Chapter 67: Sepoy Mercenary Members

As Raven stepped out of the room, he noticed that night had already fallen. He moved towards the foyer, passing the split staircase, and entered the left corridor.

"My Lord!" a familiar voice called from upstairs. Raven looked up to see Emanuel hurrying towards him, dressed in the same attire and holding a file in his left hand.

Emanuel quickly reached him and bowed his head,

"Mr. Jacob and his teammates are in the guest room, waiting for your arrival."

"I've made the necessary preparations. I'll see them now," Raven replied as he walked down the long corridor.

"I have already double-checked the contract they brought with them, My Lord." Saying so, Emanuel took two papers from the file he was holding and gave them to him.

Meanwhile, Raven looked at the contract papers and read them while walking towards the guest room.

A few seconds later, both arrived before a wooden door and knocked on it twice.

Soon, a middle-aged man with tall stature opened the door and greeted him.

"Greetings, Young Master Thomas. I thought you would only come by morning." While saying so, he invited Raven and the butler in.

Raven stepped into the room and quickly observed its layout: a 20x16ft space with two beds positioned at the center. The room was furnished with two wooden cupboards, a table, chairs, and even an attached bath on the left side. He briefly scanned his surroundings before focusing on the six people seated on the chairs and bed.

When they noticed his presence, everyone rose from their seats and bowed in greeting.

"Greetings, Young Master," Quincy said with a graceful bow, with the others following her lead.

Raven nodded his head and looked at the other members.

Meanwhile, Jacob stepped forward and introduced them to him one by one.

"This is Marcellus," Jacob said, pointing to a burly man with a rugged face and deep-set eyes. He was around 170 cm tall, had long black hair, and appeared to be around 50 years old. The burly man wore a black overcoat and also a bowler hat on his head. Contract to his dresses, he held a longsword in his waist.

"He is our Knight, specialized in close combat. His swordsmanship skills are on par with an intermediate-rank swordsman."

Marcellus gave a slight nod, his posture exuding the confidence of a seasoned fighter.

"Next, we have Selene," Jacob continued, gesturing towards a woman with sharp features and piercing green eyes. She was around 35 years old, had a slender body, and an alluring look. Selene's raven-black hair was pulled back in a tight braid, and she radiated a quiet, calculating energy. She wore a normal blue gown and held a strange silver metallic stick.

"She is the only Wizard in our team. She is just an Acolyte Wizard, but her spells are formidable enough even to corner a beginner-rank Radiant Walker."

"Over here is Reece," Jacob motioned towards a tall, slender man with a scholarly air. Reece adjusted his glasses and offered a polite smile. His attire was slightly more refined than the others.

"Our team's strategist and also a Beastmaster. Unlike Knights, Rangers, and Warriors, he practices some unique techniques and is capable of controlling animals and even monsters. Well, he is good at tracking and infiltration missions."

"Next to him is Leona," Jacob said, indicating a woman with auburn hair and a fierce expression. She wore long trousers and a shirt, with iron gauntlets protecting her hands. Leona had the build of a warrior and looked at Raven as if he were prey.

"As you can see, she's a fighter who prefers to let her fists do the talking."

"And finally, there's Felicity," Jacob continued, gesturing toward the last member. She was a petite woman in her twenties with a determined demeanor. She wore a tailored black jacket over her shirt and a skirt that reached her knees, holding a longbow in her hand.

"She is also a ranger like me and is good at marksmanship. And her bow is also an Uncommon Rank Weapon."

Raven nodded his head, adjusted his monocle, and spoke.

"Let me read the contract paper once again before signing."

Saying so, he moved towards the nearby wooden chair and sat down before looking at the papers.

"Contract of Employment

Contractee:

Thomas Holmes

Contractors:

Sepoy Mercenary Group

* Jacob (Leader)

* Quincy

* Felicity

* Leona

* Reece

* Selene

* Marcellus

Contract Period:

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10 Years (Starting from 8th September, Year 1420)

Contract Fees:

* 58 Platinum Coins (Paid Upfront)

* One Complete Uncommon Spirit Technique

* One Complete Uncommon Knight Technique

Job Responsibilities:

* The Sepoy Mercenary Group is responsible for the protection of Thomas Holmes.

* The group will assist Thomas Holmes in reclaiming the ruined town of Azmar.

Conditions:

Non-Participation in Noble Conflicts:

1. The Sepoy Mercenary Group will not participate in any conflict or war against nobles except when directly related to the protection of Thomas Holmes.

Non-Participation in Empire Wars:

1. The Sepoy Mercenary Group will not engage in wars or conflicts involving the Empire except when protecting Thomas Holmes's life. During such times, their sole responsibility will be to safeguard Thomas Holmes.

Payment:

* The agreed-upon contract fees, including 58 Platinum Coins, the Uncommon Spirit Technique, and the Uncommon Knight Technique, will be paid upfront upon signing this contract.

Signatures:

Contractee:

Thomas Holmes

(Signature)

Contractors:

Jacob (Sepoy Mercenary Leader)

(Signature)

Quincy (Sepoy Mercenary Member)

(Signature)

Felicity (Sepoy Mercenary Member)

(Signature)

Leona (Sepoy Mercenary Member)

(Signature)

Reece (Sepoy Mercenary Member)

(Signature)

Selene (Sepoy Mercenary Member)

(Signature)

Marcellus (Sepoy Mercenary Member)

(Signature)

Date:

[8th September, 1420.]

