CHAPTER 205: CHAPTER 203: SWITCHING FOOD_1

The tavern owner went to prepare food, and Yan Xing casually cast a Soundproof Magic spell that enveloped the table where he and Grey Mouse were sitting.

"I know of a Mercenary Organization that sells information to both Orcs and Elves, even providing cover for some of their military operations. Some very distinguished nobles are involved as well. Yarlin is a member of this Mercenary Organization. I want to know the details of this organization and who is involved."

Grey Mouse hadn’t expected the thief to start with such a life-and-death question. He looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then touched the luminous film created by the Soundproof Magic around them before daring to speak softly, "Who are you serving?"

"That’s not for you to know," Yan Xing replied. "Answer the question, take the money, and leave dangerous Nuta City—that’s what you need to do now."

Grey Mouse hesitated for a moment. The tavern owner brought over two plates of fried steak. Seeing the Soundproof Magic, he knew they were discussing confidential matters, so he set the plates down and immediately withdrew. The steaks were fried to a golden brown, and bubbles of oil continuously surfaced. The aroma was mouthwatering and appetizing. Yan Xing waited quietly, not touching his cup of wine or meat.

Seemingly having come to a decision, Grey Mouse picked up his knife and fork and began eating the meat and drinking the wine voraciously. He then told Yan Xing everything he knew: "I don’t know the name of this Mercenary Organization, only that it’s based in Nuta City. Yarlin is a core figure in this organization, mainly responsible for liaising with Chief Li Ya of Stakes Castle. However, Yarlin doesn’t have his own mercenary group. Whenever he has a task, he directly contacts mercenaries like us who know each other well. The last time Yarlin assembled forces to attack Eternal Domain, a few people didn’t join because they weren’t in Nuta City. I can give you their names... You should be able to find out more from them."

The names of a few minor players obviously fell short of Yan Xing’s expectations. He said, "Is that all? I’m afraid that’s not enough to get many Gold Coins from me."

Grey Mouse said, "My lord, conspiring with Orcs is punishable by hanging. If you were Yarlin, would you let mercenaries like us, who aren’t even really teammates, know too much? I also know about Yarlin’s two properties. But now that Yarlin is dead, I doubt there’s much to find there."

Yan Xing had to admit he had set his expectations for Grey Mouse too high. But getting a few names is still something, he thought. Investigating these mercenaries might yield some clues.

Yan Xing grabbed a few Gold Coins and placed them on the table, telling Grey Mouse, "Give me the names and their addresses. This is half the money. I’ll give you the other half after I verify that you haven’t lied to me."

Grey Mouse grabbed the Gold Coins and counted them. Five.

"My lord, I swear I haven’t deceived you. Could you give me all five Gold Coins now so I can leave Nuta City as soon as possible?"

Yan Xing didn’t want to let such a valuable informant go so easily.

"I’ll find out whether you’ve deceived me or not after my investigation. Don’t worry, I won’t stiff you for the five Gold Coins. How do I find you next time?"

Seeing that the other party insisted on not giving him the five Gold Coins immediately, Grey Mouse felt helpless. After all, suspicion is normal, he thought. If the payment had been prompt, I would have had to worry about being silenced.

Grey Mouse slipped the Gold Coins into his pocket, then patted it reassuringly before saying to Yan Xing, "I don’t have a fixed residence, but I come here every day for a drink. You can leave a message with Li Jiya here to arrange a meeting time and place."

Yan Xing turned to look at the tavern owner behind the deserted bar, engrossed in a book. The woman was dressed in linen clothes, with crimson trim and some small ornaments on her dress. She was attractive, and her skin, rather than possessing the delicate quality of nobility, had the hue of someone familiar with the hardships of life. She was reading with great concentration, her expression changing with the plot.

Yan Xing asked Grey Mouse, "Can she be trusted?"

Grey Mouse continued eating his meat, chewing thoughtfully before answering, "At least more trustworthy than I am."

Just then, an old woman carrying a sack of grain walked into the tavern and said to Li Jiya, "Miss Li Jiya... my son works at a farm in Eternal Domain, and he received a sack of rice today. Just like last time, it’s high-quality white rice. We feel it’s too good for us to eat; could we exchange it for some brown rice from you?"

Seeing the old woman come to exchange rice, Li Jiya quickly put down her book and helped her place the sack of rice on the bar. Opening the sack, she grabbed a handful of rice grains. Each one was round and white.

Li Jiya couldn’t help sighing, "Lord Yan Xing is truly as generous and kind as the legends say, to give such superior rice to his laborers."

The old woman also praised, "Yes, yes... everyone who works for Eternal Domain says, ’Lord Yan Xing, generous and kind.’ Yesterday, my neighbor said he regretted not signing up when Eternal Domain was recruiting laborers, especially after finding wood shavings in the barley flour he purchased from a grain merchant. And Lord Yan Xing gives only top-quality grain to his laborers. But this grain is too good... I’ll exchange it for some brown rice from you, then go to the market to trade for other things. Life is better than before. I wonder when Eternal Domain will recruit laborers again, so more people can live well."

Li Jiya said with a smile, "Indeed, if Eternal Domain recruits laborers again, I might want to go myself. Please wait, I’ll get the grain for you. Just like last time, one sack for one and a half..."

The old woman laughed, "That would be wonderful! Miss Li Jiya, you’re such a kind person..."

Hearing someone speaking highly of him behind his back made Yan Xing feel more comfortable than being praised to his face. He was especially pleased knowing that his domain’s grain had begun to circulate.

To suppress grain prices in Nuta City, Eternal Domain directly distributed grain to its workers there. All of it was genuine, high-quality, and in full measure, receiving rave reviews from the Nuta City workers.

Now, in Nuta City, grain from Eternal Domain was considered hard currency. Almost all merchants were willing to accept it, making transactions smooth.

After all, with the war raging on the Wildwind Highlands, stocking up on grain offers more peace of mind than other commodities, he reasoned.

Furthermore, because Eternal Domain distributed grain instead of money, laborers had to actively use Eternal Domain’s grain for various transactions. This gradually cultivated the trading habits of Nuta City residents and their recognition of Eternal Domain’s grain as a general equivalent.

Thus, before humans, Orcs, or Elves gained any advantage in the war, circumstances had ironically helped Yan Xing extend his reach into the very foundations of Nuta City.

Grain from Eternal Domain had matured as a currency. What remained was to find a suitable opportunity to issue Grain Tickets.

As long as the residents of Nuta City accept Grain Tickets backed by grain from Eternal Domain... he mused. Then... I, their Lord, can also experience the joy of printing and spending money!