After finalizing the trade, the limping Ji Fu led Tom and his companions away from the One-eyed Giant Tavern and stopped in front of a two-story building that looked lavish with its white li coating.
Pointing at the building, Ji Fu said, "This is the place."
Before Tom could respond, the wooden door in front of them opened and a group of young people erged, all wearing Ma Yi robes and sporting a variety of weapons at their waists.
They were indistinguishable from the group they had encountered outside the tailor’s shop, clearly mbers of the new army Constantino had ntioned.
For a split second, Tom even thought Ji Fu had betrayed them and was about to signal his n to grab their weapons. However, the Ma Yi-clad group rely gave them a disdainful look and then left without taking any action or saying anything.
"Don’t worry about them. As I said, those guys aren’t going to bother you," Ji Fu reassured.
"Why not?"
"Because they don’t want to offend the boss around here."
"Exactly who is this boss to have such clout that even the Eimondi family and soone from the Church wouldn’t want to offend him?" Redio couldn’t help but ask.
"No, he is unlike you, born lowly, simply managing a sowhat special business."
"A rchant?"
"Hmm... closer to a deity, since he governs the most innate human desires, able to bring joy to n like you and ," Ji Fu replied.
Redio was initially taken aback, but then he realized what kind of business the boss was involved in, and couldn’t help but beco angry, "You’re making us stay in a place like this?"
"Unless you have a better place to go," Ji Fu said. "By the way, you’re only paying for the rooms. If you want company from the girls, that’ll be extra."
Redio wanted to say more, but Tom had already spoken up, praising, "This place isn’t bad."
"I knew you’d like it," Ji Fu said with a grin. "There are a few similar establishnts in the city, but none can compare to the Night House. Not only the commoners, but nobles also co here on the sly for entertainnt."
"Then we’ll have to explore and see for ourselves."
Having said that, Tom was already eagerly striding into the building. Redio’s expression changed several tis before he finally followed with gritted teeth.
He whispered to Tom, "Captain Jerry, don’t forget your mission."
"Of course." Though Tom’s reply was crisp, he was clearly distracted and kept looking around as he entered.
Seeing a plump woman with makeup coming towards him, his face imdiately lit up with pleasure.
The woman’s eyes also lit up when she saw Tom, and she blurted out, "Such a handso man, and I can even sll the scent of blood and iron on you. I bet you have many legendary stories behind you, rcenary."
"You have quite an eye," Tom said with a cheesy grin, then he turned to Redio and added, "You see, this is the advantage of having hair. The world is finally taking notice of my good looks."
"Don’t be foolish. They say that to everyone, just trying to get your money," Redio scoffed.
"I apologize for my companion’s rudeness. We’ve just been through a long journey and he’s exhausted. Could we get our rooms arranged first? Maybe later we could find a place to... talk in more detail."
"Certainly." The made-up woman blew Tom a kiss.
She then led Tom and the others behind the small building to an even smaller stone tower.
The people from the Double Rest Sect were settled there, with Redio and Tom sharing a room. However, as soon as he had finished stowing his luggage, he turned around to find that the Guard Captain of the Black Hounds was nowhere to be found.
It wasn’t until almost dawn that the latter returned, humming a tune.
As he entered, he saw Redio with a dark expression on his face.
"How did you sleep last night?" Tom greeted him.
"Not well."
"Then you’d better get used to the bedding here quickly, looks like we’ll be staying in the city for a few more days, or shall I go and buy you another blanket or sothing to pad underneath yourself?"
"My poor sleep isn’t because I don’t have a blanket, it’s because you, as the Guard Captain of the Black Hound, have betrayed Prophet’s trust," Redio stared straight at Tom.
"We were supposed to search for Miss Mary’s whereabouts as soon as we entered the city, yet you’ve indulged in debauchery, disregarding Miss Mary’s life or death. I will report your actions truthfully next ti I contact Prophet rlin."
"Who told you I was indulging in debauchery?" Tom sat down on the bed and defended himself, "I was gathering information."
"I won’t believe your lies anymore."
"Then let ask you a question, where do you think is the best place to gather information?"
Before Redio could answer, Tom revealed the answer, "Taverns, and brothels."
"Especially the latter, n always find it hard to keep their mouths shut when facing won, especially beautiful won.
"And our Miss Sarita happens to be very beautiful, not only that, but she also has many sisters... so now you understand why I needed to get on good terms with them."
"What information did you gather?" Redio’s expression softened a bit.
"Sarita is quite talkative, we chatted about a lot of things throughout the night, two of which caught my attention. The first is that Hirodod seems to be secretly making sothing.
"He has a mysterious cavalry under his command; if I’m not mistaken, they are the sa guys that Prophet rlin and I confronted before. They’ve secretly captured about twenty pharmacists in the city these days and concentrated them in a tavern to the south of the city."
"And the second thing?"
"The second is even more interesting. While Priest Martina was gathering troops from the nobles, proclaiming to attack Duolin City, Hirodod did not step up to calm people imdiately, instead, he quietly left the city with a few people, and he disappeared for almost ten days before reappearing.
"Moreover, he left on horseback, but ca back in a carriage."
"Were there others who ca back with him?"
"That’s a possibility."
"Could it be Mary?"
"Still need to investigate," Tom said, "Besides, I’ve also found out where Hirodod lives; tonight I can plant a Divine’s Eye and Divine’s Ear at his doorstep, see if we can gather any useful clues."
Upon hearing this, Redio fell into silence, and it was only after a mont that he reluctantly said, "I misunderstood you, Captain Jerry."
Tom didn’t mind, even patting him on the shoulder.
"We’re both followers of the Double Rest Sect, don’t take this little thing to heart, but don’t forget the bet you owe ."
"What bet?" Redio didn’t catch on for a mont.
Then he saw Tom reach under the bed for a chamber pot and start to unbuckle his trousers, "I’ve been holding it in all night for you, hold it steady later, don’t spill it."
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