Zuo Si rolled his eyes in annoyance: "I know this even if you don't tell me.

In the continent of Faerun, there are not many people who know about the Entangled Symbol, and even fewer who are willing to take the huge risk of going to war with a group of legendary undead spellcasters.

After I go back and collect and organize some information, I should be able to lock down a rough range.

But considering that it is indeed a good idea to drag the entire Masked Mages Guild into the water.

So I think the advantages of an alliance with Zelanora clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

What's more, this "Book of Sandstorms" does record a lot of interesting magic.

For example, you can directly dehydrate a creature to death, or stir up a small-scale sandstorm to block the enemy's vision, or let the high-speed flying sand tear a creature into pieces alive. "

"My dear master, you are too easily bribed." The little devil pouted and complained.

Through several months of observation, it came to understand how low Zuo Si's resistance to spells, knowledge, and various strange magical items was.

Many times, the other party only needs to pay a few books and notes to win the favor of his master to a certain extent.

But Zuo Si shrugged his shoulders and said, "You have such an illusion because you don't understand the value of knowledge.

Every spell invented, no matter how powerful or weak, embodies the creator's unique understanding and cognition of magic.

Through learning, I can draw inspiration and broaden my horizons and knowledge.

Compared to what we get, those compromises and concessions are nothing.

and……

Who says you can’t turn against someone after you’ve received benefits?”

Hearing these words, the little devil was instantly shocked by his master's evil, meanness, shamelessness and greed.

You have to know that even the devil from hell will not turn against you immediately after getting the benefits.

Even if they fall out, they will find a more "legitimate" excuse.

But what about Zuo Si?

I'm too lazy to even find an excuse.

All of a sudden, the little devil finally realized the gap between himself and his master. An expression of admiration even appeared on his face, and all kinds of words of praise came out of his mouth.

Unfortunately, Zuo Si ignored his magical pet, but quickly put away the "Book of Sand Storm", put on his hood again, and walked straight out of the sewer entrance.

Now that he was out, he decided to go to the administrative building first to get his remuneration from the six-member council, and by the way, take a look at the latest developments of Bernard and the Chamber of Commerce he ran.

According to Wilmes' report, this young businessman who was making great strides in his career had a conflict with some guys of unknown origin not long ago, so he borrowed the half-orc Rhett and the pyromancer Alena.

Since there was no follow-up, Zuo Sixiang wanted to go and find out who was tired of living and dared to make trouble for him.

Passing through the bustling Woking shopping mall area and the chaotic bridge area, Zuo Si soon arrived at the Municipal Building.

After identifying himself to the guard, he was immediately led by the guard to an independent office on the third floor.

As soon as he walked into the door, he found that the person sitting inside was his "old acquaintance" Sir Crispian.

Without saying anything, the lawful evil noble stood up and gave Zuo Si a warm hug, then laughed and said, "Sir Soth, you are finally back. You know, the Council of Six has repeatedly told me to prepare a grand celebration banquet for you."

"banquet?"

Zuo Si blinked in confusion.

"That's right! A party!"

Sir Crispian touched the two small mustaches on his lips and explained: "Although I took all the credit for myself, the Council of Six obviously has its own intelligence channels.

They know that you were the one behind everything, from the attack on the envoys to the successful crackdown on Baldur's Gate's trade.

In particular, the method of forcing opponents to make concessions without starting a war has made many nobles and large chambers of commerce see another possibility.

Therefore, there are many powerful family leaders in the government who hope to exchange ideas and experiences with you in person.

Of course, in return, you will also gain the friendship of these families and even the Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, everyone attending the banquet must spend 10,000 gold coins to purchase an admission ticket.

And after the banquet, all this money will become your private property."

"I see! No problem, I'd be happy to share some of my experience in this area."

Hearing that there were plenty of gold coins to be won, Zuo Si agreed without even thinking about it.

What a joke! That's 10,000 gold coins per person! Even if there were only a few dozen people present, he could count the money until his hands cramped.

What's more, you can get to know many of the top ruling classes and dignitaries in the country of Amn.

Only a fool would disagree.

"Hahaha! I knew you wouldn't refuse. The date will be set for three days from now, and the venue will be a manor in my family's territory. Coincidentally, the castle that belongs to you is quite close to my manor, and it only takes most of the day to get there on horseback."

Sir Crispian laughed and gave the exact time and place.

