurelius told him to wait for his daughters as they will immediately leave with Aile.

Then he told the two people that served them drinks that they should leave with Aile they had been listening to the conversation all this long, so they immediately knew what to do. Aile understood how they were allowed to be part of such a crucial meeting. Aurelius left with them. They left Aile and Beshoy in the room.

"Let me walk you to your carriage they will meet us there."

Aile walked with Beshoy towards the carriage. On the way, Beshoy said something that made Aile increase his vigilance, "Since you paid attention to my interest, I will give you some advice. Keep your vigilance high, Aurelius is smart, after all, he is a vice-captain for a reason. Those two are dangerous too."

"Thank you! If you ever need help or a private deal let me know through a letter." Aile knew the kind of person Beshoy was, and the fact that he gave him this information means that at least for now, their interests were aligned. Thus, he did not mind increasing his influence with the bandits or his strength. Controlling him and gaining his trust was more manageable compared to the vice-captain. He was not worried about the two spies with him.

After all, he had many properties now, and he can just dump them in one of them and occasionally reveal some information to them.

Aile then talked for a while with Beshoy, and he was called by one of the guards.

Once he was alone, Aile quickly examined the money to make sure everything was there. He checked that everything was there, including the 20 percent surcharge for the bandit. Not long after the two girls with two bags each boarded the carriage. Aile then told Beshoy in front of Aurelius the location where they should loot his caravan tomorrow.

They both smiled this would be their first deal, so everyone was excited. Aile got on the carriage and guided it out of the forested area and towards Port Kiar with a smile. Not long after the two girls who seem looked very close to each other came out with black eyes and shoulder-length hair as they wore their combat clothing. They resembled vipers that would bite as soon as anyone looked at them. They had beautiful faces.

One of them said, "Hello, I would like to make it clear we are only going for the trade. Do not have any other intentions. This deal is important for father, so do not cross the line, and we will not do anything to harm you either."

Aile just looked at them and nodded. He wanted to keep his distance from them, now he had an excuse to do just that.

He did not even bother to talk with them. He was thinking of the many properties he had, and which one would be an ideal place to drop them to. After some thinking, he made his decision, he chose a moderate house that was not close to his mansion. He then told them to enter the carriage.

They did just that. After entering through the eastern gate, Aile brought them to a small house at the edge of the town. He left the carriage with them, and he told them that someone will come tomorrow to talk to them and collect the carriage. He left just like that, which was surprising for them, he did not even bother asking for their name. As the beauties of the bandit group this as the first time, someone showed so little interest to them. Nonetheless, they were happy as they were told to comply with anything they are asked. As long as they get more information about Aile and any benefits that they can fetch from his business.

Aile got out of the house and was walking back when he noticed one of the girls was tailing him. He sighed and mentally noted that it will be annoying every time he comes here. He also needs to send people that would be able to get away from them without being followed, if he sends someone to contact them in the future.

Aile then made a few turns and disappeared, leaving the girl frustrated as she went back to the house. Aile arrived at his mansion and went to the office. This is where he was going to meet Fiona.

As expected, he saw Fiona and explained the situation and told her that they will not be attacked by the bandits while they trade.

She was happy as she could trade with the bandits tomorrow for the first time and also now, they actually started a profitable business.

She hugged Aile in happiness and then they talked about the two spies and the possible problems with them. Fiona also asked Aile if he could ask that person who saved them from Hazel's old house to be present in the trade tomorrow for safety. Aile nodded and told her that he will make sure someone will protect them from the shadows and told Fiona to not go there as herself but as Phantom. She nodded and left soon after.

Aile lamented, he will no longer need to worry about money. This meant that he now can finally start to focus on his other goals.

He then went towards Emily's room, as it would be best if she goes to monitor the deal tomorrow. This way, Emily can get accustomed to the bandits and also Fiona's trading party.

Knock

Knock

Knock

Soon the door was opened by Sophie after a quick chat with Aile she asked why he came. Aile told her that he was looking for Emily. She nodded and went to call her. Soon Emily came, and they went to the office again. Aile told her about the deal.

He then told her that she should be there to help out if needed from the shadows, and she agreed. Then she handed back the communication necklace that Aile got from Leia. Emily told him that only a 5-stage cultivator or above can activate it. Emily also said that she will deal with the two spies and get them confused by sending conflicting information to them. This would make it very hard for them to get anything useful. Even if they manage to find something in the future, they would probably end up doubting it, from the seeds of doubt she is going to sow now.