Chapter 191: Unveiling the Mystery

Especially for a combination like this, which is relatively reasonable, it can often unleash unexpected combat power during ambushes. Of course, the most likely possibility is the legendary “Young Master Group”—that is, the heir to some noble lord who has no real strength of their own but still wants to go on adventures. To ensure the safety of their heir’s life while allowing them to grow during the adventure, and of course, if they could also gain some fame, that would be even better.

At the very beginning, it was just those nobles who went out to recruit people themselves to form these special teams. Low-level Mages were hard to find who wouldn’t bow for a few coins of silver. Clerics, to spread their faith, would consider the Lord’s opinion to some extent. As for the tanks and archers, selecting them from the private troops of their own lands was not a difficult task. As for survival in the wild, ordinary Adventurers basically had quite a lot of experience. If they were really worried, they could use the reserved lands and some logging reduction policies. Even if they couldn’t get help from Druids, it was still quite easy to hire Rangers.

Teams like this usually did not need to make a living in ruins like Dungeons. So some special classes became optional. As for the valuation of loot and sales channels, they had a big client behind them, so they had no need to worry about these things at all.

Over time, besides those temporary teams recruited at the very beginning, various specialized Young Master Groups also appeared. Although they were still a minority compared to ordinary Adventurers, their numbers were quite large compared to teams formed for some special purpose or ideal.

However, the few people in front of George seemed to belong to the rarest type. First of all, even though their relationship with the Church was good, Paladins, the core force of the Church, were often not easily dispatched. Especially the Paladins of the Lord of Justice. These guys, due to the special care of their Deity, were even more of an oddity among Paladins—they could use 6th-level Divine Arts and had Heavenly Realm mounts.

Similarly, the class of Trickster was not considered very good overall on the Western Continent. Because Tricksters combined their understanding of magic with deception, conspiracy, or simple pranks. They were the most versatile Adventurers. Choosing this class required Arcane casting ability and sneak attack ability, so it was very suitable for the advancement of users with both Mage and Rogue abilities, or Sorcerer and Rogue abilities.

It was precisely because of the Rogue abilities involved that people often looked at Tricksters with colored glasses. Of course, to gain abilities, one must undergo corresponding training. And the training for the Rogue class, which was not something to be proud of, often made people around them keep a certain distance.

The so-called Rogues varied greatly from each other. In other words, they were a mix of all kinds of people. The biggest impression they left on people was that the work they were good at was often some shady business.

Some were good at stealth and tracking, some were liars with silver tongues. Others were scouts, infiltrators, spies, diplomats, or even villains. Their common point was that they were versatile and adaptable. Generally, Rogues were good at clever tricks, such as: sneaking into treasure vaults, bypassing deadly traps, obtaining military secrets, deceiving guards, or taking the wallet of some unlucky guy.

In most cases, the dark side of the city was often made up of these guys. While the big shots used them, they often tried to distance themselves from them on the surface. Before crossing over, in Tianchao, these guys were a general term for the mafia, private detectives, thieves and grave robbers, or even beggar gangs. They were also like sticky gum that, once stuck to, would often cause trouble and get a bad reputation.

Even for a Young Master Group where Bards required knowing the background, such professionals would basically not exist. It was not only for the safety of the Young Masters, but also for the reputation of the team itself, and to avoid unnecessary accidents or trouble from others during the adventure. Shi Qian, the “Drum on the Upper Web” from Zhu Village, was the best cautionary tale.

This was why Sir Val had deliberately emphasized that they were specially trained by the Harpers. The Harpers were an intelligence organization with a fairly good reputation on the Western Continent. Although in George’s eyes, they also served as a kind of fanatical terrorist to some extent, he, who had nothing to do with tyrants or extreme Evil, did not need to worry about this.

Overall, Tricksters from the above organization were still quite reassuring. Of course, even more reassuring were the Sun God Cleric and the Paladin of the Lord of Justice in the same team. In George’s opinion, if they could be on the same team, even if they had some small flaws, they generally would not be too much.

However, this combination that immediately made people feel had a strong purpose suddenly appeared in front of him, and it was Sir Val who made the connection. A strange thought suddenly popped into George’s mind: ‘It looks like something big has gone wrong.’

“Welcome to Bolerum Territory. I suppose you have some very important matters that need our cooperation. Or perhaps some important news you need to pass on to us!” Saying this, George made a gesture to the servants nearby. The servants who had originally stopped serving immediately understood the hint, put down what they were doing, and left the reception room.