It can be seen that he is very concerned about this matter and can't wait to make it a fait accompli.

After all, inviting so many of Amn's top dignitaries to one's own territory is itself a symbol of identity, status and prestige.

In addition, this negotiation resulted in a favorable contract that surprised countless people, so it can be said that his political future is bright.

Zuo Si also smiled and responded: "I am very happy to be your neighbor. You may not believe it, but I have not yet visited my own territory."

"Oh? That's really wrong.

You should know that the castles and manors that Bernard transferred to you are the most fertile and prosperous places around, with complete water resources and irrigation systems.

Even dams were built along the river to prevent floods.

Moreover, as a noble, they had to live in their own territory for at least a few months a year to fully enjoy the leisurely pastoral life, hunting and social activities.

In addition, as a lord, you can exercise many privileges on your land, and even decide the life or death of a servant or peasant who has made an error.

The feeling of having the power of life and death is something you will never experience in the city of Askatla.

A powerful spellcaster like you can even organize the young men and militia in the manor to hunt nearby goblins, orcs, orcs and gnoll tribes..."

At this point, Sir Crispian paused for a moment, then lowered his voice and whispered into Zuo Si's ear, "In fact, we can also capture those wild elf tribes hiding in the woods and mountains. As far as I know, the Ronor family has been secretly hunting elves and then selling them to Calimshan in the south to make money."

The Ronoel family? Hearing this name, Zuo Si's DNA instantly moved.

Because the other party really did not leave a good impression in his mind.

Smuggling, drug trafficking, slave trading, collusion with evil forces, and using marriage contracts to seize the territories and properties of orphans and widows.

It can be said that the Ronor family basically does nothing that has anything to do with people.

Although in Amn, where money is paramount, there are many nobles and merchants doing illegal business.

Especially smuggling, almost every family is involved in it to some extent.

But I'm afraid there are not many people who can be as purely, thoroughly and inhumanely evil as the Ronor family.

After all, Faerun is a country with gods.

In addition, Athkatla also has a law enforcement agency called the Knights of the Burning Heart, which is composed entirely of paladins.

Most nobles and wealthy businessmen would pay some attention to the social impact when doing immoral things.

This is why they are keen on donating to various charities.

Thinking of this, Zuo Si's eyes flashed with a hint of amusement that was not easily detected, and he said with a smile: "Please be sure to invite the Ronor family to the banquet. I am very, very interested in them."

"No problem! In fact, Duke Farsington Ronoel has wanted to reserve a seat with me for a long time. But his family is not qualified to participate in banquets of this level, so I have not agreed. But if you nod, I can open a small backdoor for him."

Sir Crispian apparently did not realize what Zuo Sixiang was going to do, and agreed happily.

Of course, even if I knew, I wouldn’t care too much.

