Path to Becoming the Greatest Space Mercenary-Chapter 127 A Deal Between Backstabbers (2)

"Yes, that is indeed someone that we ’lost’. Though, I do have to wonder about your change of heart. We’re you not helping this Baccigan?"

"Yeah, we accepted an unofficial job from him, but it has become more trouble than its worth. He offered us thirty million Krenin, but that’s not really enough for us to continue fighting against you guys. So, my group decided it would be better to make a deal and be done with all of this."

Iniquus’ aide carefully watched Avery and attempted to discern if there were any lies in what the young mercenary had said.

Still nothing stood out. However, his instincts were telling him that Avery was not being entirely honest. About what though, he could not be certain.

"I see. Well, I do believe that a transfer of thirty million Krenin would be possible. And all you would need to do is return Grtio to us and leave the system and never come back. I assume that is a fair deal." The aide said, believing that he would receive immediate acceptance.

Merceries were ever the greedy bunch, and most would typically jump at the chance to receive such easy money. Even if the deal was a bit unsavory and possibly a trap.

Yet, this time he was not dealing with the average band of mercenaries.

"Yes, I’m sure that sounds fair for you, but we’re here negotiating for your benefit more than our own. Thirty million is not going to be close to enough. Considering all that your boss did to try and get Grito back, I know he’s worth a lot more to you than that."

Avery’s lips twisted into a devilish grin as he named his price.

"Three hundred million. That’s what it is going to cost you to get Grito back and get us out of your hair. Seeing as how you were able to supply extremists with sixty warships from the Reswen Theocracy, that should be easy enough for your boss."

For the first time, Iniquus’ aide’s mask slipped when he heard this absurd sum.

Thirty million was already quite a bit on its own, but to be asked for ten times that amount was beyond preposterous and had entered the territory of insulting.

"Are you making a mockery of my lord? How did you go from wanting thirty million from Mr. Grito to attempting to extort three hundred million? Surely you must realize how ludicrous that sounds." The aide said, having to control himself less his anger slip into his voice.

"Ah, that’s simple, it’s because you have given us ten times the amount of trouble. That three hundred million will not only go towards us give Grito to you and leaving the system, but also as hush money and reparations. Your goons attacked my ship, and the terrorists you were backing nearly killed me and my crew on more than one occasions. Frankly, three hundred million is a bargain."

Hearing all of this was the last straw for the aide.

"Your insolent… Do you not understand who you are dealing with? You’ve survived so far due to luck. Do not let that go to your head."

Avery merely chuckled at this display of anger. It would appear that him fearing Count Iniquus’ power was not the reason he wished to make a deal.

"Yeah, I know exactly who I’m dealing with. That’s why I’m requesting an amount that I know your boss can afford. He’s a big shot on some planet and manages a lot of land. Surely three hundred million Krenin is chump change for him."

This caused the aide to grind his teeth inf frustration. Three hundred million Krenin was a massive sum even for his lord. Even more so now than ever.

A great deal of capital went into the meticulous plan to increase Iniquus’ power in the Phregon System. His finances were far from great at the moment.

"You’ve overestimated Grito’s worth. Since he offered you thirty, I believe that raising the amount to forty will be acceptable. But you shall not see any more than that and refusing will be at your own peril."

"Stop grandstanding. You don’t have to means to attack us anymore." Avery said confidently. "The Alliance Police are still on high alert, and I doubt there are any large groups of pirates or terrorists to incite another incident. If your boss sends his private troops after us again, the law will come down on you guys hard. Plus, we’ve got enough evidence to at least make the police suspicious of you. I wonder how well whatever else you’re planning will go if the Alliance Police are scrutinizing your every move."

Understanding that this was no mere threat, the aide continued to negotiate with Avery until the two of them had arrived at acceptable terms.

Of course, before anything could be finalized, Iniquus himself had to weigh in on things. And the aide already knew that his lord was going to agree. He never planned on letting these mercenaries get away to beginning with.

"Very well, eighty million upfront and another eighty once you’ve delivered Grito and left the system. Now get ready to bring my ’dear friend’s’ nephew here." Iniquus said in a commanding tone once the deal had been brought to him.

He then quickly transferred the money over to the account that Avery had specified and ended the transmission.

"Are you sure it was alright to give up such an amount so easily, my lord?" The aide asked, still wishing to have retreated.

"It is of no concern. It will all be returned to me once those mercenaries have submitted anyway. Now, we must begin our own preparations. They will not escape me this time."

With that, Iniquus waved off his aide to get things ready for Avery’s and Grito’s arrival.

"I need to face reality here. It might already be too late. If Lord Iniquus will not heed my words. I must take matters into my own hands."

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While following Iniquus’ orders, the aide also worked on some preparations of his own. For the second time in his life, he was going to go against his lord.