Chapter 5, The Location of the Crater

The old man is surnamed Malheim and holds the title of Baron. His ancestors obtained their nobility through military achievements, and this family once enjoyed a period of glory, but that glory has now faded.

Out of curiosity and a desire to understand how this came to be, he specifically sought out some relevant books to study. The greatest advantage of having a noble status is that one can obtain any book.

He is indeed very curious about divine power, but he does not dare to inquire casually, as it is the most closely guarded secret of the church.

However, based on his observations and experiences with the church, that priest could absolutely not represent the entire church. The internal power dynamics of the church are intricately complex and can undoubtedly be described as unparalleled. That priest can only represent a certain faction within the church

Those two individuals are the assistants sent by the count. Regarding this matter, he is not very pleased. He believes that besides helping him with his tasks, those two are certainly also responsible for monitoring him. For this reason, he did not travel with them.

This incident made Brother Bu realize that the small town is indeed not very "peaceful"

The items on the sled are not many, arranged like a long strip, wrapped in black oilcloth on the outside

What is the purpose of this fortress being set up there? Brother Bo pondered privately, wondering if he could ask Count Bawadweber to find a way to have this fortress dismantled, thus eliminating the trouble.

With a heart full of trepidation, Brother Bu desperately exuded an "aristocratic aura," for he had heard that dogs raised by noble families do not bite indiscriminately; these creatures are even more adept than humans at identifying the identities of strangers

As there is no need to grant territories, the monarch can freely bestow noble titles, which has also led to the proliferation of such titles

The scenery of the small town is quite picturesque and elegant, with rolling mountains in the background. Scattered across the hillside, one can see red and gray rooftops. The crescent-shaped beach is adorned with rippling azure waves, and through the clear water, the white fine sand at the bottom is visible

What would happen after entering the blacksmith's shop remains unknown, as Brother Bu does not possess a pair of all-seeing eyes. However, he speculates that there must be a very secret underground chamber within that blacksmith's shop.

You have forgotten one thing. Keith does not back down: "The church"

Receiving an invitation signifies recognition, and of course, Brother Bu readily agreed. By leveraging this old man's connections, it would be easy to meet others.

When one does not know which priest is behind it, any countermeasure is utterly meaningless

They may not provoke us, so why should we provoke them? said Keith

Due to that ship, the seaside has also become a restricted area. There are guards by the ship, and although Brother Bu did not approach but merely gazed from a distance, the guard still appeared exceptionally vigilant. In the guard's hand was a crossbow, which was certainly not a toy; no one could escape the aim of the crossbow from the seaside to this point.

This is the boat of another enigmatic individual in town. Andrew also saw the fast boat approaching the shore: "The blacksmith at the other end of the street is named Bamil. Besides his boat, others can also come and go during high and low tide, but none are as fast as that one."

Bo Ge's eyes suddenly brightened, and a thought swiftly crossed his mind

The person before me is most likely the same way

Without territory and only a meager allowance, if one does not understand how to manage it, at most within two or three generations, a once illustrious family will completely decline. This is the reason for the existence of numerous fallen nobility.

Many people are watching his position, countless pairs of eyes are paying attention to his every move. Even if illegal activities are carried out in secrecy, they will always reveal flaws. Although the count holds a high position, there are still individuals above him. If these flaws fall into the hands of those individuals, it will be disastrous

However, Brother Bu also saw a trace of sadness in this— it is almost impossible for those who are not of noble birth to achieve great success. Most of the famous legendary figures in history appeared before the Hundred Years' War; after the Hundred Years' War, there are very few who can be considered legendary.

It is quite simple; we can simply undermine him. Managing a small town does not require many people—one mayor, one deputy mayor, one financial officer, and one sheriff are sufficient. Moreover, one person can hold multiple positions. Three of us are more than enough. The key is to recruit more subordinates to create the appearance of a large and powerful group.

After Brother Bu finished speaking, everyone fell silent. Andrew had nothing to say, while Brother Bu was waiting for the two stewards to finish their contemplation

From the notebook left by Baron Pingpu, Brother Bu learned that in Rupunair, there exists a circle of individuals engaged in the study of alchemy. Perhaps this small town also has a similar circle. Gaining entry into such a circle is undoubtedly far more useful than trying every possible means to gain the approval of the locals

I am not very clear about this matter. Perhaps it is precisely because of this priest that the small town has been able to maintain its current state. As far as I know, many people are actually aware of the situation here, and there have been inquiries, but in the end, nothing came of it.

Your horse is quite impressive. The burly man scrutinized the cart behind Bo Ge from top to bottom, trying to steer the conversation away from the two other individuals who were about to arrive

"Are you a botanist?" the old man asked

Upon glancing at the beach, Brother Bu understood why such a rare seaside town could be in such a state of disrepair

After circling the town and getting a general overview, Brother Bu parked the carriage in front of the inn

While in the capital of Rupnail, he inquired thoroughly and learned that among the count's subordinates, there were two types of individuals with the highest status. One type was called the steward, who were trusted aides working closely with the count, equivalent to cabinet ministers.

