Mystery: I, the Hermit, am too eager to improve

Chapter 89 First impressions are important

Tilly is indeed a promising talent.

Roy also possessed extraordinary properties and potion recipes suitable for her—

If we disregard Sequence 6 and above, the Assassin path is very suitable for her.

In addition, he does have a need to cultivate partners.

Roy will meet with Hyde and Becky, but he doesn't plan to stay with them all the time, since everyone has their own role-playing and collecting needs.

He needed to play a wizard, and the chosen location was the South District.

As a wizard and future character, Roy needs a teammate with excellent melee skills, preferably someone who knows the South District well and can provide him with advantages in his role-playing.

Tilly was indeed quite nice when we first met.

however.

Choosing a partner requires careful consideration; he cannot make a decision based solely on a good first impression.

As he said.

Tilly might choose him because he's mysterious and powerful, but who knows if she might turn to the Witch Cult because of its power?

As for the warrior route.

Uh, a female warrior, and Tilly's figure isn't exactly warrior-type.

Roy shook his head slightly.

He and Tilly boarded the public carriage together.

When they arrived at Rose Street, Tilly got out of the car and whispered, "Look, this church is very eye-catching. The house I was talking about is at number 49 on this street, the one with the same golden exterior."

Roy followed the serial number to find it.

It was a house with a golden exterior, very similar in color to the exterior of the Harvest Church.

"Is this lady a follower of the Earth Mother Goddess?"

Mother Earth?

Tilly paused, stunned for a few seconds, and said, "Yes, she must have become a follower of Mother Earth last year. I saw her change the decorations on the exterior walls back then."

"The Mother Goddess's followers certainly won't refuse a visitor from out of town. I trust your recommendation. Help me negotiate, and the money will be yours."

Roy took out a 5-sol note.

Tilly took it and then lowered her head.

"Sir, I heard from the sailors that there are many powerful mages on the high seas. You must be one of them. Do I really have no chance?"

"Do you have three to four hundred gold pounds?"

Roy countered with a question.

Tilly shook her head honestly.

If she had that much money, would she still be a pickpocket?

Roy smiled.

"To become the 'mage' you're talking about, first you need to have enough money, or do you believe you're worth that much?"

Tilly shook her head.

She doesn't think she's worth that much money.

"That's it. And the mysterious world may not be as you think. It's a crazy and terrifying world."

Roy whispered, "Go ahead, but get things done for me first. If you really want to work for me, maybe I'll hire you when I start some company."

"Thank you, sir."

Tilly bowed respectfully and then headed toward the house.

Roy went into a nearby bar, ordered a drink, took a few sips, and then went into the restroom to try his hand at divination.

"Renting this house would be disadvantageous for me."

The pendant quickly rotated counterclockwise.

This shows that...

will not.

Roy pondered for a moment, put away the pendant, walked out of the bathroom, quickly finished his drink, and then went out to take a look at the Harvest Church next door.

Living here does offer relatively better safety.

What he was just thinking about was—

I considered whether to cultivate a "Church of the Earth" persona for my new identity, but after much deliberation, I decided to think about it some more.

There are still too few churches on Earth.

Their churches are mainly in the Kingdom of Feneport. Churches are very rare in Loen. For example, in Backlund, there is only the Harvest Church.

Using a false identity based on religious beliefs is to make one's actions more convenient.

Just how powerful is the Earth Church...?

We'll have to take another look.

He strolled back outside and waited for Tilly to come down.

A few minutes later, Tilly came downstairs in embarrassment, stood in front of him, and whispered, "Sir, I'm sorry, that lady said she would decide whether to rent it to you after seeing you."

Roy glanced at her and then smiled.

"no problem."

He could imagine that Tilly was most likely discriminated against because of her "profession," which was why she couldn't finalize the rental deal.

Very normal.

He leaned on his cane and slowly walked through the door.

The second floor.

A blonde woman in her thirties was washing potatoes and vegetables when she heard the noise and turned to go out of the kitchen to take a look.

