23: Chapter 23 Stinginess is blasphemy

After Zhang Mu left, Avril did not return to her room.

She sat at the dining table in the living room, prepared a cup of instant noodles, and asked Potter, who was standing at the doorway, "Teacher, in my impression, you are not someone who likes to change your decisions on a whim."

On the first day they arrived at Kas Town, Potter had told her that he did not intend to take Zhang Mu as a student for the time being.

"Things always change in ways that exceed initial expectations; one must learn to be flexible." Potter turned around, his wrinkled face smiling.

"Although there is no sign of any treasure in Kas Town, I don't think I will regret coming here."

As for the secret of Zhang Mu's improved magic, he did not intend to let Avril know.

It was not that he doubted her character, but secrets are safer the fewer people know about them.

Do not gamble on the probability of accidents; eliminating the possibility of exposure at the root is the best choice.

As a mage standing at the peak who had not made any progress for many years, Potter knew well that once Zhang Mu was discovered, he would surely die.

Imprison him for interrogation?

That would be overestimating that group of desperate old geezers who were driven almost insane by their stagnant strength.

They wouldn't have the patience for whipping or interrogation; killing him directly to copy his memories using magic crystal stones would be more in line with their behavior.

For the sake of Zhang Mu's safety, Potter would not reveal this to anyone.

Avril used a plastic fork to twirl the noodles, rolling them to a size that could fit into her mouth without opening it too wide, then cut the noodles with magic.

Parting her thin lips slightly, she brought the noodles into her mouth, chewed them gently, and swallowed: "Speaking of treasure, Teacher, are you sure it's just a rumor?"

"I have searched every inch of land around the town and haven't even found a clue to the treasure's location." Potter stroked his long beard. "But regarding it being a rumor, the unusually high activity of magical beasts seems problematic."

"In any case, we will be staying here for a few more days. I'll go look around when I have free time, and by the way..."

Potter walked toward the stairs: "I need to find a way to solve Zhang Mu's illness."

...

Kas Town Tavern.

As the only tavern in town, it was already full as night fell.

Latecomers had to order their favorite drinks and clink glasses while leaning against the door.

The captain of the town garrison—Rone Bush—was not among them.

Although the power in his hands was negligible, he was very skilled at throwing it around.

"I remember you are the Shop Owner of the general store? Has the street cleaning tax been paid? I'll send someone to check the accounts tomorrow."

Before he had even finished speaking, the Shop Owner and other shopkeepers had already stood up to give him their seats and ran outside.

Rone snorted through his nose, seemingly very proud of the fear others had of him.

And their ignorance.

Because he had absolutely no right to audit taxes; that was the job of the finance officer under the town mayor.

Occupying a round table all by himself, Rone loudly shouted for the waiter to bring him wine, his face flushed.

The young waiter quickly brought two glasses of scarlet wine, but despite his speed, he was still scolded.

Walking away while apologizing, he wondered, what was wrong with this annoying garrison captain today?

It wasn't unusual for him to like ordering people around, but this was the first time he had resorted to verbal abuse.

Meanwhile, Rone gulped down his wine; the dignity he had just found from the patrons and the waiter vanished instantly as he recalled the events of the afternoon.

Damn bastard! What's so great about a mage!

Even if you begged me to be a mage, I wouldn't...

If there really were an opportunity, he would still hope to become a mage.

Rone suddenly lost the mood to drink and stood up to walk out of the tavern.

He didn't pay the bill, but the tavern owner didn't even look at him; he was already used to it.

"Yes, that guest from out of town earned twenty-five gold coins from me, but I don't feel like I lost anything at all."

Just as he stepped outside, Rone heard the Shop Owner, who was leaning against the wall, bragging to someone else.

A guest from out of town?

Rone recalled the young mage's strange attire from earlier that day, stepped forward, and grabbed the Shop Owner: "The person you're talking about, is he in his early twenties, black hair, wearing exotic-style clothing?"

"Yes, yes, Lord Rone." The Shop Owner, having been yanked hard from behind, was startled and replied subconsciously.

Twenty gold coins, huh...

Rone's mouth curled up slightly; he let go and walked away amidst the Shop Owner's confused and terrified gaze.

He walked all the way to the town church, entered the main gate, and found the priest who was praying to the statue of god in the sanctuary.

"Bishop Charlie, I have some news that I think you will definitely be interested in."

Charlie was wearing a clean white robe; he was tall, middle-aged, had a dignified appearance, and his eyes revealed kindness and gentleness.

Looking at his face, Rone felt disdain in his heart. A greedy bastard actually grew such a face; the god must be a fool to have chosen this guy as their follower.

"Mr. Rone, what kind of news is it?"

"A traveler from out of town is carrying at least twenty-five gold coins."

Charlie stared at him with an inexplicable smile: "That is indeed a considerable amount of wealth, but I think..."

"Besides that, perhaps he is a knight? Or a mage?"

His little scheme was pointed out, but Rone felt no shame or embarrassment, certain that this guy would absolutely not let this opportunity pass.

A traveler from out of town—take his life and bury him in the forest outside the town. Even if he were coincidentally discovered by the townsfolk, he believed the townsfolk would have no interest in seriously demanding the garrison investigate the murderer for a stranger.

They wouldn't even bother to file a report.

In this way, the risk of the crime being exposed during a routine check of records by the superior municipal official would also be gone.

Rone puffed out his chest confidently, looking at the bishop.

After a while, Charlie revealed a fox-like smile: "I am indeed very interested, but intercepting and killing a mage is no small matter. What does his mage badge look like?"

"I didn't see a mage badge."

So it's a mage reserve who is practicing the Meditation Method.

However, some mages are in the habit of putting away their badges; he would have to go and test his depth.

Charlie had a plan in mind and resumed his benevolent smile: "I will explain to him that offering wealth to the god is an obligation he should fulfill."

"That's too polite. What if he refuses?"

"Mr. Rone, stinginess with wealth is blasphemy."

"Then, at least give me five gold coins, Bishop Charlie."

"Three."

"Deal."

Able to kill his enemy and make three gold coins, Rone pressed his palms together to bow to the statue of god and left, satisfied.

Charlie turned back to face the towering statue of god and prayed piously:

"In this prayer, we wish to pray for all the needs in the world. We pray for those who suffer from poverty, especially those who suffer from violence and cruel treatment. May you protect their bodies and souls, so that they may find hope and courage once again."

"Oh, and an abundant life."

Finishing his prayer, Charlie prepared to go to his bedroom to rest, but was called out by a believer who walked through the church door.

The believer was wearing a patched but very clean robe.

Charlie had some impression of this guy; he had contributed all his property and was a very pious believer.

Coming to the church now, he must have earned money again, right?

Charlie suppressed the irritation of being interrupted when he wanted to lie down and rest, and said in a gentle tone: "The god remembers your selflessness."

The believer looked somewhat ashamed: "I'm sorry, Bishop, recently there have been a large number of magical beasts active outside the town, and my family and I haven't been able to collect any herbs."

"Then what are you here for?"

"Respected Bishop, my grandmother was killed by magical beasts on the way to collect herbs. We are holding a funeral for her tomorrow, so, uh, I would like to ask for half a day off from tomorrow's prayer ceremony."

Tomorrow is Monday, and the church is holding its weekly prayer ceremony.

A missing believer, even if only one, still represented that he, Charlie, was too lax in spreading the faith of the god.

Charlie's eyes became indifferent: "How old was your grandmother?"

"56 years old, Bishop."

"Then she deserved to die."