Chapter 836: The State of the Town

A while later, Eureka scanned Jons coffin and nodded in satisfaction. The corruption has slowed down. He has enough strength to endure several months without experiencing any further damages. But after that the corruption will continue until it kills him in about two years.

Were successful. At a great price. Eureka glanced at all the bottles scattered on the floor and flinched. How much did these cost you? Twenty thousand crystals? Well, glad you dragged him away from deaths door just a bit.

Eureka truly meant her wordsshe could find more about Jons secrets this way.

Although Angor was no way near satisfied. Before coming back to the Old Earth, he thought he could at least make Jon last for 20 years or so. If so, he would have enough time to find a thorough cure. Yet the remaining time was cut down to ten percent.

You look so sad. Wasnt planning to spend so much money, eh? said Eureka.

I bought these potions to help my teacher. Theres nothing to be sad about. Miss Eureka, we cant wake him up from the coffin, can we?

You want to talk to him?

Yes.

You can. But this will, of course, allow the corruption to work faster. Without the ice coffin, he only has about two weeks. Didnt you say that you will find a way to cure him? Eureka crossed her arms and gave Angor an I dare you to try look.

I meant it, and I will. Angor was encouraging himself rather than answering Eurekas question.

Ill wait for your success then. Eureka walked away.

Angor spoke again before Eureka fully left from the entrance.

Whatever happens to Jon, he must be free.

Free? Pfft. The moment he set foot in this world, a pair of invisible and unbreakable shackles already locked him in place. The worlds consciousness will judge, then determine his end. Or a wizard might find him first and deal with him. Which do you prefer?

Even someone like us cant find true freedom, much less a mortal.

When Eurekas distant voice could no longer be heard, Angor remained behind, left in his own thoughts.

He partially agreed with what Eureka said. In fact, even Angor himself wasnt sure whether he was helping or denying Jons freedom by keeping him alive in a coffin.

However, he wasnt going to worry about this problem too much. His only wish right now was to revive Jon. All other disagreements or moral disputes had to wait.

He spent the rest of the day in the ice room until he made sure hed never forget the tarnished form of his dear teacher.

The sun was bright today, and the entire vicinity of the manor smelled like fresh flowers.

Angor made plans to shut himself in a seclusion period to look for solutions. Before doing so, he had to have a talk with Tulu first. He was a recruiter of Brute Cavern, and he didnt wish to leave Tulu hanging in Grue Town should the seclusion take him too long.

At the manors gate, he saw Auri running to him with a big smile while carrying a food basket.

Head Maid Mana made some milk crunchies for you, young master! Auri looked at Angors gentlemanly look and blushed. She was fully aware that she was only a house servant, but she couldnt help it.

I picked up some different tastes while I was away, but I still like these. Tell her that I said thanks. Angor accepted the basket while trying not to dig in right here.

He stored the basket in his bracelet and kept heading away. Auri quickly caught up with him.

Anything else you need? Angor gave her a curious look.

But, sir, I used to be your personal servant. What are you doing these days? Please tell me if I can help you!

Huh? Oh, theres no need. Im already used to being alone

Auris eyes almost watered up.

Sigh Alright. I do have a favor to ask. Angor made sure the maid wasnt sobbing. I need you to summon Mana and my brother to the main hall later. I have something to tell them.

Auri happily hopped away to do her errand.

Angor wasnt lying, he did need to introduce someone to his familythe Krakoks.

While on his way back outside, he saw all the servants working in the fields or gardens giving him polite salutations, and he also returned the gestures.

The farmer who tried to chase Angor away the other day sighed in great relief. He was glad that the young master of the family was so kind and tolerant like how others used to tell him.

Angor moved to the fence gate of the manor. He glanced at the owl that was pretending to be sleeping on a tree and walked outside.

On his way to the sheriffs hut, many people in town also greeted him nicely. Grue Town was a small place, and most of its inhabitants remembered him from his childhood.

Did you finish your study, Mister Padt? An old, smoking scholar called out to Angor while sitting under the shade of a tree.

Mister Pa.r.s.el! Did Mister Dim teach you to use a hookah?

Its the other way round, boy. Dim learned this from me. That peasant from a remote village wouldnt have heard about this wonderful creation of humanity if not for me telling him. And he smokes way more often!

Often my a*s, you old fart. Youre just too broke to buy more leaves, arent ya? another bulky man said while walking out of a house nearby.

Dim was Pa.r.s.els neighbor, and the only blacksmith in town. Dim used to work for Padt Manor, but Angors father allowed Dim to get an early retirement when the man found a wife.

Dim and Pa.r.s.el had been neighbors and friends for decades. Outsiders wouldnt see them as friends because these two tended to talk to each other by swearing, which was their usual means of communication.

The viscount cant wait to see you back, my friend! Dim greeted Angor while forcefully taking Pa.r.s.els smoking instrument. Dont do this sh*t in front of Mister Padt, aye? Arent you some big-a*s bookworm from a famous inst.i.tute? Know your manners.

Cough What do you know about manners? You always kept this thing in your hand when talking to Mister Padt several years ago!

Im worried about you, you fool! Go find a doctor and have your throat checked, will ya??

Pa.r.s.el wanted to get his hookah back but failed to do so since Dim was both younger and stronger.

d.a.m.n you. I know you want to give up smoking for whatever reason, but dont force this on me!

Angor watched them arguing without interfering in any way. As he remembered, blacksmith Dim used to be the big smoker. He wondered what happened in these four years that reversed the situation.

Huh? Nothing big happened to the town, Dim said, after hearing Angors question. Only those refugee f*ckers. They always sneak into town and take our stuff when no ones looking. Heck, one day, I saw an a.s.shole pulling Pa.r.s.els cattle away. When we found them, they already set up a fire and enjoyed their meat. Curses Even if George can lock up some of them in prison, it wont help us. Those b*stards are desperate, you know? They have nothing left.

Pa.r.s.el moaned, That animal was my friend! And they ate him

They have nothing left Angor muttered.

Yup. And we cant just go out there and kill people randomly, so this only left us with one option, which is to constantly keep an eye out for them. But their number is increasing, I tell ya. Dim spat out a smoke ring. When is this freaking war going to end? If this keeps on, the entire Yamei wont be so safe to us.

Hes right. Pa.r.s.el agreed along. I sure dont want to become one of them one day, I need some smoke every day to calm my mindhey, Dim! Why are you smoking MY pipe? Give it here!

Pa.r.s.el and Dim began to wrestle with each other again.

Dont worry about it. Angor gave them a determined look. Grue Town will be safe even if the entire Goldspink falls.

Pa.r.s.el and Dim had no idea why Angor could say such a thing, but they somehow felt rea.s.sured when looking at Angors sincere att.i.tude.

They watched Angor go away. Pa.r.s.el stopped going for his hookah and said to his neighbor, I dont know why, but I feel better all of a sudden.

Same here. Dim nodded. Seeing young Padt back, I have the feeling that Grue Town is in good hands. I mean, an extra pair of good hands.

Do you think Padt Manor will lift their bars and return to their usual?