Brother Bu knows that the strong man is one of his own, and he is also working for Count Bawadweber

This inexpensive inn naturally lacks any decor; apart from a bed, there is only a wardrobe, and there are not even any chairs.

To become a knight-guard, exceptional martial skills are not a prerequisite. In fact, nine out of ten current knight-guards possess no combat capability whatsoever. However, the path to becoming a knight-guard is not easy. The first requirement is that the applicant must be of noble birth. The second requirement is that they must have a strong endorsement from a prominent figure. In fact, in the realm of Fark, there are only two such prominent figures: one is the Archbishop, and the other is His Majesty the King.

After conversing for another half hour, Brother Bu took his leave. Before departing, the two exchanged names.

Of course, one would not dare to offend the nobility, but not everyone living in the small town is a noble. Moreover, although those impoverished nobles do not live well, they always have one or two servants. When the soldiers want to confront a certain noble, they take their anger out on that noble's servants, inevitably forcing those servants to resign.

This is truly a dilapidated place

When Bo Ge arrived here, he was alone and brought nothing with him, while the two individuals each carried a rather large suitcase

"What exactly is so special about this place that it attracts the attention of so many gangs?" Brother Bu asked in confusion. He had another question that he did not voice: why did Count Bawadweber invite him here to serve as the mayor and - map - book? He certainly did not believe that the count was merely arranging a public office for him.

As soon as they entered, the young girl beside the old man walked away to attend to her own matters. From the affectionate expressions between the two, it is evident that they are definitely not in a father-daughter relationship

"Is this your courtyard? It is simply a treasure trove of plants," Brother Bu quickly complimented, as he had already determined that the old man was the owner of the house. According to the rules of this circle, strangers do not greet each other; only the owner of the courtyard he had been observing had the right to speak to him

The old man will definitely find a way to undermine you; he has been in that position for twenty years and has deep roots. Everyone in the town listens to him, and as soon as he secretly issues a word, you might not even be able to buy a loaf of bread. Moreover, his most formidable tactic is that he can incite those fallen nobles to unite against you. Andrew did not intend to conceal anything; he expressed everything he could think of.

The reason why Brother Bu paid attention to this cluster of flowers is that it resembles a type of plant recorded in several illustrated books, which is called the Fragmented Star Grass

Upon hearing the barking of dogs, Brother Bo felt somewhat apprehensive. During his days of wandering, he often witnessed people being viciously attacked by dogs kept by the nobility. He secretly resolved that upon his return, he would definitely acquire a few fiercer dogs to see who was more formidable.

The fallen nobility need not remain in decline forever; it is not uncommon for them to make a sudden resurgence. The vast noble system also serves as a reservoir of talent and a barracks for the kingdom.

After knocking on the door several times, Bu Ge was met by a drowsy, burly man. The man, in his forties, had a dark complexion and was wearing a belted cloth shirt, giving him an exceptionally robust appearance. What caught Bu Ge's attention was the scar on the right side of the man's cheek.

Bandits? This is probably one of the troubles, isn't it? Brother Bu began to feel a bit of a headache.

He could actually play dumb and remain silent, allowing the old man to reveal the answer himself. However, after a moment of hesitation, Brother Bu still spoke up: "In my opinion, it might be relatively easier to gain the recognition of the local nobility."

Boge vaguely sensed that the atmosphere of alchemy in this small town was quite strong, with many people studying alchemy. Moreover, the locals seemed unconcerned about the possibility of being reported, unlike those in other places who studied alchemy with a sense of secrecy.

Of course, Brother Bu is not particularly interested in such matters; what he cares about is the arrangement of the room

The Knights of the Guard were once the iron fist of the Church, invincible in their endeavors. Many renowned figures emerged from the ranks of the Knights of the Guard, and their reputation reached its zenith during the Crusades. Unfortunately, the Knights of the Guard have now become a title that is no longer backed by substance, reduced to a mere ornamental designation

If the old man is truly researching alchemy, he must have a laboratory for conducting his experiments

The burly man was momentarily taken aback; he knew that Brother Bu was coming, as there had been news from above a few days ago. However, he did not expect the arrival to be so swift, nor did he anticipate that the person would be so young.

There are some matters that you still do not understand. Andrew chuckled, his smile tinged with a hint of pride: The Count never engages in illegal activities; there is a reason he can sit comfortably in that position.

