Avery already knew that this was coming.

Brunhilda may not have outright said it yet, but it was obvious that she had been working towards her recruitment pitch from the start of the conversation.

"I understand what you mean, but what are you getting at exactly? We've had some close calls; I can't deny that. Still, my team has pulled through every time. We may not have as many ships or as long of a history as the Kaizer Fleet, but my company is strong and resilient." Avery said, projecting his confidence as a leader.

"That's all true. I'm not trying to downplay your accomplishments. Quite the opposite in fact. You're impressive Avery, no doubt about that. However, I'm sure that your recent encounter with the Zatis Consortium's military hammered home that no matter how good you are, numbers are important. If you're planning on being part of the big leagues, not just hunting little pirate groups or acting as extra security for merchant vessels, then you need connections and allies you can count on. That's what I'm offering here."

Brunhilda explained her pitch in more detail, telling Avery that she wanted him to join up as part of her squad within the Kaizer Fleet.

He was already married to Liesel, so there was no problems with welcoming him into the family with a leadership position. This would not be the first time that they added another mercenary company outside of the Kaizer Fleet into the group.

Of course, they only accepted the best.

Thankfully, Avery was already plenty capable enough to be recognized by the top members of the Kaizer fleet, not to mention he owned his own carrier ship that was comparable to the fleet's flagship.

Perhaps even better considering it was a newly constructed vessel. Though Brunhilda did not outright say this. Likely as a point of pride

"If you join, you'll have the entire Kaizer Fleet behind you. We've been a family of mercenaries for a long time now, so we know how to handle a lot of problems that you've probably had to deal with during your rise through the ranks."

"When I found out you were getting married to Liesel from Alderbert, I did some research on you. I know that your parents were attacked by some enemies you made while on the job. If you join up with me, I can guarantee that they'll be far better protected. The Kaizer's take care of our own, and everyone knows that."

Avery noticed the almost vicious glint in Brunhilda's eyes.

Considering the Kaizer family's history, it was certain that they had made some dangerous enemies of their own.

Yet they were still around even over three centuries since the mercenary group was founded.

Without a doubt, Avery believed that they could keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Or at the very least avenge anyone that they lost.

'I wouldn't want to be on their bad side.' Avery thought.

He was about to turn down the offer as he had already planned, but Brunhilda started talking again before he could get a word out.

From his facial expression, she had been able to discern that he was not sold on the offer and decided to try and sweeten the deal a bit more so that he did not refuse.

"I get it. You are the type that likes to be in charge of yourself. That's perfectly fine, and I'll respect that whenever possible. Plus, I don't expect you to work under me forever. I can already tell that you're too big for that and it would just be a constraint that stifles your growth. After a few years, I'm confident you'll be ready to lead a squad of your own. One stronger and larger than your current company."

Brunhilda went ahead and explained what Avery had already heard about the Kaizer Fleet from Liesel.

They rarely all worked as one massive force, only coming together for set family meetings every few years to stay in touch, or for exceptionally large and lucrative jobs like the current war.

Most of the time, Avery would still be able to act on his own just like he operated now.

Only he would have access to everything that he Kaizer's had built up over centuries as the strongest mercenary group in the Dramid Alliance.

Honestly, it was a tempting offer, and maybe a year and a half or so ago, Avery might have jumped at the chance.

Except, there was one major problem with joining the Kaizer Fleet.

"I'm not going to lie; your proposal does have its appeal. But I wouldn't be able to accomplish my own goals if I accepted."

"Are you sure? What could you be aiming to accomplish that you wouldn't be able to do as part of the Kaizer Fleet?" Brunhilda asked in an incredulous voice.

Seeing no reason to hide it, Avery admitted that he wanted to make it all the way to the top of the mercenary world on his own merits.

While it would be nice to have access to the support and connections that came with being part of the Kaizer Fleet, it would prevent him from growing his company on his own.

"I see. It's true that you'd not be able to become a seven star mercenary if you joined us." Brunhilda sighed.

There were very few seven star mercenaries active throughout the entire Dramid Alliance. It took a great deal of skill and prestige to reach the rank.

If Avery were to integrate his company into the Kaizer Fleet, it would make him the subordinate of a seven star mercenary. So, the association would never consider promoting him to the same level as the Kaizer Fleet's leader. Being a six star mercenary would be the peak he could reach while working under someone else.

"I understand what you're getting at. There was a time I dreamed of the same thing." Brunhilda said, a wishful look in her eyes for a few seconds. "Yet sometimes you have to accept reality. Only the best of the best become seven stars. It's not something you can just achieve with hard work and effort."

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