Chapter 4, The Secret Room

Inside, there are all the clothes of the previous owner

I was not aware of this matter before, and no one informed me. "Brother Bu said, "Although I did find that doing so was beneficial to me, that money does not belong to me.

It is not easy to find loyal subordinates

Those extremely expensive experimental instruments, he dared not touch recklessly for the fear that breaking even one of them would leave him with no time to cry

In such a small room, the large chandelier hanging from the ceiling naturally illuminates the space brightly. With sufficient light, Brother Bu can carefully examine this room

The earl understood what the steward wanted to say, and he also knew the reason behind the steward's words. This steward was also a clever man, and clever people often feel jealousy towards another clever person

Yes. The manager was very certain; he was convinced that the fat man would not dare to deceive him

Those are all books related to alchemy

His office is not large, containing only a desk and a chair; however, on the wall behind the chair, there is a safe. The safe has only two keys, one of which is with him, while the other is with the count. All the money collected is stored inside that safe

Such words were never heard by Brother Bo before; upon suddenly hearing them, he was taken aback. However, he soon fell into deep contemplation

Brother Bu conducted an experiment. He gently made a cut on his arm, applied some ointment, and felt a tingling sensation. After sleeping for a night, the degree of healing of the wound was not better than when no ointment was applied. However, the area where the ointment was applied developed a layer of wrinkles, which was a layer of old skin that had shed. After removing the old skin, the underlying skin was tender and delicate.

The spies of Marquis de Pricot, who were everywhere, also found no issues; since this hurdle has been cleared, there are no further problems.

After trying them on, these clothes appeared to be somewhat large for him. Brother Bu plans to find someone to help him alter them to a smaller size, which will not cost much and is certainly much cheaper than making a completely new set.

In the dim light, one can see that the room inside the door is slightly smaller than the kitchen

Although the Church is relatively tolerant of alchemy, if someone reports it, the Church will still pursue the matter. Moreover, once convicted, the penalties are quite severe, which makes the arrangement of such secrecy understandable

Bo Ge originally had very little luggage. During his time with the touring theater troupe, even his bedding belonged to the troupe, and his personal belongings could fit into the pockets of his clothes. He casually found a drawer and stuffed the items from his pockets into it, thus marking the beginning of his stay.

Brother Bu immediately realized that this was also a good thing

As for the other path, it does not appear to be as glorious. Similarly due to the war, we won the conflict, and the kingdom acquired many new territories, which require officials to manage them

Although Brother Bu knew nothing about the lineage of horses and ponies, he could still discern the extraordinary nature of this horse at a glance. Its bluish-gray body resembled satin, smooth and glossy, while its long and graceful limbs, with clearly defined muscle lines, conveyed a sense of power.

The room originally appeared somewhat eerie, and the absence of any occupants added an indescribable feeling to the place. Apart from the sound of his footsteps, the surroundings were enveloped in silence

"There is, absolutely there is, the carriage here is the best from Rupnail," Drolian replied repeatedly

"I once saw a type of lightweight two-wheeled cart used for competitions. Do you have any here?" Bo Ge casually inquired

The spirited Bo Ge gently prodded the ground with his cane

Thank you for your attention, I have learned quite a bit. Brother Bu quickly set aside his work.

Alchemy is undoubtedly a profoundly intricate discipline, beginning with a series of complex formulas. What troubles Brother Bu even more is that throughout history, there has been a multitude of differing opinions regarding the principles of alchemy, leading to an overwhelming number of conjectures and hypotheses, all of which must be memorized

The two consecutive wars have left the kingdom well-fed. If I am not mistaken, for a period of time in the future, Fak will not initiate any major wars. Without large-scale conflicts, the price differences in gold and silver exchanges will not fluctuate dramatically, and the income from trading gold and silver will decrease sharply. Therefore, I have already taught several people the methods of trading gold and silver as a means of repaying favors. The count said nonchalantly.

It is known that the minimum amount is fifteen thousand gold coins, and five thousandths of that is seventy-five gold coins. At the current exchange rate of one gold coin to ninety silver coins, this amounts to six thousand seven hundred fifty silver coins. However, his monthly allowance is only one thousand five hundred silver coins, which is more than a fourfold difference.

The capital's transport businesses are divided into three categories and nine grades, with different tax obligations for each grade. Although there are clear methods for assessing the grades, there are also ways to manipulate the system. If one truly wishes to deal with this individual, raising the grade of his transport business by one or two levels is not a difficult task.

Having understood this, Derrot suddenly realized that the young nobleman before him was certainly not the kind of useless dandy. Although he appeared somewhat down-and-out at the moment, such individuals can easily rise to prominence.

Suddenly, a faint sound came from behind, startling Brother Bu. He turned around and saw that the cover behind him had closed. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a thick iron wire connecting the cover and the door in front of him; when the door on this side opened, the cover on the other side would automatically close.

The arrangement of the room is very simple, with cabinets lining all four sides, extending from the floor to the ceiling, and a table placed in the center. The table is made of oak, featuring a very simple design, with the only advantage being its sturdiness. Numerous bottles and jars are haphazardly placed on the long table

Brother Bu knows that it is even less likely. Knights generally begin their training around the ages of 7 or 8, and he has already passed the golden age for training.

