Chapter 270: Fugitive Adventurers!

Gervas originally thought it would take the fugitive adventurers quite some time before Thomas discovered them.

But he never expected that Thomas had barely left the castle before returning.

"Already here? Thomas, your efficiency is impressive!"

"My lord, it's just good fortune—I heard your order and went straight to the square to take a look, and lo and behold, I spotted a fugitive selling night-scented herb seeds!"

"My lord, I noticed he was nervous, so I didn't approach him for fear of scaring him off!"

"Well done, Thomas! Now take me to see him!"

……

But's expression was tense, his eyes constantly scanning, alert to every movement around him.

Because right now, he was selling a batch of night-scented herb seeds.

Night-scented herb was a plant even herbivorous beasts loved to eat, making them grow plump and strong.

Thus, its value far exceeded that of ordinary medicinal herbs.

Today, the two small bags he brought totaled forty silver coins in value.

That was enough to buy a slave—a sum most commoners could never earn in years.

In the past, they always conducted such trades within Lord Parker's domain.

Though Lord Parker was greedy and drove hard bargains, he never went so far as to seize goods by force.

But recently, Lord Parker suddenly raised taxes, and over ten days ago, he vanished without a trace.

This rendered their previously safe sales channel useless.

But life must go on—if these magic herbs weren't sold, they held no value at all.

So they needed to find new sales channels.

It was a dangerous endeavor, for you never knew whether some nobles might greedily seize you, refusing payment and even executing you publicly.

Thus, when seeking new channels, they chose with extreme caution.

Recently, rumors had spread across the eastern wastelands that the Lord of Stormhold was a benevolent noble.

He didn't capture fugitives, and his taxes were low.

Even more absurdly, it was said he gave away black bread for free and bought goods at closing time.

Ridiculous!

But had lived over thirty years—he'd never met a woman who didn't love money, let alone a noble who didn't.

So he suspected the rumors were exaggerated.

Still, even if exaggerated, they were surely better than the reputations of other noble lords.

So today he came—to risk it first.

To test whether Stormhold was truly a haven for fugitives, or a devouring abyss that left no bones.

Seeing the crowd around him was full of fugitives, he felt somewhat reassured.

At least, Stormhold didn't capture fugitives—it must be true, or so many wouldn't be here.

So his worst-case scenario today was that the lord would simply seize his night-scented herb seeds.

"Strange, why haven't the guards arrived yet?"

He waited over half an hour, yet no guards came to his stall.

In other domains, upon hearing of valuable goods,

local serfs would immediately rush to the guards to report for a reward.

Then the guards would naturally come to verify.

If the goods were truly valuable, they'd inform the lord.

Could it be I didn't shout loudly enough?

"Night-scented herb seeds! Selling night-scented herb seeds even beasts love!" But shouted even louder.

"Hey, buddy! Aren't you tired? Why shout even louder?"

"Yeah! My ears are about to burst!"

But he hadn't expected that the moment he raised his voice, his neighbors immediately complained.

After all, space was limited—stalls were packed shoulder to shoulder.

"Sorry! Sorry!" But quickly apologized.

"Oh my god! The lord is here!"

"Ah! It's truly Lord Gervas of Stormhold, the benevolent master!"

"Greetings, my lord!"

"Greetings, Lord Gervas!"

At that moment, a commotion arose along the road, instantly drawing But's attention.

"The lord is here?" But instantly tensed.

As greetings rose, the crowd knelt, and a dignified nobleman in silk robes, flanked by a large contingent of fully armed guards, appeared in view.

"So young!"

That was But's first impression.

Just then, the nobleman suddenly looked directly at him.

And one of his attendants, dressed like a steward, was pointing at him.

"I've been spotted?" But's heart lurched—he grew tense.

He lowered his head, refusing to look up.

And as he'd feared, the nobleman indeed approached him.

"I hear you're selling night-scented herb seeds?"

But's heart skipped—a nobleman who already knew?

He'd thought no guards had come, so the lord probably didn't even know he was selling night-scented herb seeds.

But now, the critical moment had arrived.

"Yes, Lord Gervas, I'm an adventurer. These two bags contain night-scented herb seeds—enough to sow about two mu of land."

"How much do you want for them?"

A glimmer of hope flashed in But's lowered eyes.

"Lord Gervas, two bags, four jin total—forty silver coins."

"Forty silver coins is indeed cheap!" Gervas nodded, saying words that thrilled But.

"John, give him thirty-six silver coins. The remaining four are the transaction tax."

"Yes, my lord!"

Immediately, the sound of clinking coins reached his ears.

After counting briefly, the castle steward handed a handful of silver coins to him.

"Count them. These are thirty-six silver coins. If they're correct, the night-scented herb seeds are now Lord Gervas's."

"Yes! Yes! Steward, my lord—I'll count them right away!" But took the coins, barely suppressing his excitement.

He bent lower, carefully counting each coin.

Because at this final moment, he couldn't afford to relax.

Nobles were cunning—they often pretended to be reasonable,

waiting until you trusted them, then stealing your money and goods.

Yet But counted twice—both times, the number and quality were correct.

Lord Gervas was truly this benevolent.

In the past, Lord Parker took a 40% tax on their magic herbs.

That was already a reduction, meant to win their favor.

But this Lord Gervas took only 20%—and paid in full.

He stole a glance at the young noble—no impatience, only a patient smile.

Only Thomas beside him grew restless. "What's taking so long? Is the count right? The lord is waiting!"

"Thomas, don't rush. Let him count slowly. They don't have it easy—even a copper coin is hard-won, let alone silver!"

But nearly wept.

Could such a noble truly exist?

He felt ashamed of his earlier cynical suspicions.

"Thank you, Lord Gervas, for your mercy—the silver coins are correct!"

"Good. Then I'll take the night-scented herb seeds. Next time, if you have magic herbs or seeds, don't bother setting up a stall here."

"Just bring them straight to the castle. Someone will be there to receive and pay you."

With that, Gervas ordered his men to take the two heavy bags of night-scented herb seeds and prepare to leave.

"Lord Gervas, please wait!"