A pile of pure gold coins.
Five million in total.
Svel stared blankly at the gold coins before him. These coins alone had covered the ransom he had previously raised, not to mention the other expensive equipment and the 20% tax from this city-state.
During his escort to the dungeon, he had observed the city-state's construction.
No matter how much he detested Chen Yu, he had to acknowledge this city-state. It was indeed one that had received substantial investment.
With time, it was not impossible for it to develop into a large city.
A 20% tax.
He could receive millions in profit from this city-state annually.
What were the camp leaders compared to that?
"You agreed?" Sona's eyes were filled with surprise. "Then what about your agreement with those camp leaders? Will it really not affect you?"
"What are they?"
Svel's eyes were filled with strong disdain.
"Collaborating with them before was merely to use them. Did they really think I was willing to join forces with these outer beastmen? Now that your city-state has shown such great sincerity, you can deal with them however you wish."
"So our cooperation is settled?" Sona whispered.
Unexpectedly, Svel remained silent. Instead, he withdrew his hand holding the gold coins, crossed his arms, and showed a hint of hesitation.
"I need to consider this carefully."
"Your city-state wants my uncle's recommendation to join the kingdom. My uncle can indeed do this, and it's merely a matter of saying a word."
"But—"
"You expect us to help you with these resources alone? Isn't that a bit too stingy?"
Hearing this, Sona raised her eyebrows slightly.
He was truly greedy.
A 20% tax and a gift of over ten million gold coins, and he still felt it wasn't enough.
Despite her contempt, Sona maintained a smile.
"How about this, young master Svel, we promise you that if you truly assist us in entering the kingdom, we can offer you an additional 20 million as remuneration."
"Can you make a soul oath?" Svel frowned.
"Of course?"
Sona, without hesitation, placed her hand on her chest.
"I, Lilia, swear by my soul that what I have just said is not a lie. My promises to Svel will be fulfilled after he assists us in entering the kingdom..."
"Oh, stop acting."
Before Sona could finish speaking, the little demon walked in from outside, curling her lips.
"I didn't expect you to get so into it."
Svel, who had been eagerly awaiting the contract's effectiveness, saw the suddenly appearing little demon and his expression changed drastically.
"You, you are a demon!" Svel pointed a trembling finger at the little demon's horns with a face full of terror. "You, you, you..."
"Yes, I am a demon."
The little demon grinned, revealing her pearly white teeth, and slowly walked towards Svel.
"I will eat you soon."
"Miss Lilia, what exactly is going on?" Svel, his eyes filled with terror, looked at Sona. "Who is this demon, and what did she mean by those words?"
"What demon? It's just the two of us here, isn't it?"
Sona feigned ignorance, furrowing her brows and looking around with a bewildered expression.
"Where is she?"
"She's standing right in front of you!" Svel exclaimed in alarm. Sona continued to pretend not to see her, then her expression suddenly changed. "Young Master Svel, could it be that only you can see that demon? I heard that those who have committed many evils will be claimed by demons. Perhaps you are..."
"Svel!!!"
The little demon played along, her face suddenly turning grim. She lowered her head and extended her small hand.
"You are full of wickedness. I, on behalf of the great Demon King, have come to claim your soul and imprison it in the endless abyss, never to be reborn! Wow, here I come!!!"
*Burp!*
Svel, sitting on the chair, tilted his neck and fainted.
"What a coward," the little demon sneered. Sona, with her arms crossed, also smiled. "You say I'm dramatic, but weren't you quite cooperative just now?"
"That was because I didn't want you to blow your cover."
The little demon pouted and beckoned to the sides with her fingers. Beast soldiers ran up.
"Drag this person to the dungeon. Honestly... and to prepare such a delicious meal for him, it's such a waste. If you guys don't mind later, you can all eat it."
The beastmen's faces lit up upon hearing this.
They certainly didn't mind.
Food was scarce in the underground caves, and it was difficult enough to fill their stomachs, let alone these exquisite and delicious dishes. They had only been nibbled at a few times, but in the past, they would have swallowed rotten food from the caves without hesitation just to fill their stomachs.
Disgust? Not a chance.
The beastmen gleefully dragged the unconscious Svel away. Sona couldn't help but shake her head.
"He's truly greedy. You weren't here earlier; he wasn't satisfied with over ten million and 20% tax. Truly, 'greed knows no bounds.' Has Chen Yu handled his end?"
"Probably. Our job is done."
The little demon stretched lazily and then frowned.
"No, didn't you just heal his arm? That's not good. We have to break his arm again, or he'll be getting off too easy."
"Is that really necessary?" Sona whispered.
"How can it not be necessary? It's very necessary!"
With that, she didn't wait for Sona's agreement and rushed out. Soon, a painful scream reached Sona's ears.
The dungeon cell.
Chen Yu quietly looked at the Lionman camp leader, not saying anything as he watched the enraged leader.
"That despicable scoundrel!"
The Lionman camp leader, clenching his fists, glared at the image in the projection, especially after hearing Svel's word "use," which made him unable to contain his anger.
The Lionman camp leader was filled with regret. He had actually believed that despicable fellow.
"It's what happens when you pick the wrong people, isn't it?" Chen Yu smiled faintly. "My lord, while you are good in all aspects, your ability to judge people still needs improvement. You don't need to thank me for exposing his true colors; it was just a small favor."
"Hmph!"
The Lionman camp leader snorted coldly.
"Are there no decent people among your human race? While he is despicable, you are not much better. Do you think your actions are truly honorable?"
"However bad it is, it's still better than him," Chen Yu grinned. "Are you still refusing to cooperate with me?"
"Never!"
"If you act like this, then I will have to kill you."
"Kill me if you want, don't be so hypocritical," the Lionman camp leader said with pride. Chen Yu didn't seem to care and smiled. "But have you thought about your tribesmen, your wife and daughters, if you do this?"
"You... didn't you just say you wouldn't punish them?" the Lionman asked angrily.
"Of course not. I can even discuss with Lord Cailin to issue an order, but who can be sure of the specific execution effect?"
Chen Yu spread his hands in a helpless gesture, smiling.
"It's still better to cooperate with me."
"Cooperation brings three benefits, non-cooperation brings three disadvantages. Think carefully."