Chapter 75: The Bad Fox

“Stallion Butt, real name Malcolm Ford, a citizen of the Valorian Kingdom.”

“He is fifty-seven years old this year, birthplace unknown, raised in Mary Orphanage.”

“As a child, he began helping out at a nearby church, which essentially meant sweeping and doing odd jobs.”

“During this time, he developed a strong interest in theology and began secretly reading the church’s classic texts in the church.”

“When the resident priest discovered him, the priest not only didn’t punish him but took him on as a student.”

“At the age of fourteen, with the priest’s recommendation, he took the entrance exam for Saint Cyril Theological Seminary.”

“He passed the exam with the second-highest score, officially becoming a novice.”

“But during his studies, he committed a taboo, was reported by a classmate, and was forced to drop out.”

“After dropping out, he converted to the Blood God, began studying blood magic, and became a Blood Mage.”

“The church consequently issued a warrant for his arrest.”

“In 1425, Priest Derek led a team to pursue him. Malcolm had two of his fingers cut off by him.”

“Wait!”

Vivian hurriedly interrupted Big Tail Rat’s speech.

She seemed to have heard a familiar name.

Priest Derek? It couldn’t be that old man in the city, could it?

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Big Tail Rat’s expression didn’t change as she continued.

“It’s that Derek in the city.”

“He was the top graduate of that seminary class, but…”

“He let Malcolm go!”

“According to descriptions from the pursuit team members: Derek let Malcolm go with his life, at the cost of cutting off two of his fingers.”

“Priest Derek himself, under suspicion of intentionally letting a major criminal escape, was subsequently demoted and sent to Ma’en City.”

“Malcolm also vanished from sight after that, only resurfacing recently.”

“As for what he actually wants to do? I don’t know, I’m just a merchant.”

Big Tail Rat spread her hands, blinked her eyes, and spoke innocently.

“You’ve already gotten what you wanted.”

“Please, just go. I really don’t know anything more.”

She clasped her hands together, speaking in an almost pleading tone.

Vivian turned her head, staring into her eyes.

Big Tail Rat simply rolled her eyes and flopped down on the floor like a salted fish.

Do what you will, kill or cut me up, I’m at your mercy.

She put on an expression of a dead pig不怕开水烫—someone who is beyond caring.

“Fine.”

Seeing this, Vivian didn’t plan to torment her any further.

After all, the goal of this trip had been achieved.

“I’ll come find you here to play another time.”

As if a child saying goodbye to a good friend, she left those words.

Then, she took Nolan’s hand and left through the large hole in the wall.

—

Haaa~

Big Tail Rat, lying on the floor, rolled over and let out a long, deep sigh of relief.

Then she scrambled up from the floor, looking with heartache at her dusty, large tail behind her.

“They probably didn’t realize… I lied to them…”

She carefully began untangling the knotted fur of her tail, muttering softly under her breath.

“After finishing this deal with Stallion Butt, I have to run.”

“I don’t want to stay in this Ma’en City for a single moment longer.”

During the conversation just now, Big Tail Rat had secretly mixed in a little lie.

All the other information was true, but the delivery location wasn’t the hay warehouse; it was somewhere else.

The real location she still needed to go to for the transaction with Malcolm, how could she possibly really give that out?

I said I wouldn’t betray a buyer, and I definitely won’t.

I am the most trustworthy merchant in the whole world!

When Stallion Butt shows up, I’ll see if I can squeeze some compensation money out of him too.

Hmph! That flat-chested bat Vivian, still ended up being led around by the nose by me.

Thinking of this, her large tail behind her couldn’t help but wag, and her ears twitched a few times.

“Little Felin, how did your tavern get a hole in it?”

“Is the weather too hot? But it’s almost winter.”

A steady male voice came from behind her. Big Tail Rat sharply turned her head.

Who?

Who dares to call me by my real name so directly!

A figure clad in a large black robe walked out from the doorway.

He pulled his hood back, revealing an aged yet kindly face.

The newcomer was actually Priest Derek!

“So it’s you, old man!”

“You are not welcome here at all.”

Big Tail Rat Felin frowned, her attitude恶劣, clearly trying to shoo him out.

“Hey, I好不容易 came for a visit, can’t your attitude be a little less aggressive?”

Derek strolled leisurely over to the bar counter, very熟练ly pulling out a bottle of ale from underneath.

“After all, I am a person of some standing in the city.”

Having said that, he made as if to open the bottle.

Felin immediately stepped forward, snatched the ale back, and hugged it to her chest.

“Not unless you pay back the money you owe for three bottles of ale.”

“Otherwise, I won’t give you a friendly look.”

She looked at Derek with an expression of嫌弃.

If it weren’t for the fact that this old geezer was a member of the clergy, and she feared attracting the church’s pursuit…

Felin would have long since thrown Derek out.

“Actually, I came to pay the money.”

Derek took a money pouch from his pocket, counted out coins, and placed them on the bar.

“Thank you for your patronage. May your path ahead be warm sand.”

Felin swept the coins into her embrace in one motion, the excitement on her face impossible to hide.

To get money from this stingy priest—she might be the only person in Ma’en City who could manage it.

Now she’d have something to brag about when she got home.

“Don’t run off just yet. I have one more thing to ask you.”

“Spit it out then.”

Felin turned her head away, stuffing the coins in her hand one by one into the furry tail behind her.

“Where is Malcolm?” Derek asked in a low voice.

“That’s a separate price.”

Felin didn’t even turn her head, replying flatly.

Little fox is saving money, do not disturb.

Clink.

Derek produced a gold coin.

Hearing the crisp sound, Felin’s pointed ears immediately perked up, and she slowly turned her head.

Her fingers unconsciously picked at the hem of her clothes, twisting and turning.

She lightly bit her lip, looking纠结 and为难.

“A-at… the hay warehouse.”

She stammered, appearing very reluctant.

In reality, though…

This was all an act…

Felin was overjoyed inside.

What do you call selling a casually fabricated piece of false情报 twice?!

This is the实力 of the Vice President of the Scavengers’ Guild, understand?!

Even though Vivian didn’t pay the first time…

“Details.”

Derek fished out another bottle of ale from under the counter.

Pop! He opened the ale and took a swig.

“I…”

“Don’t be afraid. He’s definitely going to die this time; he won’t have a chance to come looking for you.”

“Are you planning to have Vivian handle it?”

Felin suddenly asked.

“No, this is between me and Malcolm.”

Derek shook his head and chuckled lightly.

“I’ll go alone.”

“This time, I will personally end his life.”

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, his expression icy.

Felin was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“I arranged to meet Stallion Butt at the hay warehouse.”

“The time is 9 PM, the day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you very much, little Felin,” Derek said.

“May Ilaios protect you.”

Having said that, he drained the remaining ale in the bottle.

Leaving a few copper coins as payment for the drink, he stood up and left.

From his waist, the hilt of a sword inlaid with gemstones was隐约 visible.