Your Majesty's money, why don't you engrave my name on it?

Raslaufer understood the implication, of course; however, as he prepared to descend the city walls, a barely upright figure unexpectedly blocked his way.

He was carrying an empty wine bottle; it was that old Dubuler.

"Move aside." Raslaw narrowed his eyes slightly. Although the other man looked like an old drunkard, some of his habits were instantly recognizable to an expert. For example, his posture and his eyes.

But there will be no difference. Mercenaries who usually drink and play cards have to fight to the death with swords on the battlefield. However, most of the time they will maintain a certain level of understanding to reduce such conflicts—Dubler is also a mercenary, and this old man broke the rules.

“I’ve been retired for many years and have almost forgotten the rules,” the old man said with an apologetic yet urgent smile. From his voice, Leslaufer recognized him as the one who had just cheered. “Please, young man, how about we have a go?”

Even if it's just... a way to offer condolences to senior colleagues.

“We’ll talk about it later.” Raslaufer nodded, then charged straight ahead—this kind of sparring could happen anytime, except now. However, the old man stepped forward and blocked Raslaufer’s path once again.

"I'm in a hurry to kill someone, get out!" The eyes of the still-unretired Dubule instantly turned ferocious. He raised his halberd and flicked out two or three points of the halberd tip, which were then thrust towards the old man's throat, heart, and abdomen.

This was a display of skill; if he truly wanted to kill the old man, he could have simply rushed at him. But Leslaufer had no intention of killing him. As a fellow professional, he knew all too well that the old man's present state could be his own future state—few people want to kill their future selves.

This old man represents the tragic fate that only the most powerful mercenaries deserve. When past glories are no longer attainable, the still-young soul is imprisoned within an old and frail body, and even the most potent alcohol cannot bring them illusory pleasure.

From this perspective, the Ampiri who died in pursuit of glory were quite magnanimous—they preferred to die before their bodies crumbled, so that their most perfect souls could continue fighting in the kingdom of their gods, rather than be worn down to such an extent.

Seeing Raslaufer attack, the old man quickly raised his wine bottle to block. Although his body was old and his mind was sluggish, his past experience remained in every muscle. With a crisp clang, the bottle precisely blocked the only real halberd blade and shattered. A broken shard flew up and embedded itself in the old man's thigh.

With a loud shout, old Dubler picked up his injured leg and rolled to the side, letting Raslaufer sweep past him like a whirlwind, as if he were the one running.

He couldn't quite remember whether he had just met the woman of his life at that age, or whether he had already left the battlefield and bought a house in Waidoule. His sharp edge had faded even earlier; even if time could be turned back thirty years, he would never be a match for this man.

"This is great..." Old Dubul, clutching his injured leg, was carried aside by the other mercenaries. As the hemostatic powder was sprinkled on the wound, he shouted with all his might, "This is fucking great!"

Raslaufer heard the shout, as did the two brothers fleeing not far in front of him. Already in dire straits, they couldn't care less about anything else; their only thought was to escape. But the next moment, the halberd, equally deadly in the hands of Skadi and Raslaufer, flew up again and crashed down in front of the two brothers.

The two were immediately terrified, and in that instant of pause, a strong and hairy wild beast suddenly pounced down on the vendor's stall in front of them, only to miss its target.

“Sir, that’s not right,” the Beast said with a wry smile, ignoring the two brothers who were already terrified, and looked at Raslaufer. “Why don’t you let me just kill them? It would be simple and convenient for both of them to die together.”

The bear goblin wasn't carrying his usual short spear; however, the beast's hands were claws, and if he were pinned down, his throat could be severed in the blink of an eye.

“They’ll have to live for now. If you like that, you can become Skadi’s executioner,” Raslaufer rolled his eyes, signaling the other to restrain the two brothers. “By the way, your men are quite good; they actually managed to keep up.”

Upon hearing this, the goblin's furry face immediately turned embarrassed, and he chuckled awkwardly, "I've only trained a few of them. Getting onto the city wall requires tools, and they're slow. How can they compare to you?"

