However, he saw that the Limp Man’s emotions were a bit unstable, so he spoke to console him: "Alright, Limp Man, rest assured, I am not trying to use this matter to coerce you. I understand the entire cause and effect clearly; the mistake does not lie with you. But, I am not intent on being a messenger of justice; I am merely trying to protect myself. As for you following me, I can at least guarantee that Viscount Test will not trouble you—I hope you remember, this is a win-win deal, not one party’s subservience to the other."
The Limp Man gave him a skeptical glance.
"You don’t believe me? The fact that I gave them that piece of paper explains everything, Limp Man," Brand replied.
"What is that piece of paper?" Batom couldn’t help but ask.
"A small habit; I think Test would definitely suspect it is from a plausible opponent based on that note," Brand smiled slightly. He didn’t know whether Viscount Test had any ties with the All Things Return to One or not, but regardless, he’ll first stir up the conflict between him and the ’Shepherd Tree Man’."
The action of folding the paper and throwing it to the ground was a move from a Great Swordsman named ’Pigeon,’ Earl ’Pigeon.’ This guy is one of the core members of the ’Shepherd Tree Man’ and Duke Golan-Elson’s main political rival. Additionally, Pigeon is somewhat secretly an admirer of Test’s fiancée. This rival-cum-love rival’s identity should cause our Viscount quite a headache, Brand thought.
Perhaps Viscount Test will eventually see through the fog, but it doesn’t matter; Brand doesn’t suffer any loss anyway. He’s not a Holy Temple Knight of the Flame Temple, no need to tell the truth to his enemy.
After listening, the Limp Man couldn’t help but be a bit stunned. Then he looked up and stared deeply at Brand, replying, "I really suspect you might be a Devil, Brand. You were never before."
"This is also forced by the circumstances," Brand shrugged, finally turning his gaze to Antitina, who had been quietly listening to their conversation.
"What are your plans, Miss Antitina?" he asked.
The young girl lowered her head, knowing that by this point, the choice was no longer in her hands. She couldn’t help but doubt if her previous judgment was incorrect. After all, this young man didn’t seem as genteel as she had imagined. She thought for a moment, then reluctantly replied softly, "You’ve already considered everything for me, Mr. Brand."
Brand smiled. Antitina’s intelligence would likely make many noble daughters feel ashamed. He really wondered what kind of environment could nurture such a girl. Yet, Antitina didn’t mind, and he didn’t need to be overly sentimental. He patted the scroll in his arms and replied, "Miss Antitina, actually, I am valuing your talent and ability. I hope to hire you to work for me. I need your skills, and in return, I am willing to support you in continuing your research in Magic Technology. Of course, as my person, I would naturally ensure you won’t be harassed by those previous guys."
Antitina coughed twice, then raised her head to look at Brand, her bright eyes staring into Brand’s as if confirming whether he was lying—
"You want me to create these machines for you? But my mentor said my talent in this area isn’t particularly remarkable."
"Indeed," Brand nodded, "but there are many craftsmen who can create and design Magic Devices. However, when it comes to designing ’that,’ there is only you, Miss."
"That’s just a semi-finished product," Antitina became serious and interrupted him. But she immediately realized her rudeness, couldn’t help but lower her head and retreat a bit.
But Brand didn’t mind. He retorted, "Miss Antitina, you gave me the design of a semi-finished product as a token of appreciation, which already acknowledges its value. So why not allow me to give this design a higher evaluation—in my hometown, there’s an old saying ’well begun is half done.’ This sentence is enough to assess the value of your design."
The young girl was slightly stunned, her eyes brightened up: "Well begun is half done?" She raised her head again and tentatively asked, "So, Mr. Brand, are you really willing to support me on this path?"
"To be honest, I don’t have the funds right now, nor even a place to stand, but I think I will have them soon," Brand answered frankly, "Isn’t that right, Mr. Lorne?"
"Exactly, exactly!" The clueless Limp Man nodded vigorously, like pounding garlic.
Antitina thought for a moment and bit her lip. "Alright," she nodded, her bright eyes now filled with determination, "I accept your offer, Mr. Brand. However, I do not wish to be idle. Until you have sufficient strength, I am willing to be your staff, only by seeing things firsthand—can I be assured. Besides, I believe I have that ability—"
She stared directly at Brand as she replied.
...(To be continued, to know what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com, more Chapters available, support the author, support legitimate reading!)