Mercenaries Returning to the Horns Bay

Translator: Cinder Translations

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At the end of the year 1995 in the Holy Calendar, two pieces of news were spreading wildly in the Horns Bay region, especially among the coastal nations.

TLN: I seem to have forgotten what I used before for the calendar, was it sacred or saint or holy? Well, moving forward it will be Holy Calendar. I'll write it down somewhere.

The first piece of news was that the Duchy of Eaton had successfully blocked the crusaders' advance from the north and had pushed them back beyond their own borders. This was achieved even before the main force of the Eaton army returned home.

The second piece of news was that the Horns Bay Alliance forces stationed on the eastern front had finally conquered the West Gitas Fortress that stood in their way and were now advancing deep into enemy territory. According to unofficial reports, the alliance suffered massive casualties in this battle, but the Niceport vehemently denied this, stating that the death toll was under a thousand.

After experiencing a series of setbacks, Friedrich Liszt finally made his way back to the capital of the Horns Bay Alliance, Niceport. As the capital of the Horns Bay's largest nation, it was relatively safe, and since Niceport was a port city, it would be easier to escape by sea in case of emergencies.

Because Niceport was far from the frontlines, the atmosphere remained peaceful and festive after the soldiers had departed for battle. For those not directly participating in the war, the news from the front provided ample conversation topics. On the other hand, the church's years-long witch-hunt had imposed great restrictions on people's speech and daily lives. After the coastal nations, led by the Horns Bay Alliance, fell out with the church, the restraints that had previously stifled people's lives vanished overnight. Everyone happily flocked to taverns to eat, drink, and boast without restraint, which led to a flourishing scene on the streets of Niceport.

At this moment, Liszt was sitting in a tavern in the port area, accompanied by three warriors.

"Well, thank you three for escorting me. Let's have this drink and then part ways," Liszt said, raising his glass toward the three warriors.

"No need for thanks, Mr. Liszt. After all, we have to live up to the commission you provided. We are men of integrity," replied the bearded Raja, who clinked his glass with Liszt's before downing the drink with the others.

Curious, Liszt asked, "So what are your plans from now on?"

Raja glanced at his companions and replied, "We three plan to become mercenaries for the time being..."

Before he could finish, a person at a nearby table suddenly stood up and shouted, "Mercenaries? Are you going to be mercenaries?"

The person approached them, and Liszt could see that he was a somewhat chubby middle-aged man wearing round gold-rimmed glasses. He was dressed in an exquisitely made silk robe, appearing to be someone from a wealthy background.

Liszt refrained from interrupting, while Raja looked at the man and said, "Uh… my brothers and I do have such intentions. May I ask who you are, sir?"

The middle-aged man bowed slightly and introduced himself, "Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Sam Habai, and I am an intermediary specializing in weapons sales and military hiring."

"Oh, so you're Mr. Sam Habai," Raja poured a drink and offered it to him. Sam took the drink with a smile.

After they had shared a drink, Sam said, "I have connections with the heads of all the major mercenary groups in the Horns Bay, especially those within the Horns Bay Alliance. If you wish to become mercenaries, I can serve as your introducer and ensure you find a satisfactory team."

His words piqued the interest of Raja and the others, and they quickly struck up a conversation. Sam was quite skilled at talking, and soon it felt as if they were long-time acquaintances.

Feeling somewhat bored and realizing he should leave, Liszt stood up to say goodbye, but then he suddenly noticed that Sam's eyes widened in surprise.

"My goodness! Could today be my lucky day?"

Sam Habai stared fixedly at the tavern's entrance. Following his gaze, Liszt saw a group of people entering and looking for seats.

"Hey! Over here, over here! Look here! Fergus, Doug, do you recognize me? Sam Habai!"

Sam Habai jumped up and waved his arms towards the newly arrived group.

His gestures caught the attention of the newcomers, who turned their gazes toward Liszt's table. Among them, two individuals recognized Sam Habai and their eyes lit up, clearly those whom he referred to as old acquaintances.

The two men whispered something to their companions before making their way over to Liszt's table.

"Sam Habai! I never expected to see you here!" Doug, the leader of the Black Dog Mercenary Corps, exclaimed in surprise.

"Haha, I thought you had been killed by your creditors!" another mercenary leader, Fergus, said with a sharp tongue.

"Stop with the nonsense; I paid off my debts long ago," Sam Habai replied with a smile. "But you two, I haven't heard from you in two years. I recall your last mission was to…"

"Yes, the Northwest Bay!"

Fergus suddenly turned hostile, and with a speed that left others unable to react, he reached out and grabbed Sam Habai by his exquisite silk robe, lifting him off the ground.

"It's all thanks to your good introductions that I spent two years digging coal in the Northwest Bay. Do you have any idea how miserable my life has been these past two years? I was practically starving!"

Fergus shook with rage, looking as if he wanted to swallow Sam Habai whole.

"Lord Sam Habai!" Sam Habai's servants rushed over from the original table.

"Nothing to worry about!" Sam Habai, being lifted by Fergus, maintained his calm demeanor, still wearing that cheerful smile as he waved his hands, signaling his servants to back off.

"Fergus, I'm just an introducer. Once you stepped onto the battlefield, you placed your fate in the hands of the Lord of Light. Whatever happens afterward has nothing to do with me. When you chose to become mercenaries, didn't you already come to terms with that?"

However, Fergus didn't seem inclined to let him go, and Doug wore an expression that suggested he was enjoying the show.

At that moment, one of Fergus's companions spoke up, "Alright, Fergus, don't start trouble."

Reluctantly, Fergus let go of Sam Habai.

The command from that one sentence had even the notoriously unruly mercenary chief obeying. Sam Habai couldn't help but cast a curious glance at the person who had spoken.

With a smile, he asked, "My good sir, my full name is Sam Habai. May I know how to address you?"

The man smiled faintly and replied, "I'm Bogdan, sent by Doug and Fergus's employer to accompany them."

(End of the Chapter)

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