36: Plan to start

When Arthur pushed open the door, Olaf had just propped himself up from the bed.

Last night's banquet had clearly exhausted the knight captain's energy.

His eyes were bleary, and his shirt collar hung crookedly on his shoulder.

“Did you rest well, Captain?” Arthur asked, though he already knew the answer.

Olaf rubbed his neck and grumbled, “Damn it, I must have drunk too much.

My neck is as sore as if it had been strangled by an iron chain all night.”

Saying that, he reached for the wine bottle on the nightstand and poured himself a full glass.

“I need some wine to wake myself up.”

“Tell me, friend, why are you here so early?”

“There’s a small problem,” Arthur said, “It’s about those fourteen dead slaves.”

“My father, Evil Wolf Earl, has always been a meticulous and careful man.”

“He found that the number of slaves was incorrect and wanted to find out what happened.”

“I told him about the riot on the ship.”

“But he is a rigorous man.”

“He still hopes to have your written statement so that he can sort out the whole story.”

After listening to Arthur, Olaf nodded, half understanding.

“Uh… a written statement? Like an incident report?”

“Precisely.”

“No problem.”

Perhaps because he had accepted a favor, Olaf readily agreed.

“I had originally planned to explain it to the Earl in person when I went to see him tomorrow,” he added, trying to justify himself.

“Keeping a written record can save a lot of trouble later.”

The Knight Captain took a sip of wine and agreed.

Arthur snapped his fingers, and the tavern attendant waiting outside immediately hurried in, holding paper and a pen.

Olaf looked at the unfolded parchment, gave a wry smile, and rubbed his neck again.

Then he dipped the pen in ink and began to write at the desk.

Arthur waited quietly by his side.

After drinking three glasses of wine, Olaf finished writing the statement.

He picked up the paper and blew on it to make the ink dry faster.

“Friend, remember our agreement, don’t be late,” he reminded Arthur as he handed him the statement.

“I won’t.”

-----------------

When Arthur pushed open the door and entered the second floor of the Municipal Court, intense debate assailed him.

He looked down and saw Godwin standing in the center of the courtroom, clearly the focus of everyone’s attention.

This exiled nobleman from Wheel Town faced the Chief Judge of Wolf Den City without any fear; instead, he used his eloquent arguments to make the Chief Judge frown repeatedly.

“Oh, look, isn’t this my sister’s favorite child?”

Mayor Yann came to Arthur’s side, holding an apple.

“My dear nephew, are you also attracted by this good show?” He gestured towards Godwin with his chin.

“Few people can make that arrogant Chief Judge so flustered.”

“I rushed here as soon as I heard the news; it’s truly splendid.”

“I’m starting to get interested in this young man; the Municipal Hall just happens to need a clerk…”

Arthur took the apple from the Mayor’s hand and said, “His name is Godwin Ernst, from Wheel Town.”

“Godwin Ernst? Never heard of him,” the Mayor laughed, “Since you know him, why don’t you introduce him to me?”

“He is my man,” Arthur replied.

His uncle raised an eyebrow, then said, “Well, that’s quite something for you; you’ve found a treasure.”

“Oh, by the way, I heard you’re dealing with some old clothes?”

Arthur took a bite of the apple and nodded.

“Uh, last year you went to the capital and had a tailor there custom-make a formal suit for you.”

“It was the one with lace trim, do you remember?”

Arthur quickly recalled in his mind, “Yes… there is such a piece of clothing, do you want it?”

The Mayor shook his head helplessly, “Not me, it’s Baron Hunter who arrived this morning.”

“His carriage carrying clothes broke down halfway, so he can only wear casual clothes these days.”

“So he asked me to find him some sufficiently presentable clothes.”

“In his words, he doesn’t want to attend the banquet dressed like a commoner.”

“That piece of clothing cost me a lot of money back then,” Arthur reminded him.

“It should be said it cost your mother a lot of money,” the Mayor winked,

“Considering how I always help you deal with a bunch of troubles.”

“Nephew, do me a favor.”

Arthur smiled and replied, “If it hasn’t been sold yet.”

“Excellent,” the Mayor pointed to the courtroom, “You know, I always like to reciprocate favors.”

“I can quickly end this debate and have the Chief Judge sign it.”

“Why? I thought you disliked the Chief Judge as much as I do.”

“Ah~ my good nephew, that’s why I like you so much.”

“Alright, then send all the clothes you haven’t sold yet to me.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t embezzle them. I’ll make them worth more than their price.”

Hearing this, Arthur raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure?”

“What’s so difficult about that? All your clothes are top-notch goods.”

“From today onwards, more and more nobles will arrive successively.”

“These people never skimp on their attire.”

“As long as you don’t mention it and I don’t say anything, no one will know these are old clothes.”

“Even if they know, they won’t admit it.”

“Then it’s a three-seven split,” Arthur said, “You get three, I get seven.”

The Mayor hadn’t expected Arthur to be so generous.

He had never even thought of making a profit from this.

“Perfect, want an orange?”

He magically produced another orange from his sleeve.

-----------------

Arthur met Godwin, who had just come out of the courtroom, on the first floor.

His new subordinate, relying on his outstanding eloquence and solid legal knowledge,

managed to get the Chief Judge to sign all six statements without any bribery.

This had greatly exceeded Arthur’s expectations.

“Well done,” Arthur praised sincerely.

But Godwin looked bewildered.

Upon realizing what Arthur was praising, he waved his hand.

“There’s nothing worth your praise, my Lord.”

“I just followed the necessary procedures.”

“As Baron of Qingfeng Valley, the Supreme Council has granted you the highest level of amnesty.”

“This power is valid for a full year.”

“Even if the nobles here always find excuses not to enforce the new laws promulgated by the Supreme Council, they dare not openly defy them.”

“To be honest, I’m just benefiting from your influence.”

This analysis left Arthur speechless.

He could only smile and say, “Then I still need you to do one more thing.”

“You may command me.”

Arthur handed Olaf’s written statement to Godwin.

“I need you to imitate this person’s handwriting and write a letter of denunciation.”

Godwin looked at the statement in his hand and replied, “That’s not difficult. When do you need it?”

“Tonight, and the specific content of the letter is here.”

Arthur handed over another piece of paper.

Then, he asked, “Where are you living now?”

“I am temporarily staying with Bard.”

“I have a small building in the Upper City, with red bricks and green tiles. Send all these documents there.”

“Send the letter there once it’s written as well.”

“I understand, my Lord.”

After arranging these matters, Arthur walked out of the Municipal Hall and had the orcs waiting outside go find Catherine and Vanka.

He told them to have someone send all the clothes to be sold to the Mayor’s house.

Then he told Catherine to meet at the dock warehouse.

He himself rode his horse to the warehouse.

Now, everything was ready, all that was needed was the opportune moment.