Chapter 74

"Right." Robert looked at Gordon's pale face, which was drained of blood, and took out a bottle of healing potion. "Drink it."

Gordon took the small glass bottle and drank all the milky white liquid inside. It felt as if he was bathing in warm spring water, warm and soothing, and the pain from the battle vanished without a trace.

Truly, the lord was considerate of his subordinate, Gordon. The effect of this healing potion was so good that it was likely made by at least a sixth-level cleric. Gordon estimated that with just one gulp, over a hundred gold coins had disappeared into his stomach.

Healed, Gordon's spirit was rejuvenated. He followed Robert through the garden, walking all the way to a secluded, single-story building.

The two entered a tastefully decorated study on the second floor and took their seats.

"You know, sometimes having too many women can be a hassle. This is my 'refuge.'" Robert winked at Gordon and smiled.

"Your happy troubles are something I probably won't experience in this lifetime," Gordon said. Although the dream of having many wives was a common desire among men, he felt that no matter how exaggerated he was, he wouldn't end up marrying dozens of wives like the Rod Lord.

"Young man, it's not good to lack ambition. Desire is the greatest driving force for men," Robert wagged his finger at Gordon.

Then, his expression changed, and he said in a very serious tone, "You did well this time, not only stopping the ** ritual from being completed but also destroying the Sinful Pearl. However, this matter is far from over."

Just a moment ago, they were talking about women, but now the topic had suddenly shifted to the Three Saints Baptist Church and the Sinful Pearl. Gordon was in awe of Duke Robert's跳跃思维, but he could only follow his train of thought and said, "The matter isn't over? Does the Three Saints Baptist Church have more plans?"

"If we're talking about the ** ritual, it is indeed over. However, I suspect this is just one part of a larger enemy plan," Duke Robert interlaced his fingers under his chin, his gaze deep. "According to my information, there are three Sinful Pearls."

"Three?"

The Rod Lord took a stack of documents from the drawer of his desk and threw them to Gordon.

Gordon flipped through the documents and found that they were an investigation report on a plague outbreak in the western border city of Hall.

This terrible plague occurred a month ago, and a total of five thousand residents, including those in Hall and nearby villages, died from the plague. It was said that those infected with this unknown and terrifying plague would have their skin turn a ghastly green, become weak, bleed from the nose and mouth, and finally die with their internal organs rotting into a pool of pus.

Behind this plague, the Three Saints Baptist Church was active. According to reliable intelligence, the culprit was a follower of the god of poison, Zexil. They used the plague to perform an evil ritual to recharge one of the Sinful Pearls.

After Gordon finished reading the investigation report, Robert continued, "The three Sinful Pearls are called 'Funeral in Dark Green,' 'Feast in Pink,' and 'Hunt in Crimson.'"

From these rather intuitive names, Gordon could roughly deduce that the plague in Hall was likely related to the Sinful Pearl called 'Funeral in Dark Green.' The ** ritual he experienced was probably held by the Three Saints Baptist Church to recharge the 'Feast in Pink.'

Since the whereabouts of two Sinful Pearls were known, the location of the third, 'Hunt in Crimson,' was particularly noteworthy.

"I have already reported this incident to His Majesty the Emperor. The Platinum Temple, Dawn Temple, and Elassis Temple are also preparing to jointly investigate the whereabouts of the third Sinful Pearl," Robert's expression became even more serious. "Although the ** ritual was not perfectly completed, the Sinful Pearl still absorbed a large amount of energy. Even if you destroyed the Sinful Pearl with magic, I believe the Three Saints Baptist Church has ways to repair it. Of course, the effect will be greatly reduced. However, we don't know what impact this will have on the enemy's next move."

"This winter will be tough," the Lord of the North sighed like an ordinary middle-aged uncle. "But this time, you have done a great service, proving your capabilities. Gordon, tell me, what should I do to fully utilize your abilities and potential?"

Gordon stood to one side, silent. Although his strength had increased, he was still just a third-level mage, a negligible speck in the clash of major powers. If not for Reina's help, he would never have defeated Amavre. If not for Robert Antelore's timely arrival, he would have been killed by Zantaba. Although he had gained many benefits from this castle trip, a gentleman, or rather, a mage, does not stand under a crumbling wall. High-risk, high-reward actions are not always beneficial.

