I shall convey any messages that arrive for you.

The servant at the Lord<unk>'s manor informed him.

Chapter 249.

The drunken trickster standing before the Lord<unk>'s manor.

Fong how regarded the respectful servant.

It appeared he had arrived at a most inopportune time.

Rebecca was attending a banquet.

In this era, with no smartphones to occupy their leisure and limited evening entertainment, it was customary for the aristocracy to host numerous balls and feasts.

Would she return tonight? Fong inquired once more if matters could be settled this evening.

He could return to his territory by morning and make the most of his time.

Sir, I am uncertain when the lady will return.

You may reside in the city for the night.

Perhaps tomorrow she will send someone to inform you.

The servant maintained a courteous smile.

It seemed there was no chance of encountering Rebecca tonight.

Even if she did return, it would likely be late, and the possibility of their meeting would be slim.

Very well.

Please convey my regards upon her return, Fong Ha replied politely.

Certainly.

Accompanied by Anja, he departed the Lord<unk>'s manor as darkness enveloped the sky.

The streets were somewhat desolate with only a few residents heading home.

"Where shall we go next?" Ana asked curiously.

After their hurried journey, they felt a degree of fatigue.

"Let us find a tavern to rest," he suggested.

"All right.

" The two entered the tavern, the scent of alcohol and the cacophony of voices greeting them.

"Ah, you've arrived.

What would you like to drink?" The proprietor approached, evidently recognizing them.

"Beer, meatballs, and a plate of smoked meat, please.

" Funho ordered casually.

Certainly, please wait a moment.

The proprietor wiped his hands and retreated to the kitchen to prepare their meal.

Fonggho's gaze fell upon the notice board beside him.

On the board, in addition to the usual scattered bounties for residents, hung a map.

During his previous visit, the tavern had been devoid of any maps due to the LIS army's campaign against the mountain bandits.

Today, fortune seemed to smile upon him.

Map: Mountain stronghold category single sheet map.

description.

A map crafted by adventurers detailing the routes and terrain of the mountain stronghold.

Interested in the map? It's three gold coins each, and you may take your party to try your luck," the proprietor remarked, placing their beers before them.

The kitchen began delivering the ordered appetizers one by one.

"Is there only one?" Fonhow asked.

"This single one was delivered yesterday.

Previously, there were maps of several bandit hideouts, but the LIS army has cleared them out," the proprietor replied.

That is indeed beneficial.

The elimination of bandits makes it safer for residents and traveling merchants alike.

The management in LSI is far more stringent than in PL.

Fongo observed PL had no effective means to deal with the bandits and was reluctant to intervene, merely delegating the task to mercenaries.

In contrast, Liz conducted annual campaigns to control the bandit population.

Thus, for the residents and nearby subordinate villages, it was indeed a favorable situation.

The boss offered a faint smile and remarked, "Mountain bandits are akin to rats.

When you chase them, they flee.

Yet, the moment you turn your back, they will bite you.

It is simply the way of things.

" He continued, "I shall take this blueprint, and you may present the bill upon checkout.

There's no rush.

Savor your meal.

" After handing the map to Fongghao, the boss turned to attend to other customers.

Fong Hao and Inja engaged in hush conversation while enjoying their dinner.

"Is this scar not sufficient for you to buy me a drink?" A disheveled patron shouted from a nearby table.

"Come now, would she? Last time you claimed it was a vampire's bite, and now it has transformed into a knife scar.

" A fellow drinker retorted while others gathered to witness the unfolding spectacle.

Huhi frequented the tavern daily, regailing listeners with bizarre tales or boasting about his past exploits.

Everyone recognized the fabrications, yet it was merely a drink, and they typically indulged him.

However, today, having spent too long at the bar, patrons were less inclined to continue treating him.

That was due to my inebriation, I contributed to humanity selfare.

Without us, vampires would be rampant, preying on the living.

Hui declared indignantly, as if deeply agrieved.

"Come now, just look at yourself.

" Fong Hao observed the ongoing dispute and recognized the scruffy old Hui on their previous visit.

This blurry-eyed drunkard had boasted about slaying vampires and crafting formidable arrows for their extermination.

Yet judging by the others reactions, it seemed that old Hui was merely a braggard, a drunken fool, unexpectedly encountering him again, Hui was still staggering and shouting loudly, "Buy him a drink and charge it to my tab.

" Fongo suggested, the boss followed Fong Ha's gaze to Hui, took a glass of beer, and sent it over.

Hui accepted the beer, scrutinizing the young man who had offered him the drink, and wobbled over.

"Kid, have we met before?" Hi rire of alcohol which nearly masked his unckempt odor.

Yes, last time you spoke of being bitten by a vampire.

Fonghao replied with a smile.

Indeed.

Would you care to hear my tail? Let me show you my wound.

Hui said, pulling down his collar to reveal his shoulder.

Fong Hao chuckled softly last time.

You mentioned your arm.

Yes, yes, it's the arm.

The left arm.

Hi corrected, rolling up his sleeve, pausing slightly before asserting.

Kid, do you not believe my words? It matters not.

It is merely a story and the truth is of little consequence.

This is no mere tale.

Those who have forsaken their beliefs have forgotten they were once human, oblivious to the countless lies they have extinguished.

What she settled beside Fong How, gulping down his drink.

Were they ever truly human? Who can say? I have never encountered a genuine bloodline.

Those we kill and those who kill us are all monsters born a transformation.

This reminded Fong how the pale blood suckers he had encountered as well as the dusk revelers from the tales.

They were after all human beings who aspired to become part of the vampire lineage.

So you truly do slay vampires? Indeed I do.

Do you think this wound came about by mere chance? You have modified arrows that can effectively vanquish vampires.

Yes.

Those fiends blood has undergone a transformation rendering them exceedingly sensitive to silver.

as sensitive as those lurking in the alley.

Ahem, you two are still young.