The Art of Winning Allies

It had been several months since Ronald last saw his ex-wife, and she seemed a little thinner. Perhaps it was a touch of longing, or maybe some lingering emotional tie that hadn't fully severed. He had intended to scold her, but when the words came to his lips, they faded into silence.

He met Mia's gaze calmly, saying nothing, before turning to Qin Ji.

"Your Highness, what do you think?"

A few Ge Yuan Fruits were a trivial matter compared to Qin Xue.

Qin Ji retrieved the fruits from his storage ring and tossed them to Ronald.

"Your payment. Now, release her."

Ronald caught the fruits with a grin, then swiftly tossed the princess into Qin Ji's arms.

"Second Prince is as straightforward as ever. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

He had made off with a few Ge Yuan Fruits, a satisfying gain, and he was ready to disappear.

"Are you alright, little sister?" Qin Ji asked, concern in his voice as he held Qin Xue.

Her face was streaked with tears, rubbing her sore bottom with one hand, biting her lip, and glaring at Ronald with eyes that seemed ready to devour him.

"Ronald, you're leaving just like that?"

Li Haotian's cold voice rang out, his eyes narrowing. Behind him, a group of guards stood ready, their gazes dark and menacing. It was clear they wouldn't hesitate to take down the "traitor" if given the command.

Ronald smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "King Brother, you don't intend to fight me here, do you?"

At that moment, a group of heavily armed men emerged from the shadows. It was the Hunter Brigade, who had been lying in wait around them the whole time.

"Clear-worded armor!" one of the guards muttered in surprise.

"Those are your people!" Qin Ji and the others stared in shock. They recognized the black-armored warriors who had slaughtered a hundred Bimon earlier in the day, taking down travelers and raiding merchant convoys. How could they not know them?

Qin Ji frowned, Li Haotian's face filled with disbelief. Mia, her expression delicate as always, also looked stunned.

Who would've thought this feared and legendary band of warriors was under Ronald's command?

Seeing the stunned silence, Ronald's voice was low, but sharp. "What's the matter? King Brother, didn't you want to keep me around? You're welcome to try."

The gleaming crossbows in the hands of the Hunter Brigade signaled danger. Ronald had gained power and resources, and with his hidden bonuses, his forces had grown stronger than ever.

Li Haotian and the others exchanged glances, their expressions grim. It was clear—if they fought now, they wouldn't be able to defeat Ronald.

Qin Xue glared at him, her face flushed with anger and humiliation. Her large, teary eyes burned with resentment.

In her mind, she thought, This man is pure evil! He kidnapped women, bullied Sister Mengyu, raided caravans, and worst of all—he slapped my backside! He's a monster!

To her, Ronald had become the embodiment of everything vile in the world.

Qin Ji furrowed his brows, thinking deeply for a moment. Finally, he spoke.

"Ronald, I've heard of your deeds, but the situation has reached this point, and it's difficult to change. However, you are still a member of the Yun Qin human race. The Empire is in need of talented people right now. How about you join us?"

Ronald remained silent, considering the offer.

Li Haotian was about to speak, but Qin Ji raised a hand to stop him, continuing, "The Empire has recently conquered vast territories from the Blood Wolf Tribe, and we need capable people to manage them. If you join us, I can petition Father to grant you a fief, hereditary and permanent. What do you say?"

It was an offer too tempting to ignore.

One moment, they were on the brink of a violent clash, but after Ronald demonstrated his strength, the Empire was quick to try and bring him under its wing. In the face of power, everything else seemed insignificant.

The terms were more than favorable, and when Qin Ji saw that Ronald was deep in thought, Mia's gaze flickered with a subtle gleam. Her eyes, though still calm, hinted at something deeper—curiosity, or perhaps something else entirely.