Tales of Astora: Legacy

Chapter 92: Father and son

Chapter 92: Father and son

Upon learning of the return of the expedition crew he sent to Ragna, Goldbeard immediately rushed to the secret prison cell as instructed previously by Meto. All of the guards of this notorious prison were hired by the dwarf himself so there was no reason for him to be suspicious at all. In addition, it was not like he had time to even be suspicious as someone has come up to him with a solution of the demons' problem. If this was true and Goldbeard could really use as leverage against the demons, then it could be said that this war was practically over.

"Where is he?" Goldbeard stormed inside the room followed by his two bodyguards.

"Right here, milord!" Meto revealed the tied up figure in the cell. Attached to a heavy metal ball and covered by two sets of chains, the blue prince seemed to have no way of even move an inch outside the range of the chain.

"A slime? The prince of the demons is a slime?" Goldbeard asked in disbelief.

"Yes, milord! I know it's hard to believe but it is the truth. I know naught why the demons have such a ridiculous prince, maybe this slime is affiliated to the demon lord himself. But I assure sure of his identity and his value." Meto pled.

Turning his head to the group of men Goldbeard sent to accompany Meto, they all confirmed that Meto was telling the truth. After all, what they witnessed over there clearly showed that whoever this slime was, he was someone very important. However, not all the men have managed to come back unharmed with even a few missing among the returned crew. But Goldbeard didn't care for that. A few unknown mercenaries in exchange for the prince of Ragna? He would do it gladly.

"Incredible! HAHAHAHA! With this, victory is mine! HAHAHAHAAHA!" laughing like a maniac, Goldbeard turned to the person who was responsible for this achievement. "Very good, sir Meto! Very good indeed! You have proven yourself to me. There is nothing I value more than talented men. They are so rare these days and you sir, are truly one of them. As promised, you will have all the richness you want. Just say it!" Goldbeard said cheerfully.

"You flatter me, milord! My only goal is to get rid of the demon curse of this world and helping you in this holy crusade is the only way to do it. I have no need for anything else...

Although if you insist, may I suggest for a little amount of..." Meto whispered in the dwarf's ears.

"Hehehe that's not a problem at all. I will send my men to deliver the gold directly to your home. You will have it by the end of today. You have earned it, both the money and my trust."

While Meto could have plainly refused to take the money, saying that he merely did it to help Goldbeard, it was actually not recommended to do it. The reason was that for someone like Goldbeard who had a trust problem in others, it was easier to convince him that you did it for a personal reason like money and fame rather than an idealistic cause like purging demons. When both parties knew what each other wanted, all kinds of negotiations and trust were much more straightforward since both understood the other's motive, making them more relatable.

"Your words are too kind." Meto slightly bowed.

"So what should we do with this monster?" asked the dwarf.

"As much as I want to chop him to pieces, he is more valuable to us alive than dead. For now, I think you should increase security around this building and let no one be aware of his confinement here. I have made sure that the demons know that we have their prince so they won't dare to make a move as long as we still have him.

That's of course until the war with Valhalla is over. After that, he won't be necessary anymore." grinned Meto evilly.

"I see. That seems like the perfect plan to me. Alright, that's what we are going to do." Goldbeard brushed his beard.