Demon King: Hero, don’t run away!

Duke Doro Krenge was quite surprised that Yang Yu would say such words to him.

However, he didn’t hastily concede in the face of Yang Yu’s aggressive approach. On the contrary, he thought Yang Yu was merely driven by profit, just another adventurer.

Yang Yu’s stance was simply a tactic to extract more from him.

Although Yang Yu’s contributions were indeed impressive, Duke Doro Krenge had no intention of allowing him to make exorbitant demands.

Suppressing his anger, Duke Doro Krenge feigned calmness and said:

”I don’t think that at all.

The money that should be spent, I won’t shortchange even a cent.

On our side, we don’t know how strong those demons are.

We absolutely can’t make hasty promises to give you anything.

We still need to see if what you ask is appropriate.”

Understanding the undertone in Duke Doro Krenge’s words, Yang Yu shook his head discreetly.

In fact, Yang Yu initially didn’t want to adopt such a stance.

If Duke Doro Krenge had been amicable from the start, putting aside his arrogance, Yang Yu would’ve been more congenial, perhaps making friends.

But...

Yang Yu knew well that when dealing with someone like Duke Doro Krenge, one must be firm.

Ordinary concessions would only encourage repeated probing of one’s limits.

Of course, being too aggressive might also bring a series of problems.

Years ago, to avoid various troubles, whenever Yang Yu faced certain powers or organizations, he would avoid direct confrontation and keep circumventing.

As the saying goes, endure for a while to calm a storm, take a step back and the sea is boundless.

Yang Yu mastered various survival tactics in the early stages of the game, slowly strengthening himself.

Now, things were different. With his and his team’s current strength, Yang Yu could address issues more directly without going in circles.

Yang Yu’s first impression of Duke Doro Krenge wasn’t positive, but considering the forthcoming matters where cooperation might be essential, he chose not to burn bridges.

Letting the other party know in advance that he wasn’t easy to bully, that he had his boundaries, would prevent the other from pushing too far.

Yang Yu’s demeanor remained unchanged as he asserted himself again:

”I’ll get straight to the point.

I heard that your family recently acquired a Skill Scroll called [Taunt] at the Sunrise Chamber of Commerce auction.

In your view, doesn’t my contribution warrant obtaining that Skill Scroll?”

It seemed it was for that Skill Scroll, Duke Doro Krenge mused to himself.

When attending the auction, Duke Doro Krenge had no idea about that Skill Scroll’s existence.

After the Skill Scroll appeared, he thought, ”Skill Scrolls are inherently rare. The [Taunt] Skill Scroll hasn’t appeared on the market for a long time. If someone collects it, its price should skyrocket. Later, when the Demon King arrives, this might even be useful in exchange for some help,” that’s why he spent a fortune to win it at auction.

”Exchange it for something else.

That might just be a scroll for learning skills to you, but to us, it’s a highly valuable treasure.

If you simply take it away and use it, it would be a great waste.”

Duke Doro Krenge didn’t beat around the bush and refused outright.

Understanding Duke Doro Krenge’s attitude toward the Skill Scroll, Yang Yu smirked and said, ”You’re pretty adamant we’d use it.

In your opinion, do the lives we saved not exceed the value of a Skill Scroll?

Forget it.

Since His Grace insists so much, let’s pretend that matter never happened.

I no longer plan to use that act of gratitude to demand it from you.

Let’s make a deal! I’ll purchase that Skill Scroll from you at 1.2 times its original price.

Would 1.2 times the original price satisfy you?

Currently, due to unknown Magic Fluctuations, funds are needed everywhere, aren’t they, Duke Doro Krenge?

Selling that to me and getting some funds can solve your urgent needs.

Think about it, as I passed by various noble territories on my way here, they’re busy with their own issues.

In the short term, no one else will have the leisure to buy such insignificant items.

What do you think?”

1.2 times? Is it really that simple?

And he was so aggressive just moments ago, why the sudden 180-degree change in attitude?

Duke Doro Krenge couldn’t wrap his head around it, as if the conclusion he reached about Yang Yu moments ago was easily overturned.

Was he simply avoiding trouble... or...

They must have come because the Sunrise Chamber of Commerce informed them about the treasure’s whereabouts.

...It seems they might have other motives.

”Do you know the original price?” Duke Doro Krenge asked tentatively, ”Are you sure you can indeed shell out that much?”

”Does anyone doubt an S-Class adventure group’s financial capacity?

Even if we assume I don’t have that much cash on hand, I’ve got plenty of valuable equipment, don’t I?

Right now, I can even provide a certain amount of potions; using those as collateral works too.

Aren’t those what you desperately need?

If our credibility isn’t enough, can I use the [Red Blood Rose] credit as a guarantee?”

Gordon smiled wryly and stepped forward, ”I am currently in an allied relationship with them, and I am willing to vouch for them.”

Yang Yu adjusted his posture casually, stretching,

”My only condition is this:

After I provide items of sufficient value, hand over that item to me immediately.

I’m not inclined to bicker with you. Whatever happens with you is of no concern to me.

Once we acquire the item, we’ll leave.

No matter what transpires afterward, I won’t return, nor will I assist you again.”

Duke Doro Krenge found Yang Yu’s words more incomprehensible, unable to see through his intentions, and was momentarily unsure how to respond.

Why is Yang Yu in such a hurry, what’s behind this urgency?

Is it merely a threat, or does... he truly know something?

Duke Doro Krenge couldn’t conclude, gradually calming down. Leave some room for maneuver, and avoid heading into a dead end.

”I think you misunderstood me.

I already mentioned that whatever should be given, I won’t hold back.

... How about this.

Since you already helped once, help a few more times.

After all, you are capable adventurers; dealing with Magic Beasts shouldn’t be a problem, right?

In my territory, some Magic Beasts have appeared. If you manage to clear all of them, I’ll give you what you want.”

This truly was a three-birds-with-one-stone idea, easing tensions, buying time to investigate and evaluate their strength, and temporarily keeping them in the territory to summon if needed.

That’s probably what Duke Doro Krenge was thinking, right?

Yang Yu chuckled lightly, ”No way. We’re busy and don’t want to get entangled in miscellaneous affairs. Just one question, do you want to trade or not?”