A rod was found from the kitchen, and a hammer was discovered in the attic's storage room. With these two tools, Brother Bu was both hammering and prying.

Bo Ge casually picked up a few books and flipped through them. The first one left him stunned, as he did not recognize a single word on it

"You have not disappointed me; I will repay you for what you should have received in the past few months." The Count was very pleased: "When it comes to preparation, you should be quite aware of what you have learned during this time. Once you truly take on a public office, you will find that sitting in that position, you actually do not need to do anything; the real work is done by those assistants. You will discover that most of your time is spent on socializing."

The earl gently picked up a handful of gold coins and let them fall, the clinking sound was akin to the music of the heavens: "The nobility is esteemed precisely because of the various privileges it possesses; utilizing these privileges, we can accomplish many things."

In addition, there is a recipe that allows for the preparation of an ointment using the roots and stems of several plants. According to the baron's original intention, he aimed to concoct a medicine that could facilitate rapid wound healing; however, the outcome was, of course, a failure

Now that it is known that this is the laboratory where the original owner conducted alchemical research, everything can be understood

He found it somewhat difficult to understand and could not guess what that noble baron was thinking. In his view, that jar of perfume and this ointment were completely equivalent to gold. The noblewomen had absolutely no resistance to these two items; they would scream and snatch the perfume and ointment away, conveniently burying him with gold coins.

Bo Ge was taken aback; he felt a twinge of regret. However, in a moment of reflection, he recalled the shrewdness of Count Bawadweber, realizing that it is better to be cautious when dealing with such individuals

The entrance hall faces the staircase, with each floor containing only two rooms. The entire building has three floors, and there are not many rooms.

He is proficient in several languages and can be considered well-read and knowledgeable. Even if he encounters unfamiliar scripts, he can usually identify the language of the region it belongs to. However, the text used in this book at https://www.hetushu.com is truly peculiar, as it does not belong to any language system he is familiar with

Bu Ge does not have a mount of his own. As a noble, not even possessing a single horse is quite shabby. Fortunately, the capital, Rupnair, is filled with stables, making it exceedingly easy to rent a horse.

What should I do now? Brother Bu asked

With a soft click, the door lock was pried open; however, it still took a considerable amount of effort for Brother Bu to open the door. The entire door was surprisingly edged with a layer of iron sheet, measuring a palm's thickness, and the space between the two door panels was filled with a layer of cotton.

To possess territory, one must have military merit. My family is sufficiently distinguished and has a long history, yet we only hold one piece of land, which was acquired by my fifth-generation ancestor through military achievements. My family once had two additional pieces of land, but unfortunately, we lost them during the Seventy Years' War. Although Fark later reoccupied those two territories, they were redistributed to officers with military accomplishments. This is justice; no one can complain.

I will give him some tests to see if he is trustworthy," said the Count, comforting his long-time steward beside him. "You arrange for him to manage the affairs of the jewelry store and the gold shop.

Although Brother Bu is not very familiar with the ways of the nobility, he is certainly not a fool and knows how to respond appropriately

As an actor, Brother Bu certainly does not lack speaking skills; however, there is a slight sense of disappointment deep within him

"Where is it hurt?" Brother Bu looked up and down at the beautiful horse, and to be honest, he really liked this horse very much

While searching the surroundings just now, Brother Bu noticed a wheel chandelier hanging above the long table. He took some fire from the lantern he was holding and lit the chandelier, instantly brightening the room.

Indeed, seven years ago, His Majesty the King, in a moment of whimsy, organized a horse racing event. It was you who prepared for the event, and as a result, you secured third place. The steward's memory is quite impressive

Bu Ge does not care about the condition of the horse; what he seeks is neither a warhorse for charging into battle nor a steed for long journeys. He only desires a horse that he can ride to attend gatherings, one that will not cause others to look down on him

The owner of the carriage and horse business appeared clumsy, yet in that instant, he became incredibly agile. His corpulent body lunged and turned sharply, not a single gold coin fell to the ground; they were all caught in his hands

"Merely achieving military exploits is not sufficient; to obtain territory, one must at least be a knight," the count corrected.

Seven years ago? The count chuckled and said, "I can hardly remember; that carriage has never been used. You should deliver it to the owner of the carriage shop."

The earl was very satisfied; he obtained what he needed

This is undoubtedly a thigh worth supporting

Sighing at the helplessness of life, Brother Bu knew that his choice was evidently correct, for the cold indifference that had once surrounded the Count, keeping others at bay, suddenly vanished, replaced by an immense enthusiasm

Bo Ge casually opened the door and took a look. On one side was the kitchen, and on the other was a garden of about five or six pings, which only had a single ginkgo tree planted in it, clearly lacking any notable features. On one side of the garden, there was a shed, with a row of wooden stakes and a wooden horse trough, suggesting that the garden was also being used as a stable.

The earl remained silent for a long time before leisurely saying: "Your comment is indeed quite good, but what I care about even more is another matter: he gave that boss six gold coins?"

