Lifting the Siege

Shortly after the tobacco and liquor business was initially finalized, Ye Weian took the opportunity to connect with another businessman introduced by Harlans and reached an agreement on the purchase of a batch of plate armor.

He did indeed train an elite army, but without proper equipment, even the strongest soldiers cannot unleash their full potential.

Firefall Territory's half-stocked plate armor, plus the spoils from the Santalin Society, only amounted to a little over forty sets of plate armor, just enough to equip its cavalry.

However, heavy infantry faced the dilemma of only being able to wear chainmail.

Just as they were discussing the specific specifications, a quarrel broke out from not far away.

Ye Wei'an looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the "Fragrant Flower" Akraf Delcast was blocking Therese's way, pointing at a black-haired maid carrying an empty tray next to her—it was Amarune Whitewave in disguise—and saying something.

Through the mask, Ye Wei'an couldn't see Amarun's expression, only that she kept shaking her head.

Therese maintained her smile, but a hint of impatience was already showing in her eyes.

Maranth noticed it too, muttering under his breath, "Is Akraf drunk again, starting to cause trouble?"

Ye Wei'an got up and walked over.

Only after getting closer could he hear the content of the argument.

"...I just think it's such a waste that someone with this young lady's figure and temperament is only doing menial tasks like serving tea and water."

Akrav swirled his wine glass, his gaze lingering unabashedly on Amalune. Despite her mask, her exquisite figure was clearly revealed by the sexy maid's long dress.

"Now that you're at the Dragon Knight Club and wearing a mask, why not take it a step further and go on stage? I guarantee you'll be far more popular than the previous ones!"

As for Therese's attitude...

To her, the maids and dancers in the club were essentially "resources" that could be exchanged. Why not please a spendthrift customer like Akraf?

She turned to Amarune, her tone leaving no room for argument: "Amarune, it's your good fortune that Master Delcast appreciates you. You know the club's rules; follow them."

Amalune remained with her head down, the center of the conversation.

But even through the mask, Ye Wei'an could sense the barely suppressed disgust.

Of course she didn't want to!

She infiltrated this place to observe the bloated nobles, memorize their habits, wealth, and even the layout of their mansions, in order to gather intelligence for her real "job"—breaking and burglary.

Disguising herself as a maid was the limit for her to achieve this goal.

How could she possibly take off her clothes and dance that kind of dance?

Damn!

Amalune cursed herself in her heart.

It's all the fault of this foolish nobleman who displayed his money pouch so conspicuously, giving her too much temptation.

In fact, Amarun had long ago set a rule for herself: she would never steal when gathering intelligence.

She had always used strict rules of conduct to avoid risks, but today, due to momentary greed and overconfidence, she has put herself in a desperate situation.

Damn it, what should I do?

Calm down, think quickly.

Amalune's heart pounded like a drum, but her years of walking on the edge of danger made her mind race even faster in fear.

She can't just tough it out... that's not in line with her status.

Her "fake identity" is that of a fallen noblewoman who has to work at a club to earn money due to her family's decline.

Such a person would never openly defy a guest, especially an important guest like Akraf who spends money like water, and would certainly not disobey the manager Therese.

If the conflict escalates and leads to a search or investigation, the money bag under her skirt that has not yet been transferred, as well as the other "tools" she is carrying, will immediately expose her true colors!

Escape...

She glanced around discreetly.

The drunken man on the left is a high-ranking warrior, and the one he's drinking with is a purple dragon knight...

The pale-skinned young man at the table to the right is a battle mage, and the middle-aged man behind him seems to be a ranger...

And that handsome man who witnessed her theft earlier, he seems to be a professional too...

There were too many professionals in the club, and as a wanderer, her direct combat ability was really limited.

If she dares to run, and anyone tries to stop her, she will only end up being caught.

So, my only choice is... to agree?

Take off your clothes, wear only a mask, and dance on stage to please these men... just like that dancer from before?

A surge of intense humiliation welled up in her throat, almost making her vomit.

But then, another cold voice rang out:

You're just trying to survive...

Taking off your clothes is not shameful in order to survive...

As long as you're wearing your mask, nobody knows who you are...

It's better than being thrown into a dungeon right now.

She began desperately searching for reasons to accept it:

It's not like she actually agreed to sell herself.

Go on stage, put on a mask, and twist your body... Didn't those women do the same thing?

They are doing quite well and are even earning a lot of gold coins.

Think about it from another perspective...

She was already starting to have feelings for him.

