Elland didn’t notice any abnormal reaction from Gehrman Sparrow. He retracted his gaze and surveyed the area.
“I don’t know what exactly happened. I only know that it might’ve involved the upper echelons of the Church of Storms.
“And for a period of time before that, all routes that lead to Bansy Harbor were canceled. This might’ve been a so-called omen.”
He wasn’t the least bit surprised that the Church of Storms had only taken action on Bansy Harbor in the past few days. Even though the Mandated Punishers were known for being rash and irascible, there was still a protocol that needed to be followed for serious matters like this. For example, they needed to make a confirmation, evacuate a portion of innocent residents, or seal off the surrounding sea. All of this needed time.
Elland was unable to read Gehrman Sparrow’s true emotions as he sighed with a smile.
“There won’t be a Bansy Harbor for a very long period of time.”
He wanted to know whether Red Angel Medici had appeared, and if “He” really was sleeping near Bansy Harbor. He wanted to know if “He” had been wiped out by the Church of Storms and wished to know what happened to the natives in Bansy Harbor. He wanted to know what it meant for them to speak in such a staccato manner, and he wished to know what secrets were hidden in the Green Lemon Restaurant and the telegraph office.
Unfortunately, with Bansy Harbor’s destruction, it was difficult for him to obtain any actual answers.
Perhaps the internal record of the Church of Storms would mention them, but Klein had no way of getting them. With The Hanged Man’s rank, there was no way he could gain access to such confidential information.
Before he finished his sentence, his throat itched as he coughed violently.
“You fell ill?” Elland asked, puzzled.
He originally imagined that Gehrman Sparrow was like him, a Beyonder whose physique had been considerably enhanced. It was unlikely for Beyonders like them to fall ill before they grew weak from age. But from the looks of it, his previous guess might’ve been wrong.
Klein answered tersely without giving an explanation.
Elland chuckled and said, “I can recommend you an Apothecary that’s better than a hospital or clinic.
“That’s his Beyonder job. He has a tiny herb store in the alley diagonally across Red Theater. Heh, he’s known for selling male enhancements, but that’s not what he’s best at.”
“Why haven’t I heard of him?” Danitz asked, surprised.
“He only came to Bayam in the past few months. When was your last visit here in the City of Generosity?” Elland asked with a chuckle.
He carefully recalled and discovered that in the past few months, apart from this period of time, he had passed by Bayam once during the early days of his vacation. At other times, he was drifting out at sea in search of treasure. Otherwise, he was at other places or harbors enjoying himself, so it was true that he wasn’t aware of any minor changes in the City of Generosity.
“I’ve already spent quite a few days in Bayam. I’ve been to the Red Theater several times, but I’ve not heard anything about this Apothecary! This can only serve to imply that his male enhancement medicines are limited in effect!” Danitz bragged as he said stubbornly.
Elland smiled and didn’t debate with the great pirate. Instead, he said to Gehrman Sparrow, “If it’s only an ordinary ailment, the Apothecary will only charge a slight premium.
“And for you, it doesn’t matter if it’s expensive. What’s most important is to recover your health as quickly as possible. No adventurer wishes to stay in a sick state. This implies danger and that you might become the target of someone else. It implies the increased risk of losing control.”
High-Sequence potion formulas were impossible to put a price on in this mysterious world. Therefore, Klein only thought of buying the relevant clues.
After Elland left, Klein took the 700 pounds and gave Danitz 200 pounds.
Wearing his hat and holding his cane, he coughed and wiped his snot before stepping out the door in preparation to take a carriage to the vicinity of the Red Theater.
Danitz was very curious about the Apothecary’s medicine. He pasted two mustaches on his face, wore a cap, and followed. With Klein’s guidance, he already knew that using a scarf to hide his face was an act that strongly attracted attention in Bayam. He took his advice to buy some fake mustaches.
…
In the alley diagonally across the Red Theater, the moment Klein entered, he saw a man furtively come out of a nameless herb store. The moment the man saw someone, he hurriedly lowered his head and rushed off.
He scanned the area and was surprised because the boss was someone he knew.
The boss was wearing a black robe that resembled a village witch doctor. He was in his thirties, with black hair and brown eyes. His face was round and his body chubby. He was none other than the chubby Apothecary who often liked to use sarcasm at the gathering held by Old Mister Eye of Wisdom in Backlund. Klein had once recognized him at a circus.
“Make some medicine for me.”
On the chubby Apothecary’s shoulder stood a round-eyed owl. The man and the bird looked up at the same time at Klein.
After a brief examination, the chubby Apothecary revealed a warm smile.
“Friend, it’s cold outside. Don’t do those deeds out in the open, although it’s true that it can be rather exciting.”
Danitz turned his head to look out the herb store as he held back his laughter with great difficulty.
When the chubby Apothecary didn’t get a response, he dully opened some cabinets, took out some common or strange herbs and insect carapaces, stuffed them into a paper bag, and handed it over.
“Put it all in water and cook it for half an hour. Drink the liquid that’s left over.
“4 soli.”
The latter immediately took out the money automatically.
As the chubby Apothecary collected the money, he bent his back and suppressed his voice to say with a chuckle, “I have medicine that can make you stand out in that area. The kind that has mummy powder added. Need it? I guarantee you that you’ll be satisfied.
“I know you might be very strong, but men always seek to be stronger.”
The chubby Apothecary straightened his back in disappointment.
He turned his gaze and sized up the two before asking, “Are the both of you adventurers?”
“Yes,” Klein answered simply.
The chubby Apothecary rubbed his hands and said, “I have a request, but you’ll only be paid after completing it.”
“How big is the reward?” Klein pinched his nose.
“100 pounds!” the chubby Apothecary shouted as his heart pained for the money. “Help me find someone. His name is Roy King. He’s my teacher. He got me to meet him here, but I haven’t seen him after waiting for months. And I have no way of contacting him.”
“Is there a portrait—Cough! Or a photograph?” Klein inquired.
The chubby Apothecary took out a photograph from a secret pouch by his waist and handed it over.
It was of a relatively young man. His hair was neatly combed back and he wore glasses. He appeared very gentlemanly.
“Your teacher?” Klein asked.
The chubby Apothecary coughed dryly and said, “He’s at least sixty, but he looks young.”
After confirming that there weren’t any items he could use to divine, he took the paper bag and left the store.
After he disappeared from the alley, the owl standing on the chubby Apothecary’s shoulder suddenly said, “Darkwill, that guy might know you.”
