Lyon and Carlson both discussed the next steps to follow. Lyon won't be arrogant enough to think that he could solve all the problems by himself, and he is also lazy to think when he doesn't need to.
Halfway through their conversation, Ives joined in and the three of them formulated a plan. Carlson was responsible for monitoring the noble boy. Lyon was responsible for meeting up with the merchant couple who were with the boy, and Ives was responsible for monitoring the woman.
Lyon was nominated first to monitor the mother and child but he strongly insisted against it. Although the events might not have transpired the way it was mentioned in the simulation, Lyon is sure that the woman in the house is definitely a vampire, and quite an aggressive one at that.
Before leaving, he also told Ives to be careful regarding the house, saying his spider senses were tingling. Although Ives didn't get the reference, he understood the meaning.
Walking out of the garrison, Lyon looked at the sun right above his head and decided it is time to have a hearty lunch. So he turned around and went back inside, humming slightly as he moved towards the cafeteria.
Although the food wasn't the best, having magic certainly helped the progression of lifestyle in this world. The stew was quite good.
While eating, Lyon was also observing the noble boy working around serving food to the soldiers. If you didn't know, you wouldn't really think that it was noble serving them.
The Gemphar family is a hereditary barony on the other side of the Empire. Despite being a barony, it rivalled a county in size of its territory. The founder of the family was quite a man. He knew how to develop a family to last long. So even though they are lower in rank, they are connected to almost every major noble across the Empire.
To think that the 7th son of such a family would go around serving commoners, although Lyon didn't think it was such a big deal, it certainly raises eyebrows for those who know it.
(A/N: It's not an MTL!! The upper paragraphs might feel like it, but no.)
Certainly, the spy wouldn't leave such a big clue. Or maybe he wants Lyon to think of it that way. In any case, it doesn't change the fact that this boy, Ray, is a major suspect.
Snapping back, Lyon went outside to look around the town. He went to the area where the merchant was active and pretended to look around while observing the man sitting behind the desk.
A fat man, quite obvious, with rings on every finger sits behind a well crafted desk attended by two servants. He sits under a huge tent and orders around the vendors of the nearby shops.
Not that is what a noble is supposed to look like.
Lyon didn't look at the man for more than a glance. He knew a bit about this man by asking around on his way. This merchant was quite a capable person who amassed large wealth on his own. The troubling part, he is connected to the Lord of this town.
Lyon really didn't want to meet this hybrid of a pig and a monkey.
The merchant looks quite shrew, as you would expect from someone of his caliber. Approaching him would be difficult. Lyon doesn't have any money, and he doesn't expect the merchant, if an accomplice of the spy, would be a good man.
Walking to a clearing, Lyon sat down and thought of his options. After thinking for a while, he got a great idea. A product, something that would instantly attract his attention. There are two problems, though. The product, and the merchant's look. Lyon doesn't expect himself to get an audience just by shouting "I have a Great Idea !"
For the referral, he can get it from Carlson. For the product though, Lyon doesn't have any Idea. He was very reclusive in his past life, and had no experience in business. Though he can narrow it down pretty fast.
The product must be something easy to understand, must make a lot of money, must be legal and definitely unique in its own way. Lyon browsed through the stalls while walking. He wanted to find inspiration. When he saw a certain Item, he got an amazing Idea.
So he quickened his pace and soon reached Carlson's office. He knocked on the door and waited for a reply, but never received one. Puzzled, he went around the building hoping to meet Carlson. Perhaps he was very excited by the idea when he arrived, after he cooled down, Lyon noticed that the people around him were in a hurry.
Looking at their serious faces, Lyon couldn't bring himself to stop one of them. So he just followed them, hoping to see the cause. But the 'cause' shocked him tremendously.
There laid Ives, battered and bleeding, dressed in bandages unconscious. Carlson stood beside him with a serious expression on his face. Noticing Lyon, he called him over.
Lyon had a guess about what might have happened and couldn't help but blame himself. If he had mentioned that there were vampires involved, maybe Ives would be in a better shape. A general warning might not raise any suspicions, but it isn't very effective. Lyon believes that it's better to take the blame after consideration, since the appropriate blame can develop a person's character.
The situation was slightly different from what Lyon had expected. Apparently, Ives gave quite a run for the vampire, which only escaped when Ives got entangled by a pack of wolves. Before escaping though, it managed to drain his blood, and weakened him using magic.
Double de-buffs made it quite dangerous for Ives to kill the wolves. He was only rescued by the town guards who were alerted by his chase.
While they were talking, the priest from Ives's group, Sophy, healed Ives. Although he was out of danger, he would need to rest for a while to recover.
Lyon and Carlson made their way to Carlson's Office, where they discussed Ives's matter. Carlson stated that the woman's suspicion of being the spy can be reduced because the Yulong Region isn't very kind to the Demon tribe, often using them for experimentation.
But that just increased the possibility of the noble boy, Ray, being connected to the spy. Lyon also asked Carlson about the state of gambling in this country.