Becoming a dancer actually made it easier for her to get closer to wealthy nobles.

With just a slightly alluring pose, a few sweet words, and a drink, they'll reveal their true feelings.

This exposes you to far more secrets than a mere maid who can only bow and serve wine.

and……

She is agile and flexible, and has a great sense of balance.

How could those dancers who only rely on their figures possibly compare to a sorcerer who has undergone rigorous training?

If I absolutely had to dance... I could dance better and more alluringly than them.

This is just a new task that requires me to use my professional skills...

One convincing reason after another gradually swallowed up her humiliation and anger.

Just as she was about to raise her head and utter words of submission—

"Looks like I missed something interesting?"

Ye Wei'an's voice rang out at just the right moment as he walked over with a wine glass in his hand, as if he had just happened to be passing by.

This person...!

Amarun's breathing paused almost imperceptibly.

It's that incredibly handsome man again...

My resolve, which had been initially shaken, wavered once again.

He wasn't on Akraf and Therese's side—he saw my secret but didn't expose it.

Now, he's appeared again...

Perhaps... there's still a chance?

Thinking of this, Amalune swallowed the words she was about to say and looked intently at the man in front of her.

But Yevian completely ignored Amarune and instead looked at her superior.

"Ms. Therese, your performance here truly lives up to its reputation."

Therese smiled with satisfaction: "I'm glad you're satisfied, Your Excellency Ye Wei'an."

Ye Wei'an then turned his gaze to Akraf: "Young Master Delcaster, I was just talking to Marans about your family's spice and jewelry business, and I was just thinking of finding an opportunity to ask you for advice. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Akrav's displeasure eased slightly when he saw that it was an acquaintance.

But at this moment, his mind was not on business at all; he was single-mindedly trying to get Amarune to take the stage.

"Mr. Ye Wei'an, you've come at the right time. Please be my judge. I think this young lady has good potential, and I kindly suggested that she go on stage to showcase her talent and earn more money. But she keeps making excuses... She's already here to work, why is she still so stubborn... Ms. Therese also thinks my suggestion is good, right?"

Therese smiled without saying a word, which was taken as tacit agreement.

"Young Master Delcaste's judgment is certainly excellent," Ye Wei'an smiled, then changed the subject, "However, if I may be so bold, such forced submission is always rather unsatisfying. A man of your refined taste, surely you would prefer the pleasure of mutual affection to one-sided commands?"

Akrav snorted: "That makes sense, but what right does a maid have to be picky? Giving her a chance is an honor for her."

"Everyone has their own ambitions..." Ye Wei'an swirled the wine in his glass, his tone still unhurried. "Perhaps it's her first time. We should give her some time to prepare mentally, shouldn't we? Besides, the masked dancer's dance may look simple, but it actually requires a certain level of skill. Someone with your taste certainly wouldn't want to watch an unprepared newcomer fumble around on stage, ruining the experience, right?"

Upon hearing this, Amarun instinctively retorted: "I can disassemble and imitate those simple body movements after watching them once; they don't require any preparation time at all."

But outwardly, she feigned fear, her voice low as she said, "Yes...yes, Your Excellency. I...I've never...danced before, please give me some time..."

Ye Wei'an also suggested, "How about this? Give this Miss 'White Wave' some time to adjust her mindset and learn the basic steps from the other dancers. Tomorrow, or next time you come, she can give you a special performance. I believe a well-prepared performance will satisfy you even more."

Akrav frowned, seemingly weighing his options: Ye Weian's words made some sense, but giving up now would be a loss of face.

Ye Wei'an noticed his hesitation, so he offered a new bait: "Speaking of which, I recently acquired a batch of jewelry from a foreign country. I've heard that Young Master Delcast is quite knowledgeable in this area? Why don't you come over to my place so I can have a chance to learn from you? It would also be nice to have this ignorant maidservant serve us wine as an apology, how about that?"

Akrav's eyes lit up when the topic turned to jewelry and potential business.

Ye Wei'an's words were, in a way, giving him a way out.

The anger on his face finally dissipated, and he snorted, "Fine, since you've put it that way, Lord Ye Wei'an... then I'll give you face. However..."

He glanced at Amarune. "Don't disappoint me next time."

Seeing this, Therese was naturally happy to go along with it: "Aren't you going to thank Lord Ye Wei'an and Young Master Delcast? Then go and serve them properly."

Amalune quickly walked to Yevian's side and whispered, "Thank you, Your Excellency... Thank you, Young Master Delcaster."