Chapter 253
253 The plan begins
Fliara and Eliara agreed and took their belongings. Other than personal belongings, they had a wand. Each wand was made of dark wood with a few runes carved on it. Additionally, the wands had a Magic Core matching the element of their spells.
Made Xu did the same. She placed a locket in her pocket and two tiny daggers about the size of a pen in the bottom of her black shoes.
Almost everyone stared at her as she inserted the blades in her shoes. Maid Xu almost looked like an assassin. Everyone thought not to push her too far, or she might end their lives when they least expected it.
Vincent inspected the equipment, but unfortunately, only the wands were enchanted with buffs. They were ordinary blades, shields, and men wear.
Furthermore, Vincent found a few empty vials, three health regen potions, one healing potion, and two strength potions, but they were of the lowest grade. He also found five capture vials.
Vincent then collected all the money from multiple pouches and counted fifty silver coins in total.
“Everyone, may I have your attention, please.” Said Fliara with a slightly louder voice.
“Ahem... My name is Fliara, and I am a D Rank Mage with the elemental affinity of fire.” Fliara suddenly introduced herself.
“And my name is Eliara. I am a D Rank Mage with the elemental affinity of earth.” Eliara continued after her half-sister.
.....
It was difficult to tell them apart at first as both were of the same height. They had the same dark brown long hair, brown eyes, their body shape was similar, and even their faces were quite identical.
However, Eliara has a small number of light freckles on her face. So it’s only difficult to tell who is who from afar. After a few seconds of looking at both up close, they can be distinguished.
That was before. Now both wore similar easy-to-move summer adventurer-like clothes with a sleeveless blouse and fitted shorts. Additionally, Fliara wore a red lace top on her sleeveless blouse, while Eliara wore a yellow-colored one. Fliara and Eliara could be easily distinguished in their new set of clean clothes.
“My sister and I have decided to assist you. Ester, Xu Xao Long, and Vincent, we don’t have many places to go now. This is the least we can do after you save our lives.” Eliara stated.
“Yeah. Then we try our luck in the other two major kingdoms of this continent. If not, then we try to do some jobs in villages, towns, or the famous Merrysea Port. ” Fliara added.
[So, do you really intend to go with the plan to kill?]
-Yes. Any ideas?-
[How about this...]
A few hours later, the four humans, one beastman, one elf, and three demigoblins left the place that changed everyone’s lives.
Iris rode with Vincent, Lupa unhappily rode with Ester, Lian and Olive rode with Fliara and Eliara. Maid Xu rode the last horse alone because she confessed to being a beginner at horse riding.
The large group of nine started their trip at about noon. They led the horses to run at a reasonable pace since four out of five horses had two riders on them.
Iris was still working on the assignment Vincent gave her. Iris needed time to create something while Vincent stayed with her to inspect the results. Additionally, they had no reason to hurry other than Maid Xu wanting to know the whereabouts of Lillith Lionheart.
*Day 67*
*Day 68 – Early evening*
In the early evening, the horses arrived near Lusterfall City.
Vincent ordered everyone to stop at the end of the forest, which was a dozen or two minutes of walking to the East Gate entrance.
Vincent, Ester, Maid Xu, Fliara, and Eliara formed one group, while Lupa, Iris, Lian, Olive, and the horses formed another.
Vincent’s team was to enter the city and split into three groups. Vincent would go to Viscount Demel Blackheart and start the plan from his side.
Ester’s job was to bring Plow out of the city. If the situation turned dire, Vincent would be able to escape without worry if he knew Plow wasn’t in the city. Vincent and Kazumi both agreed on this decision.
Maid Xu was to follow the half-sisters to retrieve their belongings in the room they rented. Later, they would go together to the South Gate district barracks and report the fake quest made by Viscount Demel Blackheart.
They were to say how they unknowingly participated in a false quest that nearly made them slaves and how the fake kidnapped noblewoman must be hidden somewhere in the mansion.
