Game of Thrones: From a deserter to a high-ranking official

Chapter 21 Lisandro: Tiberius is really... smart!

"Jules... Tiberius..." Lisandro's throat was dry, and large tears streamed from the corners of his eyes. He held a silk handkerchief in his other hand, occasionally blowing his nose with emotion. "You...it's wonderful...my Sera is really back!"

Then he clapped his hands, and six burly, dark-skinned slaves laboriously carried in three ornately decorated, gold-rimmed, heavy mahogany chests, placing them with a thud in the center of the hall.

Vito stared wide-eyed at the trunk's ornate gold inlay and precious mahogany. The dull thud as the trunk hit the ground made Jules involuntarily hold his breath.

"Your bounty," Lisanzhuo said, adopting a friendly demeanor. "Jules, you are a man of your word; whatever the mission, you always do your utmost. Therefore, I, Lisanzhuo, will not be a man of my word! A total of twelve thousand gold coins—this is my reward for your White Legion! Indeed, the White Legion lives up to its reputation as the foremost legion of Essos! The name 'Man of Word' is truly well-deserved! From this day forward, Jules, you are a distinguished guest of my Rogal family!"

Upon hearing the number of gold coins, everyone's breathing became even heavier.

This number is much more than the 10,000 gold coin bounty that Lisangzhuo posted! Moreover, the Rogal family still owes the White Legion a favor!

"You flatter me," Jules replied cautiously. "This operation was actually largely thanks to my nephew Tiberius. He came up with the 'fishing plan' and also 'persuaded' Miss Zela to participate..."

Jules said this because he wanted to establish Tiberius's image as clever and quick-witted in front of Lisandro.

Most mercenary groups in Jules Riviera understood the importance of reputation.

Yes, don't assume that mercenaries completely abandon reputation and only care about profit. In fact, if you truly want a place in the mercenary world and have the opportunity to land big jobs, your best option is to quickly gain fame.

Just like Jules' nickname "The Keeper of Faith," which made Jules overwhelmed with orders, and the White Army also found it very easy to recruit people.

Because employers all know that unless Jules dies, he will strictly follow the contract he signed to complete the task.

Jules' men were well aware that if they died or were injured, Jules would personally hand over the money to them or their families, and that his wife would not have to be sold into prostitution immediately after his death.

Of course, it was precisely for this reason that Jules was even burdened with usurious loans, but all the bankers in Essos were willing to lend to him, and the White Army never rioted because of unpaid wages: because everyone knew that Jules always kept his word.

However, Lisangzhuo couldn't help but feel a little melancholy when he talked about this.

After all, this was an incredible achievement! He saved the daughter of the Hein family, solved the Bloodwave Cape disappearance case that had plagued Rhys for years, and uncovered the horrifying yet captivating truth about the cannibalistic family…

Unfortunately, he wasn't the one who solved the case in the end. From "fishing" to "bait," and then to commanding the capture of a cannibal family, it was all the White Legion's achievement.

Such an incredible achievement given to a mercenary group? What a waste!

Thinking of this, Lisangzhuo's heart changed, and the joy of finding his daughter was somewhat diminished, but he still smiled.

"However, you all did a truly excellent job! But for such a brilliant plan to come from a child..." Lisandra looked at Tiberius standing to the side, his eyes full of admiration. "Truly, the younger generation is formidable!"

However, Tiberius did not appear overjoyed, but instead replied with trepidation, "Wasn't our rescue of your daughter entirely due to the plan devised by Lord Lisandro?"

"I... devised this plan?" Lisangzhuo was somewhat surprised. But as a seasoned political and business tycoon, he did not rush to refute or admit it. Instead, he looked at the unusually bright-eyed young man in front of him with a hint of curiosity and inquiry, signaling him to continue.

Tiberius looked up, a harmless, shy, even slightly surprised smile on his face: "Oh dear! Sir, you were probably too anxious in your search for your daughter, and upon seeing her, you were so excited that you forgot some things!"

"From providing the White Legion with the historical records of Bloodwave Cape Avenue, to proposing the 'fishing' plan, and even assigning Miss Zela to me... this operation was entirely your doing! Uncle Jules and I were just following orders!"

"I've heard a saying from the ancient Valyrian fortresses: 'Those who exert themselves earn merit through their strength, while those who use their minds earn merit by governing those who exert themselves.' In terms of merit, you, the one who uses your mind, deserve the most credit! My uncle Jules and I, as those who exert themselves, are perfectly content with the small amount of money you've given us as compensation!"