Her eyes lit up immediately—

A handsome young man's face peeked out from outside the door. He had a short black beard, but he wasn't sloppy at all; instead, it added to his charm.

He looks like a learned scholar!

The woman thought to herself.

"Hello, madam. I am Tilly's employer. My name is Green Rost. I have just returned from the sea and am a scholar."

Roy smiled gently, "Tilly was indeed a thief before, but after I caught her, I've been trying to persuade her to get back on the right track."

"You are a truly kind gentleman."

The woman smiled brightly. "My name is Cecilia Field. You can call me Ms. Cecilia or Ms. Field, I think Tilly probably already knows, right?"

"Yes, I heard you're looking to rent out a townhouse."

Roy was taken upstairs.

"Yes, it used to be my parents' house, right behind this house."

Sion drew back the curtain, allowing Roy to see the row of houses behind hers.

The exterior walls are relatively less refined.

After all, this building has just been renovated.

There was a considerable distance between them, so lighting and privacy weren't major issues.

Roy glanced inside and asked, "What about the inside?"

Xi Qiong explained, "There's a kitchen and a bathroom, and you don't need to apply for a gas counter separately. There won't be any problems with your daily life. The interior decoration is similar to this place."

Roy glanced at the interior of the house.

It's very simple, but it's the best for daily life, so you don't have to worry about expensive compensation for damaged furniture.

He is satisfied.

Tilly, standing outside the door, stared in disbelief, then pursed her lips and didn't go in.

After the two sat down, Ms. Xiqiong kindly poured a cup of tea and said, "This is barley tea from our Earth Mother Goddess Church. Please have a taste."

"Okay, thank you, ma'am."

Roy took a sip.

A scent of wheat.

It tastes similar to the buckwheat tea from my previous life.

He smiled and said, "It's delicious."

"Right, although it's a little bitter, after the bitterness comes sweetness and the aroma of wheat. Even if you don't believe in the Mother Goddess, I think you can try this drink."

Xi Qiong smiled.

Roy smiled and nodded: "I will, ma'am."

"That's a bit of a tangent. Well, that house was left to me by my parents, so I'm quite particular about who I hire, but a scholar like you is definitely no problem."

Xiqiong smiled.

Are you going there because of your identity?

Your eyes are practically popping out of this gentleman's head!

Tilly was outside, seething with resentment.

She didn't initially think there was anything wrong with being looked down upon; that's just how thieves are, nobody likes thieves.

Just like they dislike police and gangsters.

but.

Even though Roy didn't say anything, the other person still thought he was trustworthy and kind.

Within minutes, the two began preparing to sign the agreement—

"Including furniture rental, the weekly rent is 15 soula. Is that acceptable to you? It's not expensive at all, and you won't find a better location here."

Every landlord says that.

Roy harbored resentment.

However, he agreed with the other party's statement that this location was indeed the best in the southern district.

This area is located at the very end of Rose Street.

It's not far from Queens, the West Side, and Jowood.

Heading north, you can see the Joewood district across the Tasok River.

A few minutes' walk west will take you to the border of Queens and the West Side, which is also where West Vellas is located.

of course.

The southern district is also separated from them by the Tasoq River.

But they can enter the western district via River Bend Avenue—

Those were the residences of the very wealthy and noble.

Roy was quite satisfied with this position.

The rent of 15 sulphur is indeed not too expensive.

"In addition, I hope you can pay a year's rent upfront, which is £31."

Xi Qiong said.

Roy thought for a moment and said, "I hope I can pay for six months in advance. As you know, I just came back from sea and need to keep enough funds to hedge against risks or for investment."

"Well, alright, I'll do it since you're a gentleman and a scholar."

Xi Qiong hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed.

Roy took another wallet from his inner pocket, pulled out 16 gold pounds, and said, "Thank you for your understanding."

Xi Qiong took the money.

"Mr. Green, if I have any questions about my studies, may I ask you? Um, I've recently been learning Borussia, do you understand it?"