Bu Ge is not a genius, but he possesses one extraordinary quality that sets him apart from others: his memory. During his time in the theater troupe, he could effortlessly memorize the entire script of a performance without ever needing the assistance of a prompter. He could even recite the "Divine Comedy" and the "Iliad".

Although he has found a promising source of income, Brother Bu is not reckless. He is well aware that at this moment, as someone without power or influence and only an empty title, he cannot possibly rely on this source of income to make money. There is a high probability that as soon as he earns a little money, he will be devoured by the "sharks" that come sniffing around.

The land that is seized can easily be reclaimed. The reason why successive monarchs generously bestowed newly conquered lands upon their officers was to bind their lives, fortunes, and everything they possessed to that land. Not only must they fight to the death for this land in their own generation, but their descendants must do so as well

No, you will be very busy. In my view, the most difficult thing in this world is managing relationships between people. If you want to establish a firm footing, there is much for you to do

"Do you need me to prepare the bridle and saddle for you?" the owner of the carriage and horse business asked with a smile.

"By the way, I seem to recall that there was once a competition-style two-wheeled carriage." The Count suddenly had a flash of inspiration

Fortunately, whenever he hesitated like this, the formulas on the shelves of the secret underground alchemical laboratory pulled him back from his confusion. Those two formulas were enough to comfort him, relieving him of any moral burdens; he had plenty of opportunities to acquire wealth through his own efforts

The earl's residence is indeed as grand and elegant as the rumors suggest. The house is not large, nor does it have extensive lawns or gardens as embellishments. However, this stone castle is filled with greenery everywhere. The original designer was clearly a proponent of natural harmony, as all the prominent parts of the castle are adorned with plants, making the entire castle seem as if it is hidden within the jungle

"There is no problem with short-distance riding," the owner of the carriage and horse quickly explained. Although he appeared to be anxious on the surface, deep down he was secretly pleased. He had finally vented his frustration by presenting a dilemma to the arrogant nobleman. A horse known for its endurance that has injured its back is essentially rendered useless.

Your carriage business is doing quite well, the best I have ever seen. It seems that Brother Bu is complimenting, but this is completely insincere; when he first sought out this carriage business, it was precisely because its appearance was not impressive, so he guessed the price would definitely be cheaper: Perhaps I can help promote it a bit, so that more people know there is a good carriage business here

Dressed in his finest attire and riding a rented horse, Boge found that only a few silver coins remained in his pocket. Despite his frugality, all his possessions could only sustain him for two months, a situation made possible by his complete dedication to the study of alchemy. Over the past two months, he had scarcely stepped outside, minimizing all his expenditures to the barest minimum

Delo is a clever person; upon hearing this, he immediately understood Brother Bu's intention

This house now belongs to him

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. When I arrived at the carriage and horse station once again, Brother Bu immediately spotted a very beautiful horse tied up in one of the stables.

Learning, you have much to study. Your qualities are commendable, yet there remains a great deal to learn. You need to acquire knowledge in accounting, master management techniques, and understand how to interact with various individuals. I will arrange for someone to teach you everything.

It is the end of another month. After a busy day, Brother Bu returns to the office of the Finance Department with the day's gains. This day is the busiest of the month, as he needs to count the number of gold coins and then verify the reports.

Boge is also very interested in alchemy. In the past, when he was in the theater troupe, he dreamed of one day mastering the art of alchemy. At that time, he would be able to transmute metals such as brass and lead into gold, which would lead to great wealth

Brother Bu held the key in his hand. After the Earl helped him secure his identification, he handed this set of keys over to him. From now on, this would be his home

I am still young and need someone to guide me at any time. If you do not mind discussing with me, I sincerely wish to serve you

Since the future direction has been determined, Brother Bu simply made his words more eloquent: "I never intended to pursue a military career. To achieve military merit, one must become an officer, and I have heard that this requires at least five years of military training."

The Baron of Pingpu left behind several notebooks, which document the process of his research into alchemy. The two formulas that filled Brother Bu with anticipation were found within these notebooks. For a beginner like Brother Bu, these notebooks are far more useful than those advanced alchemical texts.

With his extraordinary memory, Brother Bu memorized all the contents related to magical languages from those books on surveillance and alchemy. However, this was not his greatest gain; in fact, his most significant discovery was the inheritance left to him by the previous owner of the house

Brother Bu bent down to search.

The type of horse you want is not entirely unattainable; it is just that the injury may be more severe. The plump boss gritted his teeth and said, "Give me three days. I guarantee that you will be completely satisfied after three days."

Free services that do not require spending money are certainly appealing to Brother Bu. However, he is not the type to take advantage of others. This smooth yet understanding owner of the carriage business has made a lasting impression on him, and if the opportunity arises, he will offer this fellow some benefits

The count's lips curled into a slight smile, for this was exactly what he needed: a loyal subordinate

Your identity has been confirmed by the review committee, and you are now a noble. This was the first sentence spoken by the earl upon seeing him

Brother Bu reviewed all the alchemical texts but found no effective methods to improve the success rate. There were, however, numerous suggestions and discussions on the topic, indicating that this issue has similarly perplexed all those who have studied alchemy throughout history.

