"Ivan, since you have chosen to follow me, there is one thing I need you to accomplish. Consider it your initiation."
Bu spoke with an air of authority, interrupting the endless pleasantries exchanged between the two, his tone low and serious.
Ivan quickly turned around and rushed to Bu's side, wearing a fawning smile. "Master, what task do you wish to assign? Rest assured, whatever you ask of me, even if it means going through fire and water, I will see it done. I cannot let you down." He pounded his thin chest, signaling that he was ready for any task.
Seeing his servile demeanor, Bu felt somewhat speechless and inwardly cursed, "Damn it, don't you realize how terrifying your skeletal face looks when you smile? And your voice sounds so haunting like an owl at night."
He replied curtly, "For the time being, you don't need to stay by my side. I need you to remain within the Thieves' Guild. You must inform me immediately of any new developments. Do you understand?"
Ivan understood clearly; he knew that his master wanted him to act as an informant within the Thieves' Guild. This was a good thing. If his master didn't trust him, would he assign such an important task?
He couldn't believe that just after following his master, he was entrusted with such a significant responsibility. The pride and excitement swelling within him were immense.
If this continued, wouldn't he become his master's trusted confidant? With his abilities, he would surely surpass others; Locke wouldn't be able to hold onto his position for long.
Bu and Ivan had no contract binding them with a sense of power, but he was unaware of Ivan's inner thoughts. Seeing Ivan's dazed expression made Bu think that perhaps his request had put him in a difficult position, which left him somewhat dissatisfied.
"Did you hear me clearly?" Bu asked darkly.
Ivan jolted back to reality from his daydreaming and hastily patted his chest, making his skeletal frame creak as he nodded vigorously. "Master, I understand! I promise not to let you down. Just wait for my good news! Hehehe..." He ended with a lewd grin.
Seeing Ivan's antics made Bu feel somewhat unreliable about him. He shook his head helplessly; at this point, Ivan was indeed the most suitable choice for an undercover agent.
If he could place a piece within the Thieves' Guild, it would greatly aid his future actions. He wouldn't have to worry about when they might turn against him without knowing.
"In the future, unless there is something urgent, we should minimize our encounters. Even if we do meet, we must be fully prepared so that the eyes of the Thieves' Guild do not discover our relationship. This is not only for confidentiality but also for our safety."
Bu paced back and forth while contemplating and speaking to himself; Ivan listened attentively and nodded in agreement.
"One more thing." Bu suddenly stopped and turned to stare at Ivan.
"Uh, huh??" Ivan was about to nod but looked up in confusion upon hearing this statement.
The foolish appearance instantly made Bu furious.
He gave Ivan's head a hard knock and said seriously, "Listen carefully, this is very important. When we meet in the future, we must leave a mark nearby, and the location of that mark will be where we meet."
After saying this, Bu called Locke over, and the three of them huddled together.
Bu extended his finger, dipped it in a bit of blood that Ivan had just spat on the ground and had not yet dried, and then, under Ivan's strange gaze, began to draw on the ground.
Moments later.
Locke and Ivan stared wide-eyed in silence. Seeing this, Bu felt a bit awkward and coughed repeatedly; his artistic skills were indeed too abstract.
"Ah, Master, I have always loved to draw. My dream for the future is to become a painter. I didn't expect that Master is already a master-level artist. It seems Master is always ahead of us; my admiration for Master is truly like..."
"Bang!"
Just as Ivan was getting carried away, he suddenly received a knock on the head from an enraged Bu.
His previously self-satisfied expression instantly turned sour. Ivan rubbed his head with an innocent and confused look, completely unaware that he had flattered Bu in the wrong way. Locke couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"Idiot! Remember this! The mark on the ground is what we must carve nearby before we meet in the future; there can be no carelessness." Bu glared at Ivan for a moment with an unpleasant expression, secretly resenting him.
What a fool; was that just now mocking him or praising him?
Seeing that Bu was indeed angry, Ivan realized it was likely due to his words. He quickly lowered his head and carefully studied the mark on the ground with a serious and focused expression as if he were deciphering some ancient text left by a supreme being.
The mark was quite simple; it resembled the Olympic rings from Bu's past life. However, after he drew it, it ended up looking like a pile of... connected poop. Cough cough, such clumsiness was truly rare.
Time passed, and soon it was morning.
