Zong Shen’s tone was very calm, with little expression change.
It was as if he was recounting something insignificant.
Now, he could convey a certain authority and suppression through his tone and expression.
"Yes, yes... my lord, it’s a total of 50 Mainland Continent Universal Dinars."
The bartender nodded hastily, not daring to look directly into Zong Shen’s eyes.
The Wild Thorn Tavern is one of the three most famous taverns within the Avalon Kingdom.
In every village under the jurisdiction of Boss Bang, any place of any size has a Wild Thorn Tavern.
Thus, this bartender had quite the perspective, and in his eyes, Zong Shen and his companions seemed extraordinary.
Eight or nine times out of ten, they were young nobles out for experience; if he hadn’t been overly surprised by the beautiful elf female, he wouldn’t have lost composure.
Luna’s personality was slightly cool, often carrying a sense of melancholy as if her home had been destroyed.
As the number of professional warriors under Zong Shen increased, she became less prominent in the team.
She naturally noticed the bartender’s gaze, but she always remembered Zong Shen’s instructions: do not cause conflict with any villagers after entering the village.
However, when Zong Shen took the initiative to speak up for her, Luna felt a wave of emotion in her heart.
There was now a touch of unusual brilliance in her eyes when she looked at Zong Shen.
Zong Shen opened his Personal Storage Grid, retrieved 50 worth of money, and placed it before the bartender.
This money referred to what they called the Mainland Continent Universal Dinar.
The bartender put away the money, taking out a small 5L wine barrel from under the bar.
He also took out several large wooden cups; Lensa Shuizhao took the initiative to lift the wine barrel, placing it on a small square table nearby.
At the same time, he dragged over another square table and several chairs, combining them into a large table.
The bartender took out a few plates, scooping fennel beans from a wooden barrel onto them.
Zong Shen sat directly on a chair, Favide and the others placed the fennel beans, wooden cups, and five forks on the table.
The people of the Avalon Kingdom did not have utensils like chopsticks and usually used forks, even ordinary glass cups were rare.
Lensa Shuizhao filled each cup with beer.
A single drink cost 50 Mainland Continent Universal Dinars, which Zong Shen found a bit pricey; previously outside the square, he had heard that a maid’s monthly salary was just 20 Mainland Continent Universal Dinars.
This single drink equates to two and a half months’ wages for a maid.
Zong Shen picked up a wooden cup, taking a gentle sip; the craft beer had a rich taste and a complex aroma, with fine foam swirling around his lips.
Indeed, it was comfortable.
Everyone was a professional warrior, and even the relatively frail Favide and Aisha were far superior to ordinary people.
Zong Shen forked a fennel bean into his mouth, chewing it nonchalantly.
It was crunchy and had an anise-like flavor, making it a nice match with the drink, quite fragrant.
However, Zong Shen was not here to drink; his main purpose was to contact the village chief.
He lifted his head, just about to inquire about the strategy to identify the village chief.
An armed militia walked into the tavern and went to a corner seat.
He whispered into an elder’s ear, occasionally pointing toward Zong Shen.
After a brief exchange, the elder’s eyes lit up, and he voluntarily stood and walked toward Zong Shen.
Two youth with innocent looks and delicate appearances followed him.
The militia seemed to have another task and left hurriedly.
The elder walked quickly, his steps very steady.
He came to Zong Shen’s table, smiling warmly, and spoke proactively.
"Hello, my lord, I am the village chief of Sitanos Village. May I speak with you?"
The elderly man bowed slightly, his attitude very humble, which somewhat surprised Zong Shen.
Breaking iron shoes all over seeking where, obtained all at no effort.
Zong Shen turned his gaze to the elder.
Information immediately appeared.
[Sitanos Village Chief: Spike]
(The old village chief of Sitanos, he seems to have a task for you.)
Zong Shen quickly stood up, warmly shaking the old village chief’s hand.
"Hello, Village Chief, please have a seat."
He pulled out a chair from behind and invited the village chief to sit down.
The old village chief’s smile grew wider, and he sat next to Zong Shen.
"My lord, the village guard militia just informed me of your and your subordinates’ arrival."
"Our Sitanos Village has encountered some small troubles. If you are willing to help us, we would be immensely grateful."
The old village chief spoke straightforwardly.
Zong Shen listened to his words, gazing at him playfully.
"Is it just gratitude alone?"
"Cough cough cough..."
The old village chief coughed a few times.
"Of course, we will offer you some compensation, and you’ll gain the friendship of Sitanos Village."
[Sitanos Village Chief: Spike extends an invitation for a task]
Zong Shen was about to choose "Accept" when a young man in a hooded cloak stepped quickly forward from the tavern, followed by three strong wolf riders.
"Village Chief, perhaps I can complete your task. I don’t need compensation, just the friendship of Sitanos Village."
Oh, well, here’s a poach.
This guy was lurking in the tavern, obviously waiting for an opportunity to approach the old village chief.
Zong Shen stealthily glanced at him.
This man’s skin was dark brown, his build petite, clearly not an Avalon indigenous native but more like someone from Southeast Asia.
Sure enough, the information exposed his identity.
[Lord: Jieyomar1992317]
However, before Zong Shen could speak.
The old village chief shook his head first.
"My lord, unfortunately, your strength is insufficient to be of help."
After saying that, he turned away without looking at him.
Leaving his expression very awkward.
This Southeast Asian Lord named Jieyomar glanced at Zong Shen and his soldiers but said nothing more.
He simply left with his men.
Zong Shen watched them leave. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel⚑fire.net
This was his first face-to-face encounter with another living lord, and although there was no communication, he had already mentally prepared for it.
The density of lords in each region was not low, and every relic and indigenous village became a focal point for lords’ competitions.
Even the lord itself is a kind of contestable resource.
This is the inevitable trend of future development.
Fortunately, the old village chief had good insight.
Otherwise, Zong Shen would definitely have dealt with this guy.
He withdrew his gaze.
And directly chose [Accept].
"I accept your task. Let us toast to the friendship of Sitanos Village!"
He brought over an empty cup, filled it with beer, and handed it to the village chief.
The old village chief took the cup.
The two raised their cups together, lightly clinking them, and then downed the drinks.
"Now, please tell me the details of the task, and I will resolve the troubles of Sitanos Village."
Zong Shen put down the cup and spoke proactively, waiting for further task details.