"As for the credit for solving the case and rescuing Miss Serafina and Miss Hein... We, the White Legion, know very well that without your wise decisions and strong support, how could we have uncovered the truth so quickly and found the missing ladies?" Tiberius blinked at Lisandro, his eyes filled with sincerity and "goodness".

After hearing Tiberius's words, Lisandro's breathing became heavier.

A tremendous opportunity was presented to Lisangzhuo.

By accepting Tiberius's "gift," he could not only strengthen his relationship with the Hein family, whose daughters had also gone missing, but also gain a great deal of fame in Reese through solving the Bloodwave Cape disappearance case!

He was immediately smitten.

Looking at the respectful Tiberius before him, Lisandro began to re-evaluate this young, even naive, child.

Although Tiberius is illiterate, he is smarter than any other intelligent person! Lisandro thought to himself.

In Lisangzhuo's mind, in addition to being young, capable, and eloquent, there was another new label added.

Getting it right!

This blatant desire to serve Lisangzhuo and gain wealth and status is almost undisguised!

A slight smile appeared on Lisangzhuo's lips.

He didn't dislike such shrewd and cunning subordinates at all; on the contrary, he always liked subordinates who were eager to scheme and were also capable.

Because the wealthy merchants, nobles, and even the so-called First Governor of Ries are not necessarily born into nobility; many of them are of humble origin but are ambitious!

Among them were his own ancestors from the Luo Jiaer family.

Back then, the ancestor of the Rojaer family was just an accountant, but look at Lisanzhuo now, he is now the richest banker and manor owner in all of Ries, and owns the most slaves in all of Ries.

He was Lisandro Rogar. Through his masterful maneuvering, Rees' banking empire was able to rival Braavos's Iron Bank!

If it weren't for ambition, how could one have amassed such a fortune?

He then gave Tiberius a smile.

"Yes, Tiberius, you're absolutely right. I was indeed a bit confused. Sometimes, intense emotions can cloud our judgment, can't they? Besides, I've been so busy lately that I can't remember some details. And it's the height of summer now; sometimes, everyone does get a little dizzy..."

"Yes, yes..." Tiberius quickly agreed. "It's so hot, so hot..."

"However, Tiberius, after all, you have contributed greatly to this operation, and you are so young! You are truly a young talent of Rhys... no, Essos! Therefore, I personally reward you with three thousand gold dragons! This is an investment in a future young talent! As for that female slave Zera..." He paused, his smile deepening.

"You're twelve years old now, a little man, and you need someone around who cares about you and takes care of your daily needs, right? So I'm giving her to you."

He skillfully glossed over the unpleasant details of Zera being forcibly "borrowed".

For Lisandro, a female slave was destined to end up in bed anyway. What difference did it make whether she was sent to Tiberius's bed or to another wealthy merchant's?

Vito, standing behind Tiberius, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. He quickly lowered his head and let out a suppressed, ambiguous chuckle. Jules, on the other hand, elbowed him to shut up.

Then, Lisangzhuo gently patted his hand and smiled, "Today has been truly fruitful. Not only have I brought my beloved daughter back to my side, but I have also discovered a rising young talent!"

Thus, the matter of solving the mystery of the disappearance on Bloodwave Cape Road and capturing the cannibalistic family was settled.

Anyway, as long as Tiberius and Lisandro's accounts are consistent, who can question it? Who dares to question it?

Seriously, aren't you going to help him up?

In fact, this was also an investment by Tiberius to maximize the benefits of this operation.

If this battle had been solved by a semi-literate mercenary, the Ries government probably wouldn't have been very interested in publicizing it. Aside from making the White Legion more famous and incidentally pushing Tiberius, a nobody, into the limelight prematurely, there would be no additional benefits.

However, if this was all orchestrated by Lord Lisangzhuo Rogal, who solved the Bloodwave Cape disappearance case—a nightmare that had plagued the city of Lis for years…

Well, then things are very different!

"At least, just based on this favor, I have the authority to stay on the second line and avoid directly fighting the Valantis on the front lines!" Tiberius thought to himself. "Besides, if I need Lisandro's help later, I won't have to say I need a stepping stone to enter Lisandro's living room."

"Oh, right." Jules seemed to suddenly remember something and quickly told Vito to go out. "We have another gift, especially for you!"

"My dear Jules! Your White Legion has given me more than enough gifts today!" Lisanzhuo laughed heartily. "However, I never have too many gifts!"

"Vito, tie them up for me!" Jules said.