Making Preparations

Chapter 56: Making Preparations

Zhao Hai and Green entered the Forgotten Valley swiftly. Since Zhao Hai was now disguised as a Dark Magician, he didn't need to summon Alien. It would be excessive to have Alien accompany him, especially outdoors where no one would pay much attention. However, when entering a city, Dark Magicians usually summoned their Battle Beasts or Undead Creatures to keep up appearances.

The slopes on both sides of the valley were not too steep, covered in bushes and weeds. The vegetation seemed much healthier than that around the castle, exuding a strong life force. The valley was devoid of people, but occasional insect cries filled the air, creating a harmonious natural ambience.

Green looked at the hillsides on both sides and said to Zhao Hai, "Young Master, once we climb the mountains, find a secluded spot and enter the Space immediately. I will go to the Black Mountain Stopper to buy clothes, and when I return, we'll go together."

Zhao Hai nodded and commanded Alien to crawl up the mountain. Alien, now just a skeleton, had sharp claws that allowed it to climb without expending much energy.

Although they were still in the Iron Mountain region, the forest here was much lusher than around the castle. Thick vegetation surrounded them, with trees of various types that Zhao Hai couldn't identify. Compared to Earth, where he only recognized a few common trees like poplar, willow, elm, and pine, the rest were unfamiliar to him.

Seated beside Zhao Hai, Green warned, "Young Master, this forest is very dangerous. There are frequent appearances of Magic Beasts, and some plants have strong toxicity. So be cautious."

Zhao Hai nodded. Although he had never been in such a dense forest before, he knew of its dangers from online descriptions. Even practical novels often depicted forests as perilous places. Additionally, this world had Magic Beasts, so he had to be extra careful.

The mountain was densely covered with vegetation, featuring a variety of forests. As they ventured deeper into the woods, the light grew dimmer, creating a gloomy and chilling atmosphere.

After some time, the two found a secluded spot in the forest. Zhao Hai stored Alien in the Space and then entered it himself, along with Green.

Inside the Space, the corn crops grew vigorously, and the oil crops were healthy. The slaves were still studying and writing, while Merine had nothing much to do except teach them and prepare three meals a day.

Although everything seemed fine, Zhao Hai had plans to keep the slaves busy. Apart from their studies, he wanted them to engage in some tasks to ensure they had activities. This arrangement proved to be quite effective, allowing the slaves to lead a balanced and purposeful life.

When Merine and others saw the two of them entering the Space, they were surprised. It had been a few days since they had any contact, and they could only see them when allowed access to the Space.

Merine quickly approached them and asked, "Young Master, Green, what happened? Is there a problem?"

Green smiled and reassured her, "No, everything is fine. We have reached the Forgotten Valley in the Iron Mountain region. I want Young Master to stay in the Space for a while. I'll go to the Black Mountain Stopper to buy clothes and then return."

Merine understood Green's intention and nodded, saying, "Alright, please go quickly. We'll wait for you here. Oh, and remember the location, so you can find your way back."

Merine had been in good spirits these past few days. Regardless of the circumstances, the Buda Family needed to generate income. This was the first time they had an opportunity for income since encountering difficulties. Although they hadn't made any money yet, it symbolized a glimmer of hope.

Zhao Hai turned to Green and said, "Grandpa Green, be careful. We mustn't reveal our true identities now. If we're exposed, it could lead to trouble. It's fine if the radishes can't be sold; we can find another time. Your safety is the most important."

A warm and happy expression appeared on Green's face as he patted Zhao Hai's shoulder. "Young Master, rest assured. I've waited a long time to see the revival of the Buda Family. I don't want to die before witnessing it." He chuckled.

Before, Green would never have made such a gesture toward Zhao Hai. He wasn't so intimate with Adam, and Adam even disliked Green. It would have been impossible for them to share such a close moment.

However, the current Adam housed Zhao Hai's soul. Zhao Hai was a nerdy orphan born in China, a country known for its respect for elders. Although Green and Merine were his servants by definition, they had taken care of him since he woke up. This made Zhao Hai naturally develop a feeling of reverence toward them.

Merine and Green quickly noticed the change in Zhao Hai. Parents are sensitive to changes in their children's moods, and because of this, Green made such a gesture toward Zhao Hai. Under normal circumstances, Green, a traditional character, would never have done such a thing.

Zhao Hai didn't dislike Green's gesture. He felt the love of an elder for a younger generation, but he didn't say anything. He was an emotionally reserved person who didn't often express his feelings. He simply replied to Green, "Alright, Grandpa Green, I'll send you off." With that, Green left the Space.

Green carefully observed his surroundings and left marks in inconspicuous corners where no one would notice. Then he flew quickly towards the Black Mountain Stopper.

Green was an experienced wanderer and understood the ways of adventurers very well. He had no reservations in his actions. He knew that Buda Family was now under scrutiny by the Great Nobles, but they would not bother with Green and Merine, two formidable individuals. After all, the current Buda Family posed no threat to the Great Clans, and those people did not wish to provoke the dominant duo of Green and Merine.

However, ordinary adventurers wouldn't pay much attention to the Buda Family. No one had issued a contract to deal with Buda Family, and Buda Family couldn't afford to hire adventurers. The adventurers didn't have time to concern themselves with a declining noble family.

Currently, the only real threat to the Buda Family was Purcell Family. Previously, the relationship between Buda Family and Purcell Family had been good, and the two clans had even planned a marriage. But with the fall of Buda Family, Purcell Family was no longer interested in the marriage. On the contrary, they were happy to let Buda Family perish.

In noble marriages, love was rarely a factor; it was all about benefits. Purcell Family had originally married into Buda Family for the benefits they could gain. However, now that Buda Family was in dire straits, they no longer had any use for them. In this situation, Purcell Family wouldn't honor the engagement. They wanted to save face at any cost.

While it was true that Buda Family was being forced into a corner, Green also felt some anger towards Purcell Family. When Buda Family needed help the most, Purcell Family chose to stand idly by. Otherwise, Buda Family wouldn't have fallen into such a predicament. After all, Purcell Family was also a powerful clan in the empire, and their strength was not to be taken lightly.

Because of this resentment towards Purcell Family, Green had also thought about renouncing the engagement. However, at the time, Zhao Hai hadn't awakened yet, and Green couldn't make such a decision on his own. Green was also somewhat angry at Purcell Family for not helping Buda Family in their time of need. He thought, "You didn't make things easy for us, so I won't make things easy for you."

Green fully understood the nobles' concern for saving face, and he was certain that Purcell Family wouldn't take the initiative to break off the engagement. They would only increase the pressure on Buda Family, hoping that Buda Family would take the initiative to end it.

However, Green didn't want to end it. He also knew that Purcell Family wouldn't let them off easily, but Buda Family had too much on their plate right now. They faced numerous threats, big and small. Fewer enemies were better than more. They needed to buy time.

Although he had these thoughts, Green was also very cautious. The only way into the Black Wasteland was through Purcell Family territory, and now that they had become a thorn in Purcell Family's side, they would certainly be monitored. He had to be careful.