Chương 62: What is the art of discipline?

"As adventurers, we have no reason to refuse lucrative missions..."

Richard and Levin discussed it, with the former wanting to maintain contact with Bill and the latter eager for more compensation. In the end, they both nodded to Bill.

Bill then pulled a small bundle of grass with pale purple serrated leaves and a map from his pocket and spread the map out on the table.

The map depicts the area around Phoenix, rich in detail, including the port, overseas islands, the road to the southern Turbulent City, and even the Stonehold that Richard had just visited.

Bill pointed to a dense forest in the southeast and introduced it:

"This is an old elm grove, where a type of purple-leaved grass grows extensively, just like the one I'm holding."

"We have received reliable information that the evil Plague Cult has used this herb to create a new disease."

"In order to prevent a possible epidemic, we would like to hire adventurers like you who are not afraid of monsters to enter the Old Elm Forest and clear away as much purple foliage as possible."

"I can tell you about a few areas where purple foliage grows abundantly, and I can also give you some scrolls of the Wither spell; one scroll is enough to remove a whole patch..."

After hearing Bill's explanation, Richard didn't seem to mind, but the elf Levin frowned, and Mendel, as a druid, went even further and said:

"The best way to deal with disease is to develop a cure, not to eradicate a plant that already exists in nature."

Bill smiled and explained:

"It's just a temporary measure, its purpose is simply to buy time."

"Moreover, purple clover is very resilient and has many seeds. Even if we remove all the grass in the forest this year, it will still grow back the following year and will not have a too bad impact on the forest."

"Finally, the reward for this mission is 60 gold coins... 60 coins per person."

Everyone:?

It's just a weeding task, why are you giving so much!

Is this what a wealthy and powerful church looks like?

Richard narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing that there might be something fishy about this mission, and decided to accept it no matter what, in order to find useful intelligence...

Mendel, who had initially resisted, also felt a slight tremor in his throat after hearing the number.

He originally intended to yell at Bill, but...

But they gave so much!

Half an hour later.

After discussing the details with Bill, the group left the temple.

Bill watched the group's retreating figures and realized that these adventurers were indeed quite unusual...

But it doesn't matter. As long as they continue to pursue profits, they are nothing more than excellent tools of the church.

Having been an adventurer himself, he knew his fellow adventurers all too well.

the other side.

As soon as they stepped outside, Levin said to Richard:

"The church has given us a week. Why don't we take a break first, and then meet at the East Gate at 8: 00 AM the day after tomorrow to set off together?"

Although in theory the two groups could go their separate ways, he was willing to continue working with Richard because of their previous positive experiences.

Richard had no objection and simply nodded.

He then parted ways with the Forest Arrow Squad and went to the Trout Tavern to find Grace.

The three members of the Forest Arrow Squad also turned around and went home...

Oh, no, Captain Levin didn't do that.

He wandered alone through the alleyways and finally came to a shoemaker's shop with little business. He knocked on the door with a peculiar rhythm and was greeted by the wrinkled old man and led into the inner room.

Once they arrived, he whispered to the boss:

"The nobles and church in Phoenix should already know about the cultists, but I don't think they've shown enough vigilance."

The boss snorted coldly: "They're always like this. We, the Harpists' Alliance, have to handle these things... Anyway, I'll have someone follow up. We can't let those lunatics gain a foothold in the Gulf region... Perfect timing, Ignas is coming soon..."

"Will the master come...?"

Upon hearing the name, Levin immediately felt relieved.

He exchanged a few more casual words before turning to leave.

"There's one more thing."

Suddenly, the boss called him over and said, "Levin, if you have some time lately, why don't you investigate Robin Hood?"

Levin blinked, somewhat puzzled.

"That master thief who successfully infiltrated Big Gold Tooth? Why investigate him?"

The boss explained, "Because he's not just a skilled thief. We've received information that he's been distributing silver coins in the slums recently, in huge quantities. This shows he's not a greedy person, and we might have a chance to cooperate with him..."

"A Robin Hood type? That's rare. Understood, I'll do my best..."

Levin agreed and continued walking out.

"There's one more thing!"

Levin almost threw out his back this time.

"Old man, can't you just say it all at once?" He sighed, rubbing his temples.

"What else is so important?"

"The eggs across the street are on sale, could you bring me a couple? If you have any spare cash, could you also bring me a clove of garlic?"

"..."

"Thanks."

"..."

at the same time.

Richard and Grace reunited and returned to Cinderella's house.

"You've come back just in time. We bought some ducks; they were just shot down by hunters outside the city..."

Upon entering, they were warmly welcomed by Mary and Elsa and enjoyed a delicious duck meal.

Although the mother and daughter's cooking skills were not as good as the Sleeping Tree Spirit's, their excellent atmosphere made Richard feel like he had a home in another world.

Afterwards, he and Grace helped tidy up the table, and then he went straight into the bedroom.

Break time is over, time to get down to business!

He took out the old beast tamer's collar and cast the charm spell on it.

[The old tamer's collar: Hey young man, how are you? Do you ever feel empty and helpless in your life, yearning for a powerful presence to guide you? If your answer is "yes," then put me on!] Richard hesitated for a moment, then went around in circles and politely declined.

Please, you're not a helmet, you're a collar!

I really can't accept this.

And if Grace and Zoya accidentally see me wearing you, I won't be able to live my life anymore!

Here, the collar's persuasion failed, and instead, Richard's entanglement left her somewhat dizzy, so she finally had to change her tune: [Sigh, it seems you don't understand the joy of training and being trained... Then could you find me a slave? A perfect slave who will obey my commands and never resist no matter how I beat or scold them!] Richard:?

Okay, okay, I get it. This guy's sadistic tendencies have really kicked in.

It sounds a bit perverted, but considering that the other party is wearing a collar, it's not entirely incomprehensible.

However, those who want slaves or something like that are the kind who have to be beaten and verbally abused...

Although it was available in Phoenix, Richard's personal ethical standards didn't quite allow him to do so.

He pondered for a moment, then pressed further, "Do you have any more specific requirements for this slave?"

[The prettier the better, and as I just said, they must absolutely obey my orders, no matter how I beat or scold them, even if I shrink their bodies to suffocate them, they must never resist!] Are you sure?

I'm sure!

That makes things easier.

Richard smiled with narrowed eyes, turned and went out. A dozen minutes later, he returned with an exquisite wooden puppet and put the collar on it.

Collar:?