“Take a seat…” Jovan said once they entered the room.
Moments later, a servant entered with coffee. Surprisingly, the one serving the coffee was Troah, the owner of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion in Rhino City.
Troah had apparently resumed his real identity and now held a key position in Winged Tiger City.
“I didn’t expect Lord Maceo to send you,” Troah said to Jared, raising a brow.
“Does it really matter who came?” Jared said, his voice calm but carrying a deeper meaning. “In the end, the result’s the same.”
Troah gave a faint smile. “True… If Lord Maceo had shown up himself, I wouldn’t know how to face him.”
“Everyone’s got loyalties. You’re not in the wrong,” Jared said. “If it had been someone else who caught Bastian, maybe he’d be in real trouble. At the very least, you wouldn’t hurt him.”
Troah’s expression flickered, and turned to leave without saying anything more.
“Bastian’s safe under my watch. You can rest assured about that,” Jovan said once Troah was gone. “l’m after land and resources, not his life.”
“Then let’s hear your terms,” Jared replied.
“The Treasure Land belongs to Winged Tiger City,” Jovan said firmly.
“Fine,” Jared agreed without pause.
The land was barren now, stripped of its value. He had no reason to object.
Jovan was taken aback by how quickly Jared agreed.
“Lord Jovan, no need to overthink it,” Jared said. “That Treasure Land still needs time to awaken. Right now, it’s just an empty plot and useless to Lord Maceo.”
Upon hearing this, Jovan nodded slowly. “Fair point. But I want more than just the Treasure Land. A million celestial coins, and a hundred years’ worth of resources from the three southern territories of Rhino City.”
“Sure,” Jared said with a nod.
Jovan hesitated. “Are you sure you can call the shots?”
“Absolutely… When Lord Maceo sent me, gave me full authority. Any conditions you raise are already within my rights to approve.”
“Do you even realize how much a million celestial coins and a hundred years of resources are worth?” Jovan asked, clearly skepfical
“I don’t. But I know this, money and resources can always be recovered. A lost son can’t,” Jared said calmly.
Jovan stared at him, unsure how to respond. He had prepared for bargaining and had even calculated how far could push. But Jared hadn’t even blinked. It felt like Jared was playing an entirely different game.
“You sure you’re the one making the calls?” Jovan pressed again.
“I am. But in return, I need to see Bastian. Otherwise, what are we even negotiating for?” Jared replied.
“That’s fair.” Jovan nodded. He clapped lightly, and Troah returned, leading Bastian inside.
The boy looked pale and clearly frightened. When spotted Jared, confusion crossed his face.
“Bastian, don’t worry. I’m here to take you home,” Jared said, resting a hand on the boy’s shoulder. At the same time, a wave of aura quietly flowed into Bastian’s body.
“Jared, did my father send you?” Bastian asked.
“He did. You’ll be home soon.” Jared nodded.
Relief washed over Bastian’s face, and a hint of a smile appeared. He looked far calmer.
At that moment, Jovan waved Troah over again, signaling to take Bastian back out. Then turned to Jared. “You’ve seen the boy. Where are the celestial coins and resources I asked for?”
