Chapter 485
Matans Shooter 485
TL: xLordFifth
ED:
Did you come when I wasnt here?
Obviously. Geez, have you forgotten everything I told you? Did you think the city would crumble if left to the NPC for too long?
No wonder! No wonder the financial flow was so neat! The balancing of the accounts was-
How about starting with a thank you?
The reason why all the documents Leeha reviewed late into the night were impeccably organized! Ram Hwayeon, with no official authority now, had been meddling here and there, an act quietly tolerated by Paytor, the butler-like NPC. Although all approvals were under Paytors name, there had been a shadow deputy advising and assisting him Ram Hwayeon!
Leeha stared at her, mouth agape, as she casually drank the cold water Paytor had brought her. Despite her cheeky, biting remarks, how could Leeha possibly dislike her?
Cough, thank you. I never imagined youd care so much about my city.
What? You didnt know? Thats a bit harsh.
No, I mean, youre so busy, I thought you wouldnt have time for me.
Not just Castle Dale, but consider how many cities Ram Hwayeons Hwahong Guild currently holds. Despite having specialists at her side, she handles almost everything personally. Leeha had never imagined she would extend her care to his Gaza City.
Even though Im busy, you well Cough, cough.
Ram Hwayeon suddenly coughed, unusual in Middle Earth.
Why didnt you tell me sooner?
What?
If I had known Ram Hwayeon helped, I wouldnt have had to recheck all these documents.
I warned you about trusting too easily! Even I-
No, I trust you, Ram Hwayeon. Thank you.
Leeha smiled at her, and Ram Hwayeon, about to drink water, met his gaze and couldnt look away. Blushing, she quickly turned her head, tucking her long red hair behind her ear. Holding the water cup awkwardly, she fanned herself hastily.
Oh, its suddenly hot. Well, thats enough of that! How was the new continent? I heard from Hwajung, but
It was okay. Yeah, good. You need achievements, right? Heh, Ive already uncovered lots of achievements in the new continent. Ill tell you a few as payback for looking after Gaza City.
Wow, Leeha, showing such confidence? Usually, youre so timid.
Timid? Watch it, or youll get a scolding.
As Leeha playfully laughed, Ram Hwayeon finally smiled too.
Okay. Ill visit the new continent with Hwajung soon. I hear theres a plan to send out from the royal palace.
From the royal palace?
The new continent doesnt belong to anyone yet.
Right. Its practically the land of the natives.
Yes. There might not even be a settler village, so it seems each nation might build towns on the new continent. I only know about Fibiel, but if theyre doing it, Minis and Kraven will too.
A land grab? In the new continent?
Well, they cant openly fight like during the National War. Theyll be tied under the Popes name until the Demon Kings Fragments are eradicated. But theyll argue that forward bases are needed to eradicate the Fragments, that human forces must be united, and a village must be established as a starting point for exploring the new continent. With such reasoning, even the Pope will have to agree, right?
Leeha frowned as he listened to Ram Hwayeons explanation. However, Leeha had somewhat anticipated this development. What was the reason behind Shin Naras participation in the new continent expedition? From the moment she was appointed as the Fibiel Inspector by the Fibiel royal palace, she had a rough idea of what would unfold on the new continent.
A world exclusively for humans No, not just humans. If various races including Wood Elves were to enter-
What about the Paleos? They had individualistic tendencies, but one of their defining characteristics was protecting their territory. Paleos and mystical creatures didnt encroach on each others territories, allowing for peaceful and independent coexistence.
But what about humans? If a village expands into two, and those two into a city, and the city fortifies with high walls
Of course, being human expansion is inevitable. Leeha couldnt help but envision a troubling future.
Why so serious?
Oh, its nothing.
Youre probably worrying about the NPCs, as usual.
Ram Hwayeon chuckled, and Leeha was taken aback.
How did you know? he wanted to ask but refrained, feeling like he would lose(?) if he did, yet Ram Hwayeon seemed to see right through him.
Ah, everythings alright with your Hong Kong schedule, right?
Oh! Yes, lets talk about that. Whats the deal with that ticket?
Problem?
Why did you go to such lengths to get those tickets
Good. Well talk when you come. Im leaving now. Dont forget! You absolutely cant forget!
