In the jungle east of Grey Castle Territory, Grandet's caravan was following the marks they had made on their way, completely unaware that the surroundings were somewhat different from when they arrived.
"Boss, could you give me a raise when we get back this time?" The driver was an old friend who had been with Grandet for a long time.
He probably also realized that the boss would be able to make a lot of money after returning this time.
"Sell the goods first, then we'll talk about it."
In the past, Grandet would never have answered this fellow, but today he was very happy. Lord Ed of this territory was truly generous, magnanimous, and easy to talk to. He had traveled far and wide and seen a lot, but this was the first time he had ever met a lord like this.
"Okay, boss. That new guy actually said you're a stingy person, he really should be taught a lesson. How could you possibly be that kind of person? Right, boss?"
"Who, which bastard said that? Everyone will get an extra copper coin when we get back this time, but not the one who talked badly about me."
Grandet was furious that someone dared to call him stingy. He had never been a stingy person; this one copper coin was proof of his generosity. No other boss was as generous as him.
After adding one copper coin to the payment, the caravan's travel speed increased again.
"Boss, have we taken the wrong path? Why haven't we reached the river yet? I remember we followed the river when we came here, and then we entered this jungle. But judging by the time, we should have left this jungle by now! Why are we still in the jungle?"
Grandet also realized something was wrong; they seemed to have deviated from their original route, but in this jungle swamp, he didn't know which way was right.
"It's over." Grandet was getting anxious. If they got lost in here, they would have to say goodbye to the world.
"Don't panic, everyone. We'll head east. When we get back, we'll give each of us an extra copper coin as payment. We'll make sure everyone gets paid."
"Oh? Thank you, boss. From now on, if anyone dares to say you're a stingy person, I'll be the first to disagree. But boss, which way is east?"
The old man was delighted and immediately added two copper coins, the most generous he had ever been since he joined Grandet.
"East? Does anyone know? If he can figure out which direction east is, he'll get two more copper coins." Grandet couldn't tell which way was east in this jungle either.
"Boss, I know which way is east." One of the employees stepped forward.
"Okay, you're about to receive two copper coins. I hope you'll make the most of this rare opportunity. However, you look a bit unfamiliar. Are you the newcomer?"
Grandet glanced at the guy who had spoken.
"Yes, boss, I apologize for what I said earlier. You are a very generous person, and I am ashamed of my ignorance."
"Alright, you should feel ashamed. Now, show us what you're capable of and lead us out of this jungle."
"No problem, boss."
So the new crew member began to lead the way, and the caravan began to follow the new crew member's route.
After walking for a long time, the jungle was still the same jungle, and the scenery hadn't changed much.
Grandet was puzzled: This shouldn't have taken so long, right? The environment should have changed at least a little, shouldn't it? The scenery by the river should be different from the jungle, shouldn't it? We've walked for so long and it still looks like jungle. And the path is getting increasingly difficult; we almost fell into a swamp several times.
"Hey, new guy, do you know the way? Do you know what east means?" Grandet shouted to the new guy leading the way.
"Hehe, boss, we'll be there soon after this stop."