Chapter 402 The Church Emissaries (1/2)

Matt's arrival signalled the end of Rhode's final worries. This also meant that Starlight was on the path towards self-sufficiency in income. Earning income was always the weakness of all guilds and as long as income was secured, they could shift their attention to lowering failure rates on missions and the death rates of mercenaries. These weren't difficult for Rhode and as a matter of fact, he had ordered Canary and Bubble to simulate all the mid-range and above levels dungeon BOSSes in the mirage for the repetitively training of mercenaries. At least for now, the mercenaries were familiar with their attacking patterns and the next challenge for them would be the actual battles.

After their discussion, Rhode checked on what Matt was up to all this while. After all, although it wasn't that straightforward collaborating with Starlight, Matt felt that it was better than not doing any business at all.

Matt's answer startled Rhode a little. Actually, this fat merchant had made his decision from the very start, but all this while, he hadn't clearly understood the situation. The Silver Libra might be a small trade association, but it controlled many territories in the South. Matt also knew that once he began his collaboration with Starlight, he could forget about going to those areas and he might as well sell them off for high prices, as most of the land in the Southern Port was extremely expensive. Matt didn't leak any information about his collaboration and he had just informed them that he needed to sell his territories due to business issues. Fortunately, this didn't peak any suspicions with the other merchants and they quickly snatched up the territories, which in turn earned Matt a huge profit. This was also part of the plan that Matt plotted earlier. He was clear that if he sold his territories after news of him collaborating with Starlight spread, the South would definitely lower his land prices on purpose. But now, everything worked in Matt's favor. Not only did he earn a big fortune, he also threw away a burden that plagued his trade association. Now that Matt had thought things through, although he lost his territories in the Southern Port, he would still be able to find territory in Golden City using his connections and his newly-earned sum of money. If the business transactions were as successful as Rhode had predicted, perhaps Matt's business would turn out even bigger than it was in the Southern Port.

This fat merchant was indeed quite scheming.

Since both sides had come to an agreement, their following negotiations were swift. And since both were business partners, Silver Libra would naturally need to build their branches in the Land of Atonement. After negotiations with Rhode, Matt agreed to send some of his production occupations, such as the miners and pharmacists, over. After all, Matt was clear about the rumors regarding the Land of Atonement. If Rhode really demolished the threats there, Matt would make a fortune with the plentiful natural resources even without the magical potions.

After clarifying both their stances in this collaboration, Matt considered this a win-win situation for both the trade association and the guild. On the other hand, Rhode wasn't calculative over these small matters as his principle was that the guild would forever be on top of the trade association. Other than that, he wouldn't mind giving small compensations to the trade association. Since both sides had a mutual understanding, the following contract signing was naturally successful.

But Matt gave Rhode some reminders before he left.

”When I arrived here, I saw a few guys from the Southern trade associations and those weren't any good people. Mr Rhode, I would like to remind you that you may face some troubles this time… Because Rosen's son was one of them.”

This news indeed surprised Rhode. However, he didn't take it to heart. It was nothing new for the son to avenge for his father. Moreover, with Canary and Mini Bubblegum here and his own strength much more powerful now, Rhode didn't think that Rosen's son would threaten him in any way.

So Rhode wasn't too mindful of Matt's reminder.

Instead, what caught Rhode's attention was the other bunch of people.

Church Saints.

After receiving Rhode's invitation, the Church Saints arrived at the stronghold the next morning. This was the first time Rhode met the members of the Church.

Compared to other organizations, the Church had always been a place with more females than males, at the ratio of five to one. Of course, this wasn't solely because the gender of the Judgement & Ruling Twin Dragons were female, but more due to the nature of the Church. In the Church, there were mainly Clerics, Pharmacists, and some members responsible for financial services. Also, these responsibilities mainly required meticulous care, which was why it was female-dominant. Whereas the males in the Church mainly took up the role of Holy Knights, Guardian Knights, and other external jobs. These people standing before Rhode were no exceptions. Amongst the five, three were young females and the remaining two were middle-aged Holy Knights in silver armor. From their darkened complexions and determined eyes, the two Holy Knights seemed to be experienced veterans.

Whereas for the three ladies, they were dressed in white robes which represented their identities as Clerics. And from their standing positions, the one in the middle seemed to carry the highest rank. She was in her mid-20s and couldn't be considered a heavenly beauty, but more of an ordinary lady. However, perhaps due to their occupational traits, she transmitted an irreproachable feel just by standing there.

As Rhode personally welcomed them, the lady in the middle smiled and solemnly bowed.

”Greetings, Mr. Rhode. I am the emissary of the Church, Lilia Daniel Cranfield. It is my honor to receive your invitation.”

”I should be the one thanking you, Miss Emissary.”

Rhode nodded slightly and placed three fingers from his right hand to his left shoulder before returning the bow.

”I couldn't ask for more to receive the assistance from the guardians of order.”

Noticing Rhode's gesture, the eyes of the other emissaries standing behind Lilia brightened. Their gazes towards Rhode seemed to be much kinder now.

”Huhuhu, Mr. Rhode has no need to be this modest with us.”

After bowing, Lilia immediately straightened her posture and chuckled softly behind her palm.

”Besides… We have met before. Could it be that you've forgotten?”

”Oh?”

Rhode was slightly surprised by Lilia's comment. After taking a close look at the lady before his eyes, he frowned.

”Hmm…”

”It seems that you've really forgotten.”

Lilia revealed a hopelessly bitter smile at Rhode's expression.

”Do you recall when you first defeated the Devils in Blackrock Depths and reported back to us?”

”Ah… That was you.”

Rhode finally recalled. After defeating the Devils in Blackrock Depths and returning to the Mercenary Association to report the results, there were indeed members of the Church present. However, at that point in time, Rhode's head was filled with concerns over the Keller Family and the Country of Light, which was why he didn't notice her. As Lilia mentioned, Rhode remembered that he did speak to her and they even interacted for a while. But at that point in time, Rhode didn't plan to work his way with the Church yet, and he only cleared the mission as an investment for future advancement for his relationship with the Church. He didn't expect the returns to come back so quickly.

Under Rhode's invitation, the members of the Church stepped into the stronghold and arrived at the living room. After both parties sat down, Lilia once again spoke.

”Mr. Rhode, regarding our intentions, I guess Miss Shauna has already mentioned them to you.”

”That's right, Miss Lilia.”

Rhode lifted the teacup and slightly nodded in agreement.