42: Some arrangements (thanks to Chimai for the recommendation)

When Airo returned, Arthur sought her out to inquire about the situation on the riverbank.

Upon learning that everything went smoothly, he felt a weight lift from his heart.

Soon, all those who were tasked with handling the bodies returned.

Arthur gathered his retainers and began to detail the series of recent events and his own investigation.

After his statement, he deliberately left ample time for everyone to discuss and exchange ideas.

He observed his retainers.

Among them were wanted criminals, former nobles, alchemists…

It could be said that each of them was quite complex.

Arthur knew in his heart that leading this group of people from different cultural backgrounds and with disparate experiences would be no easy feat.

However, he had to try, and he had to do his best.

Because these people were his initial core team.

Fortunately, Olaf’s death had, in an invisible way, brought him closer to them.

Before, this group might have been retainers in name only.

Now they had become truly trustworthy and dispatchable subordinates.

When the discussions gradually subsided, Arthur spoke again: “Currently, there are two most urgent matters.

“First, to stop this conspiracy; second, to gather enough supplies before departure.

“Tomorrow, I will lead a team out of the city to eliminate the mountain bandits.

“But I don’t believe that small team will fully obey my orders.

“So, I need my own people.”

No sooner had Arthur finished speaking than Philip, the Water Ghost, raised his hand.

After receiving permission, he sincerely said: “My Lord, I will go with you.

“I am illiterate and not very bright, but I have strength.

“If you don’t mind, let me go out of the city with you.

“I can’t promise anything else, but if those mountain bandits want to touch you, they’ll have to get past me first!”

After he finished speaking, the Orc also chimed in: “Me too.

“Staying in the city makes me very uncomfortable; it’s better to go somewhere with fewer people outside.”

“My Lord, since you’re going to Howling Mountain, take me with you,” Godwin suggested. “I’m quite familiar with that area.”

Seeing more people eager to volunteer, Arthur raised a hand to signal a pause.

“With Airo, there will be enough people,” he said.

Actually, Arthur had intended to leave Airo in the city.

In his opinion, Airo was the best candidate to lead the investigation after he left.

But after much thought, the female thief’s infiltration and reconnaissance abilities were truly excellent, and taking her along would definitely yield twice the results with half the effort.

Arthur cast his gaze upon the remaining people, wanting to select members suitable for leading the investigation.

At this moment, Jessica proactively spoke: “If you trust me, I can be responsible for the investigation work.

“I’ve been here for three months and have basically familiarized myself with this place.

“And I’ve also met several well-informed people.

“Perhaps they know something; I can talk to them.”

Jessica was indeed the most suitable among the remaining people, but her identity was truly special.

This made Arthur somewhat hesitant: “Won’t it expose your identity?”

“Don’t worry, My Lord, I know how to hide myself.

“Leave Old Dwarf and Newt with me; with their help, I won’t need to show my face personally.”

Old Dwarf also chimed in from the side: “My Lord, rest assured!

“We used to be part of the Longfeather Mercenary Group; you might have heard of us.

“When we were mercenaries, we often disguised ourselves and infiltrated enemy camps to steal intelligence.

“Investigation like this is no difficult task for us.”

“Then it’s settled,” Arthur nodded. “The rest of you will be responsible for gathering necessary supplies.”

Saying this, he picked up six declarations of freedmen, each signed by the local Grand Judge, from the table and distributed them one by one.

The six slaves quickly stood up and respectfully accepted the declarations.

Catherine was the first to thank Arthur.

Arthur, however, pointed to Godwin: “Thank him instead; he convinced the judge and the jury.”

Godwin hadn't expected this.

Facing the grateful gazes of the six slaves, he somewhat awkwardly waved his hand, “This was all My Lord’s intention; I just ran errands.”

“Alright, no more flattery.”

Arthur then picked up the plan from the table and handed it to Catherine.

He explained: “This is the future plan Godwin formulated; I just made some modifications.

“Take a look; it might be helpful. You don’t have to follow it exactly, just use it as a reference.

“If you don’t understand anything, ask Godwin. Try to finish reading it before dawn.

“I will leave some funds with you to facilitate purchasing items.

“Also, get yourself some decent attire so you can go to more places.”

“I agree with that,” Old Joe said with a chuckle.

Catherine glared at the Dwarf, “My Lord, I will not let you down.”

“Also, Catherine, cross Olaf off your list,” Arthur said.

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

When Arthur returned to the castle, it was late, and he longed to return to his room for a good night’s sleep.

However, Bump’s appearance instantly shattered his illusion.

He sighed and asked: “Is the Earl still awake so late?”

“He’s waiting for you, Young Master.”

“Alright,” Arthur sighed, “Lead the way.”

Father and son met in the study.

The Earl personally poured Arthur a glass of wine.

“Adelaide has told me everything; she completely agrees with your views on these matters.”

Arthur took the wine glass, quietly waiting for his father to continue.

“But Robert insists on his own opinion; he believes the true threat comes from within, not from outside.”

The Earl paused, facing his son, “What do you think?”

“Both internal and external threats cannot be ignored,” Arthur analyzed. “It’s like the castle gate having two bolts.

“The enemy has set up a double safeguard.

“And we currently don’t have enough manpower to deal with both threats simultaneously. They are banking on this.”

“Well said, my son,” the Earl nodded approvingly. “So Adelaide’s subordinates are interrogating those captives overnight.

“But the news of the smugglers’ capture will spread quickly.

“If it’s truly as you predicted, those mountain bandits will surely be on guard.

“Your task will be heavy. So I had Robert allocate all the elite veteran soldiers remaining in the city to you.

“On one hand, I don’t want anything to happen to you; on the other hand, I hope you can eliminate that group of mountain bandits as soon as possible.”

The Earl drained the wine in his glass, “As more and more distinguished guests arrive.

“The manpower for maintaining order in the city will become increasingly strained.

“I can’t allocate these soldiers to you for too long; I hope you can understand this.”

“I understand, Father, I will complete the task as soon as possible.”

Evil Wolf Earl showed a look of relief and poured himself another glass of wine.

“You’ve changed so much recently, I almost don’t recognize you.”

He walked up to his son, “Although there’s still a pile of troubles, tonight’s victory is worth celebrating.

“I have to thank you for arranging such a hunt for me.”

Arthur clinked his glass: “All for the Evil Wolf Family.”