After Karl came, Aya and others rented a small courtyard. Each of them had a room and they were no longer crowded together as before.

They even set aside a room specifically for entertaining guests.

"Jacqueline!"

Seeing the figure pushing the door open, Karl couldn't help but look surprised:

"Is it you?"

Jacqueline, the survivor of the Wind Whisperer, a companion I met in the underground of Black City, also came to Freeport.

This is normal.

Nine out of ten people who escape from the Black City will come here.

"Mr. Carl!" Jacqueline, a burly woman with scars on her face, bowed and saluted: "We meet again."

"Yeah." Carl sighed, "You guys escaped too?"

"Thanks to you." Jacqueline's voice was filled with relief and gratitude for having survived the disaster.

"If you hadn't led the resistance and killed the captain of the city guards, we would have fallen along with the Black City."

"You saved our lives!"

"It's all in the past, let's not talk about it anymore." Karl waved his hand and looked behind him:

"Who is this?"

"Let me introduce you." Jacqueline quickly stretched out her hand to indicate:

"Knight Yas, the manager of the Scythe Brotherhood in the Vanilla Market. I just came to Freeport and didn't know anything. Thanks to him for his help."

"Hello."

Yas is a well-mannered middle-aged man. He does not have the fishy smell of ordinary people in Freeport, but instead has a faint scent of incense.

perfume?

Not only did he spray perfume, but his clothes were also very neat and his leather boots were spotless.

Keeping it clean on such a muddy road is not an easy task.

It's obvious.

This is a person who pays attention to appearance.

"I've heard a long time ago that there was a warrior from Black City who led the miners to fight against the tyranny of the city guards."

Ya Si placed one hand on his chest and bowed: "Your courage and wisdom are admirable!"

"I heard that you also came to Freeport and knew Jacqueline, so I came to disturb you without permission."

As he said this, he put down the gift in his hand.

"You're welcome." Carl extended his hand and invited: "Please sit down."

The other party gave him a good first impression. He was well-spoken and polite, much better than the one from the Poseidon Society.

And bringing an acquaintance with you will make it more persuasive.

After sitting down.

Yas was in no hurry to talk about business, but talked about the situation in the Free Port. He was a successful businessman and was well-informed. He could make even boring things vivid and interesting. What's more, people in the Black City had no contact with the outside world, so Aya and others pricked up their ears to eavesdrop.

Carl doesn't talk much, but he has a reserve of knowledge that is unmatched by ordinary people, and he often gets to the point when he speaks.

This made Yas very excited, and he became more and more interested in talking.

"The so-called sickle represents the weapon of Kronos, the god of death. This sickle symbolizes the end of time and the coming of death."

"Many organizations use the word sickle as their name. I heard that there was a sickle society in Black City before?"

"yes."

Carl nodded:

"But later it disappeared due to fighting between forces."

"Alas!" Yas sighed softly, "People's minds are fickle, and disputes are hard to avoid. There is no manager in the Free Port, so disputes are common."

"If there is no expert in charge, a small force will usually not last long before it perishes."

"Only great power can last long!"

He looked at Carl and said seriously, "Brother Carl has just arrived at Freeport and has not joined any faction yet. You might want to consider our Scythe Brotherhood."

Karl touched his chin and said nothing.

He is waiting for the other party to make conditions.

There are not many pharmacists in Freeport, and there are even fewer like him who can refine more than ten kinds of potions.

No matter which force it belongs to, it is a hot commodity.

"The leader of our Scythe Brotherhood is a great knight who has the potential to become a legend, and several elders are also great knights." Yas said with a smile, "In terms of the number of great knights, the Sea God Association and the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce are not as good as us!"

"Brother Carl is very capable and not too old. He has the potential to become a great knight. We can provide more financial support in this regard."

"Oh!" Karl's eyes moved slightly: "What do you mean?"

"The Scythe Brotherhood can provide you with a shop in the Vanilla Market, at least two high-quality beast pills per month for your training, and some books on knight training can also be provided for free reading." Yas said, "In addition, a Dark Walker Seal will be added."

"We will also provide the materials you need to make the potion, but the potion needs to be supplied to the people of the Brotherhood first."

