Chapter 28: The Escort Duty
The rest of the discourse with Rebal went smoothly; as he essentially gave details regarding the strategy he wanted to employ.
It was well thought out, and Rey ended up agreeing to all of it.
He was still skeptical about trusting the Mercenary Gang, and he found a lot of the information on them to be dubious, but he trusted the words of the more experienced man in the room.
At the final parts of the meeting, Rebal Blanc made one final request of him.
"Since we desperately need cash for our plans—especially with the Mercenary Gang—we'll need to engage in a few trades. We would like you to guard our caravans as they pass through our trade route."
According to Rebal, a lot had been happening to interfere with the transportation of their merchandise.
It was becoming a bother at this point—and the company was securing heavy losses as a result.
"With you protecting our Items, we are guaranteed that they'll arrive at their destination."
It was a sensible plan, and Rey agreed readily to it.
He was curious about one thing, though.
"What about the goods you wanted to sell to the Elves? Didn't you have it in some kind of warehouse in the East?"
"Ahhh…" Rebal's troubled face said enough to show that all was no well.
"Still no contact?"
"None." Rebal shook his head and sighed. "But we have confirmation that those goods have practically fallen into the hands of the enemy."
Unless they could turn the fight around and gain more ground, they couldn't hope to access them anytime soon.
"Isn't there a likelihood that they'll try to contact the Elves and sell the goods for themselves?"
Rebal nodded, more wrinkles appearing on his face.
"No one outside the KariBlanc Executives directly involved in the trade knows about our business with them, except you. We also have a secret place where we conduct business with the Elves—one they don't know of."
If that was all Rebal had to say, though, he wouldn't have made such a bitter face.
"However, if the Elves get desperate, they can just reach out to the enemy side and they'll be able to sell the goods."
In essence, it was a loss waiting to happen.
"We can't monitor the items anymore due to some kind of interference, probably caused by a barrier placed around the warehouse."
That was what alerted them that the place had fallen into the hands of their enemy.
If they didn't act fast, they would lose so much money. If they acted too fast, they could lose everything.
Rebal fought very hard to maintain a balance.
"After I'm done guarding your merchandise to its destination, would it be alright to check out the warehouse? I won't engage if it gets too dangerous, don't worry."
Even though Rey assured Rebal about the safety of his intentions, the man still had a doubtful expression on his face.
'Does he not trust me?' Rey wondered.
"I do not doubt your capabilities, Sir Ralyks. In fact, I am certain you can handle yourself perfectly well. But, the problem is… if you attack them in our old warehouse, then it could trigger their side and lead to the war we're trying so hard to avoid."
Rey could understand Rebal's perspective. The man was being very careful with his actions, considering how delicate things currently were.
'But… I'm not sure this is the best way to go about things.' Rey nearly sighed under his mask.
He had expected the KariBlanc Group to be a bit more daring, especially since he was on their side, but it seemed they were still intent on being cautious.
'Nothing I can do about that.'
"I understand. Don't worry, I won't take any significant action, and I'll ensure to remain hidden. Plus, even if I act, I'll ensure it isn't tied at all to the KariBlanc Group."
Rey knew that even if he was a total stranger, the enemy side would attribute the blame to the KaroBlanc Group, or any other member of the opposing Obsidian Council.
"I'll be careful." He added words of assurance, causing the man before him to heave a sigh of relief.
"I under, Sir Ralyks. Thank you."
"It's fine."
The two people before him seemed pleased by how the entire discussion had turned out.
With the meeting finally over, it was time for the most immediate action to be taken.
"When will I be leaving to protect your goods?" Rey asked in his deep 'Ralyks' voice.
"We plan on departing under the canopy of darkness, so in a few hours, you should be good to go."
Rey nodded as he heard more details about the caravan.
'We'll be going to a nearby city—a night's journey, really.'
The route that would be taken was unconventional in order to avoid the compulsory tolls and inspection conducted at major travel paths.
That meant the journey would be a tad more dangerous than usual transportation of goods.
Rey didn't mind, though.
"Will I be protecting the caravan alone?"
"No, Sir Ralyks. While we intend to have as little people as possible in the caravan, to improve speed and to reduce the chances of being detected, we would like to have one of our own accompany you."
Rey already expected that. It was only natural for the KariBlanc Group to send an insider with him.
He also knew the person would be very competent.
"Is it Asher?" He asked, voicing his thoughts out loud.
"No, Sir Ralyks. He is needed here to initiate some facets of the plan. I plan on sending someone equally competent—at least, with regards to combat."
Rey was curious as he heard those words. For a man like Rebal to praise this person, even comparing them to his son, he wanted to know who they were.
"You've met her before…"
The moment Rey heard this, his eyes began to widen.
'No… no way! Please let it not be who I think it is!'
Unfortunately for him… it was.
"Our strongest Warrior, Yuri. She'll be the one accompanying you."
At that point, Rey could only say one thing, hiding it under his breath.
"Fuck…"
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