83: Weird young man

Chapter 83: The Peculiar Young Man

Molly was mentally prepared for Arthur's refusal. She calmly stated, “Baron, the Night Mist will also affect your Pioneer Group.

“Don’t you want to figure out what’s going on?”

Arthur replied, “Of course, I do. As you said, the Night Mist is a huge threat to my Pioneer Group.

“If I take the two of you with me, my situation will become extremely passive.

“So, I have a proposal. I am willing to go to the Whispering Place on your behalf and inquire about the situation from the priests there.

“In exchange, I hope you can provide me with a copy of all your investigation materials.”

Molly pondered for a moment and then said, “Can I discuss it with Forni?”

“Of course.”

After the hunting activity concluded, the new couple provided their answer: they agreed to give the investigation materials to Arthur.

However, since organizing these materials would take some time, the two invited Arthur to dinner.

Arthur readily agreed.

By the time Arthur returned to the inn, it was already afternoon.

Godwin, following Arthur's instructions, had gathered the main managers of the caravan.

Arthur shared all information regarding the Night Mist without reservation.

After listening to Arthur’s account, Jessica also shared the news she had gathered from the captain of the guard.

Overall, this eerie mist not only transforms living beings into undead creatures but also guides undead creatures to a specific destination—obviously, this destination is Qingfeng Valley.

“It seems we must not rashly enter Qingfeng Valley,” Bruce said with a serious expression, “We must first figure out what this mist is.”

“Exactly,” Arthur agreed, “So I plan to have the caravan temporarily stay at Lookout Fort.

“It has walls for protection and priests stationed there, making it relatively safer.”

Jessica raised her concern: “According to the intelligence currently available, Lookout Fort is a military fortress.

“I’m afraid they won’t easily allow us to stay for a long time.”

Godwin agreed: “I agree with you. We need to contact the priests of the Whispering Place as soon as possible.

“If they discover anything, we can use that as leverage to negotiate with the two major families.

“We’ll try to keep the caravan at Lookout Fort so we can figure out this mist.”

This plan was, in fact, discussed by Arthur and Godwin on their way back.

Of course, he could also shamelessly request the two major families, and they would most likely agree.

However, having some leverage before negotiating is always more secure.

After refusing Molly and Forni’s request.

That piece of intelligence also changed: it prompted Arthur to prepare more Fiery Glue.

Arthur entrusted this matter to Catherine.

In addition, since Airo had already led a portion of the people to Lookout Fort ahead of time.

To ensure their safety, Arthur sent people to catch up on horseback, urging them to be careful of the Night Mist.

“We need an advance team to scout the situation in Qingfeng Valley.”

Arthur announced to everyone present.

Due to the sudden appearance of the Night Mist, the original plan had to be adjusted.

They must thoroughly understand the nature of the Night Mist, how to avoid its dangers.

If it cannot be avoided, what effective defensive measures should be taken?

Otherwise, rashly leading the caravan into Qingfeng Valley would undoubtedly be like leading sheep into a tiger's den.

“Sir, how many people do you need?” Jessica asked.

Arthur replied, “Around five people, including Airo and me, for a total of seven.”

“You’re going too?”

Catherine and Jessica asked in unison.

“Of course, don’t worry, I have my own reasons and considerations for doing this.”

“Then I’ll go with you,” Jessica said.

Following closely, the others also responded.

“No, you stay,” Arthur said, “You stay too, Godwin.

“I need someone to look after the caravan. I feel at ease with you and Catherine staying behind.

“Drax, Philip, you follow me.

“That means I still need two more people.”

Bruce then suggested:

“Sir, how about Jerome and I go with you?”

“Very well, it’s decided,” Arthur nodded in agreement.

After selecting the members of the advance team, Arthur turned to Iron Shovel and asked, “How’s the carriage modification coming along?”

“I think the modification plan is feasible, but—but we can’t complete the modification in such a short time.”

“However, that guy is willing to sell us the blueprints, and the price is fair.

“As long as I have the blueprints, I’m confident I can complete the modifications while we’re on the road.”

“Get the money from Catherine and buy the blueprints.

“Don’t rush too much; we’ll be staying at Lookout Fort for a day or two.

“You just need to complete the modifications before the advance team departs for Qingfeng Valley.”

“Leave it to me.”

In the evening, the last batch of supplies arrived at the camp.

It must be said that the support provided by the two major families was very generous.

Every person in the Pioneer Group, even the children, received a handy weapon.

These past few days, in addition to traveling, Jessica and the other soldiers also made time to train the commoners.

The largest group in the team were the half-elves.

Jessica taught them how to use short spears.

For ordinary people, spears are relatively easy to master among all weapons. The second largest group, the halflings, mostly used daggers and slings.

They, on the other hand, didn't really need specialized training.

Because throwing stones was more like a daily game for them.

Every halfling learns how to use this weapon as they grow up.

Finally, for the dwarves, the task of instructing them was given to Iron Shovel and Jerome.

Because the weapons commonly used by dwarves were mostly axes and hammers.

In addition to weapons and equipment, all horses were replaced.

The original donkeys were also replaced with mules, which had better endurance.

Other daily necessities were countless.

This kept Catherine, the logistics manager, extremely busy.

She gathered all literate people in the team to help her quickly inventory the supplies and ensure nothing was missed.

At dinner time, Sariya, who was responsible for guarding the camp, noticed a suspicious young man.

She nudged her partner Valok beside her and reminded him, “Hey, look at that kid over there. He’s been loitering for a while now.”

Valok, who was eating, looked up and followed Sariya’s gaze, asking, “You think there’s a problem?”

“The kid’s coming over. We’ll know soon enough if there’s a problem.”

Valok put down his utensils, stood up, and watched the approaching person.

“That’s close enough, kid,” Sariya warned the young man, “Who are you looking for?”

“I’m here to see the Baron of Qingfeng Valley,” the young man replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

Sariya’s hand instinctively went to the short sword at her waist.

This sword was her new weapon, which she had just received that morning.

Compared to her previous old sword, this new one was more comfortable to handle and lighter.

At the current distance, she was confident she could subdue the young man before he made any move.

Moreover, she had Deputy Captain Valok supporting her. She looked the young man up and down and asked with a hint of mockery, “You’re dressed like that to see the Baron?”

The young man looked down at his torn shoes, then at his patched clothes.

Then he looked up and said, “I heard that Lord Arthur of Qingfeng Valley values talent and treats scholars with respect—”

“Alright, alright, we don’t understand your flowery words.

“Wait here. I’ll find someone to talk to you,” Sariya interrupted impatiently.

Before long, Sariya called Godwin out.

Godwin got straight to the point and asked, “What do you want with our lord?”

The young man replied, “I’ve come to pledge my allegiance.”