This is a good condition!

So far, the Scythe Brotherhood has offered the best conditions among the three, and Carl is obviously tempted.

"Mr. Karl."

Jacqueline spoke up, "The Dark Walker Seal is an advanced version of the Shadow Alliance's Shadow Seal, and is unique to the Scythe Brotherhood."

"This seal is even more rare than the swimming seal!"

"That's right." Yas smiled and said, "Those who possess the Dark Walker Seal will be favored by the night, and their strength will increase by 20% at night."

"You can see the night as if it were day, hide in the shadows to be less likely to be discovered, and even come into contact with ghosts."

Strength increased by 20%?

Karl couldn't help but smile.

If he could really increase his strength by 20%, then he would have the courage to fight the big knight at night.

After all, in addition to his knightly skills, he is also a mid-level wizard apprentice.

"Thank you for the invitation from the Scythe Brotherhood."

Carl said, "I just arrived in Freeport not long ago, and I really haven't figured out what to do next. It would be great if I could join the Scythe Brotherhood."

“Hmm…”

"When will the seal be given?"

"In the next two days!" Yas joked, "Brother Carl, once you get the seal, you will be a member of the Brotherhood. You can't regret it when the time comes."

"Of course not." Carl shook his head.

…………

Returning to the Scythe Brotherhood's headquarters, Yas could not hide his excitement.

Carl gave him a good impression. Although he was powerful, he was more like a knowledgeable scholar. He did not have the hostility of ordinary knights. It was very comfortable to be with him and talk with him.

The identity of a pharmacist is an added bonus.

Moreover, as what happened in Black City gradually spread, those who fled from Black City were very grateful to Carl, and his joining would also attract this group of people.

It can be said that it kills two birds with one stone! "Crunch..."

Pushing open a door, Ya Si walked in quickly:

"Father!"

He said hastily, "Karl has already agreed to join the Scythe Brotherhood. As long as we send the Dark Walker over, he will be one of us."

"Hmm..." Henry, the fourth elder of the Scythe Brotherhood, who was known as the Eagle, opened his eyes. His expression was somewhat complicated, and he said slowly: "Yas, if... I mean if, there was no Dark Walker Seal, would he still agree?"

"Huh?" Yas was stunned, subconsciously feeling something was wrong, and asked hesitantly:

"Father, what do you mean?"

"well!"

Henry sighed, slowly stood up from his seat, and paced back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back:

"Not long after you left, the Second Elder's people came looking for you. Their little Heli wanted the Dark Walker Seal."

"But..." Yas frowned: "We have already decided."

"It's settled, but it hasn't been given yet, has it?" Henry waved his hand: "You know the Second Elder's character very well. If you don't give him the seal, you will inevitably have trouble in the future."

"Little Heli is that kind of person again..."

"Change the seal!"

"Father!" Ya Si stamped his feet angrily, "How can such a thing be changed? Didn't you tell them that the seal has been decided?"

"I said it." Henry sighed, "But do you think it's useful?"

"This..." Ya Si paused. He knew the Second Elder's character very well, and gritted his teeth and said angrily:

"Father, you are also an elder in the association!"

"I'm old." Henry said bitterly, "You have to accept your age!"

"I'll go find the president." Yas said in a deep voice:

"Karl is young and has great potential to become a great knight. There are many benefits for him to join us."

"and……"

"The matter has been settled. How can I face people if it is changed?"

He is a very proud person and would never do such a shameful thing.

"President?" Henry shook his head. "The president's son is pursuing little Heli, and do you think the president is willing to veto the second elder's proposal?"

Yas was silent.

really.

In the past few years, the president has spent most of his time in seclusion practicing, hoping to become one step closer to becoming a legend.

All matters, big or small, of the Scythe Brotherhood are handled by several elders, among whom the second elder is the most powerful.

Henry had retired from the front line due to a serious injury he had suffered in his early years and only handled some business dealings.

Gradually, they have been on the brink of power.

They, father and son, had no say in the Scythe Brotherhood.

"What should we do then?"

Yas lowered his head:

"Let me tell Carl that the seal we promised is gone?"

"well!"

Henry sighed:

"It's the only way."