According to Brother Bu's ideals, the previous choice is undoubtedly the most ideal; however, he is well aware that the Count would certainly not wish for him to choose the military path.

It is evident to all that the actions during the carnival are, in fact, more akin to a warning. Precisely because it is a warning, the target is the Marquis of Weihe Leiden, who is close to Your Majesty.

This idea was just conceived by Brother Bu. Although this horse has injured its back and cannot carry heavy loads, it does not mean it is entirely useless; while it cannot bear weight, it can still pull a cart

In the first month of this job, Brother Bu had already discovered that by making slight adjustments in the daily reports, specifically rounding off the last digit after the decimal point for each receipt, he could siphon off a portion of the income. There would be absolutely no trace of any discrepancies on the books. Even if someone were to notice a discrepancy, it would be very easy to explain it away.

"What do you think of him?" the Count asked the steward

"Name your price." Brother Bu did not put away the money pouch just now

The Earl had been observing Boge's reactions. The confirmation of identity had actually been completed a week after the end of the carnival. Bishop Ivelis's methods of forgery were indeed remarkable, as the old foxes in the review committee failed to detect any flaws at all

After leaving the carriage and horse, Brother Bu suddenly felt that what he had gained today was not just a horse, but also something more indescribable. In the past four years, he had dealt with many people, yet he had never calculated the gains and losses of interests as he did now, nor had he ever attempted to coerce or bribe anyone.

Such a pictorial record could absolutely not be a printed item; it must have been hand-copied and illustrated. Moreover, the creation of this pictorial record was undoubtedly the work of a master in the field of book arts. According to Brother Bu's estimation, the value of such a set of pictorial records could very well be equivalent to that of the entire building.

At the end of a deep alley, a narrow small door appears somewhat eerie and terrifying, with the ground beneath slightly slippery. This is undoubtedly an inconspicuous house; even in the capital of Rupnail, where land is extremely valuable, such a house would not fetch a high price.

The earl nodded: "He must know this as well, but six gold coins are certainly worth it; the horse's pedigree is at least worth that much. Moreover, he gains even more. If it weren't for such generosity, do you think the owner of that carriage business would be so respectful? Providing both the carriage and a free driver already offsets the price difference."

"Alright, then let's agree on three days," Brother Bu said with a light laugh, the feeling of noble privilege is truly wonderful

"Do I not need to achieve something?" Brother Bu asked. On the day he obtained his new identity, he had already formulated an ambitious plan, aspiring to accomplish great things like those heroes.

Mr. Bu knew that there was no one in the room. As a nobleman, Baron Pingpu originally had two servants. One was a groom who also served as a handyman, playing the role of a steward when the baron was out. The other was a maid, who handled everything from being the housekeeper to the cook. Being so frugal to this extent, it was indeed quite embarrassing for Baron Pingpu as a nobleman

The cabinets surrounding him became the places of his greatest interest. These cabinets were constructed very simply, yet the materials used were of excellent quality, made from fine oak boards that were thick and sturdy

If possible, I hope to rely on myself," said Brother Bu

Fortunately, the subsequent few books helped him regain some confidence, as most of the text in those later books was familiar to him

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Count said: "What you need most right now is not a job. If I am not mistaken, your desire for a position stems from your financial difficulties. You have been using your allowance to support your friends, and while I cannot comment on that, I do admire your character. I can lend you some money."

This newly acquired position does not have an official title, only that of an exchange supervisor. Although it is nominally affiliated with the Treasury Department and he has a dedicated office there, his name is not listed on the Treasury's roster, nor does he receive a salary. Instead, he is granted an additional allowance of three hundred silver coins per month by the Treasury under a special designation.

Brother Bo is not entirely ignorant of alchemy; he is aware that many nobles secretly study it. Due to the presence of the Church, alchemy has always been a taboo subject

The more this is the case, the more mysterious Brother Bu feels

Although he only had twenty gold coins that he had just borrowed, he was at least a baron, and in front of a small owner of a carriage and horse business, he could definitely be considered to be in a superior position

In that fleeting moment, Brother Bu felt a twinge of regret, but he quickly regained his composure. He was well aware that he was not yet qualified to determine the direction of his own future

After leaving the carriage and horse behind to return home, Brother Bu devoted all his energy to the study of alchemy

Silver coins are the most universal currency. Taxes, trade, and even wage allowances are settled using silver coins. If a significant event occurs, such as the onset of war, the price of silver coins will rise. Conversely, after a victorious war, due to war reparations and the presence of a large amount of plunder, the price of silver coins will significantly drop. This fluctuation between rise and fall creates substantial profits

Of course, Brother Bu would not learn from incompetent individuals

He has always dreamed of stepping onto a larger stage, to achieve fame and recognition like the heroic figures he portrays. Now that this stage is before him, he did not expect that his first step would bear no resemblance to those heroes; instead, it closely resembled the despicable and contemptible antagonist in the script.