Similarly, Sir Val whispered something to a middle-aged man with a scholarly look standing next to him. The latter immediately began to chant complex spells. After a while, after a purple, dream-like halo swept over the entire living room, he nodded to Sir Val.

Sir Val spoke up: “If you are worried about security, you can rest assured now.”

“But it always feels a bit unsettling to tell such a little guy.” A female Mage with an unattractive appearance muttered softly.

Although she might have thought that no one would hear such low muttering, unfortunately, both George and Sir Val in the room were sharp-eared and sharp-eyed. For a moment, it made both of them feel quite awkward.

‘It seems that in front of outsiders, especially those meeting for the first time, this situation seems unavoidable,’ George thought, somewhat resigned. Of course, on the surface, he would not show any expression. Like a clear breeze brushing over a hill, he still kept his smile.

This time, the one whose face changed the most dramatically was actually Alamil from the team. Unlike Sir Val, who looked displeased, and George, who was forcing a smile, that woman really looked like she had stepped in dog poop!

‘Will Lino Ebertz this ugly woman get killed here? Insulting the Lord in front of a Legendary Knight like this. Is there water in your brain, you woman?’ In short, Paladin Alamil seemed to feel a chill on his back and forehead.

Fortunately, neither Sir Val nor George had such narrow minds that they would resort to violence at the first sign of disagreement. The result Alamil worried about the most did not happen.

At George’s signal, Sir Val began to explain: “You absolutely do not need to worry about this. Lord Bolerum’s abilities have received quite wide recognition. Just a few months ago, he even received the blessing of the Lord of Justice for his talent in law. So whether it is managing the territory or handling external affairs, he can handle everything with ease. He is definitely not just being controlled by Lord Viscount.”

Sir Val’s words were clearly intended to dispel the other party’s concerns about George’s age. Although it was expressed a bit directly, it should have been effective. However, Lino Ebertz, whose muttering was heard by others, even with her thick skin like a shut-in girl, could not help but lower her head.

Only then did Alamil, who finally felt the crisis was over, let out a long sigh. He began to tell the story of what had happened earlier: “Originally, our adventurer team was invited by the Shallow Water City Parliament to deal with a Necromancer mage who was connected to the Lord of Conspiracy. There, we also encountered a Priest of the Lord of Conspiracy. After eliminating him as well, we used a spell to restore a secret letter on his body. It pointed out that someone wanted to carry out some big action in Bolerum Territory. So after completing the original tasks, we hurriedly took a boat to come here.”

This whole story really made George feel a bit stunned. After entering the room, he had made many speculations, thinking that the most likely reason should be a Church mission from a Priest or a Paladin.

The former, as a Priest of Pelor, the Sun God, and Sir Val who had Pelor’s bloodline, already had a relatively close relationship. Coming to seek help was perfectly acceptable. Of course, even as a Legend, Sir Val needed to consider George’s face as the Acting Lord. So discussing such matters with him was completely normal.

The other possibility was the Paladin of the Lord of Justice, Alamil. After all, the Temple of the Lord of Justice had just established a cooperative relationship with Bolerum Territory. Whether to test the strength of the partner or for other reasons, making such an arrangement was normal.

As for why they didn’t look for George directly, but went through Sir Val as a roundabout channel? First, the cooperation between the two families was still in the preparation stage and had not received any big publicity. It seemed a bit inappropriate for them to come directly to the City Hall to find him. And Sir Val was already famous far and wide. There were always more reasons to visit, and it was less likely to trigger other people’s imagination.

It was precisely because of this that George had never thought that they came to find him for such a reason. He rubbed his temples, thought for a while, and then asked: “So you don’t know what conspiracy the other party wants to carry out in our Bolerum Territory. At the same time, you don’t know specifically which personnel are involved. You haven’t even evaluated the possible dangers, and you just came here rashly because of a piece of news.”

This sentence really made the faces of those Adventurers uncomfortable, though not necessarily a blush. In this regard, it seemed to avenge the arrow shot earlier, and at the same time, it could completely relieve the uneasy hearts of some of those people to some extent.

“No, I never thought my previous actions were wrong. If we dare not expose and fight against possible evil, then what is the meaning of me walking this path? Although we only received a vague message, knowing how to pass this message on might save hundreds or even thousands of innocent people.” The one who first refuted this was not Alamil, who was responsible for the previous conversation, but the middle-aged Priest Mario.

