Is there a problem? And Jia asked softly, noticing Fong how, standing with a frown.

It's not a major issue.

Let's call our people and organize things briefly.

All right.

The two ascended the stairs, summoning the heavy infantry stationed at the end to remove and discard all the unnecessary debris from the shop.

The following day, as dusk fell, Fong Hao and his companions returned to Pearl City.

The delicious hot pot restaurant appeared somewhat desolate today.

Despite it being dinner time, there were no patrons in sight.

Why is there not a single person here? Funha inquired with a troubled expression.

Xiaoi apologized.

I am truly sorry, master.

I do not understand what is happening today.

Suddenly, no one has come.

Nearby, several rabbit maids also lower their heads.

Suddenly, Xiaoi continued, "Well, the number of visitors began to dwindle since yesterday afternoon, and today, not a single guest has arrived.

" This is rather perplexing.

In this day and age, it is unusual for a shop to experience such a sudden absence of customers.

Unless there has been a tragic incident within the premises, such a situation should not occur.

Do you know the reason? Not really.

It's all right.

I will inquire at the tavern across the street.

If there are no patrons, you all should finish early and rest.

Fong Hao reassured the group.

Oh, understood, master.

Exiting the shop, Fong Hao made his way directly to the Rose Tavern across the street.

Much like the hot pot restaurant, the tavern was also devoid of customers.

The landl equally listless.

Why is it so desolate today? Fonggho inquired as he sat at the front desk.

The landl heavy sigh.

Nevertheless, she rose and poured two glasses of beer, placing them in front of Fong Ho and Inja.

It is likely to become even more desolate, she remarked.

Why is that? Fongghao asked puzzled.

The land lady cast a weary glance, speaking softly.

I have heard rumors of impending war.

The entire city is anxious.

Who would still have a heart to go out for drinks? Va donest.

We cannot even fend off mountain bandits.

Who would we fight? Fonggho exclaimed incredulously, "Pruer is a small town.

The previous incursions by bandits and the firewolf mercenaries have been dealt with by Fongghao himself.

" Thus, the notion of war in Pruer was hard for him to accept.

The landl regarded Fongo seriously and said, "The undead to the north.

Since this morning, those with wealth and power have departed, leaving only those who have nowhere to go.

" Chapter 252.

The mountain dark fortress.

Upon hearing the tavern owner's words, Fongo's eyes narrowed instantly.

The undead from the north.

Wasn't that referring to himself? He had established a stronghold between himself and plural, ostensibly to prevent interference from either side.

He had already done more than enough.

So, what was this serill up to? Why was he targeting him? Had Sirill lost his mind? Fongo spoke the lord's name directly, cursing under his breath.

This utterance caused the tavern owner and others to tense momentarily, but upon realizing there were no others around, they relaxed, even in private.

They dared not speak ill of the current lord.

We have no idea, but a considerable number of people arrived in the city yesterday, which may be relevant, the tavern owner explained.

What sort of people? Very similar to those hooded figures from last time, each one resembling a cultist, she added.

Bloodclan.

Fongghao recognized that the so-called cultists were the pale-blooded ones.

Though they could walk in sunlight, they had begun to despise it.

Constantly dawning large hoods to shield their bodies.

The Blood Clan had dispatched scouts to investigate him due to Giovani's affairs.

However, what connection did this have to Plural? And what role was Sirill playing in this scenario? Do you still stand by what you said last time? The tavern owner suddenly turned to him, her eyes fixed intently on him.

Huh? What did I say? Fonggha's train of thought was interrupted.

I can no longer keep my tavern running.

I wish to assist you.

The tavern owner's expression bore a hint of bitterness.

After so many years of operation, she had never anticipated a day when she would be unable to continue.

That sounds good.

Funa was preparing to recruit staff for his establishment in Lysa's city.

And she could be an excellent candidate.

I have quite a few people," the tavern owner remarked, glancing at the bartender and several others in the kitchen.

Upon meeting Fong Ha's gaze, the bartenders respectfully bowed.

They can come along as well.

Fonggho nodded.

Everyone felt a surge of joy.

Fong Hao was a wealthy air.

By aligning with him, they need not worry about the tavern's fortunes.

After all, he will be the one providing their wages.

Just as everyone, including the tavern owner, sighed in relief, Fong House spoke once more.

However, as the leader, I require you to sign a slave contract to ensure your loyalty.

The smiles of the tavern owner and the bartenders vanished instantly.

They had encountered slave contracts before, typically presented by slave traders to guarantee that the enslaved would not harm their masters.

Likewise, signing such a contract would entail submitting to the other party s demands.

Even if it required actions contrary to one's will.

Are you serious? I would merely be helping you run the tavern, the tavern owner exclaimed, astonished.

To have to sign a slave contract just to take a job seemed rather excessive.

I have no choice.

I need someone I can trust completely.

Funhow replied.

A hint of helplessness in his tone.

His secret must remain undisclosed, especially after the discovery of the faceless ones dwelling beneath the tavern yesterday.

He must exercise greater caution.

"Well, it seems we cannot collaborate," the inkeeper remarked with a bitter smile, effectively rejecting Fong Hao.

She was unwilling to betray herself over such trivial matters.

"Simultaneously, she pondered Fong Hao<unk>s words.

Being the scion of a wealthy family, he likely adhered to stringent family rules.

Nobility often possessed peculiar customs that may appear incomprehensible to others.

No worries.

Even if we cannot work together, we are still friends.

Should you encounter any difficulties, feel free to seek my assistance, Fonga said with a smile, nodding, he drained his beer and departed the tavern with an upon returning to the shop, accompanied by all the maids and soldiers.

They promptly closed the establishment and headed back to their territory.

By the time they returned, Dusk had settled.

After enjoying the dinner prepared by Eair.