If it weren't for the fact that Raslaufer's ascent of the city was so astonishing that it attracted the attention of almost everyone, then even twenty or thirty of the assassins trained by the beasts wouldn't have been able to forcibly climb the city walls, let alone two or three.

“I thought you didn’t know,” Leslaufer nodded, and as he stepped forward, Xiongdi shrank back nervously. “So, you’re in such a hurry to kill them both in front of me?”

"Also, you seem to know this place very well. You wouldn't want to tell me this is some kind of coincidence, would you?"

The goblin, known among his peers for his ferocity and cunning, fell silent. "Your Excellency, you... I admit my mistake. I was indeed resentful after you spared my life and came back to investigate your homeland—but I swear, I would never dare to take any real action against any of Hrugk, Grankul, Magrubiye, or Schigrit (all gods commonly worshipped by goblins)!"

"That's it?"

“…And another thing,” the bear goblin almost cried, “the poison those two fools gave Count Doule was prepared by me: arsenic, datura, ginseng, and tinder… They got in touch with my henchmen and paid them—but how could I have known that someone like you could have dealings with that couple!”

Chapter 380 The Banquet After the Suppression of the Rebellion

Just as Dobler might be connected to a countess, the goblin bear was not stingy in providing services to two scheming noblemen without bloodshed. Even if Raslaufer wanted to kill him, the beast's only regret was that he had not understood Raslaufer's connection to them more deeply.

After all, in business, if someone is willing to spend money, someone else will be willing to accept it. Even without him, the goblin, getting involved, there would be any goblin or big goblin that could possibly take his place—so why not let him make the money?

"But you still indirectly caused the death of my husband... yet indirectly saved me?" After the assassins under the Beast lowered the city gates and the castle welcomed back its mistress, Skadi, who had heard the whole story, was somewhat moved.

If the beast hadn't been involved, her husband might still have died eventually; but if he hadn't been involved, he might not have been able to inform Raslaufer, and Doppler wouldn't have specifically turned to her—perhaps Raslaufer would eventually hear about Skuld, but whether it was a sign of survival or death, no one would know.

"Nevertheless, you will still have to be punished—as the master wishes, you shall execute these two traitors, how about that?"

Two ashen-faced young men were bound hand and foot beneath the beech tree where Skadi's deceased husband was buried, and they remained silent. They knew that they could not escape death no matter what.

"This..." The beast dared not refuse, but hesitated. "Madam, after leaving the army, although I usually kill, it's always done in secret. How could I do it in broad daylight..."

“You can wear a hood and cover yourself up,” Skadi’s newly recognized—or perhaps originally niece—suddenly interjected, “that way no one will recognize you?”

This practice was not common in eastern Inasas and further north, but everyone present thought it was a good idea. Their point was to get the beast to do it, and whether others knew about it was not important.

Here, laws often held absolute power with a single word from the lord. Thus, just half an hour later, witnessed by almost all the castle's inhabitants and the surviving mercenaries, two severed heads were hung high above the city gate. Their faces were painted with the words "Parricide" so that anyone unaware of the truth could identify their cause of death. Inside the castle, besides announcing that the older children would become earls under their mothers' guardianship, a celebratory feast was quickly and meticulously prepared.

However, those who know the inside story understand that this is not merely to celebrate the traitor receiving his due punishment and the legal lord of the Earl's territory returning to her home, but also to welcome back a man who has been away from home and congratulate him on returning to his hometown alive.

“The conditions here are probably far inferior to those in the Empire, but I still hope Your Highness will enjoy yourself,” Raslaufer said, having nothing to hide from Skadi. The countess soon learned of Angrita’s identity and was quite attentive to her at the banquet. “If you like life in East Inasas, I suggest you come and stay in the castle. Zebrech is not a suitable place to live.”

"And you shouldn't care too much about that place—the owner just bought a house and land there when he had some spare money; it's not really his hometown."

Unlike Daisy, Bella, and Margaret, Skadi already had children. It was clear at a glance that Angelita's insistence on settling in Zebrech was not because she was attracted to the poor, remote place.

