"That's because they were devious! And there were three mages! They only managed to capture me by joining their forces!"

Gotaya exclaimed, stomping her foot.

Glen let out a couple of dry chuckles. Then, he suddenly threw a punch that, accompanied by a strong gust of wind, halted right before the elven maiden who hadn't yet reacted.

The gust from the punch ruffled the elven maiden's hair, and her pupils quivered.

"Let me tell you something. Those three mages have already met their end at my hands. Moreover, last night, that band of mercenaries appeared in the vicinity, and I eliminated them all. Among them was even a third - level dark mage."

Glen patted Gotaya on the shoulder, his tone nonchalant.

Thereafter, the elven maiden ceased to oppose Glen's arrangements and listened attentively to whatever he said.

Seeing that she had taken everything to heart, Glen took Ravel in the deer - drawn cart to the tavern he had acquired in Dude Town.

He handed the curly - haired young noble a key and said, "Your task for today is to conduct the screening process."

"Screening process?"

"Yes. Shortly, I will place a recruitment notice at the entrance. Those interested in employment will come in for an interview, and you are to select the suitable candidates."

Glen broadly outlined his recruitment requirements, specifying that he did not want anyone who was disabled, elderly, or infirm.

Once it seemed that Ravel had committed the details to memory, Glen added, "I will return in the evening to review the results of your screening. Do not botch it."

Ravel nodded vigorously.

Subsequently, Glen procured a wooden board of appropriate dimensions within the tavern and used his wolf claws to carve out rudimentary recruitment information upon it.

Deeming it insufficiently eye - catching, he purchased some paint in the town and added some graffiti, only then feeling satisfied.

This uniquely styled recruitment board swiftly attracted the attention of some individuals, predominantly children aged between ten and fifteen.

The reason being that there were some cartoon illustrations drawn by Glen on the recruitment board, which effectively captured the children's attention.

"There are quite a number of children in the town today. Is it a holiday once again?" Glen murmured softly, observing the crowd gathered around.

The Zane Kingdom provided subsidies to families with school - going children. Consequently, as long as a family's economic income was somewhat stable, they would send their children to school.

Glen commended such a policy as being sagacious.

After observing the effectiveness for a while, Glen re - entered the tavern.

At this juncture, no one had yet attempted to enter. Ravel was waiting with his chin propped in his hand.

"By the way, if anyone causes a disturbance or if any unforeseen event occurs, you should proceed to the police station. The sheriff there and I are on relatively good terms. Refrain from behaving with haughty noble airs. If you get beaten, you will have only yourself to blame."

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Glen stood at the doorway and issued a reminder.

"Understood..." Ravel nodded once more.

Upon exiting the tavern and approaching the deer - drawn cart, Glen shooed away several children who were teasing the large deer. Just as he was about to board the cart and depart, he suddenly caught a familiar scent.

He turned his head and spotted a man and a woman hastily turning their backs to him.

Glen recognized them and immediately halted his movements, advancing towards them.

"Feel free to go in and take a look. I will not interfere."

Glen's voice emanated from behind the two, causing them to shudder.

The two turned around slowly. They were both attired in plain clothing, with their faces wrapped tightly, leaving only their eyes exposed.

"Lord Charnes, and Lady Sophia, we meet again." Glen greeted them with a hint of banter.

"How did you... Never mind. That's not important. We merely wished to come and see our son. We had absolutely no intention of offending you."

Lord Charnes's voice was muffled, and he spoke with great caution.

"Yes, indeed. We had absolutely no intention of causing any trouble!" Sophia chimed in promptly.

Glen smiled. "As I just stated, if you wish to go in and have a look, please do so. I will not impede you. However, under no circumstances should you cause any trouble. I am not particularly fond of nobles like you, so my tolerance has its limits. Do you understand?"

The two hurriedly waved their hands and shook their heads, exclaiming in unison, "Absolutely not! We swear by the honor of our family!"

"Then, please feel free." Glen turned and walked away.

The husband and wife exchanged a glance. Seeing that the formidable commoner had driven off, they did not hesitate any longer and pushed their way into the crowd.

...

Upon returning home, Glen informed Tia of his plans and then, carrying the purchased cake, set off towards the depths of the town.

"The scent of the Black Crow is rather faint. Is it due to the fog?" Glen, traversing this path for the first time, was filled with curiosity about the surrounding environment.

As he passed by certain buildings, he could discern the figures of residents moving behind the windows.

Some would pause to scrutinize Glen, while others would merely cast a casual glance.

He continued on his way.

The scent guided Glen all the way to a quaint, blue - gray house.

"Is this where the Black Crow resides? It's truly quite remarkable..."

Muttering to himself, Glen gently rapped on the weathered wooden door before him.

Dong, dong, dong...

Creak——

The door opened, and the face of the Black Crow emerged. He said emotionlessly, "You've arrived, my friend. Please come in."

"Sorry to disturb you. This is a gift for my visit."

Glen proffered the cake box in his hand. The other party took it with one hand and stepped aside to allow him entry.

The Black Crow's abode was in a state of disrepair. The walls and furniture appeared to be of great antiquity. As he stepped on the wooden floor, he could hear the floorboards creaking under the strain.

A dim, yellowish chandelier hung in the center of the living room, providing the sole source of light in the house.

Glen walked over to a long bench, brushed the dust off it with his hand, and seated himself directly.

The Black Crow produced a glass cup from somewhere and poured a full glass of wine, which he then handed to Glen.

"Thank you." Glen took the cup, brought it to his nose, and inhaled. "What kind of wine is this?" he inquired.

"I purchased it in Dude Town to entertain you. I'm not sure what type of wine it is."

The Black Crow's response was terse. Glen merely let out a hum and took a small sip.

The taste was as bland as he had anticipated, yet it was palatable.

"I recall you mentioning that you have a wife. Is she not here?"

No sooner had he uttered the words than a slightly aged female voice emanated from one of the rooms:

"Dear, who is it?"

"It's Mr. Glen. He's come to pay a visit." The Black Crow replied, his voice a notch louder than usual.

Subsequently, he turned to Glen and said, "My wife is in the room and has difficulty moving around."

"Oh, I see..." Glen nodded, indicating his understanding.

However, the female voice from the inner room spoke again, "So it's him. Mr. Glen, would it be possible for you to come in so that I can have a look at you?"

Glen looked at the Black Crow, who nodded and said, "If it's convenient..."

Glen did not speak further and gestured for the Black Crow to lead the way.

The two entered the room one after the other.

When Glen beheld the appearance of the Black Crow's wife, even though he had mentally prepared himself for any visual shock, his eyelids involuntarily twitched.

It was a woman whose body was extremely contorted, resembling the gnarled roots of an ancient tree. She was lying on the bed.

It was impossible to distinguish where her hands and feet were, for her limbs were intertwined like a ball of yarn.

There was a lamp beside the bed that illuminated this scene, yet it did not shed light on her face. All that could be discerned was a woman with flowing hair.

"I apologize for any discomfort, esteemed guest."

The woman's self - deprecating tone jolted Glen back to his senses. He quickly apologized, "I beg your pardon, madam. I meant no offense."