107 The so-called meeting. (1/2)
Though Raven didn't like any women that tried to get near Ozul, she particularly hated the types like Clara.
However, she didn't feel threatened since she knew that Ozul never showed any interest in love life. He was just too busy with other important stuff such as... sleeping.
Even if that was the case and Raven didn't feel threatened, it didn't mean that she was okay with the situation. Unconsciously, she stepped closer to Ozul, intending to reassure herself that everything was fine.
*Cough*
Only when Venessa had managed to bring Clara out of her fantasies did Clive faked a cough to get everyone's attention.
”We are here to discuss the details of the mission! From this point onwards, if someone doesn't want to take part in it, you are free to leave.” Clive spread his hands, gesturing for them to leave if they aren't obedient.
”Since the introductions are done. I will now explain the route that we will be taking. We are right here now.” Clive said while putting up a marker on the map that was laid on the table.
”Following the shorter path, we will enter the Old Whispering Woods after a couple of days traveling north.” Clive traced his finger from their location to the dark green area connected to the forest that they were in right now.
Some of the mercenaries couldn't help but tense up when they heard the words 'Old Whispering Woods.' They couldn't be blamed for that because since they were young, all of them had heard stories about the forest.
Unlike their childhood memories, those stories were all but pleasant.
”I know what all of you may be thinking. However, I assure you. The rumors about that forest are just that—baseless rumors. The Royal Family has had many people venture in and come out unscathed; it would be child's play considering our forces.”- Clive declared confidently.
Though his words sounded convincing, some men still had questions. A man wearing a sleeveless jacket stood up and voiced out his thoughts;
”Since we need to escort the lady to the Neutral Lands safely, why are we even taking this path? Why go through this death road when there are other safer routes?”
Other men around the table also wanted the answer to this question.
”The reason is simple. The lady here needs to reach her home in 6 months. And even the shortest safe route would take us at least a year before we arrive there.” Clive answered while shaking his head as if he didn't like the situation either.
The man sat back down, and after there were no more queries, Clive continued;
”According to the information that we have collected, it will take us around 4 to 5 weeks before we have successfully crossed through the Old Whispering Woods.
These confident words from Clive brought a sense of relief to the men present in the meeting.
”I will explain the route after the Old Whispering Woods only when we reach that point. For now, all you men need to know is that completing this task would bring you rich rewards. After all, the Royal Family does not lack any resources.”
As Clive finished his sentences, the mercenaries all had their anticipation in their eyes. They completely forgot how many dangers awaited them ahead.
All of the mercenaries present here were talented individuals, and the only reason that they were stuck at their level was because of the lack of resources. So they couldn't help but drool over the rewards.
”So, the so-called meeting for discussing the details was just this?” Ozul spat, glaring at Clive. He was annoyed with the situation. Though he didn't like to start meaningless fights, he didn't care about that anymore.
'Idiots! Isn't it obvious that he has been manipulating them?!'- Ozul gave a mocking look to the people who had gathered here.
He was annoyed because they had disturbed his sleep just for this show. The details that they had discussed just now was something that everyone knew at this point.
If they were passing through this forest, it was apparent that they would go through the Old Whispering Woods. After that, Clive left the real details and instead just 'reassured' the mercenaries.