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What else do I love about her?
She is fierce—fiercely compassionate.
- X.M.
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The Black Sky mercenaries (1) demonstrated their usefulness to the Gwala's court (another kingdom) by suppressing the indigenous tribes that colonized the mountainous terrain between the Yellow and Red Rivers.
The Gwala authorities observed their performance with great interest. Reasoning that Ru Quan might become a useful ally in the future, they gave him a military rank in the Gwala army. Provided that he continued to act in accordance with his status as a Gwala military governor, the authorities promised not to trouble the Black Sky leader.
For this, Ru Quan was rewarded with an official military title. Secured with the backing of the court, he established a profitable extortion network along the course of the Red River, 'taxing' the passerby at a rate of 10% of the value of their goods.
The profits acquired from this venture were so great that Ru Quan's army began to swell in numbers, attracting to its ranks adventurers from all over the world.
The Black Sky army eventually set up a camp on the northern bank of the Red River. Not caring about the origin, they recruited men from various backgrounds to their troops as they traveled.
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Info Dumb?
Some reasons why Ru Quan chooses to be a mercenary, but for some people, it may seem like a boring info dump. (I, myself, find it interesting, so yeah...)
(1) In ancient times, the monasteries didn't have large standing armies, except the three kingdoms that tried to change their military situation. It would require withdrawing too many men out of the fields, which would cause everyone to starve. The standing armies were unable to prevail, as there was a lack of time available for training, the scarcity of materials, money, and, inevitably, political considerations. (Complicated family relationships and uncertain loyalties.) Instead, when the war happened, the monarch would issue a levy. Before being marched off to war, very rarely would the men be given any training or equipment.
Considered the second oldest profession after prostitution, mercenaries provided a shortcut to this dilemma. They had no national or ideological allegiances. They only served for money and other ways of payment rather than for political interest. They weren't embroiled in local politics; they were foreigners, loyal only to the contractor who paid them, be it an Emperor or a Tyrant. Because their livelihood depended on it, they highly relied on their professional reputation as nobody would hire a tainted company with a history of betrayal.
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In the opulent confines of a hotel room, Ru Quan negotiated with a man seated across from him, gesturing toward a specific spot on the map.
"I'll assist you in seizing control of the territory, but in exchange..." Ru Quan's voice held an air of authority as he outlined his terms, "I'll be claiming this land. Additionally, for a period of three years, six percent of the taxes collected will be allocated to us."
The dictators often stayed in power by using mercenary soldiers from outside of their respective states. A weak monarchy was often unable to stop them. Many sought Black Sky to get rid of each other. It was only a matter of who offered more.
Leaving the capital city in the evening, Ru Quan heeded Bing Shi's request and stopped by a specific forest to look for the unconscious male lead, Wang Guo.
"Secure his safety," Ru Quan commanded his men, mindful not to move Wang Guo too far to ensure the female lead could easily locate him.
Ignoring his subordinate's odd gazes, Ru Quan lay down on the ground and closed his eyes, waiting for the female lead to arrive. In this desolate place full of bushes and shrubs, he listened to Bing Shi's precious laughter, feeling foolish like never before.
Well, there was nothing he wouldn't do for his woman's amusement.
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The thundering trotters split the chirping sound of the birds as a lone stallion galloped through the thick forest.
'Wasn't this supposed to be a simple hunting banquet for noble ladies? Why is this place so huge?' Mao An muttered to herself.
Mao An had embarked on what was supposed to be a simple hunting banquet for noble ladies, but the vastness of the forest had led her astray. As a former doctor with a military background, she was no stranger to getting lost in unfamiliar terrain. As she searched for prey, she stumbled upon an unexpected sight.
Placing her bow behind, she hopped down her horse and immediately checked Ru Quan's pulse. 'Poison?!'
Ru Quan, in his act of feigning pain, played the part convincingly.
"Hey, can you hear me?" On a closer look, she noticed his attractive features, her jaw dropping, "Holy crap."
After a quick survey of the surroundings, she knew she had to get this man out of this desolate place. Ensuring he had no other injuries, Mao An gave him a pill and was prepared to lift his massive frame onto her horse.
Fed up with the charade, Ru Quan decided to cut to the chase. He turned around, discreetly disposing of the pill in the grass, and sat up, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "Did you save me?" he asked, casting a sidelong glance at the stunned Mao An.
"Yes? Ah! No!" Mao An stammered, checking his pulse once more in disbelief, "Impossible..." Her pill should have taken much longer to take effect. 'How did he recover so fast?!'
"Wait here." Ru Quan instructed as he stood up, nonchalantly sliding his hands into his pockets. He left the bewildered Mao An behind and ventured deeper into the forest, eager for some private time with Bing Shi. His fingers were itching to spank this mischievous fiance of his.
A few moments later...
Edan's horse stepped cautiously through the dense underbrush, carrying her closer to Mao An, who was still baffled by the abrupt turn of events. Her normally composed demeanor was slightly marred by a faint twitch at the corner of her lips as she dragged a wild boar behind her.
"Payment... For saving our leader." Edan gestured toward the lifeless boar with her eyes, her actions mirroring the silly turn of events.
YOU ARE READING
QT: Against My Will (Volume 2)
RomanceSYNOPSIS: After a painful separation from her boyfriend, Bing Shi gets an opportunity to meet him again. Under one condition. To get her wish granted, she will have to travel to different worlds and finish all the assigned missions from the System H...