别看罗诺尔家族有一个公爵的头衔，可实际上是只是一个刚刚从传统贵族朝商业贵族转型的小家族。

不管是在财富还是影响力方面都根本不入流。

当安姆这个国家刚刚成立的时候，曾经为了拉拢那些拥有大片领地和私军的土地所有者，搞过一次贵族头衔大批发。

甭管以前是不是贵族，只要该家族掌控了足够面积的土地，并且拥有一定数量的民兵，那就可以从他们手中获得一份证明其“合法”身份的文件。

而这种行为导致的直接后果，就是公爵、伯爵之类原本应该属于高级贵族的头衔泛滥成灾，属于整个费伦大陆所有国家当中最不值钱的。

所以新兴掌握实权的商业贵族才更喜欢称呼自己为“爵士”，以便与那些传统的“乡巴佬”区分开。

敲定了宴会的具体事宜，克里斯皮安爵士很快便支付了当初六人评议会承诺的奖金。

不仅如此，他还以私人身份额外赠送了一枚+3的魔法防护戒指，作为对救命恩人的感谢。

拿着自己应得的报酬，左思谢绝了克里斯皮安爵共进晚餐的邀请，离开政府办公大楼径直朝伯纳德家族住宅走去。

由于两个地方都在治安最好的行政区，所以他一路上没有遇到任何麻烦，很快便轻车熟路的抵达了目的地。

门卫显然知道左思跟自己雇主的关系，所以直接选择了放行。

穿过前院的花园进入到房子一楼大厅，左思一眼就看到了坐在沙发上举杯痛饮的半兽人瑞特和阿莱娜。

除此之外，还有个戴着牛角头盔、耳朵和胡子上套了很多金色圆环的矮人战士。

可能是刚刚经历了一场战斗的关系，他们身上都沾染着不少的血迹，并且散发出一股刺鼻血腥味。

尤其是矮人，不管是脸、盔甲、还是挂在腰间的两柄斧头上，都覆盖着大量暗红色的鲜血，看上去就像是刚从屠宰场里走出来一样。

那狰狞、残暴、嗜血的笑容，绝对能把哭闹的小孩子吓的不敢出声。

“干杯！俺就知道海之恩赐酒馆那些杂碎就是虚张声势，真动起手来完全不堪一击。哈哈哈哈！”矮人战士狂笑着举起杯子一饮而尽。

半兽人瑞特也跟着一口气喝光了满满一杯酒，然后抹了把嘴笑着点头附和道：“没错。那个自称是首领的家伙还想要虚张声势，用耐兰瑟尔群岛的海盗吓唬我们。结果话还没等说完，就被一颗火球砸中。他飞起来的时候，旁边其他海盗脸上的表情真是精彩极了。”

“你知道的，我不喜欢听别人说废话。”阿莱娜脸上浮现出得意的表情。

不用问也知道，那颗火球百分之百就是她的杰作。

就在矮人还想要说点什么的时候，左思终于忍不住用力咳嗽了一声，然后从门口的阴影里走了出来，主动开口询问道：“有谁能告诉我发生了什么吗？”

“咳咳咳咳……主人？你回来了！”

阿莱娜明显吓了一跳，慌乱中不小心被还没来得及咽下的酒呛得不停咳嗽。

甚至下意识就想要把手中的酒杯藏起来。

相比之下，半兽人瑞特则淡定许多，指着身边的矮人战士笑着介绍道：“主人，这位是寇根，一名无所畏惧且强悍的矮人狂战士。

我们在铜冠旅店一次偶然的相遇中结识，后来就组队一起在阿斯卡特拉周边地区冒险。

至于身上这些血迹，是刚刚帮伯纳德解决了一群想要通过绑架人质来勒索赎金的海盗余孽，不小心被溅到了。”

寇根？

左思下意识瞥了一眼浑身是血的矮人战士，脸上浮现出惊讶的表情。

要知道他第一次去铜冠旅店的时候，就特地向周围人打听了一下寇根。

也许是运气不太好的关系，也有可能是当时对方还没有来到阿斯卡特拉，反正最终结果是一无所获。

可谁能想到，经常去铜冠旅店喝酒、赌博的半兽人和阿莱娜，竟然把这个强悍的矮人战士给拐带了回来。

“你好！俺叫寇根。听瑞特说，你是个很慷慨大方的主人，而且还有超级多的魔法武器和装备。如果你愿意支付每个月两百五十金币的薪水，俺就同意为你卖命。”矮人直截了当的开出了条件。

他当初接受半兽人的邀请加入队伍，其实就是看中了对方身上那件价值数万金币的红龙甲，以及锋利无比的双手斧和魔法戒指。

身为一名经验丰富的冒险者，寇根比谁都清楚魔法装备对于战士的提升有多么重要。

如果赤身裸体进行战斗，他有信心将瑞特按在地上爆锤。

可要是穿上装备，就是瑞特把他按在地上爆锤。

没办法！ 矮人手中那两柄斧头都是普通的钢制武器，甚至都没办法在红龙甲的鳞片上留下一丝痕迹，所以这场战斗根本没办法打。

“可以，我同意了。”左思直接从挎包内取出一小袋金币丢给矮人。“给，这是五百金币，你两个月的薪水。”

“哈！棒极了！俺喜欢大方的雇主。从现在开始，你就是老寇根的主人了，需要宰谁吱个声就行。”