Lyon wanted to introduce poker to the merchant. Not only does it not require him to have money, Lyon was sure that the merchant would be interested in running a casino. However, the ruler of this Empire is quite kind hearted, so these operations should be conducted semi-underground.
After getting the answer he wanted, he got the letter of recommendation and a small amount of silver for purchase, in exchange for a promise that this would only be discussed but not implemented. Apparently, Carlson doesn't like the idea of gambling.
With some funds in his hands, Lyon dashes towards the market once again to purchase some wood to be used for the rudimentary model, and some tools on the side.
He packed them up and went to the stable to stay for the night. Then he realized that he currently works for the Garrison, so he went to Carlson to demand a room.
In his room, Lyon placed the wood and tools on the table, ready to carve some cards out of it. After staring at them for a few minutes, he picked them up and went to the maintenance personnel of the garrison to get it done for him.
Although the craftsman wanted to refuse since it was closing time, Lyon used Carlson's name to get it done immediately.
Lyon then realized that he could have done a few simulations since he had recovered from all the running around, but ultimately decided against it. He doesn't think he can get any more information from the simulation without testing the merchant first, and he doesn't trust the simulation after it's repeated misleads.
After an hour, Lyon got what he wanted. He took the freshly made deck of cards and went back to his room. He then took a bath, before resting for the night. It feels weird for Lyon to sleep early, since he got used to sleeping past 12 in his life on earth.
Lying down, Lyon took out his phone and used the simulator. As for not trusting it, or any other reason, he is just doing it for entertainment. Moreover, exhaustion leads to great sleep.
[Day 1: You had a great sleep.]
[Day 2: You met with the merchant and discussed with him about your gambling venture. The merchant was invested in your idea, but rejected it because it disrupts the lives of those who lose.]
"Hold~! That guy, seriously? You expect me to believe that guy would think about the well being of the people? At least try to make up a better lie if you want to cheat me."
Lyon was amused by what the simulator started to show him.
[Day 3: After investigating, you find out that the two suspects of yours were kind hearted people who just wanted to help out a wronged soul. Unable to do anything else, and having no other leads, you have no choice but to do a carpet search.]
[Day 6: You were unable to find anything.]
[Day 8: You heard that the spy successfully stole what he was after. Depressed, you have no other choice but to give up. You adamantly refused Carlson's request to meet the Lord, but trouble still found you.]
[That night, with the help of Ives's party, you were smuggled out of the town quietly, evading the patrolling guards. Just as you were escaping, you felt a sharp pain on your neck. You find the vampire sucking your blood slowly, its bright red eyes full of greed, apology and shame.]
[You are dead.]
Lyon got up and went outside his room. He walked straight to water storage and looked at his reflection, sighing, "It's a sin to be so handsome."
But Lyon wasn't exactly handsome. He was good looking, but not to the point where they would spot him in a crowd. At most, he would give a favorable impression to anyone who looks at him, unless they hate good looking people.
I've got to learn some disguise skills if I have to meet the Baron.
Lyon looked at his reflection, noticing many changes. He's still the same, but he looks younger overall. He could pass for someone 20 years old. His hair color changed, from blonde to golden. Probably the reason for the Baron's entanglement.
Lyon walked back to his room, wanting to simulate again. He could feel that he could simulate once more, before he feels mentally exhausted.
Lying on his bed again, he started a simulation.
[Day 1: You had a great sleep.]
[Day 4: You still were convinced of the noble goals of the merchant and Ray, and were looking for other suspects. While doing so, you went to a renown makeup artist of the town to learn disguise. You got yourself a wig, a fake beard, but no powders. You're pretty sure they contain Arsenic]
[Day 8: You found nothing, and the spy successfully finished his mission. You disguised yourself and met the lord, who took you with his entourage to the capital.]
[Day 9: Your identity lie was exposed, but the King recognized your help for the search of the Spy and didn't arrest you. You left the castle feeling better. You crossed this hurdle, kind of, and you also have an identity. You start to plan your next steps when you feel a knife-]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So~, I got exhausted mentally and couldn't finish the simulation, but I can guess what would happen next."
The next morning, after waking up, Lyon wasn't depressed about a cliffhanger that would change in the next 9 days. He has a more pressing matter to attend.
Lyon met with Carlson in his office, where he found Ives waiting outside.
"Fine?"
"No, not yet. Better than yesterday. I can move slowly, but if I put on some stress, it hurts like hell."
". . . Then why are you here?"
"I-"
"If you are worried that you would be left out, we still plan to inform you every day, since we need all the opinions we can get for this."
". . . Well, since I am here, I'll just attend this meeting."
"Your wish"
They went inside and started discussing. Nothing happened yesterday except for Ives's injury. Lyon was here just to wait for the merchant to arrive in the market.
Looking at the Sun halfway up the sky, Lyon went to the market to look for the merchant. He got the cards, and he got the letter. Nothing can stop him, . . . Except for rain.
