St.

Snow silk.

Category silk.

Description: A textile made from silkworm silk.

Highly coveted among nobles and royalty.

The silk in hand was as white as snow, smooth and delicate to the touch.

I appreciate it, Mr.

Tavic, Fongo replied graciously, accepting the silk into his backpack without hesitation.

No need for such formality.

By the way, Mr.

Tavic, I'm also interested in purchasing the blueprints for your silk weaving machines as well as some cultivable silkworms.

Would that be convenient for you? As they boarded the carriage, Fongo spoke again.

Tavic furrowed his brow slightly.

He was not concerned that Fong Hao would encroach upon his business.

Transforming fabrics into a commercial venture required far more than just a few weaving machines.

He was merely astonished by Fongo's decisiveness.

having taken a mere tour, and he was already ready to embark on such an endeavor, starting from the cultivation of silkworms.

Mr.

Fongho, you're my friend, and I shall certainly sell them to you.

However, this industry necessitates substantial initial investment with slow returns.

It may not be as straightforward as it appears, Tavoc advised.

That is of no concern, Mr.

Tavoc.

Please proceed with the sale.

I am well aware of what I am undertaking.

Very well.

I shall have someone prepare them for you, Tavoc replied.

Thank you, Mr.

Tavoc.

The carriage slowly made its way back to the city.

Funhow declined Tavik's invitation for dinner, merely stating that he would come by the residence to collect the blueprints and cultivable silkworms before his departure.

This was not due to a distaste for dining out, but rather because he had other plans in mind.

Before his departure, he intended to visit the tavern in the city to see if he could procure a single page map.

It is worth noting that his progress heavily relied on these encampments where he could unlock treasure chests to acquire various blueprints.

After bidding farewell to Tav, Fong Hao and Inja made their way directly to the tavern.

Although it was already afternoon, it was not yet peak hours and the establishment was sparssely populated.

At the bar, a voluuptuous proprietor moved with an alluring grace, engaging in playful banter with the patrons.

What would you like to drink? She inquired softly as she returned to the counter.

I'll have a beer.

And Jia, what about you? Fonggha replied.

Beer? A large one? And Jia said, taking a seat beside Fongghao.

All right, just a moment.

The proprie beginning to prepare their drinks while casting curious glances at the pair.

Once the beers were placed before them, she inquisitively asked, "I heard you rescued Tavac's little daughter.

Who are those kidnappers?" Chapter 158.

12 Instruments of Death.

The Tavern, a place of both nobility and scoundrels, serves as a repository of the city's myriad secrets.

Many patrons, in their inebriation, lend an ear to tales and rumors that swirl like smoke around them.

It was merely by chance that I encountered a curious pairing of humans and orcs, their identities eluding me.

Funhow accepted a mug of beer and replied nonchalantly.

This was hardly a secret, nor was it a matter shrouded in confidentiality.

Humans and orcs.

The tavern keeper, arms crossed over her chest, began to recall individuals who fit that description.

Suddenly, her eyes brightened as she exclaimed, "Is there not an orc wielding a spiked hammer? Not particularly astute.

Remarkable.

" You managed to guess that, Fong remarked.

His expression revealing the truth.

in her words.

Indeed, they had visited not long ago, declaring themselves a mercenary group, inquiring about various matters.

I cannot be certain, as I'm new to this place.

Perhaps we were speaking of the same individual, Fonhow continued.

At that moment, a patron called for more drinks, and before the tavern keeper departed, she placed a platter of sliced meats before the two of them.

"A gift do come often," she said before turning to serve other guests.

As Fong Ho sipped his beer, his gaze wandered to the notice board nearby.

The bulletin of the human tavern differed from that of the bullheaded tavern, adorned not only with single page maps, but also featuring announcements for various events.

Among them was a listing for an evening of exotic dance performances, not a distorted interpretation, but explicitly stated as such.

It was uncertain whether the rather voluuptuous tavern keeper would be among the performers.

Refocusing on the maps, he noted there were two bandit camp and water hole monsters.

Map bandit camp type single page map description a map crafted by travelers detailing the paths and terrain of the bandit camp.

Are you planning to hunt bandits? The tavern keeper returned and observed Fongo studying the map.

Just curious, how can there still be bandits with the cityguards around? Funghow inquired, perplexed by the apparent contradiction.

Who knows? A couple of years back, there was an organized effort.

If they were strong, the bandits would flee, and if they were weak, they could not prevail.

This cycle continued for several years until it was simply neglected.

Thankfully, the bandits have not attacked the city.

Otherwise, it would be dire for everyone.

She responded while preparing food.

How many are they? Several hundred, I believe.

I've heard the patrons speak of them.

You and TB considering a bandit hunt, would you? They are not the foolish sort you might imagine.

Do not act rashly, the tavern keeper cautioned.

I'll take both of these maps.

How much do they cost? You truly intend to go? Do you wish to court danger? The tavern keeper exclaimed in astonishment.

I won't be going myself.

I know a group of mercenaries.

I shall inquire if they are interested.

Fonggho fabricated an excuse.

The proprietors perceived that Fong Hao did not appear to be an impulsive individual and thus refrained from further persuasion.

She remarked, "One map costs five gold coins.

By the way, the extermination of bandits is a decree from the Lord's Manor.

If successful, you may present the head of their leader at the manor in exchange for a reward.

" This truly seemed advantageous.

Fongo produced 10 human coins and handed them to the proprie, subsequently taking two maps from the wall as patrons began to fill the tavern.

The proprie busied herself attending to them while Fongo intended to savor his last sip of ale before departing.

After retrieving the blueprints and silkworms prepared by Tav, he planned to return to his territory.

Just as he was about to rise, a middle-aged man clad in a gray robe ascended the wooden platform at one side of the tavern.

He raised a mug of beer, took a hearty gulp, smacked his lips, and proclaimed loudly, "Today's tale is about the bloodthirsty countest Hilda for the arrival of the middle-aged man rendered the once boisterous tavern silent in an instant.

" All presents sipped their drinks in quiet anticipation of the unfolding narrative.

The man did not keep his audience waiting for long as he commenced the prologue to the story.

Hilda, the daughter of a kingdom's counselor, was born amidst a plethora of enviable accolades.