Robert seemed to understand Gordon's thoughts. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "Although young people should experience more storms to grow, this conflict between the empire and the cult is likely to be a terrible storm. One misstep could be fatal. Even to protect my reputation for cherishing talent, I cannot let a young man like you die in vain, ha ha."

Hearing Robert's words, Gordon breathed a sigh of relief. He feared nothing more than a foolish superior who assigned tasks without understanding their subordinates' capabilities.

"However," Robert's tone changed, and he scrutinized Gordon carefully, "young man, in just a few days, your arcane skills have improved to another level, which surprises me. Such talent should not be wasted. Take two days off, and then I have a few tasks for you... don't worry, they don't involve fighting cultists."

Gordon bowed. "I would like to hear more."

"Recently, I have noticed a problem with the water elemental maids in the Rainbow Spring Manor. My control over these elementals often has brief blind spots. I didn't think much of it, but after this incident, I can't help but worry that a cultist might have infiltrated the Rainbow Manor."

Gordon was startled and immediately thought of the last time he was framed and mistakenly entered the women's hot springs, causing a misunderstanding with the duke's daughter. It seemed that the hidden mastermind in the manor had grander plans than just causing trouble for him.

"I will do my best to uncover the truth for you," Gordon said. This was not only helping Duke Robert but also eliminating a potential threat to himself, so he was determined to do his best.

"Very good," Robert nodded and then took out a green emerald key. "This is the key to the third floor of my private library. There are many books on third-level spells there, which I believe will be very useful to you. This is your well-deserved reward."

Gordon thanked him and unceremoniously put the key in his pocket. For a newly promoted fifth-level mage, learning third-level spells was essential. There were few third-level spell books available on the market, and even if he went to the Mage Guild to exchange with others, he might not get the spells he wanted.

Duke Robert's reward was just what he needed.

After discussing some details, Robert added, "I have a fief in the southern Dragonbone Peninsula, a place very suitable for a young man like you to show your skills. If you complete three tasks for me, you can have that land... don't look at me so surprised. I have some understanding of what my subordinates desire. The Freeman family lost their fief during the orc invasion, and now whether you can restore your family's glory is entirely up to you."

"I will not let you down."

Robert waved his hand, dismissing Gordon.

As he walked out of the room, Gordon saw the powerful lord standing by the window, gazing at the clouds on the horizon, his expression heavy, as if he had something on his mind.

Back at the Freeman residence, he saw the chef Bard haggling with a vendor over the price of a bluefin tuna, arguing whether it was worth 10 silver coins. Chef's wife Aunt Ronnie was trimming the yew trees in the courtyard with a large pair of scissors. The two little girls were sweeping the leaves off the stone path with brooms.

Faced with this scene full of life, a sense of tranquility welled up in his chest, driving away the chaotic ritual, the oppressive underground, and the bloody and cruel battle from his mind.

"This must be what home feels like," Gordon thought, smiling as he saw his sister Shiona run out of the door towards him.

Shelleya had returned home before Gordon, and the half-elf ranger was exhausted, probably sleeping soundly in her bedroom, so only his sister came to greet him.

"Brother, are you okay?" Shiona grabbed Gordon's arm, her eyes full of concern. She had already learned about what happened in the castle from her friend.

Gordon touched his cheek; all the wounds from the battle had healed. The healing potion provided by the Rod Lord was indeed of high quality.

"I'm fine, don't underestimate your brother," Gordon patted Shiona's head.

"Don't treat me like a child," Shiona rolled her eyes at Gordon, her tone slightly annoyed. "If I had known this would happen, I should have gone with you."

"To attend a party, you need to be a couple. Do you have a boyfriend?" Gordon teased.

"W-Who has a boyfriend! I don't care about those stinky men," Shiona's face turned red, and she pinched Gordon lightly, not painfully, but it felt a bit ticklish.

"Hey, I'm a man too, don't lump us all together. Besides, if you hate men so much, will you never get married?"

"We'll talk about that later. Anyway, now that you're so capable and can support the Freeman family, we don't need to rely on marriage to strengthen our family's power."

"Sure, my little Miss Freeman, with me around, you can enjoy your youth and life to the fullest," Gordon smiled, looking at Shiona's delicate face.

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**End of Chapter**