Chapter 135: Chapter 134: Sutton’s Help

"Kid, you’ve really done it, stirring up so much trouble outside."

This was the first thing Sutton said upon seeing Jon again.

He had clearly heard about what had happened outside today.

Jon’s only reaction was a slight smile; he didn’t think it was anything special.

He had been part of far more lawless and heart-pounding events, so wrecking the administrative hall of a mere town’s Lord’s Mansion was hardly worth mentioning.

So he simply nodded in acknowledgment and changed the subject.

"How did you rest last night?"

The Old Dwarf didn’t mind Jon’s evasiveness. He stroked his beard and waggled his head.

"Hmm... not bad. There was wine and meat, but the bed was a bit too soft. An old man like me isn’t used to sleeping on something like that."

"But I didn’t come looking for you to talk about that."

As he spoke, he fished an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Jon.

"Here. Find someone to mail this to the Copper Whistle Tavern in Heta City for me. The owner is an acquaintance of mine. I left some things with him and need him to send them over."

"Otherwise, I can’t get started on my research."

"I don’t know anyone here, so I don’t know who to ask. I’ll leave this to you."

Hearing that it concerned Sutton’s research, Jon immediately grew serious and took the envelope with great care.

"Alright. I’ll have a reliable person handle this. I’ll make sure it gets there."

The old man waved his hand, signaling that he didn’t need to be so serious.

"There’s no rush. I’d like to take this time to rest a bit anyway."

"As for you, kid, you’ve got a lot on your plate now, don’t you?"

He gestured meaningfully toward the back of the trading post.

"From the looks of it, are you about to go to war with some rival?"

"A rival?"

Jon shook his head.

"It’s not that simple."

"Based on our current intelligence, it’s a group of ambitious people trying to restore their fallen nation. They’re stirring up trouble, and if we don’t drive them out, no one will be able to live in peace."

Although Sutton had no prior knowledge of the situation, he immediately thought of something when Jon mentioned "ambitious people trying to restore their fallen nation."

"Restore their nation... Are you talking about the remnants of the Archer Empire?"

"You know about them?"

The Old Dwarf shot him a scornful look.

"How could I not? I’m two hundred and ninety-four years old. When I was young, I even ran a shop in the capital of the Archer Empire!"

"Ah..."

Jon instantly realized he’d made a mistake common among the shorter-lived races: imposing his own perspective onto others.

To humans, the Archer Empire, which had fallen over 180 years ago, was ancient history found only in dusty tomes. One could only learn about it from books or oral accounts.

But to long-lived races like Dwarves and Elves, the rise and fall of human kingdoms were merely footnotes in their long lives.

Just as Sutton had said, he’d even run a shop in the Archer Empire’s capital!

Jon scratched his head in embarrassment, but then he realized he might be able to get some information from the Old Dwarf that he wouldn’t find elsewhere.

No sooner had the thought occurred than he asked. There was no need for pretense with a straightforward Dwarf.

"In that case, do you know more about these remnants?"

The Old Dwarf’s reply was just as blunt.

"I don’t. I don’t care about that sort of thing."

"As I see it, the Archer Empire was no different from any other human kingdom. These so-called ’restorationists’ are probably just puppets, used by schemers to achieve their own hidden agendas."

He might not have seemed like someone who cared about politics, but his words were remarkably incisive.

From what Jon knew of the Blood Eye Association’s ultimate fate, it was just as the dwarf had said. After being used by their masterminds, they were thrown out to draw all the fire. They became the first stepping stone for Empress Belina Benest after she took the throne. With Reya’s support, she established the Rose Knight Order, which completely purged the Association and established her glorious reign.

But that was all in the future. For now, here in Heta County, the Blood Eye Association was still a formidable enemy to him and Reya, one they had to face with caution.

’Alright, it looks like we’ll have to stick to the original plan...’

Jon sighed, tucked the Old Dwarf’s letter into his pocket, and called out.

"Well, I’m off to get busy—oh, and by the way, I’ve found a potential location for our headquarters. Once this is all over, we can move to our own place instead of staying at the trading post."

"Hmph. No need to tell me about that sort of thing. Just handle it as you see fit."

Sutton grunted. Seeing the thoughtful expression on Jon’s face, he added another comment.

"Do you need help with this business?"

"Huh?"

Jon’s mind was elsewhere. He was calculating how many herbs he’d need to concoct a batch of Frost Resistance Potions for his fighters to give them a better chance of survival against the Eternal Frost Cultists. As such, he didn’t immediately register the Old Dwarf’s question.

And to Sutton, this reaction was a clear sign of someone failing to recognize the master standing right in front of him.

"Hmph. Don’t tell me you think an old fossil like me needs to sit in the rear and be protected, do you?"

"You may have some talent, kid, but when it comes to real strength, you’re still a long way off!"

Jon could only manage a wry smile.

"Sir, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that this business is complicated, and it wouldn’t be right to get you involved..."

Seeing the Old Dwarf’s expression sour, he quickly added.

"However, if you’re willing, could I ask you to protect the staff here at the trading post?"

"The enemy might take the opportunity to attack while we’re away. If that happens, we need someone powerful enough here to hold the fort."

The argument was sound. Sutton’s expression softened, and he hummed thoughtfully.

"Hmm... I suppose that’s not out of the question..."

Seeing his chance, Jon decided to strike while the iron was hot.

"Besides, you haven’t shown your hand yet, sir. In the enemy’s intelligence, you’re probably classified as non-combat personnel. They won’t factor you into their calculations if they decide to attack."

"If they do come, you can give them a huge surprise!"

"Alright, you’ve convinced me..."

Sutton crossed his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye as he looked at Jon.

"I’ll do you this favor, then. I’ll protect your little sweetheart for you."

"What sweetheart..."

"Heh. Still going to pretend, kid?"

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the end of the hall. The newcomer, upon seeing Jon talking with Old Sutton, immediately slowed their pace.

It was Pascal.

The youngest steward at the trading post approached, bowed first to Jon and the Old Dwarf, and then spoke softly.

"Lord Jon, the equipment forged from your monster materials has been completed and delivered to the trading post. Would you like to try it on now?"

Before Jon could say a word, Sutton’s eyebrow shot up.

"You have good materials, kid, yet you give them to someone else to forge your gear?"

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