NOVEL WEB chapter 162
87. Top-tier Freebie (Seeking Monthly Votes)
“Master Campbell, the matter has been resolved.”
In the carriage filled with a faint fragrance, Mu En raised his eyes to look at the balding middle-aged man who had just returned from outside.
The sparse Mediterranean hair on the man still retained the dew from the night, and his dark circles were very pronounced, making it seem like he hadn’t closed his eyes for a long time.
Yet he still appeared spirited.
—He had no choice but to be spirited; when his subordinate suddenly reported that the son of Duke Campbell had reported illegal trading in the lower city and gang clashes, he nearly spat out his drink on another distinguished guest he was hosting.
Thinking of this, the man couldn’t help but wipe the cold sweat from his brow; fortunately, he hadn’t actually sprayed it out, or else his life would have truly been in danger.
However, it was still quite a shock; he thought it was because he hadn’t handled that previous matter well, and as a result, that young master Campbell was holding a grudge and trying to set him up.
One must know that illegal trading and gang clashes, if they endangered a duke’s son, would lead to no good outcome for him if it got out.
—
Fortunately, fortunately, none of this has happened.
“Lord Gu En, are you alright? You look like you haven’t rested much.”
Seeing Lord Gu En, who seemed on the verge of collapsing at any moment, Mu En couldn’t help but express his concern:
“Did I disturb you late at night? I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”
“Not at all, not at all. This is for the people of Belrand, how could it be a bother?”
Lord Gu En chuckled awkwardly, wiping the sweat from his forehead that seemed impossible to clean, and pulled out a box from behind him.
The familiar metallic container lay quietly within, its surface adorned with mysterious runes that swam like golden tadpoles.
“Master Mu En, this is your item. We’ve retrieved it from those gangsters for you.” Lord Gu En respectfully handed over the box.
“Thank you.”
Mu En smiled as he took the box, his palm gently stroking the metallic surface. A mechanical sound echoed as a gap opened in the container.
In an instant, a terrifying pressure swept over, and Mu En couldn’t help but take a deep breath, quickly snapping the container shut again.
“It truly is my lost item. I’m sorry for the trouble, Lord Gu En.”
“Master Campbell, you’re being too polite. How could this be a bother? It’s my duty. Rather, I should thank you for helping me uncover the evil deeds hidden in the darkness.”
“Lord Gu En is indeed a responsible administrator. With someone like you in the lower district, things will surely get better.”
“Master Campbell, you flatter me. To come to my lower district in the dead of night to empathize with the people, and to stand up fearlessly against the forces of evil, you truly live up to the title of Duke’s heir.”
“Oh, not at all, just wandering around aimlessly at midnight.”
“You’re so humble, Master. Your deeds would surely be a significant topic of conversation even at those grand banquets.”
“Ah, those old gents only talk nonsense. I don’t like that; I prefer the down-to-earth pragmatism of someone like Lord Gu En!”
Mu En patted Lord Gu En’s shoulder vigorously, praising him.
“Keep it up, and you’ll surely have a bright future.”
“Haha, then I hope Master Mu En can say a few good words for me in front of those old gents?” Lord Gu En said, his face beaming with joy.
“Absolutely.”
Mu En casually stored the metallic container back into his spatial device, stood up, and stepped down from the carriage.
“Master Campbell, do you need me to find someone to escort you?” Lord Gu En called after him, asking.
“No need.”
“Oh, I see. Then take care, Master Campbell.” Lord Gu En bowed respectfully.
“No need to see me off.”
Mu En waved his hand and walked into the night.
As he watched Mu En’s figure gradually disappear, the smile on Lord Gu En’s face suddenly vanished, and he muttered something under his breath, his expression turning somewhat sinister.
But he quickly slapped his face, and the weariness that had been etched on his features was replaced once more by a smile.
He hunched over, his posture even lower than when he faced Mu En, quickly returning to the carriage.
The carriage was not empty; in the spot where Mu En had just sat, there was now a silver-haired girl.
The girl was flipping through a stack of documents, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, as if deep in thought.
Viscount Gu En dared not disturb her, lowering his breath and waiting quietly.
It was unclear how much time had passed when the girl seemed to finally notice the presence before her, lifting her eyes to ask:
“Is everything resolved?”
“Of… of course, it was just a bunch of damned rats and bugs from the lower district. It’s truly embarrassing to have kept Her Highness the Princess waiting for so long.”
“Oh, so according to you, those rats and bugs have all been executed?”
“…Well… that… might… not… be the case…”
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead again. Under the silent pressure from the girl, Viscount Gu En felt a few strands of hair fall from his brow.
The Mediterranean, reflecting the flawless moonlight, felt even cooler.
“Forget it, the situation in the lower district isn’t something you can change alone.”
Celicia’s eyes fell indifferently, not wanting to waste too much time on this matter.
“However, that guy’s behavior has surprised me a bit.”
When Mu En came to report with righteous indignation, Celicia had been discussing some matters with Viscount Gu En. At that time, she thought Mu En had been provoked by some ungrateful fellow and was using his identity to teach others a lesson.
So she had hidden away to observe the situation, ready to step in if things got out of hand.
Unexpectedly, he actually wanted to… take advantage of the situation?
How interesting. Not to mention that this guy had the audacity to wander into the lower district; this top-tier skill of freeloading didn’t seem like something a duke’s son, who had never lacked for money, would possess.
If he wanted the ancient dragon’s essence, it wouldn’t be so troublesome; he could just give a command, and someone would surely fetch it for him.
“But given that guy’s recent strange behavior, it seems there’s nothing out of place.”
A slight smile curved Celicia’s lips as she thought of that guy, clearly a duke’s son, deliberately going to the lower district to play the fool. She couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement.
But she quickly pushed those unrelated thoughts about tonight out of her mind, her expression growing cold once more.
“Now, Viscount Gu En, let’s continue our previous discussion.”
Celicia took out individual photographs from the documents she had been reviewing, placing them on the table in front of her, along with corresponding descriptions cut from the documents, arranging them beside the photos.
The photographs were all quite blurry, showing only vague shadows, some even resembling childish scribbles.
Yet every time Celicia’s long, fair fingers touched those photos or drawings, Viscount Gu En’s complexion paled a few shades.
“Heart-eating succubus…”
“Shadow butcher…”
“Insomniac…”
“Lake monster of the Gulein River…”
“Still…”