矮人兴高采烈把一袋金币倒在桌子上，然后用短粗的手指一个一个的清点。

要知道一个月两百五十金币的薪水已经相当高的水平了。

在阿斯卡特拉，雇佣一名普通仆人的月薪才需要花费二十到三十银币。

管家和护卫的薪水相对较高，但也不会超过每个月十金币。

两百五十金币，已经比百分之九十以上冒险者的月收入高出一大截。

这也是为什么，许多人冒险的最终目的就是打响名声，然后争取被有钱有势的贵族和商人看中，成为家臣或者保镖之类的角色。

因为这样的工作不仅收入丰厚且稳定，同时还不需要整天冒着生命危险去跟各种怪物、野兽和强盗玩命。

当然，考虑到寇根是个典型的混乱邪恶阵营，狂暴起来杀红眼的时候估计连身边的队友都砍，所以左思决定先观察一段时间再说。

反正实在不行就做成生物卡牌。

想通这一点后，左思马上转过身继续追问道：“刚才提到的海盗余孽是怎么回事？”

阿莱娜耸了耸肩膀解释道：“整个海之恩赐酒馆本身就是个海盗窝。

他们有的是被海盗船长们安插在这里打听和搜集各种商船出航的情报，有的是负责采购物资或者向影贼兜售赃物的掮客。

总之，在耐兰瑟尔群岛海盗彻底消失后，这些人彻底失去了后台和收入。

光靠酒馆赚的那点钱，根本养不活那么多游手好闲的人。

被逼无奈之下，他们只能开始打商人们的主意，想要弄一艘船逃到海上去继续当海盗。

由于伯纳德的商会最近扩张速度很快，所以自然而然就引起了他们的注意。

海盗们瞅准一个机会，绑架了伯纳德商会的一名船长和几十名船员，想要用人质的生命来勒索一大笔钱和一艘船。

最开始，伯纳德想要用谈判来解决问题。

可这些家伙太贪婪了，不仅要价非常高，而且还对船只的大小和速度提出要求，结果谈判破裂唯有采取武力手段。

不过现在，他们都已经被解决掉了。

整个海之恩赐酒馆所有的海盗，都在几分钟前被我们屠戮殆尽，连一个逃脱的都没有。

人质也平安无事的被解救出来。

伯纳德已经带着人前跟守卫交涉去了，估计用不了多久就能回来。”

“海之恩赐酒馆？海盗余孽？原来如此……”

左思总算是搞明白伯纳德遇到的麻烦究竟是什么。

其实这件事情其实跟他有非常密切的关系。

因为如果不是他建立的奥法秘术会发动了征服和统一耐兰瑟尔群岛的战争，这些被安排在阿斯卡特拉的海盗们也不会突然“失业”，更不会走投无路之下干出这种铤而走险的事情来。

幸好！

左思当初在法师塔内留下了足够的力量。

所以伯纳德的商会虽然遇到一点小麻烦，但还是被轻松的解决了。

毕竟以半兽人瑞特和阿莱娜两人的职业等级跟装备，碾压一群海盗还是相当轻松的。

尤其是后者的大范围火焰伤害魔法，绝对是是所有敌人的噩梦。

搞清楚前因后果，左思一屁股做到沙发上，面带微笑的赞许道：“这件事情你们干得不错。

记住，对付敲诈勒索之类的事情，永远不要抱有妥协的念头。

不然的话，对方只要成功第一次，就必然会有第二次、第三次、第四次。

对了，我离开的这段时间，你们过得怎么样？”

“还可以。我、瑞特和寇根一直在接一些猎杀怪物的委托。

既能赚点钱喝酒、赌博，也能顺便烧点什么东西找乐子。

另外，告诉你一个好消息。

My warlock level has just been upgraded to LV10, and I have mastered a fifth-ring magic [Mark of Fire]. "

"Upgraded?!"

Zuo Si raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

You have to know that the last time they met, Alena's warlock level was only LV8.

Before long, it actually upgraded two levels to LV10. If it upgraded two more levels, it would reach the upper limit of LV4 cards.

If you want to break the restriction, you must first cancel the summon and upgrade the level of this follower card.

"Of course! It's different from when I was with you. This time, I personally killed many bandits and monsters that threatened the merchants."

Without hesitation, Alena told him the secret of her rapid leveling up.

As a follower, she is different from ordinary summoned creatures whose strength is fixed from the moment they are made into cards. She can also absorb mana through killing, thereby improving her casting level.

That is to say, if there is a planeswalker present and absorbing a lot of magical energy, the followers will gain less magical energy, thus slowing down their upgrade speed.

Zuo Si obviously realized this and immediately showed a thoughtful expression.

Just when he was about to ask for some specific details, he suddenly saw Bernard in a tuxedo walking in from outside.

