Chapter 9: The Assistant Priest Father

Ironhammer drank until he was half-drunk at Cripple’s Tavern, then took a passing boat down the Sain River to return to Dun Er Ke.

At the welcoming banquet Cripple held for Ironhammer, Lin Qi roughly described several of Ironhammer’s glorious deeds to Enzo. As a major figure ranked in the top ten on Borelly Constabulary’s wanted list, a bounty of one thousand Gold Coins, dead or alive, had always been on Ironhammer’s head. Therefore, over the years, Ironhammer had only operated around Dun Er Ke, rarely getting close to Borelly.

Even this time when Ironhammer came to Borelly, he only dared to appear in the chaotic and mixed Dock District; he absolutely did not dare to step even half a foot outside the Dock District. The secret police under the Borelly Constabulary, and those Dragoons, were not just for show. If Ironhammer was spotted by them, he would definitely be in big trouble.

The letter from Lin Qi’s father only instructed Lin Qi to return home during the upcoming winter break, and did not say anything else. Ironhammer was the top trusted aide of Lin Qi’s father. Sending Ironhammer to personally deliver the letter to Borelly, despite the risks, also showed Lin Qi’s father’s attitude—this time, Lin Qi must go home, otherwise the consequences would be serious.

Lin Qi burned the letter over a candle. A bit drunk, he looked out the tavern window at the grey, snowy sky, rubbed his hands together, said goodbye to Cripple, and walked out, belching. Enzo, patting his full, round belly contentedly, walked behind Lin Qi. To welcome Ironhammer, Cripple had prepared a very high-class banquet. Good wine, delicious food, beautiful women, and it was all free, so Enzo had eaten and drunk his fill. Now he felt even breathing was a little difficult.

The two of them strolled leisurely along the main road toward University City. After walking slowly for a long time, Enzo finally burped and asked, “Boss, I’ve always been curious. Why haven’t you gone home for three years? With the Sain River waterway, it only takes about two days by boat from Borelly to Dun Er Ke, right?”

Lin Qi had his hands tucked in his sleeves. His eyes rolled around, constantly glancing at the bulging money belts of pedestrians on the road, estimating how many shiny, lovely Gold Coins or silver treasures they might have inside based on their clothing. He did not answer Enzo’s question, only muttered quietly, “Tell Vic to have his men keep a close watch on Cripple’s Tavern. Be careful not to let those people from The East find out.”

Smacking his lips, Lin Qi said meaningfully, “They paid with a gold bar right away. They have substantial wealth, Enzo, they’re filthy rich! Uncle Cripple isn’t being fair; does he want to keep it all for himself?”

Enzo cracked his knuckles. His attention was diverted by Lin Qi’s words, and he stopped dwelling on why Lin Qi hadn’t returned home for three years. He laughed with keen interest, “That Cripple, Boss, we need to find a way to take a bite of this windfall. Hmm, that guy named Jiang Yong, if we chop off his right hand, those rings alone would keep the brothers comfortable for a long time!”

Lin Qi waved his hand lightly, his face gloomy. “I know, I know, of course I know that. Tell Vic to watch closely, don’t be discovered. The targets are tough, not easy to deal with. First, find out why they came to Borelly, then figure out their background. After that, well, if the potential gain is rich enough, I wouldn’t mind letting my father’s men share a little.”

Enzo exclaimed in exaggerated surprise, “Boss, you said your father was ‘just a miller’!”

Lin Qi shot Enzo an impatient look and said through gritted teeth, “Of course, he’s just a miller. But who says a miller can’t rob people?”

Enzo stared at the sky speechlessly. He made up his mind; when University City let out for winter break and Lin Qi went home, he would definitely follow Lin Qi to his house for a visit. He was very curious about what Lin Qi’s family situation was really like.

By the time the two entered the University City area, the big meal from earlier had been mostly digested. Lin Qi sneezed hard and felt much more clear-headed. He enthusiastically greeted students from various colleges along the road. The female students avoided him like he was a snake or scorpion. The male students cautiously returned his greetings as if he were a flood beast; only a very few male students had the courage to look him directly in the eye without courtesy.

Especially the students from the Empire’s military academy, who wore tight-fitting uniforms and carried swords at their waists, completely looked down on Lin Qi. But when these proud and spirited future officers of the Empire saw Enzo beside Lin Qi, they couldn’t help but show a wary expression.

And so Lin Qi swaggered all the way down the main road. Wherever he passed, people watched him, but few dared to look him straight in the eye.

“How boring, these good students!” Lin Qi sneered quietly to Enzo. “They all shiver like frozen quails. Is the Empire’s future supposed to rely on these timid guys? I don’t think the Empire has much of a future. These elite members of the Empire don’t even dare to look a bad student like me in the eye. How can we expect them to have the courage to sacrifice themselves for the Empire’s interests in the future?”

Enzo just gave an arrogant, cold smile, his chin lifted at a forty-five-degree angle, provocatively watching the military academy students marching past in formation. His hand tightly gripped the hilt of the sword at his waist. If any student dared to give him a challenging look, he would not hesitate to challenge them to a duel.

‘Mad Swordsman’ Enzo—that name was earned through seriously injuring nearly a hundred military academy students!

Seeing the fearful and wary looks from the students, Enzo grinned widely. This was his territory; he enjoyed this feeling of being feared and respected.

The two walked one after the other to the gate of Fifth University. Turning right here and walking another two miles would lead to the side gate of the military academy. Lin Qi and Enzo parted ways here. Enzo was going to notify Vic to send more men to watch Cripple’s Tavern, while Lin Qi was going to attend to some of his usual business.

Right at the school gate, a clear, melodious ringing sound was heard. A priest in black robes, holding a copper bell, called out to Lin Qi. “Hey, Mister Lin Qi, haven’t seen you for a few days. You look like you’re in good spirits!”

Father Barin, the assistant priest of Borelly’s Fifth University, the students’ guide to faith, mentor of the Soul, and Lin Qi’s close friend. Father Barin was not tall, and his waist was not slim. His clean, white face was round, like a peeled egg. His eyes twinkled, full of cleverness and sly vitality.

Lin Qi smiled and walked over to Father Barin. He tossed the last twenty coppers from his money pouch to him and received two Church-printed ‘Indulgence Scrolls’ in return.

Stuffing the Indulgence Scrolls haphazardly into his sleeve, Lin Qi saw Father Barin nod with satisfaction and smile. “God will bless you, dear Young Master Lin Qi. Hmm, I just happen to have some good news to tell you.”

Glancing around, Father Barin lowered his voice and murmured, “A new Gisean troupe arrived outside the city. The lead dancer girl is quite good. The esteemed Dean of Academic Affairs, Mr. Gron, likes her very much. If you could arrange for Mr. Gron to meet her, Mister Lin Qi, your credits for this year wouldn’t be a problem.”

Lin Qi narrowed his eyes and smiled. He lightly patted Father Barin on the shoulder and strode through the school gate.