The master actually managed to win the favor of an imperial princess? Skadi was genuinely happy for Raslaufer, but she was more worried that the princess might be stubborn and end up like her, staying in that house where she might not see her master even once every few years. That would be truly tragic.

“Thank you for your kindness, madam,” Skadi said, though she had no other intentions toward Angrita. The young woman’s thoughts, however, were more tied to the Empire, and she emphasized the form of address in her reply. “But someone like me, who has run away from home, would probably find it difficult to get used to living in a castle, especially considering that the reason I did this was due to family conflicts…”

Count Doule's castle was rather ominous—Angritta's meaning was self-evident.

Having said that, Skadi naturally couldn't refuse any longer. As she sat in the main seat with her two children, she raised her glass again, prompting the crowd at the three long tables in the hall and around the bonfire outside to toast her as well. Then her gaze shifted to Leslaufer.

“Speak,” Raslaufer nodded. He was used to this look. When she was freed from captivity, Skadi was always this cautious whenever something happened, and she only gradually got better later. “You are no longer subordinate to me now, so you don’t need to be like this.”

“Perhaps I am not a servant, but you are at least my benefactor, and always will be,” the Countess said slowly. “If it weren’t for you, I would probably be a skeleton at the bottom of the sea, a village woman, or a witch who brings bad luck to her husbands.”

"If I can't even respect the person who gave me three lives, then what face do I have to live in this world?"

“You’ve done a lot for me, and I haven’t done that much,” Leslaufer smiled, raising his glass. “If that’s all you wanted to say, drink up—good health to you and your children.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to say,” Skadi raised her glass as well. She had changed into a black mourning dress after returning home, but now a smile graced her face. “My mistress, my husband has passed away. Although I have no intention of remarrying, my children should not lack their father’s presence. I’ve heard that people in the West often have clergy baptize them when they are young, and these clergy are called ‘fathers’…”

"Are you willing to take on this indispensable role in their lives?"

Upon hearing this, the guests of higher status who were seated in the hall began to discuss it. However, none of them questioned whether Raslaufer was qualified—of course he was, and no one dared to say "no."

However, Skadi was, after all, an Ampire. Although she had learned a lot about the traditions of Inathas in the East over the years, her understanding was still not thorough enough—the priests were responsible for the religious education of young children, and they were expected to convert to the faith when they grew up, and even vow to become monks or nuns.

But what does this Dubler believe in?

Chapter 381 The Godfather

“Madam, I think this matter should be reconsidered carefully—” A middle-aged man stood up. He was Earl Doule’s former treasurer, and the previous rebellion had not shaken his important position. “Of course, I am not questioning this gentleman’s qualifications. In fact, I just think that other positions could be used instead, such as martial arts instructor, military instructor, or…”

"A teacher of world history and culture." I don't know who added that.

"Oh right, and this too."

A few soft chuckles rippled through the room.

“I don’t think any of these are sufficient, sir,” Skuld shook her head, rejecting the proposal. “Didn’t you hear what I just said? Lord Leslaufer is far more than just a teacher, and besides…”

Although the Godfather said he should take on the responsibility of religious education, this work was not mandatory and could be done by someone else. Teachers, on the other hand, were completely different; they were hired. Leslaufer was to be tied to the two children until they completed their studies.

But the question is, could she have done it? If she could, there would be no Madame de Duller today.

“Well…” The treasurer looked troubled. He raised his glass and cautiously turned to Raslaufer. “Then, Your Excellency, I’m afraid I must inquire about your beliefs. As you know, this is not just your own affair, nor even the Doule family’s affair; it concerns the entire Outer Doule Territory.”

Mercenaries are often casual or unreliable believers in various gods, which means they have a wide range of beliefs and are not bound by any particular one. They believe in whatever works for them, but as a result, they inevitably include some objects of belief that are not accepted by ordinary people.

Angra, the God of Death, is considered relatively good, after all, he is one of the eight true gods in the Empire. But what if it were Gruush? Or worse, what if it were the great demon Zariel?

The future lord is a follower of the devil, and was even raised from childhood? The thought of this possibility made the treasurer's vision go black; he had to be sure that this possibility would not happen.