Bu and Locke had some pastries at the inn and drank a cup of breakfast tea before heading out together towards the luxurious east gate of Sparta City.
Bu prepared to visit the Aldra Family today, paving the way for the next step in his plan. As for Ivan, he returned last night to continue his promising work as an undercover agent.
The Aldra Family, being one of the major forces in Sparta City, has its head as the executive officer who holds real power and is granted the title of Count. Such a prestigious family naturally resides in the most luxurious area of Sparta City.
The Eastern Noble District is precisely such a valuable and opulent location. It is not just wealth that allows one to live here; one must also possess a matching noble status.
On the streets of the noble district, the pavement is spotless and quiet, with few pedestrians. Groups of heavily armed guards patrol regularly, their footsteps synchronized and uniform.
Occasionally, one can see elegantly decorated and lavish carriages passing by. The horses pulling these carriages are all shiny and magnificent, and even the coachmen are powerful individuals dressed impeccably.
Every building along the street is a grand mansion, occupying vast areas. As Bu and Locke stepped into the noble district, they felt an involuntary sense of restraint.
After a cautious inquiry from a patrol guard, Bu explained that he was invited to visit the Aldra Family.
Although surprised by Bu's presence, the patrol captain did not let him go easily. Instead, he insisted on accompanying Bu to confirm his identity before allowing him to proceed. He politely informed Bu that this was part of his duty and asked for understanding.
Bu certainly would not act foolishly; he graciously agreed to their request and followed the patrol guards toward the Aldra Family's residence.
After traversing several long streets, they gradually approached the central area of the noble district. Here, security was even more stringent, with guards stationed every few steps.
Bu An couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration; it seemed that the power behind these noble forces was not to be underestimated. Compared to the Lord of Wattsy Town at that time, who appeared rather shabby, this was on an entirely different level—this was true nobility.
Continuing onward for a while longer, they finally neared the Aldra Family's estate. A distant glance confirmed Bu Xin's determination to cling to this powerful ally. If he could gain some protection, he wouldn't have to feel uneasy under the watchful eyes of the Thieves' Guild.
The Aldra Family's estate is vast, likely covering tens of thousands of square meters. Thick walls surround the entire estate, with tall towers casting shadows within.
This estate is constructed in accordance with the architectural style of the Fran Continent during the Unified Era of Huabao, reminiscent of structures from Bu's previous life during the Great Xia period.
Arriving at the main gate of the estate, Bu conveyed his purpose to one of the four gatekeepers. The guard nodded expressionlessly in acknowledgment and instructed Bu to wait outside while he turned to enter and report.
Turning back to smile at the still-following Patrol Captain, Bu indicated that he had informed the guard. The Patrol Captain returned a smile and nodded before leading his team of guards away.
The two of them waited at the door for a moment, and soon the guard who had gone inside to report came out, followed by a figure of a Blue-Haired Girl. Even before she arrived, her cheerful laughter could be heard.
"Hehehe~ Brant, you really kept your promise and came to our family. I must personally welcome you."
The Blue-Haired Girl joyfully ran out from behind the guard, her face filled with delight. Her beautiful, delicate features were adorned with two dimples as she rushed to Brant's side, her light blue eyes sparkling with joy.
Brant couldn't help but be infected by the girl's cheerful aura. He smiled and teased, "With Sister Wendy's personal invitation, if I were to stand her up, I fear that the young gentlemen in Sparta City who admire you would line up just to show me their hospitality."
Wendy lightly scoffed at his words and covered her mouth while laughing, "Brant, you're still so humorous. I don't have that many admirers."
After saying this, Wendy's smile grew even brighter. As her eyes sparkled, they resembled a deep blue pool gently rippling. The sunlight illuminated her fair skin, making her look stunningly beautiful and captivating, causing Brant to momentarily lose his focus.
"Ahem... ahem." Perhaps noticing that his master was slightly flustered, Locke couldn't help but cough as a reminder from the side.
Brant came back to his senses and saw Wendy's face flushed with embarrassment. He immediately felt awkward and realized that his earlier behavior had indeed been a bit forward. He stammered, unsure of what to say.
However, Wendy was understanding and smiled as she quickly said, "Young Master Brent, let's go inside first. It's not proper to catch up outside like this."
Brant paused for a moment before smiling and nodding. The three of them then entered the mansion together.
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