Upon hearing Charles Walker's words, everyone present—including Thomas Johnson and the other onlookers—had the same two words flash through their minds. Some even looked at Charles Walker with disdain, thinking, "This old man is truly cunning. He’s dug a pit for Kevin Bolton to fall into. The so-called waiving of interest is nothing but a smokescreen!"

For an ordinary farming family, they might not see even a few taels of silver in a whole year. Whether it’s twenty taels or fifty, that’s an astronomical sum—going three or five years without eating or drinking might not be enough to earn it.

However, it was said that Eric Bolton was educated and could write, so maybe he had some way to make money. But no matter what, there’s no way to earn twenty taels of silver in just a month. When the time comes to collect the debt, it’ll be perfectly justified.

Old ginger is spicier than young, and Charles Walker is far more formidable than his good-for-nothing son who only knows how to bully men and women. Eric Bolton, so young, facing this old fox—everyone was sweating for him!

Thomas Johnson naturally saw through Charles Walker's plan and wanted to speak up to ask for a longer deadline. But before he could open his mouth, Kevin Bolton burst out laughing.

“Just twenty taels of silver? No need for a whole month—half a month is more than enough!”

Kevin Bolton said this with such ease, as if it was nothing at all. The surrounding villagers couldn’t help but sigh and shake their heads—Eric Bolton is still too naive!

What can you do in half a month? Does he think he can rob Peter to pay Paul, borrow more money? But now that everyone knows he’s fallen out with the Wan family, who would help him? “A boy with no mustache can’t handle affairs”—this kid Kevin Bolton probably doesn’t even know how much twenty taels is. In the borderlands, that much money, if spent frugally, could support a family of three for two years!

Charles Walker, though, is an old hand and gave no chance to back out. He laughed heartily and said, “Young man, you’ve got spirit! Then it’s settled. Now, hurry up and give me back my son!”

“Hold on!”

“What, you want to go back on your word?”

Kevin Bolton sneered, “Nonsense. I just want you to write a formal note, promising never to pursue today’s matter again. Then I’ll write a new IOU, and let the villagers serve as witnesses!”

Black and white on paper, bowing his head to a junior—Charles Walker really found it hard to accept. In fact, he was still scheming: as long as his son came back safely, he’d incite the injured parties to accuse Kevin Bolton.

But once the document was signed, all those plans would fall through. This kid is pretty sharp!

Seeing Charles Walker hesitate, Kevin Bolton pressed the knife against Andrew Walker's neck, pushing it in a little—blood began to trickle down.

“You old bastard, hurry up and agree! If I die, you’ll have no heir!”

Eldest Young Master Walker screamed like a pig being slaughtered, making Charles Walker thoroughly irritated. How did he end up with such a useless son? Brought a dozen men and still got taken hostage. If he were just stupid, that’d be one thing, but he’s also such a coward.

Although he hated Kevin Bolton, he had to admit the kid’s ruthlessness was impressive—far better than his own son.

Eldest Young Master Walker, seeing his father not nodding, thought Charles Walker didn’t want to save him, so he started acting out.

“You old bastard, just two days ago I helped you snatch a farmer’s daughter—she’s only sixteen, younger than me, and now she’s my godmother…”

“Bastard, shut your mouth!”

“I won’t! You’re the one who framed her father and brother for colluding with bandits and reported them…”

“You little beast, do you want to get your father killed?”

This time, Charles Walker was truly frightened. He only had this one son, spoiled him since childhood, so he dared say anything. If this scandal got out, he could forget about being a hundred-household commander.

“Eric Bolton, Andrew has been scared into talking nonsense by you—hurry up and let him go!”

“Not so fast! The document isn’t finished yet. In fact, I’d like to hear if Eldest Young Master Walker has any more explosive news!”

Charles Walker was so angry he was grinding his teeth. He said coldly, “Eric Bolton, a lone man can’t fight the powerful. Be smart about this—I’ll have someone write the note right now.”

Kevin Bolton was just trying to scare the old man. Even if there were some dirty secrets, he was already in deep trouble himself—how could he worry about others?

His men fetched brush and ink, and Charles Walker personally wrote the document. In no time, it was done. Thomas Johnson took it and handed it to Kevin Bolton.

With his back to Charles Walker, Thomas Johnson said worriedly, “Second nephew, are you really sure about this?”

Kevin Bolton thought to himself, Uncle Johnson, you’re underestimating me. After all, I have centuries more experience than these people. If I wanted to awe them into submission, maybe not, but getting some silver shouldn’t be that hard!

“Don’t worry about it!”

Kevin Bolton carefully examined the document—there were no problems. He said loudly, “Captain Walker, let’s sign and seal it!”

“Alright!”

Charles Walker gritted his teeth, signed his name, and pressed his fingerprint. Kevin Bolton did the same. There were two copies, which he stuffed into his clothes. At last, it was done—not a wasted effort!

Relaxing, Kevin Bolton suddenly felt pain all over. The wound under his ribs was still bleeding, and a fine layer of sweat beaded on his forehead. A cold wind blew, and he shivered.

“Second nephew, are you alright?”

Thomas Johnson was right beside Kevin Bolton, and quickly reached out to steady him.

“Uncle Johnson, I’m fine. Let’s send Young Master Walker over.”