Chapter 14 - Actually, I Have a Cheat Too

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

And, as I said before, if you wish to read ahead, you can head over to my Patreon to get early access to all the translated chapters.

Simon's Performance

 

 

But Simon didn't back down. He called out past the mercenary, toward Captain Locke, "Excuse me, sir! Are you the captain of the Black Wolf Mercenary Corps? I have something very important to tell you."

 

Though his voice wasn't loud, and the room was filled with noise, Captain Locke wasn't an ordinary person. When he saw the earnest expression on the face of a seven- or eight-year-old boy, something that didn't quite fit a child that age, he initially considered dismissing him. But on a whim, he changed his mind, sensing he might regret not hearing the boy out. He ordered his men to let the child through.

 

After all, what threat could a child pose? A seasoned swordsman fearing a child—that would be embarrassing if it got out. The mercenary stepped aside without further objections, following his captain's command.

 

"What's your name? And why do you want to speak with me?" Captain Locke narrowed his eyes, studying Simon. He didn't truly believe an enemy would send a child to ambush him, but he couldn't afford to be careless in such uncertain times.

 

"My name is Simon. I heard about your reward," Following Rex's instructions, Simon answered honestly, his face displaying a hint of nervousness but no panic. It was a fitting reaction for a child—curious but uneasy around strangers.

 

Captain Locke suddenly stood up, his gaze turning fiery as he looked at Simon with the eagerness of someone who had found a lifesaver.

 

Those who understood the situation grew equally excited. In truth, they'd nearly lost their minds searching these past days. The young masters they were looking for were no ordinary people, and if something happened to them, the entire team would pay the price. Although the bounty hadn't been posted for long, the roller-coaster of emotions had taken its toll. On the one hand, the lack of news could mean they were safe. On the other, fear gnawed at them that the young masters might be in danger. Hearing someone approach with information about the bounty was like a blessing.

 

"Simon, is it? Do you know anything about the people I'm looking for?" Captain Locke took a deep breath, eyeing him with a tense mixture of anticipation and doubt.

 

Simon hesitated before nodding. "I'm not sure if the people I saw are the ones you're looking for, but their appearance somewhat matches your description."

 

This hesitant response only made Captain Locke believe him more. The young masters had only recently joined the Black Wolf Mercenary Corps, so very few had actually seen them. If Simon had been overly certain, it would have seemed suspicious. Still, to confirm, Captain Locke asked him a few questions about details like their clothing and specific accessories.

 

Simon answered each question but not completely—some responses were vague, and others he claimed not to know. Rex had instructed him to do this; having only "seen them once," too much detail would only raise suspicions.

 

Satisfied, Captain Locke was now certain the people Simon had seen were indeed Carlos and the others. His face lit up with excitement as he urgently pressed Simon for their whereabouts.

 

Following Rex's instructions, Simon gave them false information. In the end, Captain Locke indeed rewarded him with a thousand gold coins. With the support of noble families, the Black Wolf Mercenary Corps had no shortage of money, and the payment was handed over without hesitation. Meanwhile, Captain Locke had ordered someone to investigate Simon's background. The result was just as expected: a commoner and a guide. Guides often lingered near the main street by the town gates, where they had ample opportunity to spot people entering and leaving town. This was precisely why Rex had chosen Simon, and another reason was simply because he was a child—children's words tend to sound more credible than adults'.

 

After leaving the inn, Simon carefully checked to make sure he wasn't being followed before sneaking to the place where he'd agreed to meet Rex.

 

"Sir, I've done as you asked," Simon said, holding a heavy bag of coins. He had never seen so much money in his life, and it was so weighty he could barely hold it up.

 

"You did well. That bag of gold is yours," Rex replied, having observed Captain Locke's complete lack of suspicion and feeling quite satisfied with Simon's work.

 

Simon was stunned. "Sir, this…this is too much. I only passed along a message, and you've already paid me."

 

Ge Yan noticed that Simon's first reaction wasn't joy but rather a mix of worry and fear. Although he had been so composed the first time he stood before them, now the reason became clear.

 

A thousand gold coins was a burdensome fortune for someone who had never owned any gold before. In fact, after Simon had left the inn, Rex had already noticed a couple of unsavory types trailing him. Rex had taken care of them, but the phrase "ivory burns in its own fire" held true; Simon's current abilities were insufficient to bear the burden of such wealth.

 

The Author's Note:

 

Ivory burns in its own fire—from The Commentary of Zuo, Duke Xiang, Year 24: "The elephant, possessing precious ivory, ends up bringing about its own demise."

 

This phrase implies that wealth can also bring misfortune.

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