CRUNCH!

"Damn…" Haro's eyes widened as he bit into the burger. "Now this is some real piece of art!"

He shoved a huge chunk into his mouth, chewing so fast he nearly choked.

"Calm down, Haro. The food isn't going anywhere—" Joel stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Ryu already gulping down food one plate after another.

He turned his head toward Irida. At first, she ate with gentle manners, slowly cutting her food. But after a few bites, she set the fork aside and grabbed with her hands like a savage.

"Oh my! Such delicious food should be eaten like this. I couldn't get the real taste with just a fork."

Joel stared at his teammates, stunned, before glancing down at his own plate. He picked up a French fry and tasted it.

His eyes lit up with shock but he managed to control his expression "This is really good."

He then turned towards Ryu who looked at Ethan with glowing eyes..

Though her expression was cold,her lion tail swayed, showcasing her excitement and eagerness.

Ethan smiled faintly at the sight and waved his hand. "Try it with ketchup. It will taste even better." He clapped lightly, calling for the servants to bring more sauce and side dishes.

The mercenary team kept eating heartily. For the first time in a long while, their faces were bright and relaxed.

The hall echoed with the sound of clinking plates and satisfied voices. Ethan had treated them with the utmost respect during their stay, and it showed in the way they ate without holding back.

"Wow…It was a nice experience."

"Yeah..I wish we could have more..but my gut.."Haro laughed a bit patting his swollen belly.

Irida wiped her lips and smiled,"I wonder if I can experience such a novel cuisine later."

Ethan smiled and spoke,"Don't worry,you will very soon."

When the meal ended, Ethan's expression grew sharp as he looked at everyone with a serious look.

"I have something important to discuss with you."

"Yes My Lord!"

"Sir Joel."

Joel froze, then quickly shook his head. "My Lord… please, just call me Joel. I am unworthy of such a title now that you have awakened your aura and become a Sword Master."

"Enough with that nonsense." Ethan chuckled lightly and waved his hand. His eyes remained steady. "I have a suggestion for you. No, more than that, I have a request."

Joel straightened his back. Curiosity was clear on his face. The others leaned forward as well, waiting.

"I admire your strength," Ethan said slowly. "But more than that, I admire your character. That is something rare." He paused before continuing.

"Why don't you quit being mercenaries and join House Blank? Joel, you can serve as commander and leader of the guards. The others will also receive positions that suit their skills."

He leaned back a bit and spoke in a calm but firm voice,"Along with that, I will grant you lands and pay you a proper salary. It may not match the earnings of mercenary life, but it will give you stability. And it comes with many privileges."

The words made everyone's eyes widen. They turned toward Joel,with hope and expectation flashing on their faces.

Haro who saw this muttered,'Isn't that great.'

Joel looked at each of them, reading their thoughts clearly.

Then his gaze met Ethan's sincere eyes.

After a brief pause,he sighed.

"My Lord… I must apologize."

Ethan studied him for a moment, then gave a small smile. "I expected that somehow."

Joel gave a bitter smile in return. "My Lord, it is not a refusal forever. Only for now. We mercenaries value our freedom more than anything. We love to fight, travel, and live on our own terms."

"Being guards and soldiers of nobles is like putting on a leash.And you, my Lord,should know very well how nobles behave with us."

Ethan nodded faintly.

"But in time, even freedom loses its charm. We all know that when the years pass, we all have to retire and look for peace as no one can keep traveling forever."

He bowed his head lightly. "When that time comes, I promise, I will accept your offer. Until then, we remain loyal to our path."

The others nodded in agreement. Irida spoke softly, "Yes, My Lord. We are truly willing to work for you in the future."

Ethan studied them carefully. He knew Joel's words were half meant to keep peace, half meant to postpone a decision.

Still, he smiled. "Then you will always be welcome."

At that moment, Oliver entered the hall. He leaned close and whispered in Ethan's ear.

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Oh? The appraiser has arrived?"

"Yes, My Lord," Oliver confirmed.

"That's excellent." Ethan turned toward the mercenary team. "Would you like to take a look with me?"

Joel's face brightened, and he quickly bowed. "It would be our honor if you allow us, My Lord."

...…..

Ethan walked through the wide corridor, followed by Joel and the mercenaries. The footsteps echoed as they made their way toward the upper chamber.

On the way, they saw Sophia standing near the staircase.

The mercenaries paused a bit seeing her beautiful figure, especially that dress..

However, their gazes were respectful. One after another, they lowered their heads.

"Lady Sophia," Joel greeted with a small bow. His voice was steady but filled with respect.

Irida also bowed slightly, "It is an honor to meet you again, My Lady."

The others followed with simple words of respect, their rough appearances softening before the noble girl.

Sophia's face lit up. She wasn't used to mercenaries treating her with such formality.

"Thanks for taking care of Ethan."

"That's what the job entitled and secondly it's him who protected us,"Joel smiled.

Sophia looked at Ethan with tenderness making him cough.

Ethan stepped beside her and asked gently, "Sophia, do you want to come with us?"

Her eyes widened, and she nodded quickly, almost too eagerly. "Yes… Yes.."

"I came here especially to take a look at those things."

With her by their side, they finally entered the room where the loot had been placed. Several boxes rested on the table, and weapons were laid out neatly.

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