Although that boss is overweight, he is by no means dull. Upon hearing these words, beads of sweat began to form on his forehead

Within six months, Bu Ge does not intend to borrow money from the Count again, as doing so would cause the Count to look down upon him

"Finding a job is not easy," the Earl said lightly. "If I agree too readily, it would diminish the value of this favor I am offering. However, your position was arranged by me, and I have always been someone who sees things through to the end..."

Accompanying this sentence is a crest, which, compared to the crests commonly seen in the vicinity of Fak, appears equally shabby, featuring only a pair of antlers

Brother Bu remembered that there was a lantern in the bedroom on the third floor. He took the lantern and then carefully descended the stairs along the opening.

Bo Ge shook his head: "I do not intend to ride it; that would be too pitiful"

Raising the lantern in his hand, Brother Bu cautiously looked around the surroundings.

The person in charge pondered for a moment and said: "Very clever, at least quite skilled in financial management, knowing what he needs, and his mind works quickly. After realizing that the horse had injured its back, he immediately thought of a countermeasure; this quick wit is quite rare"

However, you probably won't be able to hold onto this money for long," said the Count. "I have already arranged a formal position for you.

Mr. Bo accepted this loan, which was exactly what he needed at that moment. He also understood that this was a test from the Count. The nominal exchange rate for gold coins to silver coins was one to one hundred, but in reality, he could only exchange for about ninety silver coins. This amount of money could buy a horse, but it would not be able to purchase a good one. Moreover, he still needed to set aside some money for living expenses

"You are very clever," the Count laughed. "You will not regret today. To be honest, pursuing a military career may seem glamorous; as long as one achieves victory, one can obtain titles, wealth, and land. However, throughout history, how many families that started from military positions have been able to maintain their glory to this day?"

It is highly likely that that baron has spent all his life savings on this.

Fortunately, among the fundamentals of alchemy, a matter that poses difficulties for others is relatively easy for Bo Ge, and that is the issue of language

As a noble, one must frequently attend banquets or balls; lacking a suitable outfit would certainly invite ridicule. Originally, Bu Ge was troubled by this, as the cost of such clothing is not insignificant. Now, everything has been resolved

The house is not very large, but the designer's ability to utilize space is truly remarkable. The area under the staircase in the foyer has been arranged as a clothing storage room. When Brother Bu opened it, he found that everything inside was indeed useful to him

The horse was entrusted to the groom at the count's residence, and Boge took out the last two silver coins as a tip

After casually chatting for a while, mainly to strengthen their relationship, the Earl glanced at Brother Bu and asked, "After all this time, haven't you realized that by rounding off the last digits of each receipt, you could at least gain a fraction of a percent in income?"

Since he could see through Brother Bu's intentions, De Luo could certainly also guess Brother Bu's predicament, and thus took the opportunity to ingratiate himself.

Almost every month, there is a day when Brother Bu feels immense pain and struggle. That is the day for month-end settlement, when all the income for the month is consolidated into his hands, with the least amount being fifteen thousand gold coins

Although he does not wish to oppress others with power, Brother Bu still knows how to act. He has encountered many nobles who bully others with their influence. However, their methods vary in sophistication; the most inferior are those who resort to outright robbery, while the more astute are figures like Count Bawadweber.

"You are very clever, a truly intelligent person," the Count appeared quite pleased. "All along, I have prepared two ways to reward those who work for me. Most people choose the first option; since you have not, from now on, you may receive five thousandths from it."

Although he did not succeed in transmuting base metals into gold, the baron's achievements in the field of alchemy have undoubtedly reached a remarkably advanced level. Among the numerous formulas he left behind, there is a particular essence crafted from the entrails of whales and various other odd ingredients. On the shelf, there is a small jar of the finished product, which has a rich and elegant fragrance, exceedingly pleasant to the senses

The reason for choosing that type of lightweight competition cart is due to a lack of alternatives. If one wishes to use a horse to pull a cart without appearing shabby, this is the only option available

The earl's mansion is very famous; although it is somewhat remote, it is a well-known building in the capital of Rupnail. It was constructed by a renowned ancestor of the earl, and several centuries have passed, yet this mansion is still regarded as the jewel of Rupnail

That is undoubtedly the result of Baron Pingpu's years of research in alchemy

That worthless horse is not worth that much; six gold coins are enough to buy a very good horse

If you truly feel very idle, you might consider managing some enterprises within the scope of your authority. You already know that the salary and allowances are only this little; do you not think that this amount of money is hardly sufficient to support the expenses of most people?

Although the fief is shrouded in undisclosed motives, it also represents a form of just reward. Throughout history, many have seen through its essence, yet no one can deny its existence

After becoming familiar with the environment here, Brother Bu began to clean the room. Compared to that Baron Pingpu, Brother Bu's situation was even worse; he simply had no money to hire servants

Just as he was deep in thought, the opportunity arrived quietly and without a sound

The foyer is very small and lacks any decoration, with two small doors on the side

After counting six gold coins, Brother Bu casually tossed them into the air

The materials required for alchemy are indeed diverse, and thus, among those books, there are several illustrated volumes that clearly list everything from minerals to plants, with each item meticulously depicted in colored pigments

Starting from this month, you will receive a noble allowance of one thousand two hundred silver coins each month. However, according to the agreement you made with me, this income will be used to support your friends. The Count looked at Bo Ge with amusement, hoping to see a look of frustration on his face; yet, on the other hand, he did not wish for that to happen.