After several months of working his way up in Athkatla's upper class society, this young businessman not only looks much more shrewd and capable, but also exudes an aura that is unique to a superior.

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Zuo Si took the initiative to wave and say hello.

moment!

Bernard became extremely excited and walked over quickly, laughing and saying, "It's been a long time. Welcome back, Mr. Soth."

"How did you handle the matter of the Sea's Gift Tavern? Did you encounter any trouble?"

Zuo Si asked casually.

"What kind of trouble could there be? This time we caught the perpetrator red-handed!

Moreover, the ones killed were a group of pirates who had caused huge losses to countless chambers of commerce in Athkatla.

The captain of the guard even prepared to hang their bodies on the wall of the dock for public display.

In addition, after giving the Attorney General three hundred gold coins, he also gave me the Sea's Gift Tavern as a reward for helping the people get rid of harm."

As he spoke, Bernard pulled out a stamped deed from his pocket.

The fact that he could speak openly about the bribery shows how many shady behind-the-scenes deals there are in the judicial system of the business empire of Am.

You should know that the Sea's Gift Tavern is not the dilapidated Crooked Crane Inn in the City Gate District.

It has one underground floor and two above-ground floors, covers a fairly large area, and is located right next to the main road.

Almost all sailors, captains and first mates who have just landed or are about to set sail will go in and have a drink.

Even if you just sell the land, it will cost at least several thousand gold coins.

But now, the merchant got it easily with only three hundred gold coins.

Looking at the deed on the table, Zuo Si asked meaningfully, "How do you plan to use this tavern?"

Bernard pushed the deed forward gently. "Of course I'm giving it to you as a gift. After all, it was thanks to your two followers that we were able to resolve this hostage crisis. I don't have the nerve to take it for myself."

"Thank you. I won't be polite then." Zuo Si put the deed directly into his pocket.

Because taverns and inns are different from other businesses and have a very significant intelligence gathering function.

What's more, the building directly opposite the Boon of the Sea Tavern is the headquarters of the Harper Alliance in Amn.

Regardless of his purpose, he had sufficient reasons and motivations to make the Sea's Bounty Tavern his own territory.

"Are you planning to open another high-end restaurant in the Eastern Continent's Karatu style?" Bernard asked in an uncertain tone.

Zuo Si immediately smiled and shook his head: "No, of course not.

The main customers of the Sea's Bounty Tavern are sailors and shadow thieves who operate around the docks.

They don't have that much money to spend on high-end consumption.

Therefore, I think it would be enough to just expand it a little and do some simple renovation.

In addition, you can hire a few dancers who are dressed slightly revealingly and perform some seductive dances to attract energetic guests to make additional purchases.

As for the chef...

Let's see if Welby has produced one or two worthwhile apprentices in the meantime."

As he said this, Zuo Si subconsciously took out the two Shapeshifter cards, a playful smile appearing on his face.

It was obvious that he was planning to place these two guys in to make money for himself while collecting intelligence and monitoring the movements of the Harpist Alliance.

After all, after solving the problem of loyalty, the shapeshifter is definitely the most perfect spy in the world.

It’s a pity that Zuo Si only has two Shapeshifter cards on hand.

Otherwise, they could follow the example of Sarevok and use a large number of shapeshifters to infiltrate Athkatla.

"Speaking of Chef Welby, you probably haven't eaten at the restaurant he opened yet, right?" Bernard asked tentatively.

Zuo Si shook his head slightly. "No. I've been so busy lately that I've even reduced my sleep time to exactly eight hours, not even a minute more. How can I have time to take care of other things? How is the restaurant doing?"

“It couldn’t be better.

The net profit in the last few months alone has reached 70,000 gold coins, an average of about 20,000 per month.

Now all the nobles and merchants in Askatla regard being able to book a private room in your restaurant for the same day as a way of showing off.

Even the public dining seats in the lobby on the first floor are available for purchase at high prices.

As for the limited daily home delivery service, as well as takeaway snacks and pastries, they are basically sold out as soon as they are put on the table.

Many people would even come to me through the back door in order to reserve a spot.

As a result, I got to know many people who hold important positions in various government departments.

Even my good friend Babette has become a loyal customer of this store.

According to his own words, after eating the oriental food made by Chef Welby, he couldn't swallow the local food of Amn at all. "

Bernard immediately became excited when talking about the restaurant's business.

