Chapter 88: Chapter 84: ’A Certain Soone Is Quite Wealthy
It wasn’t that he was gloating over their misfortune.
Strictly speaking, the fate of Redstone Town had little to do with him. As far as this instance world was concerned, he was just a passerby.
He had interacted with the people of Redstone Town, but they had their own destinies.
’Respect the destinies of others, and abandon any hero complex.’ This was the basic principle Fang Zhen, a modern man, lived by.
Fang Zhen had told Ande about Baron von Kleist partly because he thought it might unlock clues for the third act of the instance, and partly as an insurance policy for himself.
As soone from Xia Country, he had read too many historical stories of people being cast aside once they had outlived their usefulness.
He had helped Redstone Town get rid of the Kobold nace, but from another perspective, once the Kobolds were eliminated, Redstone Town’s need for him would plumt.
The threat of Baron von Kleist, however, posed an even greater danger to Redstone Town, thereby forcing its people to beco more dependent on Fang Zhen.
This was exactly what he wanted to see.
He had so goodwill toward the people of Redstone Town, but it didn’t affect his judgnt or actions. In fact, his presence and actions had helped the people of Redstone Town without harming the interests of any ordinary townsperson.
The more Ande and the others relied on Fang Zhen and felt they needed him, the safer he would be.
Rather than entrusting his safety to the kindness of others, Fang Zhen felt it was much more reliable to appeal to their self-interest.
’There’s nothing wrong with seeking a bit more security when you’re all alone in a strange world.’
Sure enough, after a mont of thought, Matthew said, "Baron von Kleist may have been tempted by a devil and beco corrupted. I need to write a letter with this information and find a way to get it to the Holy See of the Tade Church."
"When it cos to evil, we must eradicate it completely! Even the slightest clue must be pursued."
"But before that, my safety, and that of Mayor Ande, will likely depend on you, Knight Fang Zhen."
As he spoke, Matthew turned his gaze to Fang Zhen.
Ande also looked over, his eyes filled with fervent hope.
Fang Zhen didn’t indulge their expectations.
He stood up, and seeing that both Matthew and Ande were looking at him, he said, "Gentlen, I must reiterate my position."
"I am just a wandering foreigner, not a Knight of Viscount Ashton’s Territory, nor the protector of Redstone Town, and certainly not an enforcer of the Tade Church’s order."
"I only do what is required of . Right now, that is to eliminate the Kobolds and receive my paynt."
"As for resisting Baron von Kleist’s attempt to seize Redstone Town, that is not my obligation, nor do I have any such responsibility."
"Your expectations are not my concern."
Ande and Matthew fell silent upon hearing this, a hint of disappointnt on their faces.
After a pause, he added, "I don’t wish for anyone to guilt-trip
with morality or anything of the sort. But if you can offer a price that’s tempting enough, I might consider lending a hand."
"I prefer to state these things upfront to prevent you from having unrealistic expectations of ."
Fang Zhen saw that both Ande and Matthew were lost in thought.
After a long mont, Ande said, "I understand, my lord."
"I will consider this matter carefully and discuss it with a few influential and tight-lipped people in town. If we truly need your help, we will do our best to offer a suitable price. But when the ti cos, I ask that you provide us with so assistance when it is necessary."
Fang Zhen nodded.
Ande also stood up and said, "My lord, the news tonight has been too shocking. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep. I will go and take care of what needs to be done."
"Also, please rest assured, I am a man who keeps his promises. I will be sure to prepare the red ore I promised you."
"Good." Fang Zhen nodded.
Ande rose, bowed to Fang Zhen and Matthew, then turned, walked to the door, opened it, went out, and gently closed it behind him.
A while after Ande left, Matthew let out a soft sigh.
"Ande is a good man. Unfortunately, in tis like these, it’s hard for good n to survive. May the Light of Tad guide him," Matthew said.
Matthew drew an equilateral triangle over his chest, then turned his head to look at him.
"Sir, I sensed earlier that you had sothing you wanted to say to
alone. Now is a good ti," Matthew said.
"It seems Tad has blessed you with a keen perception," Fang Zhen said with a small smile.
"Priest, you ntioned devils earlier. Could you tell
more about them?" he asked. "Don’t get
wrong, I’m not interested in devils themselves. It’s just that I encountered so strange things while exterminating the Kobolds."
"Oh? Please, do tell." Upon hearing the question, Matthew imdiately perked up.
Fang Zhen gave a rough account of the parchnt scroll he had seen in the Dogman Mine, the evil sacrificial Summoning Array, and the demon ford of black smoke that appeared when he burned the scroll.
"Sir Knight, you truly are a man of firm will. Believe , if you were to join the Tade Church, your accomplishnts would be anything but small." After listening, Matthew looked astonished, with a deep sense of admiration that didn’t seem feigned in the slightest. His words were earnest and sincere.
His gaze was fervent as he looked at Fang Zhen, as if he were looking at a priceless treasure.
Fang Zhen endured the sowhat uncomfortable feeling of being stared at and asked, "How so?"
"The parchnt scroll you ntioned was most likely a lure left by a devil. Within the church, we generally call it a ’Devil’s Contract’ or a ’Soul Contract.’ Outside the church, so also call it a Magic Trap," Matthew said.
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