“I think you don’t need to worry about that,” a young girl with long flaxen hair stood up and spoke in a melodious voice. “I am Old Rae, cough, Lord Raelaw’s companion. I have witnessed his deeds along the way, and I swear in the name of the goddess Shuni, that what I am about to say is not a lie.”

Daisy was the one who stood up. After saying those words, she paused and frantically looked at Angrita across from her with her eyes, asking: Could she really use a god she had never believed in as a shield?

Angelita gave her a reassuring look. People like her were born to be favored by that goddess, and besides, they had no intention of lying.

“Hmm…please take a look at this,” Daisy nodded, removing the nearly transparent pendant from her neck. If it weren’t for the few remaining glittering fairy dust inside, no one would have noticed its existence. “This pendant comes from the grace of the goddess Idas, bestowed upon Lord Leslaufer in front of the Temple of Idas in the Goringoton Mountains…”

The bard had an extraordinary talent for storytelling; her voice was melodious and captivating, and the adventure was so thrilling in her words that when she stopped, almost no one realized it was over.

“That’s the general situation. And it’s a magical item. Raslaufer can prove his ownership.” As she spoke, Daisy handed over the pendant. Raslaufer took it instinctively, and as before, it transformed into a small, crystal-clear wine glass.

“Ah, the wine glass,” Daisy’s eyes lit up as she downed the juice in front of her, letting out a soft “ha!” “This reminds me of another story. Do you know the City of the Collapsed Glass? Though its collapse was irreversible, Lord Leslaufer made tireless efforts to save it, even gaining the attention of Dionysus—”

“There’s no need to elaborate, Miss Daisy,” Skudy interrupted the poet with a smile that brooked no refusal. “I have no intention of letting the children become alcoholics for the time being.”

The fact that a bloodthirsty mercenary could receive the blessing of the goddess of peace is enough to explain many things, even if it doesn't make perfect sense.

But didn't he help the temple retrieve the sacred object? It's only natural that the goddess would bless him for that.

“If that’s the case, then I have no further questions.” The finance director looked at Leslaufer with admiration once more, then sat back down in his seat with a sigh of relief.

His questioning just now was practically risking his life—if the other person was truly a cultist, he'd practically beheaded him! Although his dedication to his work and position had secured his stable job, it didn't seem so important that he was willing to pay the ultimate price to keep it…

Fortunately, who would have thought that a mere Dople could actually gain the favor of Adas? You see, many mercenaries from Eastern Inas would go to the Land of Refusal before retiring, but almost none of them would be able to find refuge and die peacefully.

How can a killer not have enemies? How can someone who makes a fortune not be coveted? How can someone who indulges in wine and women be free from illness and misfortune? In their later years, how many mercenaries can avoid the path to their own demise?

But regardless of them, at least this Lord Raslaufer should be fine... right?

“If no one has any questions, I do have one,” Raslaufer said softly, looking at his friend, seeing that everyone seemed to agree with Skadi’s suggestion. “Skadi, I’m not even a believer, so what do I know about baptism?”

This isn't a simple formality. In the Empire or Western Inassassins, the priests and priests of the temples often spend a whole day or even several days on it; it truly requires divine blessings. He, Leslaufer, certainly doesn't possess Adas's divine magic—

Before Raslaufer could finish speaking, everyone saw the wine glass in his hand, formed from a pendant, suddenly emit a warm, soft, watery light and a misty vapor, enveloping the entire long table in a dreamlike state. And everyone witnessed firsthand how, within this hazy light, the ethereal image of a black-haired woman dressed in shimmering green slowly solidified. She raised her eyes, a serene smile appearing on her face as she looked at the two children beside Skadi. In the blink of an eye, she vanished again.

In Raslaufer's mind, however, a memory appeared out of nowhere, containing some simple religious rituals and terminology. With proper preparation, even someone like him could cast spells like a priest—though he couldn't bring the dead back to life, he could easily cure children's illnesses.

What is this? Does he really think he can become a priest of Edas?!

Faced with this genuine "miracle" that could not be explained by any reason, Leslaufer couldn't help but utter the same cry as the green dragon named Esmir back then:

"Edas—!"

