“Are you requesting an escort?” Eugene questioned.

Delduan cupped his hands together and gave a deep bow.

“Yes. There are a total of five people, including my group and the three carriages. If you accompany us over this mountain, I will provide you with 20 silver coins. Please, sir.”

“Hmm.”

Eugene wasn’t lacking in money anymore. But since he would cross Mount Marcus anyway, it wasn’t bad to earn some pocket money on the way.

“I will allow it if it’s just crossing the mountain together.”

“Yes! Sir Knight. You are truly gracious. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Delduan quickly retrieved 20 silver coins with great joy.

“Partec.”

“Yes.”

While the two men settled the account, people who had been watching from the side suddenly started flocking.

“Sir, Sir Knight! Can we join in as well?”

“Sir Knight, we would like to accompany you as well.”

“Sir Knight!”

Almost all of them were merchants carrying loads on their backs. Eugene felt a little puzzled by their earnest pleas.

“All of you. Why did you not recruit mercenaries?”

Whether they carried their goods on their backs or on wagons and carriages, almost all merchants hired mercenaries. Even settled merchants such as those that belonged to the Palin Association hired mercenaries when...