He did not dare to underestimate the two stewards; anyone capable of working under the Earl of Bawadweber must possess a particular skill, let alone being a steward

A few months ago, he would have undoubtedly reached out to pluck it without hesitation. Unfortunately, now, while bearing a noble title, he has also acquired several shackles. Faced with this inconspicuous little flower, he can only stand by and "appreciate" it.

Those fallen nobles all listen to him? Bu Ge was somewhat skeptical

In the evening, a carriage approached from a distance. Two individuals descended from the carriage, both of whom were somewhat aged. One had graying hair, while the other appeared even older. The one with graying hair was named Kess, and the older one was named Ed, both of whom were stewards under the Earl of Bawadweber.

"You arrived too early," said the burly man, glancing at Brother Bu with a deep voice

As he was about to reach the other end, he happened to see several people dragging a sled towards him, the two distinct drag marks left on the ground extending all the way to the side of a uniquely shaped speedboat by the sea

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed a fleeting expression of disappointment in the strong man's eyes

Before arriving here, he had already heard the Count mention that this small town was quite "unsettled". Therefore, before the official appointment was made, he came here to assess the situation.

"Has no one ever tried to get an answer from that blacksmith?" asked Uncle Bo

His alchemy laboratory is located directly beneath the kitchen, utilizing the kitchen's chimney. The only other suitable option here, apart from the kitchen, is the fireplace in the living room. However, generally speaking, the fireplace is not a good choice, as no one would use it during the summer

Of course, Brother Bo is well aware of what the church's guardian knights are; that was his childhood dream

The room has long been prepared, and anyway, no one comes during this season; there are plenty of rooms available. The one prepared for Brother Bu is by the seaside, and when you open the window, the view is quite beautiful.

It seems there is another easily exploitable direction. Brother Bu looked at the two stewards and said that Kai Si's words implied there is another answer.

From their casual conversation, Bo has learned that the old man is indeed a native of this town. In his youth, he held a public office for a period in a department of Rupnail, but unfortunately, he belongs to the type of person who has not achieved much. Until he resigned, he never had a chance for promotion.

Since benefits have been obtained, that priest must do something, right?" After pondering for a long time, Bo Ge asked.

Leaving the inn, Brother Bu first walked along the several dozen meters long street. Earlier, when he was driving the carriage, he had already observed this street, which could hardly be considered prosperous. However, at that time, he was unaware of the hidden, shabby appearance concealed beneath the surface of this long street.

As someone who has followed the Count for a long time, he is well aware that many of the Count's subordinates hold multiple identities, and some who are ostensibly the Count's subordinates are actually sent by individuals higher up.

The old man's house is very simple; judging by the condition of the house, it is definitely not newly built. Brother Bu secretly rejoiced, as he suspected that the old man was indeed a native of this town, just as he had been looking for.

At such shallow beaches, most vessels cannot dock, and only small boats can freely enter and exit. If this place is to be developed into a port, ships would need to anchor offshore and use small boats to transport goods back and forth.

Turning around, I saw a tall old man with white hair, holding the hand of a young girl, who was holding a sunshade in her hand

When Andrew said this, there was somewhat of a spectator's tone in his words

Bo Ge remained silent for a long time. Compared to Andrew, his understanding of the church was certainly much deeper. Although the church no longer possesses the glory of its heyday, it still wields the power to manipulate events. What sustains all of this is neither formidable military force nor a multitude of followers, but a divine power unknown to the world.

"Even if the nobles living here in He and the library are in decline, could they possibly be bullied by a group of soldiers?" Bu Ge found it hard to imagine

After at least an hour, Kess opened his eyes, ruffled his graying hair, and looked at Brother Bu

The watchers in front of and behind the house are still there, yet not a single person has approached.

The church of the small town is not located on this street, but rather sits halfway up the hillside behind. This small town is actually divided into two parts: the street and the shops at its foot constitute one part, while the houses built on the hillside form another part. The houses next to the church cluster together; although there is no clearly defined street, it still appears more like a small town.

Suddenly, the strong man's gaze fell upon a mark at the center of the axle, which was a crown followed by a series of numbers

Andrew's words instantly made the entire room feel much more eerie

What he saw just now were the house, the yard, the grass, and the trees, but now there are suddenly many more things. The paint on the fence and the whitewash on the walls can indicate the current situation of the homeowner. The arrangement and tidiness of the yard can reveal the homeowner's character. However, more importantly, he saw many things that were present on the surveillance monitor.

Of course, there are still some, but to varying degrees, they are all somewhat related to those fallen aristocrats. For you, the biggest trouble may be the former mayor of the town, Lord Spencer.

Bu Ge has very little luggage. In the past, it was because he was too poor to have anything worth bringing. Now, it is because he is not accustomed to it; carrying things makes him feel encumbered.