…

"I'll only give the complete Spirit Technique after reclaiming the Azmar Town. Other than this, I agree to all the conditions." Raven said as he took out the notebook from his inventory and gave it to Jacob.

"Instead, I give you an incomplete Spirit Technique now."

Meanwhile, Jacob took the notebook from his hand and opened it before reading. He patiently read the book for the next 30 minutes and said with an impressed look.

"This is indeed a superior Spirit Technique compared to the one we are using. Even this incomplete Technique is enough for us to reach the peak Radiant rank much faster!" Jacob took a deep breath and continued with excitement.

"It's been 45 years since I got my Common Rank spirit Technique as a reward for killing an enemy commander. I have been practicing using this technique for almost half a century but have yet to reach the peak realm. But with this new Technique, I might reach the peak realm in ten years!"

"Shall we sign the contract then?" Raven asked.

"Yes, My Lord." All of them nodded their heads.

'My Lord, huh?' A smile appeared on Raven's face.

Emanuel prepared the table for signing the contract papers and even brought a pen and ink bottle from the study.

After that, Jacob and other members agreed to all the conditions and signed the document.

Raven turned his attention towards Emanuel and asked.

"Did you gather contract papers for servants?"

"Yes, My Lord." Saying so, Emanuel took out a bunch of papers from the file and presented them to him.

"Go and bring them all here." Saying so, Raven placed the contract papers on the table and checked the contents.

Meanwhile, Emanuel went out and brought all the servants.

After that, Raven and others signed the contract papers and completed the process.

"You guys can go back now. And keep the contract papers yourself." Raven said as he gave them their contract papers.

After sending them away, Raven turned his attention towards Emanuel and spoke.

"Arrange accommodations for all the Sepoy Members."

"No. We can't stay in the mansion all the time, My Lord. We have families, too." Quincy interrupted.

Then, Jacob continued.

"We plan to split our team into two for this guard job, My Lord. Four of us will stay here during the day while the rest will stay at night. That way, we can get enough rest and have time to spend with our family."

'Oh? That's good.' Raven suddenly thought of something and spoke.

"I plan on visiting the capital soon. But I can take only one person. You guys can stay with family or relax here."

"Then, you should take our Leader with you, My Lord. And we better stay here than stay with our family. I heard that even your servants got into trouble and ended up dead before. So, let us stay here for the safety of your servants," Quincy suggested.

"Oh, I never thought of that." Raven was surprised.

Then, he gave all the platinum coins and promised to provide them with a complete Uncommon Knight Technique by tomorrow evening.

After that, he talked with them about the arrangements and left the guestroom with Emanuel.

"Is the master bedroom ready for use?" He asked.

"Yes, My Lord. We cleaned all the rooms on the second floor and even repaired the water pump connected to the tank on the terrace." Emanuel responded.

"That's good then. I'll go and take some rest." Saying so, Raven walked upstairs through the split staircase.

As he reached the second floor, the polished wood beneath his feet gleamed faintly in the low light from the sconces on the walls. Emanuel followed closely behind, his presence silent. When they reached the master bedroom, Emanuel stepped forward and opened the door for Raven.

The room was spacious and furnished, with a large four-poster bed dominating the center. The bed was draped in rich, dark fabrics that matched the heavy curtains hanging by the tall windows. A few pieces of elegant furniture—a dresser, a wardrobe, and a small sitting area—were arranged around the room. The fireplace on one side had already been lit, the flames casting a warm, flickering glow across the room.

Raven walked in and took a moment to take in the details. The fully prepared and cleaned room had an air of comfort and luxury. Emanuel placed the file and a leather pouch on the small desk near the window.

"I spent sixteen gold coins to buy the household materials and repairs, My Lord. The rest is in the pouch." He said.

"Keep the rest of the money with you and write the spending on the account note. I'll check it once in a month."

"Yes, My Lord. If there's nothing else, I will take my leave," Emanuel said, bowing slightly.

Raven nodded. "Thank you, Emanuel. Make sure everything is secure for the night."

"Of course, My Lord," Emanuel replied before quietly exiting the room, leaving Raven alone.

"Finally." He sat on the bed and took the Gladstone bag from the inventory. After that, he opened the bag and took out a file.

It was the 'Will' that he took from the Royal Bank.

'If I want to transfer Thomas's father's assets to Thomas's name, I need the signature of two executors.' Raven opened the file and took the 'Will' document from it. Then, he started reading the Will, which had the seal of the Royal Family, and soon saw two names.

"Sara Wills and Edward Amell. If I'm not wrong, Sara Wills oversees the Thomas Book Emporium. And the Amell Family is managing Velvet Millenary and Dorthey's Confectionary." But one thing that made him anxious was that they didn't visit him even when he was admitted to the hospital.

'Something feels not right. If they are Thomas's father's trusted aides, why didn't they visit Thomas? They also didn't seem to have taken any steps to search for Thomas. Wait… Anyone with little influence can get information about Thomas's Father's Will in the Royal Bank if a normal Head Constable can get it. That means Count or other Nobles also aware of this Will.' Raven frowned.

[There is a high possibility that the Council of Nobles already brought Sara Wills and Edward Amell into their side. Without the executors ' letters, you can't transfer the assets to Thomas's name.] Zera interjected.

"I don't even know who the real enemy is." Raven sighed.

"I better increase my strength first." Saying so, he opened the inventory and took out a bluish vial.