Lloyd was very tempted. He had never been content with merely hunting and farming. As a reclusive mountain dweller, he had no opportunity to venture beyond the mountains. Becoming a mountain king seemed like the best choice. Derek's suggestion was irresistible to him, and he justified it as a win-win situation.
Lloyd eventually nodded, and their conversation was destined to remain a secret. Derek would not directly interfere in Lloyd's operations, as he didn't want to tarnish his own reputation. As for others' speculations, which noble doesn't have a few dirty secrets? As long as they don't come to light, it's manageable. After all, behind many well-known bandits and marauders, there's often noble support.
Before returning to the camp, Derek made a small request. "I also need a small piece of land, just a hill would suffice. It should be convenient for transporting a small amount of goods. Do you have any recommendations?"
"Suitable farmland in the mountains is already claimed, and clearing new land is too costly."
"No, no, no, I just need a place to set up, not to clear land."
"That's easier. I'll find you a spot."
With the transaction sealed under the guise of friendship, they agreed on a meeting place and approximate time and then parted ways.
Back at the caravan, Vincent was still waiting for him. "Sir Derek, I heard you went to meet that mountain dweller?"
"Yes, indeed. Don't worry, I'll have these furs taken care of by you. I won't break any rules."
Vincent's demeanor softened slightly. He sincerely advised, "Business is not as easy as you think. Hastily involving yourself in local trade could bring a lot of trouble. If you have doubts, you might want to consult your father. Baron Ferreira will definitely give you some advice."
For Vincent to speak so candidly, considering their relationship, was quite generous. Derek expressed his gratitude and assured him, "I absolutely won't meddle in things I shouldn't. I'm well aware of noble rules."
Given Derek's response, Vincent did not press further. Sometimes, speaking too openly isn't always beneficial. After this encounter, their relationship seemed to enter a temporary phase of coolness. On the return journey, although both tried to act as if nothing had happened, a small tension had arisen. Perhaps over time, Derek would need to prove that he was not an adventurer who disrupts the rules to dispel this tension.
Back in Watch City, Derek reviewed the accounts and began preparations for departure.
Derek prepared two carts of supplies: food, weapons, refined iron, and daily necessities, and then set off quietly. Vincent, ever vigilant, quickly became aware of Derek's actions.
"Still thinking of getting into the mountain dwellers' trade?" Vincent shook his head, believing Derek was blinded by profit. It's one thing to go, but how would he return? The mountain trade within the city is finite; if it draws attention, Derek would face complications on his next visit. Just one misstep could result in a total loss.
As a beneficiary of the status quo, Vincent could easily stop Derek with a letter. However, considering their acquaintance, it wasn't worth becoming the villain. "Two carts aren't too much. If he runs into trouble, maybe I can buy the goods back at a lower price." This is the art of social maneuvering; reporting him now offers no real benefit and could turn a valuable relationship into enmity, potentially creating a formidable enemy. If Derek managed to escape, it would only lead to future trouble. As an experienced operator, Vincent would not act so recklessly.
He instructed his subordinates to monitor Derek's movements closely and put the matter aside for now.
…
Derek traveled without making any stops, heading straight into the mountains. His journey was swift, taking only five days. Upon reaching the agreed location, he found someone waiting for him. As two carts and a twenty-person caravan arrived, a mountain man emerged from the bushes.
"Is this Lord Derek?"
Derek approached on horseback, looking down at the man. The face seemed familiar from that night.
"Did Lloyd send you?"
"Yes, my lord."
The mountain man bowed deeply, unable to maintain his usual posture in the presence of Derek's demonstrated strength.
"Wait here for a day. I will go back and inform Brother Lloyd. He will come to meet you soon."
Derek set up camp on the spot. This was only the edge of the mountains, and it was clear he couldn't stay long. The next day, Lloyd, accompanied by about twenty people, emerged from the forest.
Several mountain bandits were carrying new swords, giving them a certain air of authority. The two greeted each other with a warm embrace, and Lloyd eagerly said, "I've found the place for you—remote, concealed, and safe."
"Thank you. Once I'm settled in, I'll be sure to treat you to a good drink," Derek replied.
Derek was prepared for a tough trek, but Lloyd led him on a winding path, eventually following a small stream for half the day. The stream eventually joined a larger river. Lloyd's men had prepared several rafts by the riverbank.
"See? Just follow the river downstream. It's easy with the current. Getting out will be a bit more troublesome."
Derek wasn't worried. He wasn't planning to transport anything out of the mountains, and having a river was certainly easier than trekking through the mountains.
The journey took all day. Supplies were placed on the rafts while the group made their way along the riverbank, through almost impassable terrain with few signs of human presence.
Suddenly, the landscape opened up. Without Lloyd's help, Derek's instincts told him they had arrived. The river made a bend here, and due to the mountain's contour, a large open area emerged. The river was in front, and mountains behind. Despite the ground being covered in small stones, it seemed like a good place for settlement.
When it comes to clearing land, many think it's simple to just dig a plot. But the soil's fertility is limited, and dealing with rocks and plant roots is labor-intensive. Each year, large clumps of soil need to be broken down bit by bit. For this stony area, it would probably take ten years before it would even start to be profitable, and twenty years before it could become good farmland. If there are large rocks underground, it could take even longer.
Such a place would be avoided by most, even the mountain dwellers. But for Derek, it was perfect.
"Thank you very much, my friend."
Derek embraced Lloyd tightly, who sighed with relief, content that his friend was pleased. Lloyd didn't press Derek about his intentions, understanding that friends also need their secrets.