Very early on Monday, at the Baron Butcher's study.

"Munch! Munch! Munch!"

Ronan was eating a plate full of exotic fishes with a side of mashed potatoes and some steamed vegetables.

He ignored the vegetables and just devoured the fish with gusto.

Since he hadn't gone to sleep yet, from the moment he woke up on Sunday to this moment, he has had three breakfasts, two lunches, and four dinners.

It was like nothing could satisfy his endless gluttony.

Aren was sitting across from him, feeling disgust building up in his throat, as he watched him eat like a bottomless pit.

"…Lord Baron, did you hear what sir Aren asked of you?"

The head butler asked.

"Money… He asked for money… It's what this wretched world revolves around, isn't that right? Money, money, money!"

Ronan Butcher shouted, his voice tinged with bitterness, and then he stabbed his fork through the fish.

"…I am not doing this for free. I want my payment discussed before I start my search for your daughter."

Aren said.

"You will be paid, sir Aren. I can assure you of that."

The head butler said.

"…How much do you want?"

Ronan Butcher asked.

"5,000."

Aren said and crossed his legs.

"W-What?"

The head butler asked in shock.

His annual wage was about 2,500 Iris coins, so that amount was basically two years of hard work on his part.

"Hahahaha!"

Ronan Butcher laughed as if he was thinking it was some kind of a joke.

"It all depends on how much you want your daughter rescued. Of course, I don't expect to be paid up front.

"I am fine getting my money after the deed is done."

Aren said.

"…Fine, that money can come from my daughter's marriage funds. I suppose she doesn't mind if it means getting her back safe and sound!"

Ronan Butcher said.

"Then that's settled. I'll enjoy my sleep for now, but as soon as I wake up, I will be heading out to find your daughter."

Aren said and left the study with the head butler while the gluttonous baron continued eating.

"…I apologize for my bluntness, but I don't trust this baron of yours. If he plans on not paying me, I'd suggest you change his mind, or it will not end well for him."

Aren said.

"…Baron Butcher is many things, but he always pays his debts. You do not have to worry about that, but if I may ask, how will you start your search for Ashley?"

The head butler asked curiously.

"I already have a lead."

Aren said.

It made the head butler shocked, and he wanted to ask what kind of lead, but Aren picked up his pace as if he didn't want to answer any of his upcoming questions.

'…Blessed Ones sure are a different breed. I thought finding Ashley was a lost cause, as she had already been gone for so long, but he has already found a lead?

'He might be bluffing, but the way he acted to the Lord Baron suggests that he is quite confident in finding Ashley.'

…

Early on Monday morning, Aren took off on a wagon. He was just a passenger, and the driver was local from Lanternford Market.

'…I really need to learn how to drive a wagon or how to ride a horse. It's bothersome to have to pay and rely on someone else to take me around.'

Aren thought to himself with his arms crossed.

He realized that there were many things that he needed to do, and that included combat learning.

While his aim with a revolver had improved, he didn't think that he was actually any good of a fighter.

Sure, he had killed people in single combat, such as Raheem, and "defeated" Leroy over in Gehram, but not because he was some extremely skillful combatant.

Raheem was Leader, and he relied on the Book of Revenge, Retribution, and Suffering to fight.

Otherwise, Raheem was a really poor fighter.

Leroy was also quite a poor fighter. He relied on his strength and frame to overpower him. If either one of them were better at fighting, he would've died.

'I do have money, so maybe I'll just go on some training arc and pay someone that is knowledgeable in fighting to teach me some new moves.'

Aren thought and then turned to the driver before asking.

"How far are we?"

"It will be a few hours, sir."

The driver said.

It was a bumpy ride, and Aren was feeling his buttocks grow sore. He groaned in annoyance as the wagon rides were a pain in the ass.

He crossed his arms, put them close to his chest, and then hung his head low as he tried to fall asleep meanwhile.

He didn't get a good night's sleep last night, and since he was going to have another late night ahead, he planned to get some shut-eye.

…

The wagon rolled into Brackenford Cross.

The streets of Brackenford Cross climbed the hillside like veins of dark stone, twisting upward in sudden bends and narrow flights of steps.

Two-story buildings leaned close above them, their walls pressed so tightly together that the sky appeared in ragged strips between tiled roofs.

With the bustle of feet and the echo of cartwheels, the wagon came to a rolling stop at the entrance of the Brackenford Cross.

There were people moving about, but in less quantity than in Lanternford Market, as the population of this little town was about five hundred.

About three times less than in Lanternford Market.

"We've arrived!"

The driver shouted.

"…Appreciate the ride."

Aren paid the driver and hopped off the back with a backpack slung over his shoulder, and he started walking down the cobblestone street.

The townfolk looked at him. They didn't get many outsiders as visitors. It was mostly those from Lanternford Market.

However, it was obvious that Aren came from somewhere much farther away, as his ear piercings weren't of this world.

Aren moved in Brackenford Cross like he knew where he was going, as if he had already been here.

With the Peeking Mirror, he had already memorized this place, and it wasn't really difficult, as it was a really small town.

'…That's the place.'

Aren found the tavern sitting at the hillside. It was where the guards of the Hauwnted family partied last night.

It was the only tavern in the town. It was also the only bar. There was no other place that sold alcohol.