Roy leaned back in his chair and said with a smile, "Of course, Fenneport is a beautiful country, and I even studied their language."

He said a few words in Fenerbahçe on the spot.

As a means of escaping the mysteries of the universe, they will never lack knowledge of language. Whether through instruction or active learning and memorization, they can learn it with ease.

Xiqiong's eyes lit up.

"Are you really not from Fenneport? I feel your accent is almost as good as that of a Fenneport merchant in Backlund."

"After living there for a while, believe me, if you were in that kind of environment, you would quickly master it too."

Roy smiled.

Sion was amazed; it was clear she longed for the Kingdom of Fenneport.

This may be an emotion that came with her faith in the Earth Church, and those Fenneport merchants may also have been known through the church.

That seems to be one possible path.

He thought for a moment and asked, "What do those Fenneport businessmen you know do?"

"food."

Xiqiong had no intention of hiding anything: "They are all believers of the Earth Mother Goddess and grow a lot of food."

"Thanks to the Grain Act."

Roy understood.

Before the Grain Act was repealed, foreign grain arriving in Ruen would be subject to anti-dumping measures that inflated or controlled prices, making it uncompetitive.

Since the Grain Act was repealed, more people have come to Loen to do grain business, and the Fenneport merchants whom Sion knew were among them.

Oh, the tides of time!

He sighed inwardly, while a smile appeared on his face.

"Yes, after the abolition, we ate better food and paid less gold pounds."

Xiqiong smiled and made a prayer gesture, "Praise be to Mother Earth!"

"Congratulations, madam, you have found your faith."

Roy picked up the barley tea as a gesture of congratulations.

"Thanks."

Xiqiong's smile was reserved, but the admiration and satisfaction in her eyes were hard to suppress. It was a pity—

After signing the contract, Roy stood up and said, "I need to go buy some things and hire a maid to clean the room. Please excuse me for now."

"Okay, I look forward to seeing you again."

Xi Qiong bowed gracefully and took out the key to the house behind.

Roy, leaning on his cane, walked out of the house and saw Tilly's indignant face. He couldn't help but smile and go downstairs.

We went to the house in the back.

Tilly muttered under her breath, "What a shallow woman!"

"Tilly, most people make a first impression, but your first impression is really strong."

Roy said calmly.

Tilly didn't say anything more; she knew that as a thief, she wasn't popular in the South District.

I guess the only reason I was able to chat with that lady was because of the gold pound.

She glanced at the room and immediately said, "Sir, let me help you clean the room!"

"No."

Roy smiled and said, "If you really want to enter the realm of mystery, being a maid won't do."

Tilly fell into deep thought.

After thinking for a moment, she seemed to understand, but was still unsure, and tentatively asked, "You mean, you want me to go and raise the money?"

"When you steal three or four hundred pounds, what awaits you is either imprisonment or bullets."

Roy said calmly, "Tilly, you need to think about how to get this wealth from me in a relatively legitimate way."

Tilly paused for a moment, thinking about the legitimate business she could do, and then her eyes lit up quickly.

What message do you need?

"Fenneport merchants, please keep an eye on them for me, find out where they live, and what their current situation is."

Roy whispered.

Tilly nodded immediately and said, "I know!"

Roy paused for a moment.

"You know?"

"They live on Gar Street in the southern part of the city, where there is a large open-air square where many merchants gather to sell their goods."

Tilly chuckled, "I considered stealing their money, but then I gave up because their bodyguards have guns and grenades, and one once killed a thief with a single punch."

Kill someone with one punch?

Not everyone who has trained in combat is an extraordinary individual.

Roy narrowed his eyes and said, "Very good. You see, you've already shown your value. I think you have even more potential."

"Sir, I will gather more information about them for you! I know many thieves; they are definitely well-informed."

Tilly immediately made a promise.

Roy nodded, then paused and asked, "Where are the labor recruitment agencies around here?"

"Walk west along this street."

"it is good."

Roy nodded, then opened the door and went inside.