Books are not the most expensive; the various bizarre devices used for alchemy are even more costly. Nets woven from golden threads, conduits made of platinum, and various vessels crafted from crystal glass are merely the most ordinary examples

Having a place to live is quite good; in the past sixteen years, he has only had a true "home" for those five years spent with his adoptive mother

After circling each room, Brother Bu finally understood why the Count had left him this property. This dilapidated house could hardly fetch a price; not only was its location poor, but it was also surrounded by other buildings, and all he could see when he opened the window were walls.

Compared to theory, those experiments seem to be much more difficult. Brother Bu has discovered more than once that even if he has memorized the alchemical formulas that need to be verified perfectly and remembers the steps and details of the experiments without any mistakes, there is still a significant chance of failure

Most of the items in the cabinet are various bottles and jars, with only the side closest to the door containing some books

Talented subordinates can bring him benefits, but a loyal subordinate may provide him with crucial assistance at a pivotal moment to turn the tide.

Although five thousandths is not a large figure, it is certainly more than what can be obtained through underhanded means, and it is much more substantial than his allowance

There is no need to think too much about it. The Earl knew what Boge was thinking: "The more you see, the more you will understand. This is politics. Politics is not glorious, but it is not as dark as you imagine either.

However, compared to other taboos, the Church's attitude towards alchemy appears somewhat ambiguous. It is said that many clergy members within the Church are also interested in alchemy. Therefore, generally speaking, as long as no one reports it, everyone tends to turn a blind eye to the study of alchemy.

You must have witnessed the lives of people like us, and you can surely guess how much money is required to sustain all of this. Have you ever considered where that extra income comes from?

Upon exiting the earl's residence, Bu Ge already had a plan in mind. Riding the rented horse back to the carriage and horse station, Bu Ge summoned the owner of the station.

When he was initially provided with a false identity, Bishop Averylis arranged for someone to teach him about noble knowledge and etiquette, which included the identification of noble coats of arms

What astonished Bu Ge was that he heard there were still many such nobles in Fak, who were the impoverished among the aristocracy. At least someone like Baron Pingpu still aspired to secure a public position, hoping to earn a meager salary while looking forward to promotion. In contrast, many more impoverished nobles relied on state-provided allowances to survive, living even more miserably than Baron Pingpu.

The count of twenty gold coins was taken out from the purse by the count.

It must be acknowledged that this is a very clever move. As is well known, Marquis Weiholieden and Marshal Onest, who commands the army, are enemies. If Marquis Weiholieden were to die, even if His Majesty ordered Marshal Onest to take revenge on the Selavarians, the Marshal would find various excuses to evade and refuse. Since Marquis Weiholieden has fortunately not died, the Marshal is likely lamenting in secret and is even less likely to seek revenge for the Marquis

A small side door opens in one corner of the garden, allowing direct access in and out

After pondering for a moment, he was no longer afraid. In any case, whatever secrets the former master had were of no concern to him. If there truly were any secrets hidden below that could not be revealed, they could simply be set ablaze, and then he could find an opportunity to completely seal off this underground chamber, and everything would be as if it had never happened

After spending a full two months, Brother Bu has finally clarified the foundational aspects

Mr. Bu could never imagine that an official who has served in the Prime Minister's office for ten years possesses only such a modest amount of wealth. Fortunately, he is not greedy; being able to have everything he currently owns is, for him, akin to a windfall from the heavens.

The gold coins are all stored in individual velvet pouches, which are placed inside a sturdy tin box. Naturally, Mr. Bu would not carry this heavy box himself. On the last day of the month, his carriage is always followed by four mounted guards. While on the street, these individuals serve as bodyguards, and upon returning to the Treasury, they become laborers responsible for lifting the heavy box into his office. On the last day of the month, his carriage is always followed by four mounted guards. While on the street, these individuals serve as bodyguards, and upon returning to the Treasury, they become laborers responsible for lifting the heavy box into his office

"Are you satisfied with this horse?" The plump boss approached at some point, saying: "This is an Antares horse, as you surely know. Although its explosive power is somewhat inferior, its speed in short-distance running is not particularly fast. However, its endurance is excellent. This horse was originally assigned to a light cavalry regiment, but it had to retire due to an injury."

Glancing at the tray and the coins within, the Count inquired, "Are you adapting well to this job?"

The earl remarked with a smile: "He certainly knows how to spend money; at his age, I was not as adept as he is."

The steward was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly understood that this was akin to the six gold coins, serving as a form of bribery. The carriage had been meticulously designed by someone and crafted by skilled artisans from the palace, making it far more expensive than the six gold coins. Presumably, the owner of the carriage business should comprehend its significance.

The owner of the carriage and horse business is named De Luo, a short and stout man with a bald head

The granting of titles is entirely the responsibility of the Cabinet, and in addition, the Prime Minister must, to some extent, show concern for the heir of the "savior." Therefore, everything proceeded very smoothly. He only informed Brother Bu of this matter now, intending to wait until Brother Bu has spent all the money in his hands, so that when he is at his wit's end, he can offer assistance, thereby ensuring that the other party feels grateful.

