The executioners withdrew, since Victor Blackridge and the strategist felt they'd figured out Jack Young and his companion's intentions. If these two were here to ask for something, there was no need to be overly defensive.
Since they'd already made contact, the rest was just like a business negotiation—lots of haggling to see what perks The Fellowship could offer.
"When it comes to fighting the Mongols, our Blackridge Bandits are few and far between. Dying for the country is our duty, but if my few dozen brothers are slaughtered by the Mongols without making a difference, wouldn't that be a waste?" Victor Blackridge started laying out his terms.
"Hmph, no one's expecting your lot to fight head-on," Jack Young replied, always cocky as ever. "But you do know how to gather in the woods and show people the way, right? When the rebel army wins and rewards are handed out, you'll get your share."
The Blackridge Bandits were used to Jack Young's attitude by now; it didn't even bother them. The old strategist immediately stepped out, chuckling, "Boss, Jack, it's getting late—why don't we talk over dinner?" Seeing the two nod, he clapped his hands and shouted, "Bring out the food! Tonight, we treat The Fellowship's guests right!"
And so, the 'Hongmen Banquet' moved into its feasting phase. A dozen women filed in to tidy up—some set tables, some served dishes. Soon, all the big shots from Blackridge Bandits gathered to join, and a few halfway decent-looking women came out to dance.
Of course, you could barely call it dancing—mostly, it was just a few bandits ogling and drooling, clearly more interested in the dancers than the performance.
"Jack, let me toast you! Bottoms up!" Victor Blackridge sat at the head of the table, about two meters from Jack Young, leaning in to ask, "So, Jack, what's your position in The Fellowship?"
"Martial arts instructor, specializing in training female soldiers," Jack Young said, nodding at the women flailing their arms and legs. "Didn't expect Blackridge Bandits to have women—did you snatch them from the villages?"
"Ah? Ahaha..." Victor Blackridge felt awkward talking about kidnapping women right in front of one. "Sorry, that was out of line."
But Jack Young suddenly changed the subject: "Why are you all laughing? Honestly, I think it's a great idea!"
"Great idea?!" As soon as Jack said this, even the other minor leaders stared at him in surprise.
"Of course! Women are multi-talented. They can clean, weave, work hard, and even keep the family line going. Rewarding a loyal henchman with a woman is way more useful than tossing him some gold. So Victor Blackridge, you actually have a brain!"
Victor Blackridge looked Jack up and down, utterly shocked. For this era, coming from a woman—absolutely legendary! Even the girl beside Jack, who knew all about his weird personality, blushed bright red and secretly spat in embarrassment.
"No wonder you're the Peach Bandit! You really do see things differently!" Victor Blackridge got excited, his gaze on the white-haired woman turning almost feverish. "Peach Bandit, do you mind teaching me how to prep for when the Fellowship shows up?" He grabbed a map from the strategist and unfolded it. "Take a look."
Jack got up and walked over, the young girl trailing close behind. Soon, they were both standing in front of the map, just three feet apart—close enough to touch.
Victor Blackridge suddenly asked, "Miss Jack, you don't know martial arts—aren't you afraid I'll just grab you right now?"
"Afraid? Of what?" Jack grinned, making Victor's breath catch. "If you catch me, you'll just make me your mountain bride. Honestly, all men are the same—marrying one is as good as marrying any other. And since you've got some brains, maybe I'd consider it."
"Huh? Ahahahaha!" Victor Blackridge burst out laughing. If he could marry such a wild woman, he'd never regret it! That pale skin was like milk—way better than any emperor's concubine!
Is this girl actually into me, Victor Blackridge?