A Day Wasted. The simulator had no information about the rain. And he read himself meeting the merchant on this day, so Lyon just hung around with Ives's party.
Not wanting to waste any time, he asked the mage about magic. The show didn't dwell deeply about magic. During the introduction, Touya just did it without any trouble. If the author ever needed a spell, he made Touya asspull it out of some ancient Grimoire.
Lyon knew that for now, he needed to improve his mental strength. One way is to exhaust it and recover, . . . The only way he knew of it is to exhaust it and recover, letting his body know that he needs more of it, and adapting.
He got the mage to teach him the basic magic. Lyon realized that his aptitude for magic was better than average, but he made up for it with his imagination. He can bridge the gap with a creative approach. Unfortunately, he is not 'creative' enough for now.
So for the next few hours, Lyon spammed fireballs at a wet log, taking some rest whenever needed. The mage was very helpful, and more importantly, patient. Lyon did have the idea of manipulating mana directly, but Mage explained to him that it was not possible.
It struck Lyon that that's how the World God has made the rules for this world. You chant the name of the magic you learned, and then it's done. Perhaps Lyon should ask for his permission next time they meet.
Shortly after meal time, Lyon looked at the blue sky and bid farewell to his new friends and made his way towards the market.
However, Lyon couldn't find the merchant in the market. Not wanting to waste the day, Lyon went to the merchant's address.
After informing his purpose to the guards, he was warmly invited by the Merchant personally. The merchant prepared a feast for Lyon, and they had a pleasant conversation.
All of this would be fine if it weren't for the fact that he had not mentioned what the product was, and he didn't take out the letter of recommendation from Carlson.
After some exchanges, they got to the main point. Lyon couldn't help but express his doubts to the merchant about his enthusiasm.
The merchant's expression solidified instantly, and he asked "You don't know?"
Puzzled, Lyon asked, "Know what?"
"It seems you really are unaware. It's fine if your product is not up to my standards, but if you lied to me, you would be banned by the Merchant's Guild. Not just me, anyone who does anything considered unethical to the Guild members by the Merchant Guild, they would be outcast by all the Guild members. And we stay quite strong together, since we also want to withstand a noble's suppression."
Lyon really didn't know that, but he reassured the Merchant, and showed him the letter of recommendation.
The merchant's expression quickly turned back to a smile, and he asked Lyon to present his product.
Lyon took out the deck of cards and explained the rules of the game, and the method of gambling, stressing near the amount of money they could make.
The merchant had the same expression. He called for two maids and asked them to play a game with them. After the game ended with Lyon's victory, the merchant told Lyon the actual situation of Gambling in the Empire.
"Gambling isn't forbidden in this country. However, you can't gamble with money, at most some favors. Gambling is strictly a sport for nobility. Most nobles wanted to open gambling dens but were harshly rejected by the king."
"I see."
"Don't be disappointed, though. I will still buy it from you. It looks like it's quite an interesting game, and I am sure many Nobles will be drawn towards it. But it is easily copyable and there isn't much demand, so don't expect too much."
If I was innocent, I would really take your deal. Unfortunately, I really need to take your deal, since if I reject you, you would make your own. But I am not going to back down so easily.
"But citizens can play the game, right? It's not as if they wouldn't be able to play it without betting money on it."
The Merchant showed an expression of realization, and spoke with excitation, "True, True!! What a great point!!"
As if I would believe that.
"Well, since we hit it off, why not cheers?"
"Cheers!"
Lyon explained to the Merchant about cheers, and the merchant was also pleased with Lyon's ideas, hoping to find more gold mines from Lyon.
After a few drinks, Lyon asked the merchant about his escort a few weeks ago.
The merchant sighed and told Lyon his version of the story.
In fact, it is the same as what Carlson had told Lyon. But there was more that he didn't know.
"After we were saved by the adventurer, I invited him to my estate to thank him, but he declined. He said he was looking for his brother. Ray and I both volunteered to help him, and we succeeded too. It seems that the man was arrested because he offended a noble. Ray wanted his family to help, but they declined, saying he is on his own for that matter.
Ray joined the Garrison to contact the man, and he would give me a letter for his brother for me to send."
Lyon expressed his condolences and went back to his room. He washed himself up and simulated directly. The extra information is very crucial to him.
[Day 1: You had a sumptuous feast, and also got a very important piece of information.]
[Day 2: You informed Carlson about what you had learned and both of you decided to keep an eye on Ray 24/7]
[Day 4: On this day, Ray did something out of his schedule and went outside towards the Merchants house.]
[You had Carlson come forward to read the message, and you waited for him in his office. Carlson comes in fifteen minutes later and shakes his head, saying it was a normal letter.]
[Day 6: Your identity got exposed, and you are wanted across the town. Ives helped you escape, but the vampire still got you in the end. You look at the beautiful girl drinking your blood and feel a strange sense of pleasure.]
[You died.]
Although the simulation didn't show a positive result, Lyon smiled slightly.
"Found ya~."