Chapter 296 - 290, No Resentment Towards King Zhoul
The woman’s words drew the attention of everyone in the tavern.
The tavern owner sighed helplessly.
The inevitable had happened.
Old Hodge, upon hearing the woman’s words, staggered over.
He looked the woman’s group up and down and casually settled down in a chair nearby, “Last time, just the last time, it was in this spot, a guy with a fresh face, was fascinated by my adventures, and invited me for a few drinks.”
“Are you Hodge?” the woman asked directly.
“Burp! Everyone here knows me, the human hero, Hodge.”
A beer was placed before Hodge. The tavern owner discreetly signaled him.
But Hodge, his gaze never left the pint.
When the beer was served, he gulped down a few mouthfuls.
“So, you really do have a blueprint for dealing with the Blood Clan?” the woman continued.
Hodge, taken aback: “Burp! Indeed I do. I remember the last bloke who sat here asked the same question.”
“Let’s make a deal. I’ll treat you to a few more drinks, and you pass me the blueprint,” proposed the woman.
“Deal, at least one more pint, no, five, no, at least ten.”
The woman took out a wad of cash and tossed it on the counter, “Ten pints for him.”
It was clear to the tavern owner that this woman was no ordinary patron – her clothing and demeanor suggested that she was not a mere mercenary.
More likely, she was a bandit from the woods.
“Miss, he’s an alcoholic who comes here every day boasting about this and that. Don’t take him seriously. Here, take your money back,” replied the owner, pushing the cash back towards her.
Worried that Hodge would start some trouble.
“Give him ten pints, use the remaining money for some bar snacks, salty ones,” the woman commanded in a deep voice.
The owner, resigned, pocketed the money and brought Hodge ten pints of beer.
Soon, the ten pints were gulped down by Old Hodge.
As soon as the beer was down his gullet, the woman continued, “According to the agreement, can you give me the blueprint now?”
Burp!
“Hahaha, very well, but, but this time, I, I didn’t bring it along. I’ll give it to you the next time we meet.” Hodge said and staggered out of the tavern.
The woman and her entourage exchanged glances.
They followed closely behind and also exited the tavern.
The owner shookhis head in resignation, “It looks like poor Hodge has angered the wrong person.”
When Fang Hao returned to his territory, the night had already enveloped the land.
The Bone Dragon descended in the city, and Fang Hao leapt off its back.
“Send the bodies to the Skeleton Conversion Field, and carry all these gold and gemstones to the underground basement of the city lord’s mansion,” Fang Hao commanded loudly.
The Skeleton Trolls leapt off the dragon’s back and went about their tasks according to Fang Hao’s instructions.
The bodies were those who had died in battle.
Struck by the Bone Dragon’s death breath, they had turned into white bones. They were actually quite easy to transport.
There wasn’t much hope for the Gnolls to be transformed into anything useful. The real question was whether any of the Spider Aberration had useful abilities after transformation.
Upon returning to the City Lord’s mansion, Eira came out to meet them.
“Master, was everything smooth today?” Eira asked with a smile.
“Yes, it was not only smooth but also quite rewarding.” Fang Hao smiled and sat down into the chair in the hall.
The Skeleton Trolls carrying chests full of coins and gemstones came in.
Eira looked surprised, “Wow, there’s so much.”
“Yes.”
“Eira, is dinner ready?” Anjia rushed in.
“It will be ready shortly, please wait here.” After saying this, Eira went back into the kitchen to continue her preparation.
Soon, a sumptuous dinner was served.
Due to their late return, Lorrey missed the usual dinnertime with the maids.
They all sat together at the dining room table.
No sooner had they started eating than the two of them began recounting the day’s adventures.
Eira sat in the middle, between them, listening with keen interest.
It seemed, they should bring Eira and the others out for a stroll sometime.
Being cooped up in the territory all the time was dull.
You could tell how much she loved the stories Anjia and Lorrey were telling.
While the three of them were engrossed in their conversation, Fang Hao opened the Book of Lords to pass the time.
He switched to the regional channel to see what everyone was chatting about.
“[BlackIron Single-handed Axe (Green),] a green-quality axe, a powerful weapon for combat. Those interested, make an offer.”
“The number of units proficient in single-handed axes is so few, yet you’re selling it so expensively.”
