If you were to ask those in positions of politics or military leadership, as well as merchants, to name the most important resource, they would not hesitate to say: people.
Dozens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of millions—the most common and at the same time the most valuable resource.
From simple labor forces to something more significant, everything started and ended with people. Because of this, significant effort and time were constantly invested to acquire the resource called people.
From that point of view, in the present, in front of Bahamut’s eyes, there was a mountain of rare and precious resources that could not be bought with money.
“Hmm…”
Bahamut looked at the people sitting in front of him with a relaxed expression on his face.
Ophelia and Isolda were standing on either side of him, and in front of his eyes, he could see the adventurers standing on strict guard. And those who sat with fearful expressions on their faces while being watched by the said adventurers were at least dozens of the Sakiel Knights’ executives who survived the war.
Just a few days ago, these people were full of confidence and pride. However, the faces of those present here were now filled only with anxiety and fear.
‘What the hell is he going to do with us?’
‘What will he ask for? Is he going to take all of our funds…’
‘No…it’s not about money. Maybe he’ll just kill us after pressuring us to bow. There are many high-ranking rich people with unusual hobbies.’
The Sakiel Knights’ executives thought of various bleak futures, including threats to their lives, in their heads.
That was understandable. Beyond the fact that they were simply prisoners, from the beginning, they had devoted themselves to things that were not very honorable in the world—gambl!ng, usu*ry, smuggl!ng, prost!tut!on, and other crimes that were legally problematic.
It was clear that no one would sympathize with them even if they were executed for their crimes right now.
Because they were like that, it was only natural that the longer Bahamut’s silence lasted, the deeper their fear would grow.
‘How big of a request is he going to make, and why is it taking so long?’
‘Damn it… I’d rather he just spoke sooner rather than later.’
Filled with anxiety, the executives of the Sakiel Knights were just sweating cold sweat, unable to speak.
Finally, Bahamut, who had the right to decide their fates and had actually destroyed them in this war, slowly began to speak.
“First of all, I would like to say that I welcome everyone who has gathered here like this…” Bahamut spoke in a calm yet clear voice.
It was a normal greeting, but the Sakiel Knights were seized with a feeling of growing anxiety for no reason, and Bahamut continued to address them.
“I have heard a lot about your fame before. Those who actually control the underground economy of the continent. The people who are engaged in what is often dismissed as dirty work, but nonetheless, there is a demand for it and it is inevitable that it will happen in one way or another.”
“…?”
“Ummm…”
Somehow, Bahamut spoke in a more benevolent voice than expected.
As a result, the Sakiel Knights felt that the atmosphere had changed slightly and began to listen to him more closely. They thought that he didn’t seem likely to execute them immediately.
As expected, quite favorable stories began to flow from Bahamut’s lips.
“And I, too, have no intention of denying the business itself. Although I am against the s1ave business, which was a big problem this time, I am interested in other things.”
“Oh… oh…”
“That… that’s it. There are so many things we can do to help.”
“Please tell us anything. Aren’t we the ones with the deepest knowledge in this field?”
Although it wasn’t bragging, when Bahamut sneakily threw a bait, the Sakiel Knights’ officers quickly accepted it and began to nibble.
It was a natural move for survival, as it was a situation where their lives were on the line just a moment ago. Moreover, their opponent was Bahamut, a colossus who subdued them all and had a high reputation from the beginning.
This situation, in which a clearly proven superior was reaching out to them, the Sakiel Knights could not help but feel the matter quite attractive. Although some of them were still watching the situation with suspicion, it was clear that the atmosphere had changed.
Looking at the Sakiel Knights, Bahamut smiled and said, “I am very glad that you are so eager to work, but I also have a rough plan for this, so it would be good to check it first.”
Along with those words, documents were placed in front of the Sakiel Knights’ executives.
Accordingly, the executives in the room began to examine the contents, and at the same time, surprise and bewilderment appeared on their faces.
A little awe began to creep in as well.
The contents contained in the document proposed to continue the work the Sakiel Knights were currently engaged in under the surface but to some extent set the framework and rules for proceeding in the future.
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Check out my other projects: Flower Stealing Master, Rehabilitating the Villainess, I Picked Up an Amnesiac Witch, My Summons Are Special and Dual Cultivation with a Fox Demon,
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