Chapter 889: The Aura That Conceals Poverty

"What about that Black Rope Mercenary Group? What rank is God-tier?"

"God-tier is second-to-top. Except for Super God-tier, God-tier mercenaries are already the second most powerful."

"They are already the second most powerful? I thought all the experts here were at this level. Turns out they are already second-to-top."

After asking about some topics of interest, the Monarch invited Seeing Ange to prepare to leave, but Grey Stick suddenly lunged over, trying to hug the Monarch's leg. The Monarch reacted quickly, lifting a leg and kicking her aside.

"No, my lord, you have treated me this way, how can you not take responsibility? Please let me follow you." Grey Stick got up and knelt properly, speaking earnestly.

"Heh, you want to follow me? Why?" The Monarch saw through Grey Stick's intentions at a glance and asked with some amusement.

"Because you are majestic, powerful, and noble..." Grey Stick began to flatter and praise. The Monarch interrupted: "Speak the truth. You know I can see through your soul."

"Uh... you took all my money. Oh, no, following you is an opportunity for me to change my fate. Please give me this chance." Grey Stick said.

"Then I give you two choices: follow me, or take the money back." The Monarch threw the bag containing the magic crystals in front of Grey Stick.

Grey Stick said without hesitation: "Following you. I choose to follow you. The money is my tribute to you." While speaking, she picked up the money bag and held it out before the Monarch.

The Monarch nodded reluctantly: "Fine. Take the money bag to Nagi. From now on, you listen to Nagi."

Because of Grey Stick's allegiance, the Monarch and Seeing Ange simply did not leave, treating this place as a base. After Nagi returned from gathering information, he went straight into the room.

Hearing that Grey Stick had voluntarily surrendered, Nagi couldn't help but give a thumbs-up: "From now on, you are no longer a small-time swindler and fraudster. Whether for good or ill, your future is different now. You really know how to seize opportunities; you are much smarter than that guy Wrench."

Nagi had clarified all the other news about the Astrology Academy: "There are two Astrolabes. One is the Royal Astrology Academy; that one has a larger aperture, sees further, but is not open to the public. Only those mages who study astrology are qualified to apply. All the mages doing research have applied for that one."

"The one currently open is the Astrology Academy's. Its aperture is much smaller, but because it is open to the public, it has now become a new trend for high-ranking officials and nobles to pretend to be elegant and cultured. Many reserve it for one or two nights to hold banquets, entertain clients and friends, drink, watch the stars, and discuss business. It is very popular." Nagi said.

The Monarch sighed: "So that works too. You people really know how to play fancy."

Nagi smiled awkwardly: "It is indeed a good venue. Much quieter than doing business in small taverns. Those bartenders and maids, in order to get more tips, desperately rub against you. This kind of place is much better. It even makes me want to rent it for a few nights and invite my clients to strengthen our bond. Unfortunately, most of them are rough people who prefer small taverns."

"For the past few days, the Merchants' Federation has been renting it, entertaining clients for several consecutive days. The guests every night are different and do not know each other. As long as we have a ticket, we can absolutely sneak in."

Upon hearing "Merchants' Federation," Grey Stick, who was listening on the side, raised her hand: "My lord, the Merchants' Federation is not a merchant guild. We probably can't sneak in."

"Not a merchant guild? Then what is it?" the Monarch asked.

Grey Stick took out a ring and said: "The Merchants' Federation is a religion that worships the God of Commerce. Every believer who pays the one-percent tax can purchase various information from the Merchants' Federation. If it is the Merchants' Federation, then those they entertain are not clients, but believers. I was one of their believers half an hour ago."

Nagi said in surprise: "The Merchants' Federation is actually a religion? No wonder. I always felt they were mysterious and their conduct was strange. So that's the reason. One-percent tax? So cheap. Don't many sects charge a ten-percent tithe? Why do they charge so little?"

"Cheap? Others can become believers just by casually worshipping. They require one percent of income to become believers. If it weren't for the various discount and promotion information they often have here, who the hell would believe them? However, core believers pay not just the one-percent tax, but the ten-percent tithe, the two-percent tithe, and so on." Grey Stick said.

"Discounts? Promotions? What kind of promotional information?" Nagi asked curiously.

"Of course things like firewood, rice, oil, salt, clothes, hats, blankets, socks, basins, ladles, jars, and the like. Very good deals: thirty percent off, twenty percent off, buy five get one free, points-based discounts, free lucky draws, one silver for three items, and so on."

"That really is quite a good deal. Is there a god's name? I'll believe in it too and see." The two guys were whispering and almost went off-topic.

Returning to the main topic, Nagi said: "Isn't that perfect? You are a believer of the God of Commerce. You can use your name to sneak in."

Grey Stick shook her head vigorously: "No, no. Their eyes are very sharp. They can tell rich from poor at a glance. A poor ghost like me would be exposed the moment I walk in."

"You are still poor? You have over eight hundred magic crystals hidden in your home, and you are still poor?" Nagi sneered.

"That was hard-earned by me through swindling... earning. I usually can't bear to spend it, only daring to buy discounted goods, eat near-expiry food, and wear outdated clothes. Of course I'm poor. I have never been rich in my life." Grey Stick said with a straight face.

Nagi looked her up and down: "Indeed, an aura of poverty. So what do we do? I have frequent contact with the Merchants' Federation. Someone there might recognize me."

When everyone was at a loss, Seeing Ange walked over, rubbed his fingers together, and flicked something onto Grey Stick.

Wood chips fell onto Grey Stick's body and immediately grew fine dodder vines. These vines grew along Grey Stick's body, spreading and intertwining, finally forming a magnificent green long dress.

Seeing Ange had no aesthetic sense, but his memory was good. The dress grew according to the style of the Elven Priestess Kalandel. The elves' aesthetic sense was needless to say: solemn, magnificent, noble, expensive...

"Hiss, this... there is not a single trace of artificial work. This is a purely natural long dress. Look at its texture; doesn't it look like a pattern of intertwined spring buds? Full of vitality yet very fragile, giving the feeling that it would wither at a touch. I have never seen this style before, but it must be very expensive. Purely natural things are expensive. Oh my god, it has covered up your aura of poverty." Nagi said in shock.

Grey Stick was even more shocked, frozen in place, and said urgently: "I dare not move. Will it break? What should I do? What should I do? Nagi, bring the mirror over so I can see. I dare not move."

Seeing Ange said: "It won't break. Compared to clothes, it is sturdier."

"Ah? Really?" Grey Stick tried moving her arms, then widened her eyes in great surprise: "Eh, it's very light and fits closely. I feel as if I'm not wearing any clothes."

Only then did Grey Stick dare to move boldly. She fiddled with it a few times, then ran straight back to the bedroom to look in the mirror. Occasionally, screams and silly laughter could be heard coming from the bedroom.

After a long while, Grey Stick finally shuffled out. The long dress clung even more closely to her body; obviously, she had taken off her other clothes and was wearing it directly against her skin.

Pinching the hem of the skirt, Grey Stick said dejectedly: "I have never worn such beautiful clothes. Unfortunately, wearing it on me lowers its class. My face, skin, and hands simply cannot match it."

Seeing Ange tilted his head: "Believe in me. Pray to me."

Grey Stick prayed to Seeing Ange half-believingly. Then, watching Seeing Ange summon a holy light that brushed over her face, neck, and arms, her rough chicken-skin instantly became tender, green, and smooth like a peeled egg. At that moment, a storm of faith erupted on Grey Stick's body.