…………

We agreed to wait for two days, but in the end, it disappeared.

Jacqueline did come once during this period. Her attitude was very strange. She hesitated for a long time and did not give any specific information.

"Oh……"

Karl is not stupid, how could he not see the problem, he couldn't help but shook his head: "It seems that it won't work."

"Uncle."

Aya came in:

"Sister Susan is here."

"please!"

Carl stood up.

Susan was dressed as strikingly as ever, and the cool outfit under her cloak showed off her figure to the fullest.

"I got some information."

With her white, slender legs crossed, she smiled and said, "The Scythe Brotherhood has released a new seal of the Dark Walker. This seal was finally given to the second elder's daughter, little Heli."

"I know little Heli, she can't bear the hardship of training. She eats beast pills every day but is only a knight's squire. I'm afraid it's unlikely that she will become a knight. The second elder probably gave her the seal because he was worried that she was not strong enough."

"Really?" Karl picked up the wine glass and took a sip, his expression did not change at all: "She has a good father."

No wonder there was no news. It turned out that the seal already had an owner. Did Ya Si have the face to come to see him? This was a bit deliberate.

As long as the reason is explained, Carl will not blame him. He can only say that Yas is a person who cannot lose face.

But I don’t know.

The less you come, the more people will dislike you.

The key is to have the courage to face difficulties and find ways to solve them. Simply avoiding them will only make you appear cowardly and ultimately accomplish nothing.

"Yes!" Susan shook her long golden wavy hair:

"A good father is indeed something to be envied."

"In fact, our Dragon King Chamber of Commerce is not bad, especially for purchasing various materials, which is very convenient."

"Hmm..." Carl was noncommittal: "Really?"

"Join us, and the Chamber of Commerce will provide you with two high-quality beast pills for free every month, and give you the right of priority to purchase two more." Susan sat up straight, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him:

"also……"

"Add another Steel Body Seal!"

She had been here several times before, so there was no need to repeat the previous conditions. The only thing required this time was an additional seal.

The seal may not be expensive.

But there are too few of them! Especially the seals of good quality are in short supply.

"Steel body?" Carl thought.

He had heard of this seal for a long time. Among those who died at his hands, several had this seal.

Refining the Steel Body Seal can increase the body's defense to a certain extent.

to be honest.

He was not very tempted by this. After all, with the secondary magic field and armor, his defense was strong enough.

But louse meat is still meat, and the Steel Body Seal is not bad either.

As for the high-quality animal pills, they are pure welfare. After purchasing them, you can trade them even if you don’t take them.

Then he asked slowly:

"What about the potion?"

“We can talk about this.” Seeing Karl showing his interest, Susan’s eyes lit up and she said:

"The Chamber of Commerce will provide the materials, and you will be responsible for refining the medicine. A certain amount of the materials will be paid to the Chamber of Commerce as material fees."

“Whatever is left, you can sell in your own store.”

As he said this, he took out a piece of paper.

The specific share was written on the paper, including the minimum amount of potions that needed to be refined and handed over to the Chamber of Commerce every month.

There is also profit sharing.

According to what is written here, Carl is equivalent to working for the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce, and he will not earn much money.

certainly.

If you work hard and refine more than a certain amount of potions every month, your income will increase significantly.

Carl was thoughtful.

He didn't care much about income; his main goal was to have a fixed base in Freeport.

As for refining the potion, Aya will try her best to do it so as not to waste too much of his time.

When it comes to specific profits, they naturally cannot just follow what the other party says, so the two of them started a heated discussion on this.

a long time.

Karl asked, "When will the seal be given?"

The fact that the seals set by the Scythe Brotherhood can be changed shows that there are differences in internal power. In this case, joining the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce is a good choice.

"Now!"

Susan smiled and asked someone to bring a wooden box. When she opened the lid, she found a seal inside.

Steel body!

"Oh……"

Karl chuckled and shook his head, then reached out his hand: “Deal!”

"Welcome!" Susan stretched out her hands, held Karl's right hand, and said enthusiastically, "Welcome to the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce!"

* * * Green Vine Castle is located in the eastern part of Signo and once belonged to the Grand Duke of Saxony when he was still a count.

