Chapter 148: Liyadun Chamber of Commerce

In the South District of the Savile Territory, inside a civilian house next to a small tavern.

Several people looking like Adventurers were gathered in a circle discussing something; just then, a Fuwu suddenly lit up on the tabletop, and the one in the lead immediately signaled for everyone to be silent.

Immediately after, a series of loud knocks on the door was heard. The leader listened carefully, then revealed a relaxed expression, "Someone is here, go open the door."

As soon as the words fell, an Adventurer walked out and soon brought another Adventurer back in. The newcomer knelt on the ground as soon as they entered the room and reported respectfully:

"My lord, news has come from the guild saying that the mission has changed; it has become an investigation into the murderer."

"Did your people get involved?"

"No, my lord, you instructed us not to touch that mission."

"Get out."

"Yes."

After the messenger left, the few gathered in a circle again, "It seems everything is going smoothly. Next, let them discover that thing themselves!"

"The lord is wise."

"Heh heh." The leader twisted his beard and chuckled, "It is just taking advantage of the fact that the Mage Tower has no one in charge. Prepare yourselves, we will withdraw tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Could it be that Ai—"

"Shut up!" Before the subordinate could finish speaking, the leader pointed a finger at their mouth. The person speaking opened and closed their mouth, but failed to make a single sound.

"My lord!" The others also looked as if they had been startled.

Having sealed the subordinate's throat, the leader finally breathed a sigh of relief, and their complexion recovered slightly, "Idiots! If you want to die, don't drag us down with you!"

"Do you not know that when an Advanced Arcanist is advancing, a Mage's Perception is extremely keen! As long as someone calls his name, he will perceive it!"

"Although Aipusi has not shown his face, this is not him advancing. As long as that person reminds him that someone is causing trouble in his Territory, you and I will both die here!"

After speaking, seemingly still not satisfied, the leader cursed them as idiots again, and the person who had just spoken was now also full of lingering fear.

"Forget it, don't wait for tomorrow, we will withdraw today."

Perhaps truly frightened, the leader gave the order, moving the withdrawal time to today. The others had no objections and went to other rooms to pack their things.

Soon, a white light flashed, and the few disappeared, leaving only the empty room seemingly telling of something.

……

Meanwhile, inside the living room of Feierbosi Villa.

Lady Patti blocked Xia Duo's path, "Lord Xia Duo—"

Xia Duo sighed, "The matter may be far more complicated than you imagine. I do not want to wade into these muddy waters; it does not align with my interests."

This attitude could be said to be very clear, but Lady Patti was still unwilling to give up on persuading him. Xia Duo's detection Spell earlier had greatly shocked her; if it were not for Xia Duo, perhaps she would have eventually touched Feierbosi's remains.

This was not what she hoped for, and Xia Duo was the one who changed these things. She had a mysterious confidence in Xia Duo, "Lord Xia Duo, I can increase the reward, double or triple is fine!"

This woman was truly crazy! But the Gold Coins were indeed very tempting; Xia Duo hesitated.

At this moment, Kaili, who had long been envious and jealous to the extreme, could not help but speak up to provoke him, "Xia Duo, are you prepared to give up just like this? Afraid? Lord Kaili is not afraid!"

Lady Patti immediately turned to thank Kaili, "Thank you, Lord Kaili."

This reaction, this speed, it was as if she had been waiting specifically for this moment—incredibly fast! Xia Duo was speechless; weren't you overcome with grief?

"Lady Patti, have you ever thought about what will happen if the investigation leads to the Mage Tower? Kaili, have you thought about this problem?"

Although it was unlikely to have been done by the lord, getting involved with some Mage in the Mage Tower was also a trouble. Xia Duo did not want to provoke trouble that could clearly be avoided.

Or rather, these Gold Coins were not enough to make Xia Duo confront an unknown group of Mages.

And Kaili also hesitated. No one was a fool; he could take the mission for Gold Coins, but he would not necessarily provoke a Mage in the Mage Tower for them.

He was just a New Mage who was not much stronger than an Apprentice.

Even if he agreed for the moment, he would still do what he would do later. In front of Xia Duo, he disdained to lie; silence was his answer.

Thus, the situation was also very clear. Seeing that both Mages had intentions of backing down, Lady Patti revealed her trump card, "Two lords, I can be certain that this matter has nothing to do with the lord, and if you find the murderer, the lord will definitely reward you!"

"That's impossible!"

Kaili retorted subconsciously. He glanced at Xia Duo and asked Lady Patti, "What is the relationship between Feierbosi and the lord?"

"I am not clear on the specific relationship, but many trades in the Territory must pass through Feierbosi's chamber of commerce, and the lord is very polite to Feierbosi," Lady Patti said affirmatively.

Now even Xia Duo was a bit suspicious. Would this woman tell such a lie just to get them to continue the investigation?

Xia Duo was not clear what Feierbosi's chamber of commerce was, but Kaili knew. He retorted again, "Impossible, I know the Liyadun Chamber of Commerce. Although it has some historical foundation, it has long been half-dead—"

But before he could finish, Kaili suddenly fell silent. Why would a half-dead chamber of commerce pay a high price to investigate a murder? And why would they post a mission at the Mage Tower?

Kaili felt he had thought wrong. He subconsciously looked at Xia Duo, hoping he would say something to support his point of view.

But Xia Duo had not even heard the name of this Liyadun Chamber of Commerce before today, so what could he say? Thus, he ignored Kaili's gesture and turned his gaze to Lady Patti, hoping she could explain clearly.

If the lord's involvement could indeed be ruled out, then Xia Duo would still be interested in participating, but then he would have to worry about more competitors; perhaps they were already on their way.

Suddenly, Xia Duo also felt a bit of urgency, "Lady Patti, please explain."

"Lord Xia Duo, I am truly sorry. I am not interested in Feierbosi's business; even these things are just what I occasionally came into contact with. As for the lord being very polite to Feierbosi, that is because I personally saw the lord address Feierbosi as 'old friend'."

"That letter!" Kaili reacted immediately, "Is the 'Grego' on that letter the lord?"

Xia Duo thought of it too, but Lady Patti denied this point, "No, Grego is a Bard; I have met him."

Wouldn't it be better to just admit it? However, Lady Patti's denial seemed to indicate that her previous words might indeed be true, and being able to post a mission at the Mage Tower was, after all, somewhat extraordinary.

Xia Duo was actually prepared to agree first; if he really felt resistance, he could just withdraw in time.

Thus, he agreed accordingly. Of course, Kaili had impatiently agreed before Xia Duo even did.

And seeing Xia Duo agree, a smile finally appeared on Lady Patti's face for the first time, though it was fleeting.

……

After leaving Feierbosi Villa, Xia Duo decided to start investigating from the Liyadun Chamber of Commerce under Feierbosi. He believed that there was no such thing as a killing without a reason in this world.

There must be an interest involved behind this matter; otherwise, who would kill an ordinary person for no reason? Without the drive of profit, killing was just consuming one's own energy, a completely losing business that a normal person would not do.

Let alone controlling them first and then killing them; going to such great lengths just to kill an unrelated person?

Xia Duo did not believe it.