He secretly thought to himself that perhaps he indeed possessed an aristocratic demeanor, and that his current appearance was not inferior to that of Count Bavadweber.

However, this is merely the surface profit; the greater benefits lie with the jewelry shops and gold stores. Although currency exchange is nominally restricted to those four exchange locations, the jewelry shops and gold stores scattered throughout the capital, Rupnagar, are all able to provide indirect currency exchange.

There are only a dozen or so steps, and the basement is not constructed very deep; it is likely that it was originally a cellar. At the end of the steps is a door, which is locked. Brother Bu tried all the keys, but none of them could open the door. He attempted to force the door open, but to his surprise, it was unexpectedly thick and did not budge at all

Most books on alchemy are written in magical languages. He possesses a remarkable talent for languages, and within two months, he has been able to read some simple alchemical texts written in magical languages using just a dictionary.

The expression of frustration did not appear; Brother Bu was quite loyal to the friends who had once helped him. He hesitated for a moment and asked, "Count Bawadweber, could you help me find a job?"

Thus, in his spare time while studying alchemy, Boge is always contemplating how to utilize this source of wealth

He took the gold coins out of the money bag and neatly stacked them in groups of ten on a purple tray. Just as he was focused on this task, the office door suddenly opened. Count Bavadweber walked in

One morning, a sullen-faced messenger brought a message—Count Bavadweiber wished to see him

When his hand touched a movable panel at the base of the wall, the ground beneath his feet suddenly shifted, revealing a dark hole.

Although the assassination was unsuccessful, the Duke's objective has undoubtedly been achieved. His Majesty is very angry and wishes to exterminate all the Selavarians, but considering that this would lead to endless assassinations, he has hesitated. Furthermore, in order to alleviate this hatred, actions against the Selavarian Duchy have become much more moderate during this period.

In the following days, Brother Bu devoted himself entirely to the study of alchemy. Originally, he had planned to rearrange the entire house, but now he no longer had the time.

The work is indeed very leisurely. In the capital, Rupnail, there are four currency exchange offices. Every day, he only needs to visit once in the morning and once in the evening to check the currency stock and the exchange receipts. This is truly a very simple job

Free of charge, at my horse and carriage business, we generally provide customers with saddles and bridles. Since you do not need these, I will help you exchange them for a carriage, and I will also send you a stable boy. I will have him visit your home every afternoon to help you take care of the horses and tidy the stable. Delo, who had been stingy, suddenly became generous.

After overcoming the initial bottleneck period, Brother Bu made rapid progress in alchemy. The foundation of alchemy consists of numerous formulas and theories, which can be memorized through rote learning. Before reaching the intermediate level, a deep understanding of alchemy does not seem to be crucial.

Mr. Bu was unaware that someone was following him, nor did he know that the Count intended to test him. He only knew that on the night of the day he returned home from the carriage service, a steward from the Count's residence came to see him

After the death of Baron Pingpu, the two servants also departed

A quarter of an hour later, the steward appeared in the study of Count Bavadweber

Seeing a hint of shock in Brother Bu's eyes, the Count already knew the answer. He continued, "In fact, this was never a loophole; helping me with my affairs will certainly yield some benefits."

"Which path do you wish for me to take?" Thus, Bo Ge simply returned the choice to the Count

Then am I not too idle?" said Brother Bu, as he did not wish to live idly like other nobles.

Unfortunately, there are no horses in the stable with the books at present

Using the key to unlock the door, the lock feels somewhat heavy, indicating that the previous owner here was a very careful and cautious individual

He has many subordinates, all of whom are highly capable. His ability to recognize talent is well-known in the industry. However, although these subordinates are outstanding, they work for him solely out of self-interest. All along, he has hoped to find a loyal and not overly foolish subordinate

However, after a few days, Brother Bu was completely astonished. What he found hard to imagine was that, under the clever operation of Count Bawadweber, this simple task had unexpectedly transformed into a veritable treasure trove, generating wealth daily. This seemingly simple job concealed profound knowledge.

In addition to clothing, there are certainly other accompanying items here, including top hats, bow ties, and gloves, all of which are available, and four or five canes are hanging by the door

"The injury is on the back," the overweight boss said helplessly. He dared not lie about this matter, for even if he wanted to conceal it, he could not. Any veterinarian could easily determine where the injury was located.

Bo Ge did not notice that shortly after he left the carriage and horse station, a person who appeared to be in charge rode in on horseback. After exchanging a few words with the plump owner of the carriage and horse station, this person immediately rode away

Upon reconsideration, Brother Bu felt that this might be an opportunity: "You have gone to great lengths for me. Is there anything I need to prepare?"