"If you haven't incurred the hostility of certain individuals, you are absolutely safe. Aside from drunken brawls, incidents are rare in the town. However, if you offend someone, no place in the town will be safe for you," Andrew said

Upon reflecting on these matters, Brother Bu no longer wished to stay any longer. Although he had enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the old man, it was evident that the old man had nothing to offer him. The old man could not afford anything too expensive, yet presenting something too shabby would be a loss of face.

Old Ed no longer pretended to be profound; he sighed and said, "There are certain individuals that the gang rarely touches, and those are the spies from the intelligence agency."

It was this war that changed everything; the victors became the new kings, wielding power through force, and similarly used that force to eliminate all opposing voices

The strong man named Andrew is the owner of this inn and also serves as the agent appointed by the Count in this small town. Contrary to his rough and fierce appearance, he possesses a delicate mind and has witnessed many events, allowing him to clearly sense the subtle disharmony in the air. However, he does not intend to get involved, as it does not concern him.

This is undoubtedly a very solid structure. Since the Hundred Years' War, France has experienced numerous trials and tribulations, yet it has not undergone any earth-shattering upheavals. It must be said that this solid structure has indeed played a significant role

Although Bo Ge kept retreating, his eyes remained fixed on those few individuals. He watched as they dragged the stolen car into the blacksmith shop, and saw a large figure inside the shop carrying something wrapped in oilcloth over his shoulder, heading towards the back of the store

Are you saying that I also cannot break this rule? Whether it is that old Spencer trying to deal with me, or my covert actions against him, everything must be conducted within the limits allowed by the rules

Glancing at the houses on the hillside, Brother Bu furrowed his brow. If one were to consider this place as a remote and impoverished area, that would be a grave mistake; countless nobles reside on that hillside.

Are there any other troubles? Brother Bu would not think that things are this simple

Two slices of ham, a fried egg accompanied by a few leaves of greens, and the staple food is boiled beans. The dinner may not be abundant, but for Brother Bu, it is already quite good. Not long ago, he was living a life of alternating hunger and fullness.

"I don't know, but at least I can be certain that it is not the will of God." Andrew made a joke, and this joke was enough to prove that he was not a devout believer

Everyone was taken aback, but upon further reflection, it truly was the case

Every household raises dogs

A winding path meanders along the hillside, its surface paved with pebbles and fine sand, materials that must have been sourced from the beach

I am merely assisting the Count in procuring some relatively inexpensive goods. There is no law stating that inexpensive goods cannot be bought or sold. Andrew's words were particularly ambiguous: As for whether these goods are smuggled or obtained through legitimate means, I am not quite sure.

This matter can only be resolved with the help of the Count said Old Ed

How should I deal with other troubles?" Brother Bu asked: "What should I do if that mayor tries to undermine me?

At the foot of the mountain lies a street several dozen meters long, flanked by a haphazard array of shops. At one end of the street stands an inn, a two-story building that appears somewhat dilapidated. At the other end is a blacksmith's shop, emitting a jarring noise of clanging metal.

There is another individual you might need to pay attention to. Andrew's expression suddenly became serious: The priest in the church in town is probably the most enigmatic figure here; I have yet to grasp his true nature. Although he rarely ventures out and spends all day in the church, both the bandits outside and the gang in the town heed his commands.

"They are the ones who have been eliminated from the battlefield and have been injured," said Brother Bu, stating that there is no need to conceal this matter

"Does this person have any shortcomings?" asked Brother Bu

Upon returning to the inn, Brother Bu had Andrew arrange another room facing the hillside for him, as he needed to conduct further observations

Bo Ge now finally understands why, in such a chaotic place, those dilapidated nobles are still able to live so comfortably

Fortunately, Bu Ge does not mind; he is not here to enjoy himself. Moreover, he cannot stay for long. Once his appointment is officially confirmed, the people here will naturally make arrangements for him to have a place to stay.

Bo Ge smiled gently; this statement could only be taken as a joke. He is certainly self-aware, and even with the title of nobility, he remains merely a small figure.

Turning his head to glance at the distant mountain peak, the fortress mentioned by Andrew appeared hazy due to the sea mist. However, even in good weather, he could not go there, as that would only arouse the suspicions of the locals

"Are you interested in coming in for a seat?" the old man invited.

Since there were some speculations, Brother Bu chatted casually with the old man while surveying the house.

He was somewhat wary of Boge Kaisi, but he was less concerned about Andrew. He similarly said in a dismissive tone: "What if they are facing a knight?"

Is it really that simple? Andrew expressed some skepticism: Even within the military, in situations where there is no direct hierarchy, soldiers may not necessarily obey the orders of non-commissioned officers. Moreover, there is a first-class non-commissioned officer and three second-class non-commissioned officers in that fortress, so it would not be easy to overpower them

The used plates were tossed aside, and Andrew had no intention of cleaning up just yet; he sat nearby, appearing to watch the scene unfold. The two attendants remained silent, their contemplative expressions markedly different. Keith sat there with a furrowed brow, while Ed continuously doodled on the paper.