Chapter 382 Birds of a feather flock together

Now, even if Leslaufer had a thousand mouths, it would be difficult to explain, and the decision to baptize the two children was made inexplicably.

However, Skuld's children didn't seem to like this. When the faint, watery glow around them approached Leslaufer, the two children instinctively shrank back.

“These two little ones are really strange,” Mary said, shaking her head. “Could it be that Lord Leslaufer is even more terrifying now than he was on the battlefield?”

"Children's faith is not yet established. Once they truly take refuge under the protection of the Mother of Water, it will naturally be fine."

In this situation, the other guests naturally dared not spoil the mood and quickly began to offer their explanations, blaming everything on their future lord. Thus, except for the little ones who were reluctantly taken back to their bedrooms, everyone was happy and the host and guests were all pleased.

In the latter part of the feast, Skuld began a series of lavish rewards, bestowing honors and tangible benefits upon her knights who had followed her to the very end, while those who remained neutral, such as the treasurer, continued to perform their duties. As for the rest who had openly supported the two brothers, though Skuld made no mention of them, their lives would undoubtedly be filled with apprehension in the days to come.

If a more reasonable pretext for punishment is found, both the old and new grievances will inevitably be settled together.

During this segment, Raslaufer recommended an unexpected candidate to Skuld—old Duple, who was invited to participate as an advisor in the subsequent affairs of the Outer Dole Territory. No one objected much; although the old man was a notorious drunkard in the area, since he was only an "advisor," it didn't matter.

"Let's postpone the baptism for a while. You've just returned, and there are many more important things to do than that."

After the banquet, the guests tactfully dispersed, and even Angelita and the others were arranged to rest with the two trusted knights, leaving only Skadi and Raslaufer strolling on the city wall in the evening breeze.

"In addition, I have a companion who happens to be training in the Realm of Refusal to Fight. We can have them send someone over then, which will make things seem more formal."

“If we’re talking about something formal, perhaps we should build a new church for Edas around here,” Skottie chuckled. “Unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to wait that long.”

“People always need to eat, and to eat you need money. Gold coins don’t fall from the sky in Zebrech,” the mercenary said. “However, I won’t be going too far in the next month or two. If anything happens, feel free to let me know.”

"Because of that princess?"

“Because of her money,” Leslaufer replied, only to be met with laughter.

“Since you love money so much, then there are some things I have to explain to you,” Skadi stopped laughing after a moment, her expression becoming serious. “Master, please allow me to apologize to you first.”

As she spoke, Skadi took out an old envelope from her body and solemnly handed it to Raslaufer: "The reason those two brothers wanted to kill me was partly because they wanted the Earl's seal, and partly because of this."

“But I can give away the Earl’s estate without hesitation, but this is something I absolutely cannot give to them. Because it belongs neither to me nor to their Douler family.”

At this point, Raslaufer could roughly guess what was inside. He removed the sealing wax, and inside the envelope lay a corner of a map and several lists.

“These are my things,” Leslaufer nodded. “It’s kind of you to take care of all the odds and ends I have at home.”

“Although you keep saying it’s for money, you’ve always been careless about this,” Skottie sighed. “Your house wasn’t repaired after I left. One year, a heavy rain caused the roof beams to collapse. If I hadn’t run into a former neighbor at the market, I wouldn’t have even noticed it.”

"It collapsed? No way, I've been back a few times..."

“Of course it’s been renovated. There are quite a few traces, but I’m afraid you won’t notice them. I went to take a look when I was passing by, and I didn’t expect that you would still put the things in the original place. I was afraid that they would be stolen again, so I moved them to a new place—right where you’ve marked the location on the map.”

"You see, you probably didn't even notice that the gold was missing, did you?"

"Well... we did discover it, but it's not that surprising that someone broke in, is it? I later moved the stock to another place myself."

Skoti offered no comment, merely blinking her eyes, the implication being nothing more than, "I told you so."

Leslaufer had to steer the conversation back on track, waving the envelope in his hand: "But it's all good news, right? What do you want to apologize for?"