Smith had always been extremely cautious, and he made sure that Lytalia was just as careful. They never met in public unless it was either in secret rendezvous or openly in the presence of his brother.

  That was precisely why he had found it suspicious that Lytalia would send a random young man to deliver a message. Under normal circumstances, she would never use such a method to communicate with him.

  At last, he let out a sigh of relief, but then something seemed to dawn on him."Wait a minute—you know Lytalia?"

  Kenley shrugged."I don't know her. I just happened to run into her at the farmers' market twenty minutes ago, and she asked me to pass the message. So, I went out of my way to find you."

  "Pfft!" Tia finally couldn't hold it in anymore and let out a laugh. Her master was such a skilled actor—just moments ago, he had been at the tailor shop ordering clothes for himself, yet now he was claiming to have been at the farmers' market twenty minutes ago? He spoke so convincingly that even Tia nearly believed him.

  Hearing the laugh, Smith's attention shifted to Tia, but the moment he got a good look at her, his eyes widened."An Undead!"

  Then, as if realizing something, he turned back to Kenley."Is she your Holy Servant?"

  Kenley was momentarily taken aback. Smith could actually tell she was a Holy Servant… As expected, the older, the wiser. This dwarf was no ordinary blacksmith. Suddenly, Kenley recalled the Archbishop's meaningful glance before he left. Could it be that the Archbishop, like Smith, had also realized he was using a Holy Servant Contract? Was that why he deduced Tia's identity and ultimately gave him the Token of Devout Faith?

  "What's the matter? Is there a problem?" Kenley's eyes swept around cautiously. Fortunately, the passersby were too preoccupied with their own affairs to pay attention to their conversation. He exhaled in relief.

  However, someone had overheard their exchange. The moment Kenley's gaze swept over, the figure quickly shrank back, vanishing into the crowd.

  Smith merely chuckled."No problem. I'm just a little moved. After all these years, there are still people who know how to use this contract."

  He didn't press further about the contract, seemingly uninterested in continuing the discussion. What concerned him more was the real reason for Kenley's visit. Kenley still hadn't explained those two barrels of wine. Well, considering that he had just delivered a message from his old flame, Smith decided to offer him a 30% discount.

  Of course, Kenley had no idea what Smith was thinking. Instead, he pulled out a scroll from his sleeve and said,"I heard from the receptionist at the Adventurers' Guild that you might have some tasks that are difficult to handle. So, I thought I'd come and give it a try."

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "Oh?" Smith took the scroll and examined it. The Adventurers' Guild seal was indeed authentic. He then handed it back.

  "This way," he said, nodding toward Kenley before opening the shop door and leading the two of them inside.

  Kenley, of course, didn't forget about the two barrels of wine. He quickly picked them up and followed behind.

  Smith closed the door and led the two of them to sit at the table in the center of the living room. Only then did he solemnly say to Kenley,"I'm in trouble."

  What kind of trouble could make an old veteran like Smith frown? Who was he? He was the master who forged the legendary weapon Taiyi—even royalty had to treat him with respect. What kind of problem could possibly stump him?

  Yet, this only made Kenley's heart race. Smith's status was anything but ordinary. If he was issuing a request, it might very well be a legendary quest. That thought alone was enough to stir some excitement within Kenley.

  "Can you explain in detail? Oh, and let me make this clear first—I'm at First Tier. I won't accept anything beyond that level," Kenley reminded him immediately. While he was certainly tempted, he wasn't reckless. He wasn't some hot-headed fool who took on quests without thinking.

  Adventurers on the Aude Continent were deeply bound by the spirit of contracts—either you refused a task, or once you accepted, you had to see it through to the end. That was the most basic principle of being an adventurer. If someone took on a quest beyond their ability, they'd have no choice but to complete it, even if it meant risking their life.

  This wasn't a game. In a game, a player could die and respawn, but Kenley wasn't sure if he would be able to come back after death. He wasn't about to gamble his life on a quest.

  Smith scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled."Actually, the task isn't difficult. Even you can do it. I just can't hand this over to just anyone. Since you helped Lytalia deliver a message today, I figured I could trust you."

  It was true—everything Kenley had told Smith earlier was the truth, from the ill-fitting boots to the farmers' market. A few days ago, he had indeed bought Lytalia a pair of boots, and since Lytalia often visited the farmers' market, Smith had no reason to doubt him.

  Kenley paused for a moment."Alright, but I still need to hear the details first. I have to make sure I can handle it before I agree." He remained cautious, subtly urging Smith to reveal the full truth.

  Ding—!

  [Genius Negotiator] has been triggered. Smith appreciates your caution.

  Kenley smirked inwardly. It was probably thanks to the two barrels of wine and the fact that he mentioned Lytalia that the skill had activated. What a convenient ability.

  Smith scratched his head again and let out a sheepish laugh."So, here's the thing. The day I bought Lytalia's boots, I also bought a pair for Parisha and Kerr. But I mixed them up. It's not something I can ask just anyone to handle, so I entrusted the Adventurers' Guild to find someone reliable. Oh, and don't worry—the reward is very generous! I promise!" He pounded his chest as he spoke, as if swearing an oath.

  Kenley almost faceplanted onto the ground.

  This old pervert…

  Lytalia, Parisha, and Kerr were all his former lovers—and yet, he just had to buy boots for all three of them on the same day and managed to mix them all up! No wonder he didn't dare ask the elves for help and instead sought an adventurer—so this was the reason!

  When Kenley had first taken Lytalia's task, he thought it was just one pair of boots. He never imagined there were three!

  This old fox must have split them into three different requests! Otherwise, Kenley would have noticed!

  If Smith's brothers found out what he had done, they'd chase him down from the Gebi Mountains all the way to Elven Lake with hammers in hand!

  Kenley took a deep breath, then forced a smile."Alright, I'll take the quest. But I want double the reward. Otherwise, I'm not doing it."

  Ding—!

  [Genius Negotiator] has been triggered. The old pervert has been convinced.