Tilly turned to leave.

"etc."

Roy suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He turned around and took out 3 pounds.

"This is for you to gather information. If you are able to reduce costs without using my name, the extra portion is all yours."

"Yes, sir!"

Tilly's eyes lit up.

£3!

She is confident that cutting her expenses in half will bring in more than a pound.

This is much more practical than stealing money.

really.

My choice was right.

By following this mysterious man, he believed he could eventually escape being a thief and living in poverty, becoming just like him.

Even being a subordinate of a powerful figure is much better than living like this.

She left Rose Street, immediately exchanged the 5 pounds for smaller bills, and then headed northeast to a certain place.

This is a shantytown.

The house was very shabby, and a foul odor emanated from it.

Carrying a simple but sharp dagger, she made her way unimpeded until she reached a low-lying house near the sewers...

A cold smile crept onto her lips.

"What are you doing?"

"Tilly!"

The two burly men who were rummaging through things turned around, their expressions instantly freezing.

The burly man named Dagen immediately smiled obsequiously and said, "Boss, I'm here to get the money to ransom you!"

"Pah! I need your kindness? You promised to stick together, but if you see anyone troublesome, you'll sell me out!"

Tilly looked at them with a mocking expression, while fiddling with the dagger in her hand, her expression suddenly froze.

in fact……

This is a common habit among those who live at the bottom of society.

No wonder that gentleman couldn't trust himself.

Tilly was disheartened.

"Fine, to tell you the truth, I'm working for that gentleman now, and you know his capabilities."

"Boss, really?"

Duggan was utterly astonished. "A man as important as him, would he even look at people like us?"

"Why do you look down on us? We have our own role to play, but we can no longer do petty theft like before. Only a fool would do that."

Tilly exclaimed excitedly, "We're going to do big business!"

"What big deal?"

The two exchanged a glance and instantly reached a consensus, looking at Tilly expectantly.

Tilly smiled slightly.

"News! Gather information for the master, such as whether a big businessman has arrived in the southern district, or if there is anyone suspicious or troublesome. We will collect the information and report it to the master."

"Can this make money?"

They scratched their heads, looking puzzled.

Tilly cursed helplessly, "Idiot! A thief who doesn't use his brain will be a thief his whole life! Information is useless to us, of course, but that gentleman is different."

Dagen and Ethan both shook their heads.

Do not understand!

Tilly covered her face: "Good heavens, I can't believe I even thought of bringing you guys along to make money! What an idiot!"

"Boss! Boss, we promise we'll be loyal and righteous this time! Please tell us, why is it different for them?"

Dagen immediately stepped forward, but dared not go any further, fearing that he might attract a dagger.

Tilly said, "That gentleman asked me to gather information on the merchants of Fenneport. Guess how much he paid me?"

"How many?"

Duggan looked at Tilly expectantly.

Tilly held up two fingers.

Dagen gasped, "Twenty, twenty sulphurs?"

Twenty sous is a full pound!

Ethan was also dumbfounded, clearly unable to believe that he could earn so much money just by helping to gather information.

This is far more worthwhile than risking your life to steal money!

"You don't even dare to guess?"

"2 pounds!"

Tilly smiled slightly.

£2 for a piece of news, that's big enough.

She said, "Think about it, the fact that he's willing to pay me 2 pounds means that this information is worth that much."

Then she continued speaking.

"He gave me two pounds, and now I'll give you ten sous. You're in charge of finding out about the merchants of Garter Street and Fenneport from the thieves in the South District."

"Those 10 sul are for your expenses in gathering information. After the matter is done, we will have 30 sul left, and we will each receive 10 sul."

Tilly looked at them and handed them two 5-sol bills.

"So, how about it? Am I loyal enough?"

"Big sister, I'll get right on it!"

Dagen and Ethan took the money and went to gather information without hesitation.

Tilly looked at the shack where she used to live, and then thought of the place that man had rented, and couldn't help but smile silently.

opportunity.

I've got it!

(End of this chapter)