Because any persuasion would be an insult to the "warrior's choice!"
At this time, respect is all that is needed.
That would mean waiting.
Waiting patiently for the last moment of celebration or... "assistance for Jason."
This was his promise as a warrior!
A commitment from an older, retired warrior!
The former instructor nodded solemnly.
Do you also understand?
What do you understand?
Jason's cheeks twitched behind his mask.
But Jason, who had had many similar experiences, quickly regained his composure and handled the situation with seasoned expertise.
First, he nodded subtly to the old instructor, indicating that he understood the implication, then, at the right moment, he shifted his gaze, avoiding any further topics that could lead to confusion.
Jason looked at the members of "Golden Wind" gathered around him with uncertainty.
"The corpse of a 'Sabie Alien Assaulter' is in the refrigerated truck, interested parties can start bidding,"
Jason stated plainly.
Without small talk or beating around the bush.
Jason might bargain, but he was not a true merchant, nor did he have experience organizing auctions.
So, he approached it in his own way.
This left Delbon filled with regret.
This member of 'Clock Tower' stationed at 'Ground Reconnaissance Bureau' knew very well how a lively start to an 'auction' could enhance the seller's proceeds.
Because it wasn't just the atmosphere that was affected, but also emotions!
The latter, in an event like an auction, would be crucial!
An identical item, with the support of emotions, could easily yield profits of thirty or even fifty percent over its value, or even double or triple if there were competitive bidders!
And right now was the perfect opportunity!
Everyone knew about the tension between 'Unyielding Copper' and 'Golden Wind.'
Even when facing an attack from external foes, they had barely maintained a superficial peace.
Such a perfect chance it was!
Delbon lamented inwardly but did not utter any words to contradict Jason.
Because he was just a liaison.
And had promised not to pursue any 'differences in price.'
All matters were to be directed by Jason.
Recognizing his place, Delbon at this time moved beside Jason and, with a smile, assured the members of 'Golden Wind' with a clear voice: "The message was sent by me, so naturally, I guarantee everything, including Lord Jason's words—I swear upon my name as a member of 'Clock Tower's Ground Reconnaissance Bureau.'
Delbon, with his extensive connections and unique status, offered reassurance, and all the 'Golden Wind' members who had been startled relaxed.
"I, too, can vouch for Jason,"
The old instructor stepped forward.
His initial favorable impression, combined with Jason's adherence to the warrior's style, had already earned his approval.
Nosa also stepped forward.
Simply put, if the old instructor vouched for someone, so did Nosa.
The former warrior, now the leader of Cherry City's werewolves, was that straightforward.
Immediately, all the surrounding members of 'Golden Wind' let down their guard.
The old instructor, whom they all recognized, had a reputation for integrity that was sufficiently reassuring.
Not to mention the assurance from Nosa, one of their own.
Suddenly, several people stepped forward from the crowd.
The first to come forward was the small, goblin-like creature, humanoid in appearance, dressed in neat work garb.
"Tucker, Tucker exchange for 'landmine,'"
The humanoid with green skin spoke in their unique grammar.
As he spoke, he lifted a barrel as tall as himself from the ground where he had just emerged.
The mere sight of the barrel made the surrounding members of 'Golden Wind' step back in shock and fear, instinctively taking two steps back.
Obviously, this seemingly ordinary barrel was far more dangerous than it appeared.
Jason looked at the barrel with interest.
Among many 'foods,' the 'flavor' contained within this barrel ranked highly, though it was unclear what it tasted like.
"We will trade 'Witch Feather' for it,"
One of the ladies who had transformed from large eagles to human form and were perched atop tree canopies spoke, the leader raised her hand.
A single feather lay upon the palm of her hand, shimmering with a metallic sheen under the sunlight, and emitting a subtle fragrance that was far less enthralling than the scent of the barrel.
"Hmph, since when do harpies call themselves 'witches'?"
A few witches sitting on their brooms scoffed.
The challenged harpies immediately responded with an unfriendly gaze, but they did not counter the claim.
Even though 'Witch' Jennifer was not present there, the reputation of the opposition was enough for these harpies to understand how they should act.
"Lord Jason, we offer a 'Curse Bag' in exchange,"
One of the witches, disdainfully looking at the harpies and casually sitting on her broom, took out a cloth bag.
Ordinary in appearance and the size of the woman's fist, the bag was closed with a jute rope as thick as a little finger, looped through one end of the bag and around the wrist on the other, and at that moment it swung in mid-air, tied to the witch's wrist, emitting an enticing 'aroma.'
Undoubtedly, this was the most fragrant of all the 'foods.'
Jason's eyes fixed on the 'Curse Bag,' contemplating the flavor it might have.
Meanwhile, the surrounding 'Golden Wind' members, who were already keeping their distance from the witches, now backed away even further—their speed noticeably faster than when they saw the goblin's barrel earlier.