It would be convenient for both of us," Rebecca replied with a smile.

The two continued to discuss various aspects of garment design.

Before long, the maid returned once again.

After bowing, she reported, "Madam, there's a shop on the commercial street that has been registered for sale at the Lord's house.

" "Very well.

Taken to see it shortly," Rebecca instructed.

The sample garments had greatly pleased her, uplifting her spirits, and she was more than willing to assist Fong Hao with this small favor.

The maid dutifully removed the sample garment, carefully folded it, and handed it to Fonggha.

Madame Rebecca, once the finished gown is crafted, I shall deliver it to you.

Funhao said softly.

Lady Rebecca smiled and nodded, lazily, returning to her rocking chair.

The maid then escorted Fong Ho out of the Lord<unk>'s manor.

Outside and Jia, waiting patiently, was savoring a pastry purchase from a street vendor.

Upon seeing Fong Ha emerge, she quickly followed suit.

Where to now? She inquired.

Let's visit the shops.

He replied, what is wrong with your voice? It sounds rather peculiar.

And Jia asked curiously.

Fongghao glanced at the maid who remained impassive and signaled in Jia with his eyes to refrain from further chatter.

The maid guided them into a carriage heading towards the commercial street.

They traversed various alleyways and upon reaching the bustling thoroughfare filled with people and numerous vendors, the carriage came to a halt in a central area.

The three disembarked.

Mr.

Fong, this is the registered shop which previously operated as a rather successful tavern.

The maid announced before them stood a three-story stone building with the shops in this row exhibiting a uniform design and architectural style.

Why did it cease operations? Fonhow inquired.

Due to certain circumstances, the owner was apprehended and the shop was subsequently put up for sale by the Lord s manor.

The maid explained, producing a key to unlock the shop as entrance.

Fong Hao and Inja entered, beginning to inspect the interior.

The shop had been completely emptied of its goods, leaving a chaotic array of items strewn across the floor.

From a cluttered counter, Fong Hao retrieved a paper resembling a poster featuring a vividly colored nude female figure striking an alluring pose.

It appeared that the establishment had previously engaged in a rather diverse array of business.

I shall take this shop, he declared.

Chapter 251.

The intelligence station in the basement Fong how as prompt agreement left the maid momentarily taken aback.

Although she was tasked by her mistress to escort the young merchant on a tour of the shop, she had never anticipated that he would actually make a purchase.

This was one of the most bustling commercial streets in Lixis, with shop prices inflated to exorbitant heights.

Even someone in her position, a personal maid to the lady of the Lord's Manor, enjoying enviable employment and perks, would need to abstain from sustenance for over five centuries to afford even a single establishment, assuming property values remain stable.

Are there any necessary formalities? Fonhow inquired once more.

Recovering from her astonishment, the maid confirmed with a hint of disbelief, "Sir, are you certain you wish to purchase this shop? The recorded price at the Lord's Manor is 700,000 gold coins.

Her voice trembled at the mention of such a staggering sum.

It was a terrifying figure, one that could only be afforded by wellestablished merkantile houses or prominent families.

Is there room for a discount? Fonho asked.

Sir, I'm uncertain about that.

You might want to consult with my mistress, the maid replied.

Can I use a warfire card here? He continued.

Yes, indeed, she affirmed.

Shall we proceed to handle the formalities? Ah, as Fong Ho exited the shop within Jia, the maid belatedly exclaimed and followed in their wake.

Was this young merchant truly so affluent to make such a casual decision to purchase at a mere glance? She had encountered many noble and wealthy merchants.

Yet none had so nonchalantly resolved to part with hundreds of thousands of gold coins.

The trio returned to the carriage where they registered the purchase of a shop sdeed at the lord's manor.

Henceforth the establishment would belong to Fong Hao.

With her duties concluded, the maid needed not to guide them further.

After a slight bow, she bid farewell to the two.

Upon returning to the shop, Fongo produced his key and unlocked the door.

This marked his second establishment.

Were your plans? And Jia inquired, kicking a wooden cup at her feet, which clattered noisily.

a hot pot restaurant to recoup some funds, he replied.

Unlike the apparel and accessories industry, opening a hot pot restaurant was straightforward and yielded quick returns.

With the premises cleaned and the broth base prepared by Eair delivered, they could commence operations.

Given the scarcity of food in this era, hot pot was immensely popular, affordable even for common folk and delicious to boot.

Indeed, the clattering of the kicked wooden cup continued to echo as if cascading down the staircase.

The two exchanged glances and moved toward the area where the cup had rolled away.

Behind the stairs, they discovered an entrance leading downward.

The cup had fallen from here, producing the sound of impact.

The opening was shrouded in darkness, presumably a basement or storage area for the shop.

Funhow retrieved a luminous stone lantern from the Lord's book.

bending down to extend the lantern into the basement entrance.

The soft glow of the luminous stone illuminated the basement, revealing a cold, spacious area that bore a faintly musty scent.

After ensuring there were no dangers within, he opened the cover completely and descended the wooden staircase.

What a smell.

And Jia complained, pinching her nose.

Indeed, there was a distinct odor of mildew, likely from the tavern's former wine seller.

Hearing you say that makes me feel like I don't want to drink for a month and Jar remarked.

He hung the lantern from the ceiling, casting light around the space.

It was indeed a wine celler with traces left behind from the barrels that had been removed.

After a brief search, he unexpectedly found five essences of wine.

A pleasant surprise.

Fong Ho, there's a Merchant Alliance mailbox here.

And Ja exclaimed from not far away.

Me along mailbox.

Where? Funha inquired.

and Jia emerged and led him to a small room isolated by a hidden door.

The room was modest, containing a wooden table and a black mailbox adorned with a sythe emblem.

This isn't the Merchant Allianc's symbol.

It's from the Faceless One's cabin.

This means that while it appears to operate as a tavern, it also serves as an intelligence agency for the Faceless Ones, relaying gathered information.

Perhaps what the maid mentioned about being captured is related to this matter.

After all, all factions purchase intelligence from the Faceless Ones while simultaneously holding a deep-seated aversion to them.

Is it a merchant alliance? No, it is a Faceless Ones cabin, a trading hub for information, Fongo clarified.

The items on the desk have been cleared out, leaving only a mess of debris.

Yet, amidst the clutter, Fongo discovered a partially burned letter, its remaining corner still legible.

It read, "Capture the transcender.

delivered to the rest have been consumed by flames.

However, those few words caused Fong how's brow to furrow instantly.

The term transcender was one that only they understood.

Even if the locals recognized them as outsiders, they would not use this specific term.

It could only have been uttered by the transcenders themselves or interpreted through some unique means.

In that moment, Fonga recalled the witch he had encountered clutching a crystal ball.

The existence of magic and the undead made the notion of memory seeking methods seem less peculiar.