The momentum he showed made George seem moved. ‘This world really has idealists like this, who rush forward without fear to fight evil organizations and activities! But only you, Priest, and that Paladin would think like this. Maybe add the short ascetic. As for your companions, they would most likely not agree with your approach.’

George pressed his hand and said: “Alright! Since your first purpose has been achieved, there must be a next reason. But before that, let’s settle the previous matters first. Anyway, you have brought us very important news for Bolerum Territory. We cannot let you run around in vain.”

Just as Alamil and Mario both showed expressions of righteous indignation, George continued: “I know you two Clerics do not value those things, of course, I will not deliberately use those things to humiliate you. But your partners who came with you do need such subsidies, right? At least the female Mage who was muttering just now suddenly lifted her head when she heard the word ‘settlement’.”

“Lord Bolerum speaks with reason. We cannot let our companions get nothing for our ideals and cause. Although Mario and I were originally prepared to pay for their losses with our own savings. Since Lord, you are so generous, we are naturally happy to accept.” Alamil’s words were also quite appropriate, quietly resolving the possible contradictions and differences.

“So what are your plans for the future? Will you return to Shallow Water City, or stay here and fight the coming enemies together with us? If it is the latter, Bolerum Territory will not be stingy with the reward.” Saying this, George extended his olive branch to the few people in front: “When you came here, you should have been able to see the prosperity in Bolerum Territory. Although we do not have exquisite spells and Alchemy supplies here; the Secret Arts are many but are the family secrets of each family and cannot be used as rewards; but in terms of money, we do not lack it. I think you also have your own ways to turn them into items useful to you. And I have always believed that only circulating money is money. Money hidden in a treasure vault is just some heavy metal.”

Alamil said with some difficulty: “We need to discuss this matter within our team. Can you give us some time?”

“There is no problem with this. Making a decision in a hurry would be bad for both of us. Of course, I have some words to remind you. As a Lord, I really hope you can stay and give us help. After all, in dealing with cult organizations and those saboteurs, you have quite rich experience. And it seems that Bolerum Territory has not seen similar enemies for a long time. Compared to these rats hiding in the dark, we prefer to face enemies in open confrontation.” George’s words seemed to come from the heart. At least the expressions on the faces of those Adventurers were about to turn red.

But in the next second, George’s tone changed suddenly: “However, you might not understand the strength of our Bolerum Territory well. As a thanks to you, who have no relation with Bolerum Territory but came from thousands of miles to send important news, I must remind you not to compare our Duchy of Nohan’s territory with those cities in the South. Although most people in Bolerum Territory are covered by Mr. Val’s glory. But for some reasons, the high-end combat power in the territory recently is basically all here. Besides Sir Val, a Legendary Knight who has reached the Golden Rank. There are also at least 2 Masters of Bronze Rank, and more than 10 Exemplars of Black Lead Rank. As for Red Iron Rank, although not hundreds, there are still dozens of people. If the other party really wants to deal with our territory, the intensity of this battle might not be small. So after you return, you really need to think about it carefully.”

The words after this were not very pleasant to hear, but they were also well-intentioned reminders. The few people present seemed to be sweating cold sweat from these words. Then seeing this situation, Sir Val came out to smooth things over: “You guys have traveled all this way and probably haven’t chosen a place to stay yet. I still have quite a few empty rooms in my mansion in the city. Why don’t you stay at my place for now?”

Priest Mario bowed to Sir Val and said: “Thank you for your kindness! But we have already booked rooms at the ‘Flying Fish House’ in the city, so we will not disturb you at your residence. Of course, if there is time, I will go to learn the Lord’s path from you.”

Then, in front of everyone, Sir Val said this: “The sun can hurt those who face it directly, but it also warms those who follow it.”

Mario was stunned for a moment, then bowed to Sir Val with an excited face and said: “May the light of the Sun shine upon you and me.”

Meanwhile, Alamil was also saying goodbye to George: “Lord Bolerum, the news just now had a huge impact on us. It might take a few days for us to give a final answer. So now we will take our leave.”

“I will arrange for someone to deliver the previous reward to the ‘Flying Fish House’. See you in a few days.” Saying this, George stepped aside to let them pass. Because the place where George was just standing was right blocking the door.