As Bo Ge was pondering strategies and reading a book, he suddenly noticed a fast boat speeding across the distant sea outside the window. This was a vessel he had never seen before; its hull was flat, resembling a broad leaf. Such a boat should be very heavy and slow, yet it was moving at an astonishing speed

In the past, when he was wandering around, he did not pay attention to these matters. At that time, he viewed nobles as beings who were always high above others, never imagining that some could be in such a miserable state. Brother Bu even doubted that if he were to tell his former companions about all this, they might not believe him.

Brother Bu could not determine whether the young girl beside him was the old man's daughter or wife. In noble circles, it is quite common for older men to marry younger women. Although noble marriages emphasize matching social status, there are fewer restrictions when it comes to widowers remarrying, and it is quite common to marry a beautiful commoner.

Brother Bu suddenly realized, and he involuntarily took out the map he carried with him

"What about the gang?" Brother Bu asked. "How do we deal with the gang?"

At this moment, Brother Bu realized that this seemingly robust man actually had such a slick side to him

"The Count sends his regards to you," said Brother Bo. This, of course, could not be the truth; given the status of Count Bawadweber, he would never say such a thing. This statement merely indicated their respective identities.

After the Hundred Years' War, all powers were consolidated under the king. From that time on, only military achievements could earn land, and the residents of the land no longer belonged to the nobility. Additionally, independent courts were not permitted within the territory.

What is even more disheartening is that he has to serve as the mayor in this wretched place

With this discovery, Bu Ge had long forgotten his original intention. Just a moment ago, he was still considering using this old man as a springboard to enter the noble circles here, but now he had a better plan.

Similarly, it is precisely because there are many individuals studying alchemy that the materials here are quite comprehensive. Brother Bu even feels that the completeness is somewhat excessive, as many rare plants can be found here, and not just one or two.

"Is it not permissible to pay a little less?" Brother Bu inquired

"It seems that you have a deep understanding of plants." The sudden question from behind startled Brother Bu.

While eating, Brother Bu recounted today's gains, only omitting the part related to alchemy. Although he was not afraid of being reported by the two stewards, there was no need to publicize such matters.

Please continue to look forward to the sequel of "Little People"

Bo Ge lived in the southern port city of Nius for a full five years. During those five years, one of his favorite activities was to go to the dock and watch the ships coming and going, which gave him a deep understanding of vessels.

The strong man was secretly startled

In the end, no one mentioned that priest, not because they could not come up with a strategy, but because none of them knew just how deep the waters ran here

The Secret Investigation Department wields limited power, yet it is a source of considerable headache for everyone. Anyone who interferes with the personnel of the Secret Investigation Department is easily perceived as an enemy of the state. Consequently, the agents of the Secret Investigation Department have earned the nickname "skunk," signifying that they, like skunks, cause people to flee at the mere mention of them

Of course, Brother Bu knows that the old man is trying to gauge his depth, to see if he can come up with an answer. This question is something he has indeed contemplated, but he is uncertain whether his thoughts are correct

"Not entirely; I am interested in various things," said Brother Bu

The church indeed wields divine power. Brother Bo clearly remembers that during his childhood at the monastery, on every full moon, a special mass would be held. Most of the mass was presided over by elderly men, and each child was required to approach the elder to have their head touched. It was common for some children to be taken away afterward

As he walked along, suddenly, Brother Bu's eyes were drawn to a cluster of small flowers by the roadside. The cluster of flowers was quite unremarkable, with tiny petals no larger than a needle's eye scattered among the bluish-green leaves. It was not particularly beautiful, nor was it captivating. The flowers bloomed in a courtyard, which was surrounded by a wooden fence.

Brother Bu pretended not to notice and directly asked, "You are quite familiar with this place; how do you think he will deal with me"

At this moment, a horse-drawn carriage is slowly making its way along the only street, and the driver, Bo, is filled with a sense of gloom.

The old man is over fifty this year and has held the position of mayor for more than twenty years, having long regarded this position as his personal property. It is said that he originally intended for his son to succeed him, but you have taken his place.

Before Bo Ge could get too close, he sensed a strong hostility. The few individuals who had been using the tow truck all stopped at that moment and glared at him with anger

Like most fallen aristocrats, the room contained some old yet inexpensive furnishings, with any valuable items surely having been sold off long ago

Bo Ge fell silent for a while, contemplating a strategy. After some time, he finally raised his head and asked, "Are there any other troubles?"

