Chapter 31: The Perverted Lord and the Butler’s Delusions

"Yes, I am proud to protect the lord and his property," agreed a nearby guard.

Butler Kaa was worried, silently praying.

Manservant Crock comforted him, saying, "Don't worry. Lady Asheena is very powerful, and the Winter Goddess will also protect the lord."

Kaa rolled his eyes, annoyed. "You don't understand. I'm worried about what will happen when the lord arrives in Maple Leaf City. You need to know that Maple Leaf City also has a Chosen One."

"What? But… we're going for trade, not war. We shouldn't end up fighting, right?" Crock was intimidated by Kaa's words, and his voice grew smaller. "Besides, I believe in the lord's charisma."

Field's actions over the past days had won the servants over completely.

"That's why you're just a manservant, Crock. You still have a lot to learn." The butler showed a smug smile and boasted, "Maple Leaf City's official faith is in the God of Love and Joy. Their Chosen One, 'The Enchanting Dancer,' rose from a brothel to become a Chosen. She has countless nobles enthralled, willing to give up all their wealth and… bodily fluids."

"What? There's such a thing?"

Crock was bewildered, his face turning red just thinking about it.

"Otherwise, do you think Maple Leaf City, a remote border town, could be so prosperous, with multiple magical potion formulas and an irreplaceable commercial status? Do you believe it's all because of Baron Maple Leaf's personal ability? Let me tell you, our lord watched a maid go to the bathroom last time! Such a pervert! If the local lord lets the dancer use her powers on Lord Field, given the lord's self-control, he's sure to… Ahem, let's not talk about it."

In Kaa's eyes, Field was definitely hunting for beauties, likely to revel in pleasures and not return.

Crock fell silent, praying that their beloved lord would not be corrupted by evil.

"Wait, did I talk too much again?" Kaa suddenly realized something was wrong. If the lord or Asheena heard this, he feared he would be demoted from butler to stableman, or worse.

Seeing Crock's innocent expression, Kaa broke into a cold sweat, worried that Crock might snitch.

Field actually didn't want to travel further to Maple Leaf Collar for trade, but Bull Baron's foolish son had likely closed the fortress gates, and he had also plundered Bull's territory. Field didn't want to take the risk.

Baron Maple Leaf was a wealthy lord, making a fortune from magical plants in his territory that were used to create potions. Field believed that Black Pearl Wine would sell for a great price.

"Master, do you really have to go yourself?" Asheena saw Field preparing, polishing his shiny longsword over and over. She sighed helplessly at her diligent lord, who insisted on going to Highcastle Province personally. "Actually, I could handle it alone. The journey is too dangerous, and I will protect your property with my life, ensuring nothing goes wrong."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about. Who asked you to protect gold coins with your life? Gold coins can't buy a Chosen One." Field patted Asheena's head, making her blush with a rosy hue. Field patiently explained, "Besides, I need to personally visit Baron Maple Leaf. The products of Nightfall Domain will need to be absorbed by that wealthy noble in the future."

There was one reason Field didn't mention: he could detect nearby monsters. Without Field, the caravan would run into waves of corpses repeatedly.

Field lit a fog-repelling lantern and hung it on the carriage. The caravan set off.

The warhorses' hooves clattered on the road. Accompanying them were Asheena, the raiding cavalry, three guards, twenty slaves responsible for carrying goods, and the maid Jazz, who was in charge of Field's daily needs.

Leaving Starry Night Winery, it was like entering hell. Twisted plants were everywhere, ghostly shadows loomed, as if a demon could leap out at any moment.

The slaves looked around in fear. Although they were responsible for carrying goods, Field still equipped them with spears for self-defense.

"This road is terrible." Field disliked the corrupted road surface with small tentacles, which slowed the carriage. "We need to fix the roads someday. It would be best to open a trade route and build a cement road connecting Nightfall Domain directly to Maple Leaf Collar."

No sooner had he sighed twice than numerous red skull marks began approaching rapidly.

"Be careful, they're coming." Field took a deep breath.

"Awoo~"

Asheena's giant wolf howled, charging forward and swinging its spear down, bringing a shower of blood and screams. Corpses fell like wheat being cut, and red and white human fragments splattered everywhere.

The dragon-breed wolf then shook its head, releasing a blue flame that vaporized a large area of corpses.

The rest of the cavalry quickly drew their swords and spears, raising their weapons and charging at the corpse horde. Despite being trained for a short time, the humanoids were natural cavalrymen and quickly mastered the essence of riding.

"For Lord Field!"

"Charge!"

The cavalry pressed forward.

On Field's minimap, red markers disappeared rapidly, while more red dots began to surround them.

"Come on, come on!" Field's fighting spirit surged as he drew his longsword.

Maple Leaf Fortress was also one of the empire's border fortresses, with formidable defenses, including crossbows and catapults, and numerous mage towers equipped with floating magic crystals.

When they crossed the gate of Baron Maple Leaf's fortress, the scene opened up to a bright world, free from the endless gray fog.

"Oh my god, those knights came from the gray fog." Local soldiers with accents pointed at the cavalry in full black cloaks, including their horses, looking terrifying. "This is rare, they must be adventurers or the empire's scouting regiment."

"Look at them, covered in the blood of corrupted creatures."

"Close the gate quickly, don't let the monsters from the gray fog follow in." The officer cleared his throat. "Welcome to Maple Leaf Collar, and enjoy your stay."

"Thank you." Field was surprised by how smoothly they entered. He had prepared a bag of gold coins as a toll but didn't need it. Field let out a long breath. "Phew~ I thought they would give us a hard time."

The goods on the cart included ten barrels of Black Pearl Wine and a box of old magic scrolls. Field feared if they weren't sold soon, they would only be good for toilet paper.

"If we could open a trade route, I wouldn't have to make this trip myself." Along the way, Field avoided numerous large corpse tides and destroyed several small ones. Otherwise, they couldn't have reached Highcastle Province smoothly.

Almost no price was paid, except for half a cart of grain that fell into a pit.