Because he really gained unimaginable huge benefits from it.

The benefit is not money, but the ability to make more powerful friends and protect your chamber of commerce and business.

"It sounds interesting. How about... we go to the restaurant for dinner?" Zuo Si suggested, touching his chin.

"Okay! I've been wanting to go for a long time."

"Fun person" Alena immediately waved her arms and cheered loudly.

The half-orc Rhett recalled the delicious food he had eaten before, swallowed his saliva subconsciously and said, "There should be a lot of customers if we go there at this time, right?"

"It's okay. I asked the manager to reserve two or three private rooms for emergency use, so you don't have to worry about not having enough space."

After saying this, Bernard stood up and winked at his butler.

The latter understood what he meant and immediately asked the coachman and guards to prepare an oversized four-wheeled carriage.

In this way, a group of people rode in a large carriage and marched towards the city gate area.

After a while, it stopped at the door of the restaurant.

Different from the ordinary square buildings around it, this restaurant designed by Zuo Si himself looks full of oriental atmosphere.

Whether it is the lanterns hanging at the door for lighting, or the pillars, attics, screens, windows, carvings, tables, and chairs, they all present a style that is incompatible with the surrounding environment.

Especially the plates and bowls for serving dishes, as well as the vases for decoration, all of them are made of unique porcelain.

Needless to say, this was also mass-produced by Zuo Si using his creative abilities.

After all, the "kaolin" used to make porcelain is, to put it simply, a mixture of silicon dioxide and some other trace elements.

With a few tries, it's easy to find a recipe that works.

Although I can't create those exquisite designs and patterns, it is still no problem to fool the natives of this world.

Anyway, as long as it is labeled as "Specialties from Karatu of the Eastern Continent", no matter what it is, its status will immediately soar.

In order to create the so-called "immersive" experience, all the waitresses wore long silk skirts with oriental characteristics, and even received professional training and could speak a few simple greetings from the Karatu continent.

"You made all this?"

Zuo Si stared in amazement as he watched the well-trained maids deliver trays to the dining table one by one and greet the guests skillfully in the language of Karatu. He felt a strong sense of unreality.

You have to know that he only provided the design of the architecture and decoration, as well as a certain amount of porcelain tableware, but definitely did not include the clothes, dress and language of the waitresses.

Bernard responded proudly, "Yes! These are all custom-made clothes made by a tailor after consulting a scholar of Oghma, the god of knowledge.

Every waitress working here must undergo at least five days of training before taking up the job.

It is with this kind of meticulous service that guests who are willing to pay a high price can experience the dining experience they want.”

"You are truly a genius in business." Zuo Si couldn't help but sigh.

As the saying goes, details determine success or failure.

If it weren't for the businessmen's attitude of striving for perfection, these waitresses would probably be wearing a low-cut white shirt and an earth-colored linen skirt, which would be a real eyesore.

This kind of dressing will inevitably cause all the guests who come to dine to have a strong sense of visual tearing.

But now, the last flaw has been perfectly made up.

"Thank you for the compliment. Come on, this is not the place to talk. Let's go to the private room on the upper floor."

Bernard took the lead and walked in through the main entrance. Soon, accompanied by the manager, he came to a reserved empty private room on the second floor.

Just after crossing the threshold, Zuo Si noticed that a copper stove was emitting white smoke outside, filling the whole room with a faint fragrance.

Out of curiosity, he walked closer and looked through the gap in the copper furnace. He saw a small piece of gray and white, stone-like substance being heated and burned. He immediately asked in an uncertain tone: "Is this ambergris?"

"Yes. As part of the additional services in the VIP room, it can provide a better dining environment for those nobles and wealthy businessmen. How is it? Does it feel good?"

Bernard picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of hot tea.

"It's really good. The service is impeccable. The next thing is the taste of the food."

After saying that, Zuo Si walked to a chair and sat down.

As soon as he sat down, the door of the room was pushed open and a short man ran in from the corridor outside.

"Hey! Look who's here! I thought you forgot about me!"

Following the familiar voice, the halfling Welby jumped up and gave Zuo Si a warm hug.

Yes!

With Zuo Si's current height, the chef would need to jump up to reach his neck.

There's no way, the halfling is only about one meter tall.

"Sorry, I've been too busy lately and haven't been able to pay attention to this."

Zuo Si patted the man's back hard, then took it off his neck.