It is precisely because the seabed is too shallow that it cannot become a true seaport; even during high tide, the water does not become very deep

Like the old man's yard, many households here have gardens that resemble a botanical garden, and occasionally one can spot some minerals in the corners or among the weeds

The two stewards and the innkeeper Andrew appeared to be quite familiar with each other; after a brief greeting, they were led into their respective rooms

Suddenly, his heart began to race

Having their own armies, possessing their own courts, and even appointing officials within their territories, each noble domain can be regarded as a miniature kingdom

He has grown accustomed to wandering everywhere, having slept on the grass and lived in stables, so no matter where he is, he can live comfortably without the need for excess belongings

This courtyard is essentially a botanical garden

Upon hearing this, Brother Bu already had a rough outline of that priest in his mind. The background of that individual was likely very similar to his own, and it was even possible that he was the representative of the church here

If Bo Ge were to systematically write a paper, he would certainly struggle; however, when it comes to casual conversation, he is not inferior to any scholar.

Half an hour later, the two individuals finally completed the arrangements

Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this carriage is crafted with great precision. The yoke is made from a century-old vine, which is sturdy and resilient, but more importantly, it is lightweight. The wheels are constructed from a combination of cherry wood and teak, encircled with a band of iron. Such wheels will not suffer damage even after years of use.

The inn is very small, and it is quiet inside. There are not even a single footprint on the ground in front of the door, indicating that there have been hardly any guests staying here recently

This item is used exclusively in the imperial court

Another category is the steward, who is the person stationed outside by the earl for an extended period, equivalent to high officials in various provinces. Anyone who can attain either of these two positions is certainly not an ordinary individual

Although it is feasible, generally no one would do so

This is the public office that Earl Bavadweber helped him secure

If you have the ability to subdue all the forces behind these people, you can do whatever you want. Andrew said this very casually

The few books he remembered in his mind were not specialized works in the field of natural history. The items recorded in those books were all materials that could potentially be used in alchemy. According to the theories of alchemy, these materials are useful because they contain a certain special energy or element.

"How is this possible?" Andrew almost laughed, as everyone knew that the faction to which the Count belonged was at odds with the military: "You can't possibly be unaware that the Knights of Fark are all enemies of the Count"

Not just any room can be used as a laboratory; the location designated as a laboratory must first be quiet and discreet, and it must also have a chimney

This time, Kess did not evade the issue and stated directly: "The soldiers at that fortress are actually not difficult to deal with. Although these brutes are annoying, they have one very endearing quality: as long as there is someone present who holds a rank slightly higher than theirs, they do not dare to speak or act recklessly"

"You were just talking about smuggling," Brother Bu said

After much effort to calm his mind, he glanced around the courtyard

At this moment, coming with a purpose, all these dilapidated shops appeared so eerie in Brother Bu's eyes

From the old man's mouth, Bo Ge also learned about the situations of several other individuals in the town. These individuals had all served in Rupnail, which represents another accessible circle.

It is an unwritten rule here not to pry into others' secrets, a rule that has never been broken by anyone, including the priest and old Spencer. Those who violate this rule will become the enemy of everyone here, which also means that person will meet an untimely and mysterious end said Andrew, baring his teeth

What kind of person is someone that the gangsters do not dare to provoke? Is the title of Count Bavadweber not enough? Brother Bu feels that Ed still has something left unsaid

However, there were still some areas that caught Brother Bu's attention. Wooden shelves were nailed to the walls around the room, upon which various peculiar items were placed, including several uniquely shaped feathers, a collection of gemstones in different colors, and an assortment of minerals. Most of these items were recorded in the ledger.

In the past, during his time with the touring theater troupe, he always believed that those nobles were all fools, mere parasites living off the blood of the common people. However, over this period, he has come to realize that nobles are not without merit; even the impoverished among them possess certain skills. For instance, raising and training dogs is a specialty of the nobility.

Not only are there bandits, but there are also gangs," Andrew said. "This street may not look like much, but you would never guess that every shop on both sides has a special background

The carriage appears very simple, with a seat mounted on two wheels and a harness extending from beneath the seat. This is a racing carriage, which has only a circle of guardrails added around the footrests of the seat, and two curved shields added above the wheels to block the splashing of mud and dust. Additionally, there is a small hanging basket at the back of the seat, which can be used to hold items

This dilapidated small town is surprisingly a residential area for the nobility, which is truly hard to believe

Although it is a small town, in terms of area, it is certainly not small. Along the hillside, houses can be seen everywhere, extending sporadically for several kilometers.

This appears to be an entirely ordinary courtyard, seemingly neglected by its owner, as it is overgrown with weeds. However, Brother Bu immediately recognized that those weeds are likely the ones recorded in the monitoring logs; although they are not as rare as the Star Fragment Grass, there are still quite a few valuable specimens.

Naga is an unremarkable seaside town, located sixty kilometers northwest of the capital, Rupnagar.