Bu Ge felt somewhat surprised, not expecting that he had inadvertently made the right choice. Fortunately, with those two formulas, he did not lose his way

The exchange office can exchange currencies from various countries, but more often it deals with the exchange of gold and silver coins, and the exchange rates change daily

The difficulty of the magical language lies in the fact that this ancient language consists of thousands of characters, most of which have very peculiar pronunciations. The worst part is that its grammar is exceedingly complex; in the eyes of Bogo, that grammar resembles formulas more than anything else

A single statement made Brother Bu feel both excited and disappointed. During this period, he had come to understand many things, such as the fact that there are many nobles like him who hold titles but possess no territories, relying solely on allowances for their livelihood. These individuals actually form the foundation of the officials managing the kingdom; however, not everyone can hold public office, and even those who do find that the salaries are not high, with earning over 6,000 per month being considered quite good.

Those who are too clever may... the person in charge hesitated to speak

"Then it must be particularly cheap." Brother Bu is not someone who is easily discouraged. Although he is not as skilled as Miss Canny, having watched her haggling performances, he has naturally learned a thing or two.

At this moment, Brother Bu suddenly began to miss Miss Canny; if she were here, she would surely be able to squeeze every last coin from the fat man before her

Although it may not be valuable, it can still be considered a decent home

After organizing all the books related to alchemy, Brother Bu felt quite pleased. The Baron of Pingpu had evidently also been self-taught, as the books were very systematic, covering everything from the most basic principles to various applications at intermediate and advanced levels.

It is indeed intriguing that there is such a linked switch, which makes Brother Bu even more curious

A hollow sound echoed, drawing his attention; below was empty

Brother Bu did not know what exactly was going on here. Most of the bottles and jars had labels on them, but he did not even dare to pick them up for a closer look, as who knew what was contained within them

"This is what I lent you; I will charge you an interest of three per cent per month," said the Count

Very well, this makes me appreciate you even more. If you are eager to secure a position, there are two paths you can take. One is to pursue a military career. You should have heard that the entire continent has been at war for the past few years, and the same goes for Fak. The war in the north has just ended, and fighting has erupted in the south. It is quite easy to recruit soldiers, but there is always a shortage of officers.

Such a secret arrangement made Brother Bu feel uneasy all of a sudden; he did not know what might be hidden beneath. It seemed that the original owner of the house was a person with secrets.

Are you planning to let him know the secret of trading gold and silver? The manager's expression suddenly changed, as this was a significant source of income for the Bawadwe family

"It's not much, but I believe that if it were you, you certainly wouldn't give that much," the Count said with a smile. His statement was not a baseless guess; he was very well aware of the character and personality of each of his subordinates.

The manager replied

Although none of the assassins survived, the intelligence agency still found clues from one of the assassins. The assassin was a knight in the service of the Duke of the recently annexed Seraval Duchy, and they came seeking revenge. It must be acknowledged that these individuals are all valiant and loyal warriors

You can just name a price. The fat man didn't really care; after all, he didn't spend much to acquire this useless horse. As long as it could cause trouble for the noble lord, he wouldn't mind losing a little money.

Upon hearing these words, Brother Bu fell silent, realizing that he would have to modify the original grand plan.

"You have experienced too little." The count's mocking tone was very evident: "Those who are too eager to showcase themselves will certainly not be welcomed. There are various unspoken rules everywhere, and violating these rules will invite hostility. It is indeed very easy to ruin a person."

You are very kind. The owner of the carriage and horse felt somewhat unconvinced in his heart, yet he spoke very pleasantly.

"It is truly a pity that you did not join the army," Brother Bu mocked.

Boge has only just realized that these clandestine "black market" transactions are actually all controlled by the Treasury Department, or to put it more precisely, everything is manipulated by Count Bavadweber. The one responsible for the specific affairs is this minor currency exchange inspector.

The owner of the carriage and horse did not respond, but instead bowed obsequiously and said, "You are truly extremely generous." It is unclear whether this is sarcasm or flattery

The identity he is currently impersonating was obtained through the Earl, and it is fundamentally impossible to free himself from the Earl's control. Moreover, he is somewhat aware of the rumors regarding the infighting among the upper echelons. While there are indeed individuals in government positions who maintain their integrity, they are certainly not small figures like him.

Recently, two battles have just been fought, and there are likely quite a few retired military horses. Brother Bu directly pointed out his target: I know that some of them have good bloodlines, but due to injuries, they had to retire and are being sold very cheaply

Listening to the report from his subordinate, the Count felt quite satisfied. He had found a person worth cultivating. Just now, he lent Brother Bu twenty gold coins, precisely to see how Brother Bu would utilize this sum of money

The earl continued, saying: "However, before learning these things, you must first learn how to align with your own identity; you must have a steed that belongs to you."

Gently wiped the long table with my hand; although there was some dust, it was not heavily accumulated, indicating that this place is frequently used

This is actually an alchemy laboratory

If it had been ten years ago, he would have absolutely believed that loyalty was unnecessary, but the life-and-death assassination at the carnival moved him.

Esteemed Sir, there are indeed such military horses; however, most of these horses have been purchased for breeding, and their prices are not cheap

Mr. Bu chose a set of clothes to wear, and behind the door hung a dressing mirror, allowing him to see his own appearance. Seeing himself in the mirror, well-dressed and dignified, Mr. Bu felt quite pleased with himself; he had finally become a significant figure.

He finally secured an informal job. According to the count, this is an internship