Therefore, the main source of income for demon hunters comes almost entirely from various commissions and loot from combat adventures. Many demon hunters lead a life of wandering, with no one welcoming them for long stays, nor welcoming them to search from house to house, but demon hunters can help eliminate demons and deal with some powerful creatures that people can't fight, so they tolerate the presence of demon hunters.
Upon arriving at Baron Gene's Domain, Abel sensed something different; the atmosphere here was quiet and peaceful, possibly due to the power of the Holy Grail Knight?
The name of the Holy Grail Knight reverberates throughout the Old World, and the story of Laine Macado has been crafted into countless poems sung by minstrels, spreading his name far and wide.
More importantly, the Holy Grail Knight does not discriminate against demon hunters, which is invaluable for them.
After waiting for a while, the Baron finally appeared, and it was clear he was in good spirits: "Mr. Abel? I remember you. When you passed through Otello as a demon hunter, I was just a child."
"Please don't say that, Lord Laine," Abel quickly shook his head, indicating that he dared not consider himself a senior.
Abel is very clear about the social status of the Holy Grail Knight compared to that of a demon hunter.
"So, you came to Baron Gene's Domain this time because?" Laine continued to ask.
Abel recounted his experiences while handing over a letter: "This is a letter entrusted to me by Duke Boldro, which I now give to you, my Baron."
"Hmm, I've received it." Laine took the letter, checked the wax seal, found no issues, and nodded to indicate receipt: "Do you plan to stay here for a while?"
"Yes, my Baron. There are some tasks on the bulletin board that I plan to complete. Mr. Kasenberg has already briefed me on key matters." Abel quickly took out a notice, which was the lord's commission requesting someone to solve the problem of a vampire creature attacking passersby in the forest near Gene Town, issued by steward Kasenberg.
As a lord, Laine himself was not very convenient to personally resolve this issue, so dispatching his knight or posting a notice to find someone for the job was the ideal solution.
"Can you tell me what that thing is?" Laine calmly asked.
"It might be a Bat-winged Demon, a lower creature created by vampires, or possibly a Vampire Witch." Abel nodded: "I need to make some potions to deal with it. If things go smoothly, I can complete this task in less than three days."
"Hmm, very well. If you complete your task, I will pay you the full reward."
Laine opened the envelope from Duke Boldro in front of the demon hunter.
There wasn't anything particularly significant. On the third Sunday of October, Duke Boldro Bodrick planned to host a grand party at his castle, inviting Laine to attend.
After giving some thought to his schedule, the Baron felt it posed no problem; he also felt it was time to participate more in social activities, which would aid in expanding his personal network. More importantly, Duke Boldro commands over 80% of Brittania's navy, and Laine might need his assistance for certain matters.
"Mr. Abel, how are things going at the Demon Hunter Guild lately?" Laine stood up, the Baron's mood was good: "Perhaps we could take a stroll if you don't mind?"
"Certainly, my Baron."
The Holy Grail Knight walked alongside the demon hunter through the autumn town, the Baron's appearance receiving widespread adoration from the citizens, although the fearsome demon hunter aroused caution among them, unable to understand why the distinguished Master Holy Grail Knight would walk with a demon hunter.
The distant sky was clear and cloudless, walking the stone-paved streets, Laine watched as residents prepared for winter; many were chopping wood, while others fetched water. Since Laine constructed clean canals connecting the Xinong River and Gene Town, the sanitation of the town had greatly improved, and the lord had ordered a ban on defecating in public places.
"You came from the Empire, Mr. Abel. Could you tell me what's been happening in the Empire recently?" Laine casually asked Abel: "News here is somewhat isolated, especially since I just finished participating in a war."
"The situation isn't too good lately, my Baron. There are constant uprisings within the Nord Kingdom. Do you remember the Northern Barbarian invasion a year ago?" Abel's white hair fluttered in the autumn wind: "Although you repelled that invasion, the aftermath has never disappeared. It's said that dark and evil faiths are spreading everywhere in places ravaged by the Barbarian Army, with rebellions occurring one after another. Nord is now very weak."
"… I understand, and what about our Emperor, His Majesty Franz? What measures has he taken?" Laine asked.
"His Majesty the Emperor is deeply troubled by the disputes between Prince-Elector Hawk and Prince-Elector of Ostmark; a civil war even broke out between the two Prince-Electors, with hundreds dying before His Majesty the Emperor's envoy intervened to mediate." Abel continued: "Also, Prince-Elector Manfred of Wolrich Territory died during the purge of the Brass Fortress in the Central Mountain Range. His son, White Wolf Knight Boris Todbringer, succeeded as Prince-Elector in front of Archbishop Maras at the White Wolf Divine Hall in White Wolf City. He vowed to cleanse all Beastmen and Chaos Creatures within Wolrich Territory."
"Another battle-dead Prince-Elector." Laine sighed softly. The Empire's vast territory hides a multitude of green skins, Beastman Tribes, and many fearsome Chaos Creatures among numerous Black Forests, mountains, and plains, with lords constantly fighting for territory security.
Hidden within the Empire's Central Mountain Range is a Brass Fortress, almost serving as a refuge for Chaos Forces within Empire territory. The Empire has attempted many times to annihilate it, but the troops sent to attack the Brass Fortress never returned.
"Any more news?" After spending some time absorbing the current information, Laine asked.
"That's about it for now, my Baron." Abel hesitated for a moment before saying to Laine: "My Baron, may I inquire about some news?"
"Speak, Mr. Abel, we met when I was just a child." Laine spread his hands to indicate that the demon hunter need not be so polite: "I will answer any questions I can."
"I'm looking for a witch with fiery red hair, a rugged face, and amber eyes. Her name is Jelena, and we're friends. It's said she came to the southern part of Brittania two years ago, but I don't know where she went. I need to find her for something," Abel said hesitantly. The demon hunter seemed very conflicted.
"Jelena? I haven't heard of such a name, but perhaps we could meet this witch you speak of in a certain place," Laine thought for a moment, realized he didn't recognize the name, and raised the letter: "Duke Boldro Bodrick will hold a grand banquet in two weeks, attended by a large number of nobles, gentlemen, and ladies from nearby countries. You might gather more information at the banquet."
"How can I attend this banquet, my Baron?" Abel knew it was time to negotiate terms. As a demon hunter, it was very difficult to participate in such great noble banquets unless Laine was willing to extend a helping hand.
"There's no free lunch, Mr. Abel." Laine's lips curled: "Complete the task on the notice, and I will not only pay you the reward, but also take you to the banquet."
"Then as you command, my Baron." Abel nodded, and the demon hunter gladly accepted the terms.
After the Baron and the demon hunter walked a long way, they arrived at the town's edge. Just then, they saw Kasenberg leading a group of elves into the town.
It was his old friend, Half-Elf Estelle, along with a group of wood elves!
The wood elves had come to ask for their debt repayment.
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