While Glen was engrossed in his business, two individuals in the distance had been keeping a close eye on him.

"Is that him, Zamart?" inquired a burly, bald man of his companion.

"It should be. I have a recollection that Fangtooth saw this person yesterday. Perhaps..."

The responding companion was lean and gaunt, with deeply sunken eye sockets, resembling a shrewd monkey.

They were members of the Hunter Mercenary Group. They had noticed Glen upon his entry into the town and had been shadowing him ever since.

Comprehending his companion's meaning, the bald and burly man said, sounding uncertain, "He doesn't appear to be overly formidable. Moreover, if it truly is him, would he dare to show up here again?"

"Maybe he simply doesn't regard us as a threat. After all, to be able to abduct someone like Fangtooth without anyone in our group noticing, he must possess considerable strength."

"Should we go and test him out?"

"Are you daft? Of course, we should return and report first! If you're willing to be cannon fodder, I'm not!"

The bald and burly man was taken aback and instantly grew irritated. However, lacking a valid reason to vent, he could only say, "Fine, you're so clever! I'll do as you say! Is that all right?"

The two of them left, bickering as they went.

Amidst his bustling activities, Glen took a moment to glance at the spot where the two mercenaries had been standing. The corners of his mouth twitched into a faint smile.

Possessing a keen sense of counter - surveillance, he had long since detected the tailing individuals but had chosen to pay them no heed.

Time elapsed swiftly, and soon it was evening. Since Glen had set up his stall later than usual this time, he would be closing up shop later than normal.

Fortunately, the customers were highly enthusiastic. In fact, he should have been able to conclude his business around dusk, but Glen was awaiting someone.

Finally, a figure came trotting from afar.

Glen had been listening to Tia recount some amusing anecdotes that had occurred during her recent stroll in the vicinity. Sensing the approach of a familiar presence, he promptly interrupted the little maid.

"Is he the person you've been waiting for, Mr. Glen?" Tia asked, eyeing the approaching figure.

Glen nodded.

"Huff... Mr. Glen... As soon as I heard... that someone said you were selling meat here, I rushed over right after work. Is there any meat left?"

The old cat gasped, out of breath.

"Rest assured. I've set some aside specifically for you. See if it suffices." Glen smiled and motioned for the old cat to inspect it himself.

It was at the old cat's special request that Glen had decided to sell meat today, so naturally, he had to reserve some for him.

The old cat looked at the meat of the silly roe deer on the chopping block. It was all from the prime parts, such as the thighs.

His face instantly lit up with delight. "That's more than enough. Now I don't have to purchase that overpriced meat from Eim anymore. What's the total price? I'll take it all!"

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"The total comes to fifteen belas, which is equivalent to sixty copper coins. However, I'll give you a discount. Fifty - five copper coins will do."

"That's excellent. Could you please wrap it up for me? I'm truly grateful."

The old cat readily produced the money.

Holding the weighty meat in his hands, the old cat then noticed Tia, who was dressed in a maid's uniform and standing beside Glen.

"Who is this?"

"She's a maid from the household of a noble friend of mine." Glen glanced at Tia and offered an explanation.

Upon hearing this, the old cat was visibly astonished. He leaned in a bit closer to Glen and whispered, "You actually have noble friends!? How did you get acquainted with them?"

"It was by sheer chance. It's rather intricate and can't be explained in a few words." Glen made an excuse.

"I see." The old cat didn't press further. "You should exercise caution. Although I've heard of nobles befriending commoners, some of them may have ulterior motives."

The old cat almost whispered these words directly into Glen's ear, so as not to let Tia overhear.

"Don't worry. I don't have an intimate relationship with them." Glen replied in a hushed tone as well.

The old cat nodded and patted Glen on the shoulder. Then, turning to Tia, who looked curious, he said, "Hello, fair lady. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm a friend of Mr. Glen's. My name is Des Rodman, or you may address me by my nickname, the old cat."

Tia rose with a smile and curtsied. "I'm delighted to meet you too, Mr. Des Rodman. Please call me Tia."

"Very well, Miss Tia. We must get to know each other better when the opportunity arises. I must be on my way now."

After saying this, the old cat said to Glen, "I'm heading home, my friend."

"See you next time."

Watching the old cat depart, Glen reflected on the conversation and gestures when the old cat had greeted Tia. He thought to himself: The old cat has clearly seen a great deal in life. His mannerisms and speech must have been honed in private.

Subsequently, Glen and Tia tidied up the stall and prepared to return home.

...

In the tavern where the Hunter Mercenary Group was headquartered.

The Scarred Man sat in a dimly lit corner, his fingers interlaced and pressed against his forehead.

He had maintained this posture for an extended period, merely responding perfunctorily to his subordinates' reports.

The loss of the "cargo" compelled him to contemplate how to face the fury of the young master of the Punk family.

The Hunter Mercenary Group served the entire Punk family, so the young master was unlikely to take his life.

However, the loss this time was substantial. It involved three second - level mages and a mercenary with the strength of a second - level knight, which was sure to enrage Lord Punk.

"I can only find the one responsible first and share some of the Punk family's ire," he sighed softly.

Just then, the door opened again. This was the third time, and each time, it was a subordinate coming to report a suspect.

"Boss, we've discovered..."

"That's enough." The Scarred Man interrupted brusquely. "If you've found a lead, continue the investigation. If you've identified a suspect, keep a close watch on them. Notify me when there's an opportunity to take action!"

The bald and burly man and his companion swallowed the words that had been on the tip of their tongues and left dejectedly.

But no sooner had they turned around than the thin and wiry mercenary seemed to have an idea and turned back, saying, "Boss, I observed that fellow coming from outside the town. There's a chance he'll have to leave the town again. As long as we wait until there's no one around, we can interrogate him thoroughly!"

The Scarred Man stroked his chin and deliberated briefly before making a decision. "All right, then take a few men and go and test him."

The thin and wiry mercenary's face fell. "Boss, if that guy really is the one who launched the attack last night, aren't we going to our doom?"

The Scarred Man's expression suddenly contorted with rage, and he roared, "Then figure it out on your own! Am I support a bunch of losers!!!"

The two of them were so startled by the roar that they almost collapsed to the ground. They dared not utter another word and promptly left the room.

When the room fell silent once more, the Scarred Man ruffled his hair and muttered to himself, "Perhaps I should just break away from the Punk family? After all, the compensation they offer is incredibly stingy..."

...

In Glen's abode.

The well - rested elven maiden slowly opened her eyes. Gazing into the darkness of the room, the events of the previous night gradually resurfaced in her mind.

Realizing where she was, she sat up in bed and stretched languidly.

Her slender and flawless elven figure was clearly accentuated.

Pushing open the door and stepping outside, Gotaya found that the house was empty.

She furrowed her brow and murmured softly, "Where could they have gone?"

After confirming that she was truly alone in the house, Gotaya decided to step outside and see for herself.

However, as soon as she opened the main door, she beheld a man dressed in strange attire, exuding a gloomy aura, who was silently observing her.