Later, the Grand Duke left and donated it to the church.

Some large banquets with church participation are usually held here.

This is an ancient castle, surrounded by towering stone walls and pointed towers, looking solemn and mysterious in the afterglow of the setting sun.

When Carl arrived, the band and singers were already in place, and the singers in gorgeous uniforms were singing hymns by themselves.

Sacred and melodious songs echoed in the castle and gardens, and most of the guests coming and going had solemn expressions.

Joy, happiness, and playfulness do not suit the style here.

Dinah was wearing a hat decorated with feathers. The heavy headdress made her look dazed and she had to lower her head from time to time.

"Sir."

Karl didn’t know anyone here, so he could only get close to her and chat:

"Didn't you sleep well last night?"

"Not just yesterday?" Dinah rolled her eyes and said with all her might:

"It's been several days in a row. For Kaili's fiancée, we have almost run all over the North City."

"Thank you for your hard work." Carl expressed his admiration: "It is Kaili's luck and ours to have a commander like you who cares about his subordinates."

He had also heard about this matter.

Kaili realized that he couldn't rescue his fiancée on his own, so he harassed all his colleagues in the Inspection Office.

Everyone was trying to help him find a fiancée.

In conjunction with.

The usually idle inspection hall has become busy.

"It's not just because of him." Dina shook her head slightly. "I've been investigating in North City these days, and I found that many girls have disappeared recently, almost every day."

She looked serious, "There must be an evil force that is secretly kidnapping girls. I wonder what they are going to do?"

"Um!"

"You don't seem surprised at all?"

"Uh..." Carl shrugged:

"I've heard some rumors."

"You've heard of it?" Dina's expression became serious. "If you've heard of it, why didn't you report it? Don't forget that you are the inspector who maintains the city's law and order!"

"Sir."

Carl sighed:

"I can't be the only one who knows about this. If you ask around, you can hear the rumors."

"When something happens to the children of nobles or the people of the inner city, the Inspection Office will handle it. When has it ever taken care of ordinary people in the outer city?"

"You are making excuses for your irresponsibility!" Dinah waved her arms fiercely: "Fairness, protection, justice, whether nobles or knights, they should abide by these virtues."

"..." Karl opened his mouth and sighed helplessly:

"All right!"

"I am too cold-blooded. I hope the officer can arrest those criminals as soon as possible and give the citizens an explanation."

He also said:

"I really mean this!"

"snort!"

Dinah snorted.

She couldn't stand Karl's cold and distant attitude. He was a nobleman and an inspector, but he forgot what justice and responsibility were.

but……

How many of today's nobles and knights still abide by the rules that have long been "outdated"?

Glancing at the whole place, the guests were all dressed up and solemn, but who among them had not done dirty things behind the scenes? Alas! Dinah sighed silently, a feeling of fatigue suddenly rose in her heart, but it was suppressed by fighting spirit in an instant.

I am different! I should not fall!

“Wow…”

“Pah!”

At this time, the music in the venue stopped and everyone politely clapped their hands to applaud the singers.

"Didn't they say that today's banquet was held in honor of Archbishop Antonio?" Carl asked, "Why don't I see him?"

"It seems like they are resting in the back." Dinah raised her head and looked at the crowd: "Earl Barrow and Her Highness Duna are here. The Archbishop should have shown up as well, but we didn't notice."

"Um."

Carl nodded.

That should be the case.

They were not paying much attention to the host of the banquet, and did not even listen carefully to Her Highness Duna's speech.

“Karl!”

At this time, a familiar voice sounded.

Jenny lifted her skirt and trotted over to the two of them, smiling excitedly:

"I didn't expect you to be here today. Hello, Captain Dina."

"Yes." Carl said, "You sang very well. It was addictive."

Dinah returned the salute.

"The word 'obsession' cannot be used to describe hymns." Jenny shook her head. She was also one of the singers today.

"I……"

"I'm leaving Signor City soon."

When she made her official debut with the Barrow Singers, she was noticed by people from the Royal Opera House.

After this banquet, I will follow the people from the theater to the royal city for further studies.

It was undoubtedly a surprise to see Karl at this time, so he took the initiative to come to me after the end.