“Unless there’s a special unit, the normal ones using battle axes are just burdens. The attack speed is too slow.”
“The battle axe isn’t selling, huh? Look at the pickaxe Fang Hao’s been trying to sell for over a month, how many has he sold?”
“Damn, the way you talk, I’m starting to lose confidence…maybe I should lower my price?”
“How much for the Black Iron Single-handed Axe? How many do you have?”
Suddenly, someone voiced a question.
Fang Hao recognized the man asking.
It was Xu Yang, the man who had connected him with the troll business.
“4 units of iron or an equivalent amount of resources each. I have 12 in stock, if you need them, I can work overnight to make them for you.”
“Deal! Let’s talk more in private.”
Their conversation ended, likely continuing privately to discuss pricing.
Xu Yang’s intent to buy equipment gave Fang Hao pause for thought.
He was subject to the trolls and acted more like a slave leader, mining resources for the trolls or assisting with other tasks.
The trolls didn’t even allow him to recruit troops.
If Xu Yang is now buying these axes, he could be buying them for the trolls, or maybe something else is going on.
The axe is quite similar to a lumberjack’s axe, which is used to gather resources. Perhaps he plans to store some weapons, using their similar appearance as a front.
If it’s the second reason, something might have happened among the trolls.
Or maybe the trolls’ power is decreasing, giving Xu Yang a chance to strike back.
With these thoughts, Fang Hao observed as the channel’s chat continued.
“I cleared a bandit camp with some NPCs yesterday and got some equipment. They’re already listed for sale, anyone interested can check it out. Very good prices!”
“Damn, you’re clearing bandit camps now? The bandits in my territory still come down to collect protection money.”
“I also joined the natives’ attack, I couldn’t have done it alone.”
As others continued their chat, Fang Hao closed his Book of Lords.
After dinner,
he comfortably soaked himself in a hot spring.
The rejuvenating effect of the Rejuvenation Spring, eliminating all his fatigue.
After returning to his room, he could enjoy a good night’s sleep.
He leaned back in the corner of the pool with his head resting on the edge, closing his eyes to rest.
The sound of the door opening.
Light footsteps approached him.
F ang Hao opened his eyes and saw fox – girl Little White walking in with a fruit platter in her hands.
She sat down by the pool, carefully laying Fang Hao’s head on her lap.
She picked up a piece of fruit with her delicate fingers and led it to Fang Hao’s mouth.
In a gentle tone, she said, “Master, I’d like to discuss the hot pot restaurant’s plan, so I can prepare accordingly.”
The hot pot restaurant in Pruell City had been closed for several days.
She knew that the owner of the tavern across the street had joined their territory.
And she had already led her team to manage Lyss’s shop.
This sudden sense of urgency rose in Little White’s heart.
With his eyes closed, resting on her soft thigh, Fang Hao thought for a while before saying, “You can return to Pruell City tomorrow, I will arrange accommodations for you in the city, and improve your living conditions.”
Cyril and the followers of the city’s elite, after taking Fielding’s Sacred Blood, were all killed by Fang Hao.
The numerous estates they left behind were at Fang Hao’s disposal.
This happened to be convenient for him to arrange accommodations for Little White and the rest.
So they wouldn’t have to stay at the shop all the time.
“Oh, thank you, Master.” Little White’s face beamed with happiness as she fed another piece of fruit into Fang Hao’s mouth.
It seemed like Fang Hao had no intention of replacing her. He must have follow-up plans.
“Mm-hmm, Pruell is still too small. I plan on opening shops in various Orc cities after we resume operations. You’ll be responsible for dealing with that,” Fang Hao mumbled as he chewed.
The Orc area was not so chaotic after Fang Hao unified it.
He planned to open hot pot restaurants in cities like Manim Market and Frostwind City, with high population mobility.
Of course, this was just a preliminary idea. Whether Orcs would accept the taste of hot pot still needed market testing.
In any case, Anjia, Eira, and the fox and bunny girls seemed to like it.
“Yes, master, I’ll work hard.” Little White promised exuberantly.
Her master still valued her, entrusting future business to her.
Secretively, Little White glanced around before looking again at the resting Fang Hao.
Her face turned red as she came closer.
Fang Hao suddenly opened his eyes.
Little White looked at him with a soft gaze, with a triumphant smile in her eyes,
Sigh!
Can one blame King Zhou?