Chapter 557 Two Years Contrac (1/2)

John didn't respond immediately. Instead, he scrutinized Rhode with a trusting expression. ”This is about me and the Rockefeller Family, Mr. Alander. I don't think you need to intervene. Besides… I don't see the reason why.”

That's true.

If Rhode didn't know the value of this man, he definitely wouldn't do it. Although the Rockefeller Family had waned in the North, they, after all, were a traditional noble family. The difference between traditional nobles and emerging nobles was that not only was the former representing their family, they also represented the interest of a social class. Any abuses hurled on traditional nobles would be seen as a confrontation to the entire class which affected the dignity of the ruling class. If Rhode acted on his own accord, he might become an unpopular figure in the King's Party. Therefore, it was logical for John to have such a doubt. If Rhode was an emerging noble in the South, it wouldn't be strange that he proposed such a deal. The emerging nobles had always expected to overthrow the rule of the traditional nobles and replace their position. However, Rhode was different. He lived in the North and had always been a supporter of the King's Party. Although the Rockefeller Family wasn't powerful or reputable in the North, it would equal Rhode digging his own grave by doing so.

Besides, everyone in the South was aware that Rhode and the Senia Family had a close relationship. The Senia Family's popular magical genius, Marlene, was even in Rhode's Guild. No one from the civilian to the noble classes understood why the heir of the largest family in the Munn Kingdom lowered her identity and joined a mercenary group. But the relationship between Rhode and the Senia Family was apparent to the public. The Senia Family was the backbone of the traditional nobles so John would never believe that Rhode would overturn the Rockefeller Family.

Although John's doubts were reasonable, Rhode didn't explain his views. Rhode couldn't possibly let John know about his political standpoint. Besides, even though Rhode knew what would happen to this continent in the future, he couldn't possibly inform John like a deity.

However, this wasn't enough to leave Rhode speechless. ”The reason as to why I'm willing to help you is very simple. I admire your capabilities.”

”My capabilities?” The tension in John's expression eased.

”That's right, Mr. John. You possess great capabilities… I wasn't only referring to your strength, but also your talent in commanding troops. This is why I hope you can become my subordinate.”

”What a joke, Mr. Alander. Even though I'm capable of leading troops in war, surely you wouldn't hand your mercenaries over to my command, right? Pardon my bluntness, if you're only seeking pleasure in messing with me, I hope you can stop it now. Although I'm a captive, I do have my pride.”

”Of course, I understand that, Mr. John. Just look at all the beautiful ladies around me. No matter how bored I am, I wouldn't be spending my time with a man at this hour, right?” Rhode cracked a joke and John revealed a smile.

Indeed. Even though Rhode didn't seem too desperate to recruit him into the Guild, John felt that this man was somewhat interesting. Yes, he wasn't only referring to his appearance.

John didn't have a favorable impression of Rhode before they met. Rhode's reputation in the South had been terrible ever since the end of the Midsummer Festival. As a member of the Southern Legion, John had heard no lack of remarks from his comrades about this brutal demon. Rhode was scheming, vicious, barbaric, and shameless. In other words, it wasn't improper to describe this man with all the negative adjectives in the dictionary. Furthermore, he had even used such cruel methods to get rid of the Liberty Wings and the Southern Port's pride and hero, Rosen. Some people believed that Rhode was simply a lackey of the King's Party and among the rumors between the civilians, Rhode was portrayed as a sinister, insidious scum.

John had also paid certain attention to Rhode. Rhode was younger than him, but he had attained higher achievements. Even though this attracted John's attention, he was still doubtful about the rumors that he heard spreading among the civilians. If Rhode was really that sinister and shameless, the civilians wouldn't possibly see through his disguise because a truly treacherous man wouldn't allow that many people to see through him. If not, his acting skills would be too weak. If the civilians were able to see through his true colors, wouldn't he be down the road to ruin? How could he possibly receive such high praises from Royal Highness Lydia and the King's Party?

And now, it seemed to be true.

”If you don't wish to join my Guild and be my subordinate, I can leave you with another choice.” Rhode folded his arms and looked at John confidently. ”Are you interested in being my henchman, Mr. John?”

”Henchman?” John looked blankly for a moment and suddenly, he recalled that this man wasn't only a Guild leader! He was also an official Baron!