What? Why Hong Kong-
Whoosh
She disappeared using instant teleportation, leaving Leeha bewildered.
Whats happening?
His gaze lingered where she had been, Leeha couldnt fathom the reason for her visit. She hadnt mentioned anything about the financial settlement from Castle Dale, leaving him puzzled. He confirmed through the friend window that Ram Hwayeon had returned to Castle Dale but didnt feel like whispering to her.
Whats she hiding?
He knew she wouldnt answer even if he asked. Leeha tidied up the documents touched by Ram Hwayeon, checked Gaza Citys treasury with a satisfied smile, and finally managed to log out for a short break. When he logged back in after a quick nap in the real world, a new day was dawning in Middle Earth.
Welcome back, Lord.
Yes. I have places to visit today, so if theres nothing urgent, just pile up the documents.
Understood.
Ill be back soon.
Leeha left Gaza Citys inner castle with light steps, smiling and nodding to all NPCs who bowed to him due to his [Dignity] buff. However, when he arrived at a certain location, the smile vanished from his face.
I wonder how it will be
One of his top priorities upon returning to the old continent. Leeha was standing in front of the Holy Grill Gaza City branch.
Busy this early?
Of course. Dont you know Im still here instead of the capital?
Lu hadnt returned to the capital. The Holy Grill branch in Gaza City, boasting the highest sales among its branches, both surprised and saddened Leeha.
Hmm I shouldnt have given that tax benefit
Surely our Lord wouldnt go back on his word?
Of course not. Haha Oh, then at the capital right now-
My sister is there. Castle Candle branch is overseen by Mifgar-ssi.
Mifgar-ssi, the Giant Chef?!
You know him?
More than just knowing him. He had been thoroughly trained in cooking under him.
Well, it really paid off in the new continent.
The main reason he could befriend the primitive Paleos was his cooking skills.
Leeha nodded, recalling Lu in the capital branch, who was simultaneously intimidating and approachable.
An NPC with such contrasting characteristics is in the capital, hmm. Shell certainly handle the tasks of the information guilds leader.
Lu had initially played a role in selecting promising users from beginner villages, as Ju once said. It wasnt an exaggeration to consider Lu, not Ju in the capital, as the one overseeing Fibiels information guild.
Leeha briefly chatted with Ju before bringing up the main topic.
Madam, how far did you get with the investigation I asked for?
Huh? Your request?
You didnt do it at all?
Ho ho, just kidding. Did you think Id forget our Lords request? Let me see, the documents are here
Leehas heart chilled for a moment at Jus joke. Whether due to the full opening of the new continent or Phase 3, NPCs seemed to have slightly changed AI, making them more unpredictable.
Like Paytor. Hmm.
Leeha waited, crossing his arms and looking annoyed. Ju presented him with several screenshots that looked like candid photos.
Whats this?
Rustle Rustle Rustle.
He quickly flipped through the photos. Three individuals appeared in the photos, all recognizable to Leeha.
Yes, our information guild remembers these people. To investigate the Shinob-gumi, we had to follow their tracks.
Sasuke, Matsushige, Mamehana.
Photos of these three members of the Shinobi Group were spread across various shots, with Sasuke appearing the most.
It was so hard to track that black-clad guy. Really, if not for the tax benefits, I wouldve wanted to decline the request.
So, did you find out anything else?
We marked their meeting points and several other locations, but we couldnt find their higher-ups. Im sorry.
Ah..
Not finding the head of the Shinobi Group wasnt surprising. Who was the top player of user information organizations? Chiyou, who had been with Leeha for over 120 days during the voyage. The old continents NPC information guild had no way to uncover her, no matter how hard they tried.
Give us a little more time, were still tracking them. We might have something soon-
Wait. This map its tracking Sasukes movements, right?
-Uh? Yes, thats right.
Leeha interrupted Ju, focusing on the map. Sasukes movements across various continents, including Fibiel and Minis, were clearly documented.
Matsushige and Mamehana are still intermediates. Its natural for them, not yet reaching level 150, to be limited to Fibiel.
But Sasuke was different. The precise records from the NPC information guild revealed when and where he entered cities and his subsequent movements, puzzling Leeha.
Why did he visit Minis City so often?
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