Rein raised an eyebrow at the news and chuckled as well.
In fact, Hamilton needn't have called for him; if Rein had known how rewarding the mission was, he would have volunteered to join on his own.
Rein was very much aware that he didn't need to wait half a year more to accumulate experience as Hamilton had suggested.
If all went well, in about a month or two, he could meet all the conditions for a knight's promotion, except for the "Advanced Magic Potion."
So, Rein was in urgent need of Merit Points to exchange for the "Advanced Magic Potion."
Although this mission entailed a certain degree of danger, with Hamilton, a certified Knight, leading the team, the risks should be relatively manageable.
Rein felt that as long as he was careful, there shouldn't be any major problems.
"That would be best. By the way, my lord, when do we depart?"
"We'll set out once everyone has arrived. The County Town has sent some people over, too; we'll leave together once they're here."
"Also, I've had Weilun and the others prepare some antidotes, ropes, fishing nets, and the like."
"Rein, if you have anything you need to get ready, you still have time to prepare."
"Yes, my lord." Rein nodded upon hearing that others from the County Town would be joining them.
In truth, Rein had most of the gear he needed on him.
However, considering the search in the mine, bringing "Cookie" along might be a wise choice.
After all, dogs' sense of smell and hearing are much sharper than humans'.
So, Rein returned home once more to fetch "Cookie."
When he came back to the town hall entrance, he saw a group of new arrivals, and Hamilton was coming out to meet them.
"Lord Hamilton, long time no see!" A middle-aged man with a goatee, dressed in proper hunting clothes, greeted Hamilton with a slight bow.
Rein could vaguely sense that the man was not weak; though not a formal Knight, he was clearly a Knight's Attendant.
"Steward Schmidt, hello." Hamilton nodded with a smile.
"Lord Hamilton, Viscount Hamadi himself wanted to come, but the Viscount is preoccupied with affairs, so he entrusted me to investigate the situation at the Elim Gold Mine."
"The incidents at the gold mine have greatly concerned both Count Habbs and Viscount Hamadi," said the middle-aged man named Schmidt with a smile.
"This time, in addition to inviting the knowledgeable Wandering Bard—Lord Endri to accompany us,"
"I have also specially recruited three experienced Bounty Hunters in the County Town."
Steward Schmidt gestured to an old man with a goat beard wearing a gray hood and carrying a staff, dressed in a gray robe.
The old man took off his hood, bowed slightly to Hamilton, and said, "Lord Hamilton, I am honored to meet you."
"Lord Endri, hello." Hamilton also nodded in return with a smile.
Rein, intrigued by the introduction of the well-informed Wandering Bard, took a closer look.
"Wondering if the other party might recognize the unknown script from his 'Beast Taming Diary.'"
"Too bad, now isn't the right time or place for his identity."
Then, Schmidt pointed to three men wearing gray leather armor, "These three are experienced Bounty Hunters."
"Lord Hamilton, we, Faruja, Selim, and Aximu, are at your service." The three muscular Bounty Hunters stepped forward and bowed slightly to Hamilton.
"Welcome!" Hamilton nodded slightly.
Although he was leading the team this time, he was well aware that the Night Watcher's Army excelled in cooperative fighting; compared to exploration and searching, experienced Bounty Hunters were more adept.
At that moment, Hamilton saw that Rein had arrived and nodded to him as a signal.
"Now that everyone is here, shall we set out?"
"Of course. The sooner we depart, the sooner we complete our reconnaissance mission." Schmidt nodded with a smile of agreement.
Thus, the twelve elite members of the Night Watcher's Army, plus the five people with Schmidt, mounted their horses and quickly headed towards the Elim Gold Mine, located to the southwest of Flashgold Town.