Among the two stewards, Ed is taciturn, yet the weight of his words seems to carry more significance

However, another doubt soon arose in his mind. Brother Bu asked, "Isn't this a bit too complicated? Given the Earl's position in the Treasury, he could easily smuggle by simply manipulating the documents. Is it really necessary to take such risks?"

The reason I just referred to that individual as enigmatic is precisely because of this. There have been attempts by others to conceal their true income, yet no one has ever succeeded. Those who engage in such actions may not face immediate consequences, but before long, they will all vanish for various reasons.

A single sentence silenced Andrew.

These meticulously trained dogs can sometimes be more formidable than highly paid bodyguards. At the residence of the Earl of Bawadweber, he once witnessed a mastiff that was larger than a calf, and it astonishingly bit through standard heavy cavalry armor.

Apart from military achievements, titles obtained through other means do not come with land, but merely provide a meager allowance

"Did you encounter any bandits on your way here? There are quite a few bandits along this route. Although those soldiers can be quite bothersome, their presence keeps the bandits at bay," Andrew said.

The excessive concentration of power leads to a lack of control, ultimately resulting in a war that lasted for a century

The subordinates of Count Bavadwe are also ranked. Among the many subordinates of the Count, his rank is considered quite high. Therefore, when he first saw Brother Bu, he felt somewhat dismissive. However, that trace of dismissiveness has long since vanished without a trace.

Fortunately, there is something on Boge that proves his identity. A letter of certification, bearing the seal of Count Bavadweber.

Greed, I wonder if this can be considered a flaw, that guy is extremely greedy. Andrew thought for a moment and said: Every month, we have to pay this guy an amount that is roughly equivalent to thirty percent of each family's profits

Seeing the strong man step aside, Brother Bu strolled into the inn and casually said: "Give me three rooms; there are two more people coming, who may arrive here in the evening"

The items collected by the old man mostly belong to this type; could this merely be a coincidence? If it is not a coincidence, then the old man cannot be a naturalist, but rather someone immersed in alchemy

Having common topics naturally leads to engaging in conversation

It is somewhat troublesome. Andrew nodded with a stern expression: You should have noticed that there are quite a few fallen nobles living here. These people, lacking power and influence, often create trouble simply because of their noble status. They are the most annoying. If you want to establish yourself here, you must first deal with them.

What pleased him was that those who had spent time in Rupner seemed to look down, to some extent, on Mayor Spencer and his family. This was entirely understandable and could also be exploited

As for employing tactics, at least I do not care, and moreover, His Excellency the Count can provide us with many conveniences. The current issue is how to make good use of the rules here. Let us start with the easiest points...

These plants or minerals could not possibly have naturally gathered here

There is no need to look at me; I do not know what those people are truly afraid of. Having dealt with them for such a long time, I only know that they care solely about their interests, and for the sake of those interests, they are willing to do anything. Andrew kept shaking his head: "The only thing they seem to be afraid to touch is the priest inside the church."

Having understood this, the robust man Andrew did not intend to flatter or ingratiate himself; he had his own value, and his position was secured by his strength. However, maintaining good relationships was indeed essential

Retreating is not a disgrace; Brother Bu is very clear about when to retreat

Within any noble circle, there is certainly a smaller circle related to *illustrated* books. The ties that maintain these circles may be based on interests, hobbies, or possibly a certain secret

Brother Bo, Andrew, and two deacons gathered in the room facing the hillside. Andrew busily moved some tables and chairs up, and he also prepared dinner, bringing it all up together

In the monitoring system, items are categorized into five levels based on their rarity: extinct, rare, uncommon, precious, and ordinary. Stardust Grass is classified as a rare material.

This is the rule of the aristocratic circle; without an invitation, there is an absolute prohibition on mutual visits.

Establishing a foothold here is neither particularly difficult nor particularly easy. "It's not a matter of urgency," Kess said slowly, "If it comes to violence, we certainly cannot manage it. The Count would not have sent us here. Even the Count himself is lacking in terms of military strength...

What does he rely on to deter bandits and gangs?" Brother Bu immediately asked

Another factor that instills fear in the gangs is that the agents of the Intelligence Bureau are omnipresent, hiding even more discreetly than they do. Therefore, while the police department may be unaware of the gangs' secrets, the Intelligence Bureau is certainly well-informed. If one truly provokes the Intelligence Bureau, it is very easy to be uprooted completely

Knowing that continuing to ask would yield no further information, Brother Bu glanced out the window. He intended to go out and assess the situation: "I plan to take a stroll around. How is the security here? Is it safe to be alone?"

