Next, the two of them ate and chatted, but never got to the main point until they had eaten most of the food.
Only then did the middle-aged man, over forty years old, wipe the grease from his lips and begin, "To be frank, Mr. Durin, I am indeed facing a difficult situation—some time ago, a Zaunite rogue stole many items from a treasure chest under my supervision. This item is related to the Spencer Family, which I currently serve. Therefore, I urgently need a strong and trustworthy mercenary to retrieve that item from Zaun, lest I incur the family's censure."
As he spoke, Mr. Wes's gaze remained fixed on Durin's.
Durin thought for a moment and asked, "Mr. Wes, forgive my directness, but could you clarify what exactly you mean by 'many things'? There must be a quantity or a list of lost items."
"No, no, the other lost items are irrelevant; I've already privately arranged for them to be replaced. But a weapon blueprint is missing, and this blueprint is crucial for the continued operation of the forge," Mr. Wes replied earnestly.
Hmm?
Durin raised an eyebrow. If it was a weapon blueprint concerning the future operation of a factory, then it was indeed a valuable item.
But what kind of weapon blueprint could be so precious?
"The problem is, if I agree, where would I find this rogue? Zaun is so large, with a population even greater than Piltover's, and countless undocumented residents. Also, you haven't told me the rogue's name, or whether they are male or female," Durin cautiously inquired, "And what is the name of the weapon blueprint, and what does it generally look like?"
"Female! I've already had someone investigate thoroughly. Her name is Janet, she's a chem-augmented human. I've already found out her place of residence and family information, and I can give you a copy of it shortly. This scoundrel has a sister who is critically ill and needs a large sum of money; she probably intends to sell the weapon blueprint to some gang to raise medical funds. But that's no reason for her to steal from my treasure chest!"
"The weapon blueprint is named the Hextech Strongbow. The blueprint itself is made from tanned Northland Lamb hide, bearing a wax seal symbolizing the Spencer Family crest, and 'Ikaraya' is written as the developer in the bottom right corner. Most importantly, this blueprint is made from two pieces of Northland Lamb hide joined together, with a thickness of no more than two centimeters."
Wes's expression turned unusually grim and displeased as he continued to Durin, "So, Mr. Durin, this matter is quite sensitive because it involves the family I serve. I cannot take Enforcers down to Zaun to retrieve the item, nor can I overtly enter Zaun under the Spencer Family's name. If I were to do so, I would immediately be expelled from the Spencer Family and face public trial by the family and the council, possibly even being banished from Piltover."
"Mr. Durin, if you can safely bring back the weapon blueprint, I will reward you handsomely, certainly no less than 100 silver lun coins. Furthermore, if you bring Janet's head to me, I am willing to pay extra for it."
"Mr. Durin, are you willing to accept this commission?" Wes urgently inquired.
"...If you feel the reward is insufficient, I can add more. For example, the family I serve has a Rune Mage in their employ; I can introduce you to him, and he can give you a private lesson."
Wes continued to raise the stakes.
Durin was already somewhat tempted, but he was hesitant.
Because returning to Zaun itself was a dangerous act for him at the moment, and on top of that, he would have to find a chem-augmented human and coerce them into returning the weapon blueprint, which would likely lead to some conflict.
After all, the other party had a critically ill sister and urgently needed a large sum of money. Additionally, chem-augmented humans often have their mental state affected to varying degrees, somewhat similar to "cyber psychosis."
Under these multiple conditions, it would be even more difficult for Durin.
After much thought, Durin again voiced his doubts: "Mr. Wes, um, is it merely because I helped you find your child's body? I mean, this is only our first meeting."
Wes smiled and shook his head, saying, "Mr. Durin, in fact, before you, I interviewed many candidates, and without exception, they all lacked the necessary ability. The commission I issued was, firstly, to find my child's remains, and secondly, to screen candidates to see if anyone capable could complete the task."
"You happened to be the one who single-handedly dealt with that damned Giant Spider in the cave. That alone proves your personal strength."
"Alright, I accept."
Durin gritted his teeth and agreed.
No pain, no gain!
If there's no danger, where's the fortune?
As the saying goes: people die for wealth, and birds die for food!
"This matter cannot be disclosed to anyone. Once a third person knows, our contract will be void. Moreover, Mr. Durin, I cannot provide support from my end; you will have to complete this entirely on your own," Wes sternly admonished.
To make it more official, the third butler from the Spencer Family even specifically requested paper and pen, handwritten a commission contract, and after both parties reviewed it, they signed it, with two copies kept.
After the discussion concluded, four Geishas entered the room. One of them had a slender, somewhat oriental appearance, wearing a light, sheer dress that accentuated her delicate waist and full, rounded hips, making her incredibly alluring.
She held an antique guqin in her arms, found a spot to sit down, and began to play with focused concentration, her mouth emitting a clear, enchanting voice, occasionally looking up at Durin, who was also Ionian.
Seeing this, Wes chuckled and departed, indicating that he had already paid the bill.
For a moment, Durin was captivated by the Ionian Geishas' opera, making him feel as if he had returned to Earth before his transmigration. Unconsciously, he took off the bag on his back and placed it in the corner of the bed, then leaned back lazily on the bed to listen.
The remaining three Geishas, two danced, while one massaged Durin's shoulders and legs.
Tonight was destined to be one of utter delight.
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