“Your highness.” Tyron was surprised to see Ian in the room. When he saw the closed door without Amos's figure anywhere, he turned to Ian with a questioning look. “Wha- I mean, did you come here alone? Where is Mr. Amos?” “Yes, I came alone. As for my master, I'm sure you all know why he wouldn't dare to set a foot here.” Ian smiled as he responded to Tyron's question. Of course, we all know why. But the thing is, what are you doing here? Tyron felt a headache, staring at the young boy standing before him. The last time Ian almost lost his life, Tyron had been scared shitless. How would he explain to the emperor if something happened to the crown prince? “Outside the wilds is--” Before Tyron could finish his sentence, Ian suddenly cut in. “I know what you're trying to say. You don't have to worry about me. Do you think I will venture into the wilds without having a trump card up my sleeve?” Hearing this, Tyron's expression immediately lit up. Yes. How can the crown prince not have a trump card in his hand? It's my fault for thinking too much. Unfortunately, if Tyron had thought further, he would have noticed something wrong about Ian's last sentence. For example, why didn't he make use of his golden ace when he had almost died in their previous mission? Fortunately, Ian was in luck to have been able to trick Tyron with his words. The others also didn't think much about it and believed what he had said. Ian was pleased with this. He shifted his gaze, staring at Sylvia, who was seated next to Miley. He was about to say hello to her when he suddenly felt a quiver in his contract space .'Huji?' Ian sent a wisp of his consciousness into the contract space and saw the young majestic dragon huddling in a corner in fear. Fear? Ian was surprised to see such an intense reaction on the young dragon's face. 'What's wrong, Huji?' However, instead of replying to his question, the dragon cub hid his face under his wings, his trembling body becoming even more obvious. Ian was at loss of what to do. He didn't understand why Huji was acting this way. But before he could question the dragon again, Tyron had already begun to speak. “Since you weren't present from the beginning of my speech, I'll just brief you on what we've talked about earlier.” Ian's attention was instantly diverted. “This time we will be venturing deep into the wilds to look for some rare materials. We might likely spend a month or less in there, so you should stock up on more supplies that would last for the whole journey.” “Okay.” Ian readily answered. Seeing that he agreed easily, Tyron turned his attention back to the group. “We should get going. Ryker, go get the car. We will meet you outside once we've gotten the supplies.” “Alright.” Ryker patted Ian on the shoulder with a smile and left the room. … Behind the counter, Esme was busy attending to the request of the group of mercenaries before her. When she saw Tyron and his group coming in her direction, she called out to them in greetings. “Tyron, Miley.” Her sight then shifted to the female figure standing beside Miley. Since she was the one who helped process the girl's mercenary ID card, she was shocked when she found out what her true identity was after the raging news on the internet. “Miss Sylvia.” She called gently. “Hello.” Sylvia gave her a nod. “Wait a minute. Let me finish up with the requests of those before me, and I will get back to you.” “No worries. Take your time.” Tyron responded, showing that they weren't rushing. Esme hurriedly finished totaling the spoils brought back by the mercenary guild before her. “Your goods would be put up on the auction list tonight. Once it's sold, your percentage share would be transferred over to your account.” “Alright. Thank you, Esme.” The group of mercenaries uttered their thanks before moving away from the queue. “Please wait a moment,” Esme called for a robot, who then took away all the materials on the table and put them away in a special storage warehouse. Seeing that all was clear, she turned to Tyron and asked. “What can I do for you?” “We want some materials that would last the eleven of us for a month.” Tyron gave his request. “Eleven?” Hearing the mentioned number, Esme glanced backward, staring at Ian, who was the odd one out among the group. Ian detected the other party's gaze on him, but didn't mind about it. “Have you recruited a new member? I thought that the upper limit of your guild was ten members.” Esme seems curious about the strange young boy who had his face covered with a mask. “No, he's not. Let's just say we formed a temporary alliance together.” Miley explained.“I see. Well, I shouldn't delay you any longer. I'll go get your materials right away.” She lowered her head and began to type on the holographic screen, inputting the names of supplies Tyron and the others might need. Most were dried foods like biscuits, instant noodles, spices & condiments, clothes, outing tents, climbing materials, and so on. Once the goods were brought over, Tyron swiped his lightbrain over the payment terminal and paid for them. Everyone soon got their package and put it inside their storage rings. “Let's go.” “Hmm,” Kai responded, and they all stepped out of the hall. … “Boss, Tyron and his members just took another mission. I heard that they will be away for a month this time.” From an open window, a tall, hefty man stood before the window frame, watching a departing vehicle moving on the road. He soon turned around and looked at the man sitting in the center of the room. “Mmm.” Cedric continued to play the game of chess before him. “So?” His tone dragged as if he weren't concerned with what his subordinate had just relayed. “Boss, ever since that incident, our guild's reputation seems to have plummeted. No new members are eager to join our guild because of the rumor spreading that we are the Tyron guild's punching bags. Are we just going to let those Tyron scumbags stepped over our face and let them go? We should go and trash them up!” “Ha-ha-ha.” The sound started from a low chuckle before rising to a burst of hysterical laughter. The hefty man was startled, seeing the boss laughing. “Bo--” “Shut the hell up!” Cedric roared, his gaze becoming fierce. He lifted his head and looked at the hefty man with a fierce expression. The hefty man stumbled backward from the fierce gaze on him. “It's quite funny, isn't it? Ah, who would have expected that I'll become so low that a lowly subordinate dares to lecture me?” The hefty man didn't dare to say anything. Speaking out would only go against Cedric's dominance, making the latter even more angry. The subordinate could only lower his head in apology. “I'm so sorry, boss. Please spare my life.” “Hmph.” Cedric snorted before turning his attention back to the ongoing chess game. “You should consider yourself lucky that I'm in a good mood today. Now, get out!” “Yes, boss!” The hefty man didn't dare to waste any seconds and immediately scurried out of the room. “Garbage.” Cedric spat. He resumed back to his game. However, he soon lost his interest. The subordinate word kept ringing in his mind. Punching bag? When did my Azulmerie guild become so cheap that we are classified as punching bags? Looks like I've been going soft on those people lately. “Anyone outside!” “Yes, boss!” The door opened, revealing the hefty man who had just been sent away by Cedric. “Call over the other members of the guild. Tell them to come to my office right now. Anyone who arrives late shall face my wrath. Understood?!”“Yes, boss. I will inform them right away.” “Now scram!” The hefty men left the room in order.