Because even though this half-man in front of you is not tall, his weight is quite amazing. He is basically a round ball of meat.

"Haha! It doesn't matter! I'm doing fine now, and you've kept your promise."

Welby's character was as cheerful as ever.

In other words, most halflings have a very good mentality and do not take the setbacks and difficulties encountered in daily life seriously at all.

Zuo Si undoubtedly liked this nature of the halflings very much. He poked the chef's bulging belly and chin with his fingers and said with a smile: "From the extra fat on your body, anyone who is not blind can see that you are living a very comfortable life. But I have to remind you that you'd better control your food intake and lose weight appropriately. Otherwise, you may die of obesity in a few years."

"Damn it! Don't mention weight to me. As a halfling, I would rather die of obesity than look at delicious food in front of me and not be able to eat it." Welby argued plausibly.

But soon, he changed the subject and asked in an expectant tone: "What are you going to eat today? If you don't mind, how about letting me make the decision?"

"Can."

Zuo Si gave a straightforward affirmative answer.

He believed that after such a long period of influence and training with his recipe, no matter what dish the halfling chef made, it would definitely not be bad.

"Great! Give me some time. In forty minutes at most, I promise to serve a sumptuous and delicious dinner."

After saying this, Welby ran out quickly with his short legs.

Only at times like this could one vaguely see a glimpse of his past as a thief in his youth.

After sending the halfling away, Zuo Si immediately asked without turning his head, "Regarding the restaurant's revenue in recent months, have you given Welby's share?"

Bernard quickly replied: “As you requested, it was given that month.

Not only him, but also the bonuses promised to the kitchen helpers and waitresses were all paid out in full.

However, Welby entrusted me to send most of the money back to Zazespur, intending to use it to help the refugees displaced by the civil war in the Kingdom of Tethyr.

I don’t think it’s a good idea though.”

"It doesn't matter. This is Welby's own money. No matter how he chooses to spend it, it is his personal freedom. We shouldn't interfere. But when donating, be careful not to give money directly. It's better to distribute food and clothes to avoid being used by people with ulterior motives." Zuo Si reminded indifferently.

In fact, when the caravan stopped in Zazesipo, he noticed that although Welby's inn was not doing well, it still insisted on preparing some food for the refugees every day.

So I wasn't too surprised to hear that the halfling gave away most of the money he earned.

And it is easy to see from this action that Welby's camp is chaotic good.

"I understand. I will arrange everything. In addition, I have another important thing to inform you. That is, I am getting married soon."

Bernard went around in circles for a long time and finally dropped this bombshell.

"Marry? To whom?"

Zuo Si turned around abruptly, his face full of surprise and surprise.

Because he originally thought that, at the age of around 30, the businessman should have been married a long time ago, and might even have one or two children, but he just hadn't moved into this house yet.

"She's Babette's sister. Our two families have always been very close and have signed an alliance more than once. This time, Babette and I have decided to take our relationship a step further, that is, marriage."

Bernard did not hide anything and openly stated the purpose of his marriage.

Because there is nothing to hide.

Everyone in Askatra who was not blind knew what this marriage contract meant.

"Congratulations! I guess I'll have to spend some time preparing a gift." Zuo Si offered his blessings in a half-joking tone.

"Thank you. I would like to invite you to my wedding. What do you think?" Bernard asked cautiously.

Zuo Si nodded without hesitation: "No problem. Give me a specific time and place, and I promise that I will be there on time no matter how busy I am."

Hearing this promise, Bernard immediately showed a happy smile: "Thank you very much. I feel much more at ease with you here. As for the wedding date, I will discuss it with Babette later and try to set a date that is relatively close."

"Why did you get married so late? As far as I know, the children of Amn nobles and wealthy businessmen should get married very early." Zuo Si asked in confusion.

Bernard explained with a wry smile: "It's all because of my father.

He wanted his illegitimate son to inherit the family business, so he deliberately delayed finding suitable marriage partners for me and other siblings.

In this way, we will not be able to gain support from external forces through marriage.

Similarly, other families have no excuse or reason to intervene, and can also prevent the birth of the next generation of heirs with legal inheritance rights.

But it’s not too late to get married now.

I am only thirty years old, in the prime of my life.

As long as you work hard, giving birth to a few sons shouldn’t be a problem…”

(End of this chapter)