The maid from the lord's manor stood at the threshold, refraining from entering.

Upon hearing his question, she smiled and replied, "It is merely the remnants of a search conducted by the guards.

There is no need for concern, sir.

" "Oh," Fonhao responded, "Search?" This term indicated that the maid was privy to some information.

"Why did the previous owner leave everything behind?" Fongo continued to probe.

"Sir, this property was sold by the Lord's manor for specific reasons," the maid explained.

There were typically two reasons for the lord's manner to sell property.

Either it was entrusted for sale or the owner had committed an offense and was incarcerated resulting in confiscation.

Fonga refrained from pressing further.

Given that the guards had conducted a search, it was evident that the latter was the case.

Accompanied by Jia, he ascended the staircase, inspecting each room.

Besides Fong Ha's main building, several additional structures flanked either side.

The abundance of rooms would adequately cater to the living needs of the shops maids.

After a thorough inspection, Fong Hao found himself reasonably satisfied.

"Today," Vanessa and her companions can move in.

"Mr.

Fong Hao, if there are no issues, I shall take my leave," the maid stated.

"Thank you for your hard work," Fong Hao replied.

The maid nodded slightly before departing the estate and boarding her carriage.

As dusk approached, Fong Hao, Anne, and Jia returned to the hot pot restaurant to inform Vanessa and the others about the acquisition of the new residence.

Once the establishment closed for the day, they would be able to relocate to the new house.

Upon hearing the news of moving to the affluent district, both Vanessa and the maid appeared quite elated.

After all, it was certainly preferable to residing in the shop.

The hot pot restaurant continued its operations while Fongo made his way directly to the tavern.

He took a seat at the front desk, his gaze drawn to the notice board beside him.

What would you like to drink? The proprietor inquired warmly.

Fong how casually ordered a few dishes and then curiously asked, "Are there no new bounties or maps today in a city as vast as Lixis?" One would expect a greater number of merchants passing through.

"Why are there so few bounties and single page maps available? Are you interested in taking on a bounty?" The tavern owner asked, intrigued.

The proprietor had keen observational skills.

He had noticed that Fong Ho had visited several times, each time purchasing a map.

Indeed, I have a pinchant for adventure and wish to lead a group in exploration.

Fongo fabricated a rationale.

In that case, I have a suggestion you might find worthwhile.

Oh, what suggestion? The Lord's Manor has instituted new regulations to manage bounties for adventures outside the city.

It might be prudent for you to establish a mercenary group to undertake these bounty tasks.

Does the Lord's manner oversee such matters? Yes.

It is said that due to the high mortality rate associated with bounties and the discovery of individuals posting fraudulent bounties to lure others to their demise, the Lord's manner has taken measures to regulate the situation.

Funha listened intently, finding some merit in the reasoning.

The oversight by the Lord's manner could indeed ensure the authenticity of the bounties.

Is it true that anyone can take on these bounties as long as they are mercenaries? Not just any briggins, mind you.

They must be registered with the Lord's manner.

Chapter 333.

A nocturnal foray into the faceless one stronghold Fong.

How's impression of mercenaries was far from favorable.

Whether through personal encounters or hearsay, the profession bore a striking resemblance to that of bandits.

The last encounter with the Iron Blood mercenary corps tasked with escorting the Tavac caravan had proven particularly disheartening.

As they had betrayed their employer to the very bandits they were meant to protect, they conspired with the notorious gray bear than a mere bandit.

Intending to ambush the caravan and divide the spoils.

Fortunately, Fong how sensed the treachery in advance.

Had he not, the entire caravan would have been in grave peril.

Thus, a deep-seated disdain for mercenaries took root in Fong Ho's heart.

Is it solely mercenary groups that post missions? Fonggho inquired once more.

The tavern owner flashed a knowing smile.

Recognizing Fong Ho as an outsider, he explained, "Indeed, a designated area has been established near the eastern gate of the city, specifically for mercenaries to post their tasks.

You might wish to explore it.

" The eastern gate, the expanse of Reese's city, was significantly larger than that of Pearl City.

Moreover, Fonhow had always entered through the northern gate.

Thus, he had never ventured to the east.

Will there be no more adventure bounties in the tavern? Fonhow continued his inquiry.

I'm not entirely sure.

It depends on the decisions made by the Lord's office.

The specifics are murky, gleaned only from the idle chatter of patrons, the owner replied with an awkward chuckle.

Thank you for the information, Fong Hao expressed with a warm smile.

The tavern owner in his profession was typically welcoming to patrons.

In an effort to cultivate a loyal clientele, he often shared snippets of gossip.

Yet few could rival the loquaciousness of someone like Vanessa.

Before long, the food and drink were served, and the two fell silent, focusing on their meal as the evening grew dimmer.

Just then, the tavern door swung open, and a swaying figure stumbled inside.

Fongghao recognized him immediately.

It was the boastful old Hajj who often regailed others with tales of his battles against vampires.

However, a lingering bruise marred his left eye, suggesting he had recently been in a scuffle.

As old Hajj scanned the taverns patrons, his gaze finally settled upon Fong How and the Beasteared Girl.

With a burp and an unsteady gate, he approached.

"Young man, how about buy me a drink?" he stated bluntly, forgoing any pleasantries.

While old Haj's tales were often embellished, the blueprints of silver weaponry he possessed attested to his encounters with vampires.

Fong house surmised he might have served in logistics or as a blacksmith rather than as a frontline combatant.

This would explain the discrepancies in his accounts of injuries, likely borrowed from the true warriors experiences to embellish his own tales.

Regardless, Old Haj's blueprints had indeed played a role in the battle at the Moonlight Heights, and Fong Hao had no qualms about expressing his gratitude to the drunken storyteller.

"Of course, how many drinks do you intend to have?" Fong Ho asked with a smile.

Old Haj's eyes gleamed with surprise.

He did not expect Fong Ha to inquire how many drinks he desired.

"10 cups? How does that sound?" Old Hajj fixed his gaze upon Fong Hao, fearful that his eagerness might cause the latter to reconsider.

All right, bring him 10 cups along with some snacks to accompany the drinks.

Fong how readily agreed.

A smile spread across old Haj's face as he revealed his slightly diminished yellow teeth, praising Fong How's promising future.

The tavern owner shook his head slightly, resigned as he prepared the beers for Old Hodgej.

It was not a good omen to attract Old Haj's attention.

You see, I've been in a scuffle.

Why is there a bruise around your eye? Fong Ho casually inquired, "What scuffle?" I merely took a tumble after a drunken night a few days ago.

I fear no blood sucker.

So why should I fear that woman? Old Hajj defended himself.

A woman? Fungho blinked in surprise.

Did a woman beat you up? No, no, I'm tripped over a woman and fell.

Old Hajj hastily clarified.

Oh well, you should drink less in the future.

That fall does not look trivial.

Fonggha refrained from exposing him.

Nevertheless, he harbored doubts about whether that injury was inflicted by the grizzly bear.

Although the bear claimed he had exchanged 20 cups of wine for the blueprints, it seemed more in line with his character to have thrashed him and seized the blueprints.

"So, young man, which of my tales do you wish to hear today?" "My experiences are rich, far beyond what your generation can learn," Old Hajj boasted loudly, treating Fong Ho as his admirer.