Chapter 6: Wind Veil Basin
Ron’s main territory was the Wind Veil Basin. Due to its significant proportion, even if you say that his territory was named the Wind Veil Basin, there was no problem. Although this basin was suitable for cultivation, few people prefer living there due to its proximity to the Burial Plains. Additionally, many residents of the Wind Veil Basin tend to have shorter lifespans. These factors contribute to the Norman Empire’s reluctance to develop the Wind Veil Basin.
Lady Mercury eventually acquired the territory and was in Ron’s possession. Five bandit groups currently occupy The Wind Veil Basin, making a living by robbing lost merchant caravans.
Bandit attacks on refugees were common in the Wind Veil Basin, deterring settlement. Even the last town in the area, Phoenix Town, was abandoned as people sought livelihoods elsewhere.
Bandit attacks were frequent, making it an inhospitable place. The Phylin tribe, located nearby, prevented bandits from taking over Phoenix Town. Refugees avoid staying in this cursed place due to its proximity to the Burial Plains and the presence of bandits.
Ron felt burdened by his situation, but their fate might be similar even if someone else took over the Wind Veil Basin. Predicting the ultimate winner was challenging if another lord took control without reinforcing with additional soldiers.
“Why did I come to this place?” A man in a cave dressed in a suit questioned himself.
Wearing a tall top hat and a sophisticated bow tie, Doran appeared to be soul-searching. His moustache resembled an infinity sign, well-groomed and shiny from daily care.
Tall and thin, even tied up by bandits, Doran was taller than many. At first glance, he seemed like a wealthy rural gentleman.
“Boss, this guy doesn’t have a single coin on him!” A bandit complained after emptying Doran’s money bag.
“Who knew this guy would be a pauper!” The bandit leader reacted frustratedly.
Despite appearances, Doran was far from being wealthy. He was a pauper.
The bandits hoped Doran would be an easy target in the Wind Veil Basin, where few opportunities exist.
“Hey, gentlemen, how can you call me a pauper?” Doran protested, “I am a future tycoon. It’s just that I’m a bit poor at the moment.”
“Find a way to locate this guy’s family. We might at least get some ransom,” the bandits still held a last bit of hope regarding Doran.
Perhaps Doran didn’t have money with him, and his family might be wealthy.
“Tell me, where are your family members?” The leader of the bandits grabbed Doran’s jaw, asking fiercely, “If you don’t speak, don’t blame me for tearing off your fingernails.”
“Oh no, you can’t treat me like this!” Doran shook his head frantically.
“What’s wrong with this guy? Can’t he speak normally?” The leader of the bandits threw Doran aside in frustration.
He was really afraid he might lose his temper and just kill Doran.
“Is there a way to find his family? At least we could demand some money.” The bandits discussed, still hopeful about a ransom.
“Lock this guy up. No need to feed him for the next few days,” the leader of the bandits waved his hand. “We can save some food that way.”
A pampered guy like him would spill everything after just a few days without food. If that didn’t work, Doran could expect his fingernails to be pulled off one by one.
“Oh, by the way, I remember I have something of value,” Doran suddenly said.
“What thing?” The nearby bandits instantly turned their attention to Doran.
“Didn’t you bring back my books?” Doran said nonchalantly. “Those are my records from travelling for so long.”
“That book! That book is valuable!!!” A bandit ran to the leader, shouting.
“Six?” The bandit was stunned. “Are they that valuable?”
“They could fetch a good price in a big city,” he said confidently. “After all, it’s something I wrote.”
“Your writing can be valuable?” The bandit looked at Doran sceptically.
“Of course, I’m Doran,” Doran said with strange confidence.
Gradually, even the bandit began to believe Doran. “How much could we sell them for?”
“Let me think… I could probably sell them for six gold coins!”
“Six?” The bandit was stunned. “Are they that valuable?”
“Gold coins! Those were gold coins!”
“Those idiots threw away the book! They tossed away six gold coins!”
“Why aren’t you quickly retrieving that book!” The bandit leader couldn’t even continue drinking his alcohol.
He urged his subordinates to find the book while walking up to Doran. “Is that thing really that valuable?”
“Oh, darn it! Do you guys really don’t believe in my reputation? I am Doran!” Doran exclaimed.
“Shut him up!” The bandit leader really didn’t want to hear this guy talk. His tone was unbearable.
“Everyone, assemble!” Loloan raised the spear in his hand and shouted.
Upon hearing Loloan’s loud voice, Ron quickly covered his mouth and said, “Idiot, don’t be so loud!”
They were right at the entrance of someone else’s cave, and not far away, bandits were patrolling.
Now that Loloan spoke so loudly, wasn’t he practically announcing to the bandits that they were here to deliver food?
“Oh, sorry, I forgot,” Loloan quickly apologised.
Then he lowered his voice, “So, let me say it again.”
Loloan spoke in a hushed tone, “Everyone, assemble…”