This tactic has never failed; many of those fallen nobles have suffered greatly, yet they can only endure in silence. Andrew sighed deeply and said, "Let me tell you one more thing: the young one from the Spencer family has a very close relationship with several officers in the fortress"

At that time, Brother Bu was unaware of what was happening, until he met Sister Ying Buru again. In a moment of passionate entanglement, Sister Ying Buru inadvertently revealed that all those who had been taken away were children with potential who could possibly cultivate divine power, and the Church had a dedicated place to train them

God knows how many nobles like this exist in Fark

Brother Bo's knowledge is not profound, but he has memorized quite a bit. Before the age of seven, he received education in the church, and afterwards, he learned some things while living with his adoptive mother. At the age of twelve, he left home and wandered around for four years, during which he traveled to many places and saw many things. Recently, he has been desperately filling his mind with a lot of miscellaneous information

From the map, Nagazhen is one of the closest ports to the capital, Rupnai'er. Although large ships cannot enter this place, small boats can navigate in during high tide

Old Ed did not respond, but instead looked at Andrew

Having not walked more than ten meters, the sound of barking dogs echoed from the hillside. As the barking intensified, shadows began to move in the windows and courtyards of the surrounding houses

As he walked along the path, Bu Ge observed much more than before; now his eyes would not overlook even a single weed in the courtyard

The vehicle is quite good as well, the strong man said somewhat disingenuously. He seemed to be concealing something, but when he unloaded the light cart, he was slightly taken aback

Perhaps there is some truth to this rumor, as the noisy barking of the dogs has indeed gradually quieted down

Nobles living in such a wretched place are certainly not the wealthy elite. They are all impoverished among the nobility, most of whom can only rely on the blessings of their ancestors, surviving on meager allowances. With such an income in the capital, where every inch of land is precious, it is impossible to reside there for long; they can only retreat to this remote corner.

It is impossible for everyone to listen to him, but after all, he has been the mayor for over twenty years and holds considerable influence in this small town. Moreover, his family has lived here for generations, and the people here have various familial ties with one another. You, on the other hand, are entirely an outsider. How do you think those decayed aristocrats will choose?

The old man's clothing is finely crafted, yet appears somewhat worn; his boots are similarly scuffed, while only the hat is brand new. All of this aligns perfectly with the image of a fallen noble in unfortunate circumstances

Brother Bu glanced out the window; it was indeed getting late. He decided to hold the meeting after finishing the meal.

"Since you, my lord, have said this, you must already have a countermeasure in mind," interjected the ever-silent Old Ed.

Bo Ge did not intend to wait for his appointment to meet the local declining nobility as the mayor, as that would make him appear aloof and likely lead to rejection by the locals. Instead, he hoped to gradually integrate himself among these people

At this moment, Ed, who had rarely spoken, suddenly said: "Not provoking them does not mean we fear them; it is still necessary to prepare in advance. As long as we make them feel that we are not to be trifled with, that is sufficient"

After chatting for half an hour, Brother Bu finally got what he needed

Upon exiting the old man's house, Brother Bu immediately sensed that the gazes of the people around him had become much friendlier. Although he was still a stranger, he had already become a stranger who could be accepted.

Although the time of contact has not been long, he deeply feels that the Count approaches everything with a focus on profit; he would never engage in anything that does not yield a benefit

Smuggling. Andrew's response was very straightforward

"Yes," Andrew said. "Did you see that fortress on the northern hill? There is a detachment of soldiers stationed there. Although there are only a few hundred of them, they are a significant problem here."

The old steward looked at Brother Bu with his eyes

The cart is very light, one might even say it is exceedingly light, as it can be lifted with one hand. At this moment, the strong man carefully examines the inconspicuous lightweight cart.

Many conflicts can be avoided if one party chooses to retreat. As those few individuals watched Brother Bu slowly walk away, they immediately retracted their earlier hostility and resumed their own tasks once Brother Bu had moved twenty meters away.

"Let's talk about the situation here. I only heard from the Earl that things are not very peaceful here," Bo Ge said as soon as he entered his room, directly addressing the topic

As he gradually approached the halfway up the mountain, the houses became denser, and he could finally see figures along the path. Due to the rules of the aristocratic circle, Bu Ge also could not casually greet anyone. He would only occasionally raise his hat slightly or nod in acknowledgment when someone was looking at him. True aristocrats must understand the importance of maintaining distance.

Upon hearing this, the two stewards appeared somewhat taken aback. After a considerable pause, Kess nodded and said, "Perhaps this is the case for someone of your status"

After reviewing more than a dozen books on sociology, he finally found a vague answer. All of this began with the Hundred Years' War. Before that, the nobility was scarce and precious, with each noble owning a territory, and the residents of that territory belonging to the noble's private property. At that time, the power held by the nobility was immense.

He glanced at the wooden fence; as long as he reached in, this rare plant would belong to him. He felt a stir of desire within. However, the wooden fence signified that this rare plant was the private property of someone.

Brother Bu could fully understand Andrew's meaning; he was even certain that once he broke the rules, not only would he fail to receive assistance from the person before him, but he would also have to worry about a dagger thrusting from behind.