"Unless you have an army hidden on your farm, it's your best option. If you refuse outright, they'll escalate."
"Damn, too much work."
"If you fight, they'll send worse. If you run, they'll hunt you. But if you give them something while keeping the best for yourself, you can stall. Maybe even negotiate."
Liam wasn't thrilled about it, but she had a point.
"Alright. What do I sell them?"
Seraphina reached for a book and flipped through it.
"Nothing too rare. Give them something valuable but not game-changing. Enough to keep them happy without revealing your full capabilities."
Liam nodded. "Fine. But if this backfires, I'm blaming you."
She smirked. "That's fair."
Back at the farm, Liam wasted no time. He set aside a batch of high-quality—but not his best—herbs and waited.
It didn't take long.
A few days later, another group arrived. This time, they didn't send mercenaries.
They sent a representative.
A well-dressed man stepped onto the farm, flanked by two guards.
He smiled politely.
"Liam, isn't it? My name is Cedric Vandrek. A pleasure."
Liam forced a neutral expression. "Can't say the same."
Cedric chuckled. "Understandable. My family's interest in your farm has been… aggressive. I apologize for that."
Liam crossed his arms. "If you're here to threaten me, don't bother."
Cedric waved a hand. "Nothing of the sort. I'm here to propose a business arrangement. We're willing to buy your crops at a very generous price."
Liam narrowed his eyes. "And if I refuse?"
Cedric's smile didn't waver. "I'd rather not discuss unpleasant hypotheticals."
Liam took a deep breath. "Fine. You want to buy? Then here's the deal. You get some of my crops—nothing exclusive, just enough to be worth your while. You pay well, and you don't interfere with my farm."
"And if I don't?"
"Take it or leave it."
Cedric studied him. "You're in no position to negotiate."
Liam smirked. "Then why are you here instead of another pack of thugs?"
Silence.
Then Cedric chuckled. "I see. You're not as simple as you look. Very well. We have a deal… for now."
Liam kept his expression steady. "Pleasure doing business."
As Cedric and his men left, Tobias turned to Liam.
"Assessment: Agreement will delay hostilities but not eliminate them."
"Yeah, I know. This is just buying time."
Seraphina was right.
House Vandrek wouldn't just walk away. They'd take what they could for now, but sooner or later, they'd want more.
Liam clenched his fists. "That gives us time to prepare. Next time, I'll be ready."
Tobias nodded.
"Affirmative. Strategic preparation recommended."
Liam exhaled. "Then let's get to work."
Liam had no illusions.
His so-called deal with House Vandrek wasn't a long-term solution. It was a delay, nothing more. The moment they found an opportunity to take more, they would.
That's why he spent the next few days reinforcing the farm. Tobias improved the perimeter defenses, refining the alarm systems and reinforcing the barriers.
But Liam knew that defense alone wasn't enough. He needed more options.
A few days later, Tobias detected movement at the farm's edge.
"Unidentified individuals approaching. Five signatures. Armed but non-hostile stance."
Liam frowned. "Not Vandrek?"
"Negative. Visual confirmation suggests independent mercenary unit."
Liam sighed. "Damn it. More people sticking their noses in my business."
"..."
"Alright, let's meet them."
Stepping out, he found five figures waiting near the entrance.
Their leader, a woman with short red hair and a well-worn leather coat, raised a hand in greeting.
"You must be Liam. Name's Mara. Heard you've got something valuable here."
Liam kept his expression neutral. "That depends. Who's asking?"
Mara smirked. "Just some freelancers looking for work. Word is, House Vandrek has its eyes on your land. That means either you'll get crushed, or you'll fight back. Either way, someone's gonna need protection."
Liam's eyes narrowed. "And let me guess—you just happen to be selling protection?"
Mara shrugged. "Call it a business opportunity. You've got something people want, and that makes you a target. We help people like you keep what's theirs… for a fair price."
Liam didn't like this. Mercenaries were useful, but they were loyal to coin, not causes. Still, he couldn't deny that extra muscle might help.
"How much?" he asked.
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