Chapter 249

Chapter 249: Remote Speaker

The Remote Speaker was essentially a stone of special material engraved with magical patterns, functioning similarly to a telephone yet far inferior in transmission range—it could only reach the town closest to Aowenduo Town at most.

Furthermore, such magical artifacts had limited usage. Each activation caused cumulative damage, rendering them reserved for critical situations.

This intelligence had been obtained earlier from Sylvestre.

The Adventurer’s Guild indeed possessed a Remote Speaker as well. The trio knew this because the device was conspicuously displayed on a shelf behind the guild counter.

They had detected it through the Identification skill.

Despite its scarcity-driven value, the Remote Speaker held little practical value for ordinary citizens. Ownership of such artifacts was typically restricted to figures like the Guild President, town lords, or wealthy merchants. Consequently, even if acquired, few dared to attempt selling such items.

The three women proceeded to the study on the second floor of the lord’s castle.

Within the expansive chamber, a middle-aged man in opulent attire sat behind a desk, engrossed in documents.

Hearing the knock, he rose with a cordial smile and beckoned them inside.

"This is the lord of Aowenduo Town—Master Simon."

After Philid ushered the trio into the study, he assumed a deferential stance behind Simon.

"Master Simon, these are the adventurers from Moat Blade."

"Hmm."

The lord nodded. Mirroring Philid’s earlier response, Simon momentarily froze upon witnessing the trio’s striking beauty.

"Marvelous! The rumors do you justice—not merely formidable Class B combatants, but peerless beauties as well!"

Simon lavished praise, his smile widening.

The spacious study featured a sofa and tea table positioned centrally against the wall.

The lord gestured for them to sit.

"Might we inquire about your summons, my lord?"

Lvzi settled onto the sofa with Army Lady’s arm entwined in hers, blinking guilelessly as she posed the question.

Her cherubic demeanor gave Simon pause anew.

Having reached middle age, he’d encountered countless beauties in his youth and enjoyed numerous dalliances, yet none could rival the trio before him.

Even his harem of over a dozen wives and concubines paled in comparison.

Regrettably, while desire lingered, his advancing years left him ill-equipped for vigorous pursuit.

Still, the prospect of claiming these three as concubines tantalized him.

Their mere presence would brighten his days, even without physical indulgence.

To encounter such perfection yet let it slip away—allowing these treasures to grace some callow youth’s arms—struck him as intolerable.

Yet he remained no lust-addled fool.

These women were no fragile flowers to be plucked at whim.

Moreover, while enamored of beauty, he prided himself on never coercing others—even his existing consorts had been wooed through wealth, status, or personal charm.

There were women he couldn’t pursue, but he would merely sigh in regret and mourn briefly before moving on.

"I’ve invited you three here for a purpose."

Regaining his composure, Simon smiled again.

"Having witnessed your valor in defeating the goblins earlier, I’ve wished to recruit you into my Guard Knights."

"Guard Knights?"

Lvzi adopted a pensive expression.

"Hmm… Not entirely opposed, but you must first explain the knights’ duties."

"Naturally."

Simon proceeded to elaborate.

The Guard Knights answered solely to the town’s lord, their primary duty being the protection of both the lord and his residence—making them Lord Simon’s ultimate defensive force. Their daily regimen involved training at the estate’s barracks and weekly field engagements. Training focused on acquiring skill-based talents like "Sword Talent" and "Spear Talent," which not only enhanced combat prowess but also allowed knights to accumulate Experience Value through routine drills, thereby advancing their levels. Presently, nearly a third of the Guard Knights—approximately twenty members—had already obtained such weapon-related talents. Field missions targeted monsters inhabiting the town’s surrounding forests and hills, serving to strengthen the knights through combat. Occasionally, urgent assignments arose, such as the recent Goblin Tribe subjugation.

"…These constitute the order’s primary responsibilities."

Philid poured tea for the quartet. Simon accepted his cup with a courteous sip.

"Why aren’t you drinking? It’ll grow cold. Could it be… you fear I’ve poisoned the brew?" He chuckled lightly.

"Oh."

The three women mechanically raised their cups.

While untainted tea posed no issue, should any substance lurk within…

Army Lady’s gaze flickered toward the guild-style Remote Speaker stone on the study desk.

Preemptive action might become necessary.

"How find you this tea?"

"Acceptable."

"Bitter. I’ve never favored tea."

"Wine would better suit."

"I… see."

Simon’s smile stiffened.

The latter responses proved startlingly blunt, while the "acceptable" verdict carried palpable insincerity. Could his prized leaves truly warrant such disdain?

"Truthfully, Mother’s brewing surpasses this. Heehee…"

As Lvzi teetered toward eccentricity, Army Lady discreetly jabbed her ribs.

"Miss Lvzi’s mother, you say?" Simon chuckled, envisioning a benign matron in her thirties. Though a Class B adventurer, he doubted her access to superior leaves—tea ranking second only to fair maidens in his affections.

"She maintains… pronounced maternal attachment."

"Ah."

Army Lady’s interjection confirmed his assumption.

Returning to formality:

"We comprehend the duties. What benefits accompany membership?"

"Substantial."

The lord inclined his head.

Benefits mirrored Knight Commander Laikalis’ monthly stipend, included full knightly privileges, and permitted maximal autonomy under special dispensation.

"Well? No urgency—ponder while you drink."

After silent consultation, the trio feigned deliberation before Lvzi nodded.

"Agreeable—conditional upon one minor stipulation!"

"Name it."

"That."

The verdant-haired girl indicated space beyond Simon’s shoulder.

Following her finger’s trajectory, the lord turned.

"The Remote Speaker? You desire this?"