CHAPTER 34: DIFFERENT TASKS

"Good thing you’re early. I have an important task for the two of you."

Leonard’s words instantly caught Gareth’s full attention. The man straightened almost immediately as if he were still in the army. It was like second nature the moment he heard the word "task."

Meanwhile, Anika just tilted her head to the side. There was a spark of interest in her eyes. She was happy to hear that Leonard had a task for her. From her point of view, it was like Leonard, was trusting him with something important.

The two, even though they had different initial reactions, were now looking at Leonard to hear his next words.

"For you, Gareth," Leonard began, "I need you to look for carpenters or woodmakers. Can you go around the woodshops in the area and ask for the best prices you can get? We need a few round tables and enough chairs for it."

Leonard momentarily paused before taking out the dice in his pocket. "Also, we want small wooden boxes like this one."

Gareth blinked for a second, then gave a small nod. He looked at the dice and memorized everything in his mind. As a soldier, he was mentally trained to easily memorize things.

"Round tables, chairs, and boxes like that. I got it."

"You’re familiar with the outskirts, right? Which shops are reliable and which ones try to scam you?" Leonard asked just to make sure.

That earned a smile from Gareth. For a moment, his uncomfortable look turned to a determined one. He nodded with a little confidence flickering in his eyes.

"Yeah. I know which roads to take and who not to deal with. Leave it to me, Boss."

"Boss?" Leonard raised a brow. However, Gareth seemed not to mind the word he had just uttered.

"..."

’I guess that’s what he will call me now.’ Leonard thought.

"Oh well, I guess that’s good then. I’ll trust you on that one." Leonard let out a sigh and clapped Gareth on the shoulder before turning to Anika. "As for you, you’re with me today."

A big smile appeared on Anika’s lips almost instantly.

"Oh? What’s my role then?"

"You have 2 roles today," Leonard said, holding up a finger. "First, you’ll help me during the games today. Just like what you usually do." Then he raised another finger.

"Second, you’ll tell me what I don’t know. How to actually set up a shop here. Licenses, fees, whatever. If I’m going to run a business, I need to know the rules of the game."

Anika gave a slow nod. She chuckled and, with confidence, "That is something I can do."

"Perfect, then," Leonard muttered with a grin. "We’ll work half the day today, then head to where we need to go."

"It should be the town hall," Anika corrected gently. "That’s where the official in charge of this town stays, along with his right-hand man."

"Right. Town hall... where is that thought?" Leonard raised his brows.

Anika chuckled softly, "I’ll explain more on the way later."

After that, the three of them set off on their own ways.

As he was instructed, Gareth left them to accomplish the task given to him. He set off down the street and passed through a whole lot of woodshops and woodmakers.

However, he didn’t go through one. In contrast, he didn’t even spare a glance at them as he knew how things worked here.

The market sells the most expensive things and pieces because of their location and the rent that they have to pay. However, it is also the most peaceful place in the town, as the other parts were sometimes filled with homeless people and bandits.

The outskirts didn’t mean the people there were lawless, though. The people here still abide by the kingdom’s law. It was simply that the laws were rarely enforced since no one in the capital really bothered to pay attention to them.

More than that, squeezing the poor often costs more effort than it’s worth

Still, the area had its own official who oversaw things.

Taxes here were also lighter compared to the main towns. It was because most people in the area barely earned enough to live, so the kingdom couldn’t press them too hard. Sometimes they pay with their grain and livestock if they don’t have coins.

But for shop owners and business people, paying taxes was strict and non-negotiable.

"I’ll go to Old Marrek first," Gareth muttered suddenly amidst the silence. He looked confident and determined as he looked ahead of him.

"I know how well he works. He might help me with these things."

Ten years in the outskirts taught Gareth which streets to trust and which to avoid. And during his stay here, a man called Old Marrek was one of the few men who showed kindness to him.

"Right, I should hurry so I can accomplish my task."

Meanwhile, Leonard and Anika, who stayed behind, were preparing for the day’s game. They couldn’t afford to miss a day since it was their only way of earning enough funds to open the shop.

They set up at their usual location, and people hurried to show their silver coins and play.

The crowd came faster today than yesterday. Leonard noticed that as days passed, more people were visiting their stall. Words must have spread around.

Though it was stressful to have that many people in front of them, Leonard was grateful more than anything. The long lines meant their business was blooming.

It was a good sign.

They continued to play just like any other day. Hours slipped by before they even realized it. By the time the afternoon arrived, they slowed down.

And finally, around 2 in the afternoon, Leonard raised his hand to stop the next person who was about to step forward.

"I apologize. That’s it for today," he announced to the crowd. "We’re closing early."

Groans and multiple comments echoed through the crowd.

"Huh? Already?"

"Come on, one more round!"

"Don’t go yet!"

"It’s still so early!"

"Come on, Man. I still need to win."

Some people looked disappointed, while others even begged for another round. Anika glanced at Leonard. She was unsure of their reaction, but Leonard smiled at him reassuringly.

"I know, I know," Leonard said, holding his hands up to calm the crowd. "But hear me out. We’re not closing because we’re tired. We’re closing because I’m working on something to make this game even better for you."

The words seemed to catch everyone off guard. Silence stretched for a second, then whispers spread.

"Better? What does he mean?"

"Is he adding something new?"

"Maybe bigger rewards?"

Leonard chuckled under his breath at their reactions.

"All I’ll say is this. You deserve the best experience, and I’ll make sure you get it. So, be patient. Just allow us to close early for the next days. And when I reveal it? You won’t be disappointed."

The disappointed murmurs from the people quickly shifted into excitement.

"Whoa!"

"I can’t wait!"

"Damn. I’ve never been appreciated like this."

"This is gonna be good, I can feel it."

"He’s got something planned, I just know it."

"Go Leonard!"

"We’ll wait for you!"

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A/N: We’re close to achieving 50 powerstones this week! Drop some for an extra Chapter by tomorrow!