The Task

Upon hearing Lady Grace's words, Pok was momentarily bewildered and hastily struggled to say, "Wait… wait a moment!"

Lady Grace, pushed away by him, was not annoyed in the slightest; instead, she smiled coquettishly and pounced back on him. "Alright, do you wish to play a game of feigning disinterest with me? I shall gladly cooperate…"

Pok felt numb and quickly leaped backward to avoid her. Then, while raising a hand to block Lady Grace, he said with a hint of seriousness, "Wait, I've come to you because I truly have an urgent matter!"

Seeing Pok's earnest expression, Lady Grace couldn't help but pause, looking at him curiously and asking, "What is it?"

Pok took a deep breath and then recounted the events of the previous day to Lady Grace.

"What?" Lady Grace's face changed dramatically; her originally rosy complexion drained of color in an instant.

"How did this matter leak out? Do you know who wrote the letter?" Lady Grace grabbed Pok's hand urgently and asked.

This matter absolutely could not reach Barto's ears. Otherwise, both she and her son, Lola, would be ruined!

"I don't know either, which is why I've come to you!" Pok shared his speculations, and Lady Grace, her eyes flickering, pondered for a long while before speaking.

"No, it likely isn't a problem on my end. All of my personal maids have been strictly vetted; it's highly improbable that they would do such a thing… Never mind, we'll find out soon enough."

Lady Grace opened the door and called each of her maids in one by one, questioning them individually. After a round of indirect probing, even Pok couldn't detect any anomalies.

Thus, the two looked at each other, their expressions becoming grave.

"What should we do now?" Pok was beginning to panic. If Barto found out about this, while Lady Grace might not face severe consequences, he would surely be killed.

At this moment, however, Lady Grace calmed down and said sternly, "Pok, why are you in such a rush? If all else fails, I'll approach my brother to handle this matter. You know he's an official knight; he certainly has the capability!"

Upon hearing this, Pok thought it over and let out a slight sigh of relief. "Alright, let's discuss the specifics later…"

Meanwhile, on the other side, Barto's room also welcomed a visitor.

"Barto, how are you holding up?" Miral frowned slightly, looking at the bedridden Barto and asked.

Barto was currently in a state between life and death, as if he would pass away in a few days. Seeing this, Miral shook his head slightly and thought to himself, "It seems Barto really is on his last legs. What about the slave trade…"

At this moment, Barto mustered his energy and, with the help of his servants, sat up. Although the two had shared some undisclosed relationships in their youth, Barto was well aware of the kind of woman Miral was. Thus, he responded coldly and indifferently, "Rest assured, I'm not going to die just yet. What brings you here?"

Miral's eyes flickered as she glanced at Barto's servants. Barto noticed and waved his hand, dismissing everyone from the room.

"Barto, don't forget the task the dignitaries from Kurah City have entrusted to us," Miral said meaningfully. Barto, in his feverish and somewhat delirious state, was confused. "What?" "Slaves! They need slaves!" Miral raised her voice, reminding him with a hint of displeasure. She increasingly felt that Barto was no longer capable of handling the tasks assigned by the dignitaries of Kurah City. Perhaps in another two days, someone else would have to collaborate with her.

"Yes, slaves!" Barto's eyes widened gradually, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. After a moment of silence, he spoke in a deep voice, "Don't worry, Miral. I won't let the dignitaries down. In the coming days, I will ensure those peasants become slaves as soon as possible."

Miral looked at Barto with a smile that was not quite a smile, and after a long while, she nodded. "I hope so. After all, Barto, you should be aware of the consequences of delaying the dignitaries' affairs."

Barto's face was unpleasant, but he did not argue, only nodding silently.

At the same time, on the other side of Kurah City, in the civilian trading market area.

"Hmm? Ron? Why are you here?" At the entrance of the general store, Liton's eyes lit up as he called out to Ron.

Ron also feigned surprise and approached Liton. "Mr. Liton, I've come to buy rice…"

After a brief conversation, Liton did not forget to inquire about Ron's address this time. Ron put on a somewhat embarrassed expression and, after a pause, revealed to Liton that he had been staying in an inn before, but as his money was running out, he had no choice but to sleep on the streets.

"What?" Liton was astonished and immediately said with a hint of heartache, "In this cold weather outside, you're sleeping on the streets?"

"Alas, had I known, I should have asked you properly yesterday."

"But it's not too late. Starting today, you'll stay at my house…"

Before Liton could finish, Ron quickly declined. Seeing Ron's stubborn demeanor, Liton was not angry; instead, he sighed softly. He knew Ron was a child with self-respect and would not easily accept help.

At this moment, as if trying to change the subject, Ron inquired about the purpose of Liton's visit. Liton did not hide it and told Ron about his need for fresh herbs.

"But there have been traces of monsters outside the town these past few days. So, those hunters and adventurers are unwilling to go out alone. That's why, after checking several shops, there's still no fresh herbs in stock…"

At this moment, Liton noticed Ron taking off the cloth bag from his back. "Wait, Doctor Liton, you mean you need fresh cat tails?"

"Yes, why do you ask?" Liton was curious. Ron's lips curled into a smile. "Mr. Liton, look, isn't this cat tails?" Ron opened the package on his back, revealing several fresh and moist cat tails, with soil still clinging to their roots.

"That's it!" Liton was overjoyed. With so many cat tails, he would have enough to make his medicines. However, Liton was puzzled as to how Ron had come by them. Before he could ask, he recalled what he had mentioned during their casual dinner conversation last night.

"Ron, you wouldn't have…" Liton was deeply touched, thinking that Ron must have heard about his need for cat tails last night and had gone out early in the morning to search for them despite the danger.

"Thank you, son!" Liton said solemnly, and Ron, feigning shyness, waved his hand and replied, "You're welcome, as long as I can be of help to you, Mr. Liton."