"I heard about it." Carl asked: "Are you going alone?"

"Yes."

Jenny's eyes were slightly red, her fingers were entangled with the hem of her skirt, and she whispered:

"I will go to the royal city to study first, and then I will bring my mother over when I make some money. It will take at least two or three years."

She had just reached adulthood and had never left her mother. This time she was away for two or three years without a companion.

When I thought about this, I couldn't help but feel uneasy.

But Dina knew that the opportunity was rare, and if she missed it, she might never have it again in her life.

"Time will pass quickly if you study," Carl consoled.

"It will take many years for someone in Signor City to join the Royal Opera House. Perhaps you can even become a divine singer. By then, not only Madam Mary, but even I will be proud of you."

The so-called divine singers are singers who sing specifically for gods, and their status is no less than that of regional bishops.

It is said that.

Some of the angels around the gods are the singers of God.

"I can't do it."

Jenny looked shy:

"I have never learned music theory. I don't know anything. I am the dumbest among the teacher's students."

"Knowledge can be learned, but talent is innate. You can't learn it even if you want to." Carl smiled and said, "Your talent is truly enviable."

"Thank you." Jenny smiled sweetly: "When I go to the royal city, can I write to you?"

"Of course." Carl nodded and said:

"But I'm about to leave Signor City, and I don't have a specific location yet. I may not be able to contact you until later."

"Ah!" Jenny's heart trembled: "You want to leave too?"

"Where are you going?"

"A rather special place." Carl did not say it directly. After all, the Black Swamp is not suitable for ordinary people to live in.

But his words obviously caused Jenny to misunderstand, thinking that he was unwilling to say it, and her expression became gloomy.

"Jenny!"

At this moment, a slightly sharp voice sounded.

A tall woman walked out of the choir. She quickly came to Jenny and asked in a deep voice, "What are you doing here?"

"teacher."

Jenny was obviously afraid of the other person, and she subconsciously shrank her head: "I want to talk to my friend."

“Friend?” The woman’s scrutinizing eyes fell on Karl, and then she snorted disdainfully:

“You should remember your identity and do everything for the service of God, so that you can truly sing hymns well.”

"The body must be pure, and the soul too!"

This group of people are forbidden to have romantic relationships.

"Yes." Jenny replied timidly.

"Walk."

The woman grabbed her sleeve:

"Come back with me. We may return to the royal city tonight."

Watching Jenny leave reluctantly, Dinah couldn't help but chuckle: "She likes you."

"Don't take the little girl's impulse seriously during her naive period." Carl shook his head.

"oh!"

Dinah looked a little surprised:

"It's not like a gentleman for you to know what she's thinking and not respond."

"It is not gentlemanly to ruin a person's future because of a momentary impulse." Carl said calmly: "Sir, what do you think?"

"Tsk tsk tsk..." Dina shook her head and said, "Karl, I think I should get to know you again. Although you are a little cold, at least you are not so promiscuous."

She had seen many promiscuous nobles, both men and women.

Karl's attitude towards Jenny made her look at him with new eyes. It was rare to find someone who could control his desires, especially aristocrats who had no constraints.

No wonder! No wonder he despises his cousin.

This Carl at least has some emotional merits.

"It seems that Archbishop Antonio will not show up today." Looking at Count Barrow giving a speech on the stage, Carl whispered to himself:

"Maybe I should find a chance to leave."

"casual."

Dinah lowered her head, pretended to doze off, and took the opportunity to rest.

"Um?"

Carl suddenly frowned and looked around.

"What's wrong?" Dinah raised her eyelids.

"It seems... there are more people." Carl looked puzzled, then he opened his eyes and retreated violently:

"careful!"

Before he finished speaking, several figures suddenly rushed out of the crowd and pounced on Barrow who was giving a speech.

"For Lieyang!"

"Father God!"

“…”

These people roared loudly, their eyes were full of fanaticism, and hot breath came out from their bodies.

The fire thief! "Boom!"

Balls of flames exploded one after another.

Their target is not just Barrow.

The nearby service staff and servants dropped what they were holding and rushed towards the crowded area with roars.

"For the Father!"

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(End of this chapter)