Maid Xu was to tell how the mansion’s design is weird and how her lady might be located in a secret hidden dungeon inside the mansion. She was also informed to ask for South District City Guard Vice Captain Ben because he knew about the fake quest and should have made a report already.
Vincent told Maid Xu that Ben should be able to help, but he also asked not to push too much for him because Ben is a reasonable and good man. They shouldn’t involve him and his family in unnecessary danger.
Additionally, when Fliara and Eliara deem Maid Xu wasn’t with shady-looking or at least non-Blackheath-sponsored soldiers, they were to make an excuse and head to the Adventurers Guild.
The two half-sisters were to report to the Adventurers guild about Viscount Demel Blackheart breaking the number one taboo rule no one is ever allowed to break. Even if they had to fight against the soldiers sponsored by the Blackhearts, the two women decided to do anything to make the report and get the Adventurers Guild involved.
Vincent gave the half-sisters and Maid Xu multiple personal belongings that could validate their claim when the need to show proof presented itself.
The second group stayed outside the city with horses. Lupa was the leader, and she was ready for any situation. The wolf girl was happy to be the leader of a small group, and her tail gently wagged from time to time.
Lupa’s group hid at the edge of Rumput Forest and waited for someone to return with good or bad news. Coincidentally, all four members of the group had spent almost all their lives in the wild. Staying in the forest without a campfire in the dark was nothing to them.
*Viscount Demel Blackheart Mansion*
Vincent arrived in front of the mansion. There was one guard in front of the gate this time.
“Halt, who goes there!” The guard looked at Vincent from head to toe and suddenly continued in a surprised tone, “Ohh, sir, it’s you! I didn’t notice you without the bandages and slightly different figure.”
“Sir, you must have a great trading network to change this much in so little time. So, what do you need?” The guard said. He looked more curious than suspicious of Vincent’s change. It was easy to tell that Vincent’s change amazed the guard.
Vincent was healed and became more toned from Overload and the Soul Power system absorbing his energy and what else it could use as fuel to exchange into Soul Power points.
“I know it’s late, but I came here in a hurry and would like to meet Viscount Blackheart today. I acquired a. Wait for it. A fresh Mudcrab Leg!” Vincent tried to excite the mudcrab meat as much as possible. However, it appeared to be a useless action. The guard was salivating at the mention of mudcrab leg, even if it was probably false.
“Ahem, mind my manners, sir.” The guard wiped the drool from his mouth. “Perhaps, might this kind sir have an extra tiny piece for taste testing? I would like to confirm if it is really the jewel-like meat that costs a silver per ten grams.” The guard shamelessly asked.
[See, what did I tell you. You don’t need to hype up the product if the people are willing to have it without a buzz of a sound. And even after we added that to it, hehehe.]
-I still wanted to try...-
“I was treated well last time, so I have brought an extra tiny portion to all the employees in this mansion. This item can be used for a celebration if you know what I mean. So I decided to share this quite enjoyable product and hope to have more welcoming greetings as I bring a variety of products.”
Vincent took out a piece of mudcrab meat he prepared in advance. He carefully placed the egg-sized piece of jewel-like meat on the guard’s hand.
“The fresher it is when consumed, the tastier it is and more enjoyment it provides. I suggest consuming it today in your... Ahem, free time since it’s still fresh and tasty.” Vincent then winked and curved a smirk. “I heard elves are the best. I think you and the boys will have a night to remember.”
“P-please, follow me.” The guard stuttered from excitement. He stored the meat in a bag of holding and led Vincent to a guard in front of the entrance door.
One guard after another, Vincent handed the fifth guard a piece of mudcrab meat.
*Knock, knock* “My lord, the trader who previously brought the Bloody Tulip has brought a fresh Mudcrab Leg. Shall I let the trader enter or tell him to come another day?” The fifth guard who guarded the noble man’s office door respectfully announced.
*Snap*
“You may enter, kind sir.” The guard creepily smiled and opened the door after he heard the Demel Blackheart’s finger snap.
[Congratulations for getting this far with your poker face and fake salesman-like smile. I think you wanted to kill them as well.]