Matthew was startled. When he saw who it was, he frowned. "Ivan, what are you doing here?"

Ivan had been waiting at the entrance. After beating up Jeffrey and offending the Smith family, he was at a loss. He knew that the Smiths would retaliate against him. Thus, he waited for Matthew. "M-Mr. Grant, I was waiting for you."

"Waiting for me?" Matthew was puzzled and asked, "Why?"

Ivan wore a bitter expression. "I've offended the Smith family. They won't let me off. I was hoping you could... protect me."

Matthew's face turned stern. "Why should I? Do I owe you something?"

Ivan awkwardly replied, "You told me to hit him. I was just following your orders."

Matthew replied indifferently, "You didn't have to listen to me. You should've listened to Jeffrey and hit me like he told you to."

Ivan quickly shook his head. "I would never hit you."

He thought to himself that if he had followed Jeffrey's orders, he would be dead by now.

After saying that, he suddenly changed the topic. "I just remembered something about Medieval Medicine."

Matthew was taken aback, not expecting Ivan to have information about the medical literature.

Although he eagerly wanted to know about the book, he acted casual as he said, "Go on. Tell me what you know."

Ivan saw a glimmer of hope. "A few years ago, someone was known to be collecting medical literature. Ordinary texts weren't worth much, but ancient ones-especially original editions were valuable.

"Not only were the books themselves valuable, but even providing information about them could fetch a good reward. Later, a man named Howard Simpson provided a lead."

Ivan continued, "He said he saw an ancient text with Walter, and the book seemed to be called 'Medieval' something. Do you know how much he got for that information? 50 thousand dollars!"

Matthew was skeptical. "He just mentioned a vague book title. How is that credible? If that's the case, anyone could make up a few titles and get rich."

Ivan explained, "It's not that simple. You have to provide detailed descriptions like the font, thickness, color, and even some information from inside the book. As far as I know, he's the only person to ever receive such a large reward." Matthew thought for a moment. "Where is he? Give me the details."

Ivan pointed southward. "He's in Nacrene. He runs a clinic called King of Medicine Clinic."

Matthew nodded. "Got it."

With that, he prepared to leave. Ivan

aboquickly stopped him. "What

me? What do I do if

e

come for me?"

Matthew thought for a moment,

།

then pointed to the sign of Rose Bar. "Go ask the owner what to do. think she may have a solution. If not, just mention my name."

Since Rose was handling the aftermath, this matter should also fall under her responsibilities.

Without waiting for Ivan's response, Matthew strode away.

Ivan was doubtful. When he left earlier, Rose and Jeffrey were friends. Could something have happened after he left?This belongs to .

Matthew had walked out of the bar, but where was Jeffrey?

Puzzled, he re-entered Rose Bar.

Matthew felt that the day was quite eventful. He had learned about the establishment of an anti traditional medicine association and that Howard had indeed seen the

Medieval Medicine.

It was time to investigate further.

...

The sun had just begun to rise, casting a reddish glow over the cityscape.

Birds were chirping in the trees.

William stood under a tree practicing yoga. His fitness regime involved two hours of yoga each day.

Halfway through his session, his household staff suddenly rushed over.

"Bad news-Jeffrey is missing."