Now Helen's former guards are theoretically all my guards. So I'm responsible for paying their wages.
Currently, except for Darsy Romero, the others receive a monthly salary of 5 silver coins, which is more than three times their salary on the Bekalite Continent.
So they all gladly accepted these wage conditions.
Additionally, given that Darsy Romero's combat strength is comparable to an Advanced-rank, I gave her a monthly salary of 1 gold coin, and she is also responsible for training the others in martial arts.
And so, the initial core of my subordinates was formed.
While they were gorging themselves on the delicacies, I sat next to Helen and talked about what we needed to do in the future.
"Tomorrow, we'll go and buy a large shop in this city.
For the time being, you'll be responsible for helping me sell the batch of materials brought back from the Bekalite Continent in the shop.
Also, over the next few days, take some people to familiarize yourselves with the various workshops and streets of Sharia. Later, I'll need your help collecting some magic tools and materials.
Furthermore, I'll give you another 1,000 gold coins tomorrow as startup capital. Helen, I want you to help me recruit personnel.
Mainly recruit skilled magic craftsmen, powerful warriors, mages, and people with beast-taming talents.
There's no rush for these; take it slow! Contact me anytime if there are any problems."
"Yes, Lord Dorin."
Sigh, it's so convenient to have people to order around. This saves me a lot of time too.
The next day, I took Helen and her group to choose a location for the shop in Sharia.
In the end, we picked a shop across from a magic tool workshop. Selling materials from the Bekalite Continent here should be very convenient.
For now, most of the guards will stay at the shop for security, while the second sister Eunice Morgan and Anya will come to my home as guards. I heard from Helen that the two of them volunteered for this.
Since none of them except Helen spoke the human language, I also hired a language teacher to teach them the human language of the Central Continent, at least ensuring everyone can understand daily conversation.
During this week, I usually stayed with Nanahoshi, conducting Summoning Magic experiments with her.
At the same time, I was also researching the materials I had collected from the Bekalite Continent.
On the day before we were set to go to the Sky Fortress, my research yielded significant results.
I plan to invite Rudy to go to the Sky Fortress with me tomorrow, giving him a chance to personally ask Perugius about the specific solution for Zenith's condition.
Although I know there won't be any results from Perugius, taking Rudy along is a way to introduce him to Perugius; after all, he'll often be asking Perugius to borrow teleportation magic circles in the future.
When I found Rudy, I unexpectedly discovered a special situation.
I spotted a white-haired figure outside the classroom where Rudy was having a lesson. She seemed to be secretly observing Rudy while he was in class.
That must be Sylphiette! I walked up behind her and greeted her.
"Good morning, Sylphiette. Are you also waiting for Rudy to finish class?"
"Ah, Lord Dorin, I'm very sorry, I didn't notice your arrival."
I looked through the window and saw Rudy in class, as well as Roxy on the podium.
This is quite funny; the two of them are essentially in a teacher-student romance. Rudy was even winking at Roxy on the stage from time to time, though of course, he hadn't noticed Sylphiette outside the room.
Rudy probably doesn't realize what a foolish thing he's doing.
Seeing Rudy winking at Roxy on stage, Sylphiette was nearly exploding with anger outside. She must feel like her home is being stolen.
Sylphiette turned to me and said, "Lord Dorin, could you tell me about what happened during your journey? I want to hear about Rudy."
This made me a bit embarrassed. If I lied to her, it would be easily exposed by Rudy later. But if I didn't lie, I couldn't exactly tell Sylphiette directly about what happened with Rudy on the road!
I could only change the subject.
"Sylphiette, have you seen Rudy lately? Didn't he tell you about the journey?"
"Uh, Big Brother Dorin, maybe Rudy has been very busy lately and hasn't had time. I heard his mother is currently ill and has been unable to speak. So Rudy hasn't looked for me during this time."
What's going on? Has he had a change of heart? Has Rudy become a Millis believer? I can't let Sylphiette lose her chance to be with Rudy just because she helped me protect Ariel's safety!
I must do something for her!
"Sylphiette, I'm sorry, I can't tell you what happened during Rudy's journey. I don't want to lie to you; those things need to be told to you by Rudy himself."
Hearing my words, she suddenly froze. She probably guessed something! After all, the only thing I couldn't tell her would be about Rudy and Roxy.
I saw her eyes turn red; she might burst into tears at any moment if she turned away.
I couldn't let her overthink it. I quickly added:
"Sylphiette, remember the deal I made with you before I left for the Bekalite Continent?"
Sylphiette held back a bit and gave a seemingly strong smile. She said:
"I remember, Lord Dorin. You did indeed bring back all of Rudy's family. Thank you very much."
"Well, Rudy should be the one thanking me for bringing back his family. My deal with you was actually the last sentence I said that day—the one about me helping you urge Rudy to marry you. You still remember, right?"
"Ah, Lord Dorin, please don't force it. Rudy is so happy now, and I'm very relieved. You don't need to help me urge Rudy anymore."
"I can stop urging, but I want to ask you one thing. Sylphiette, do you love Rudy? If Rudy loves you too, would you be willing to marry him?"
This time Sylphiette didn't hesitate or act coy. She said firmly, "I love Rudy. I hope to become his wife."
"Good, I'll help create an opportunity for you. Don't worry, I have a foolproof plan. Come to my laboratory at 2 PM. There's a test I need your help with then—there's a surprise."
"Alright, I'll be there on time, Lord Dorin." Then Sylphiette left.
I waited at the classroom door for Rudy to finish class, then invited him to my laboratory at 1 PM to discuss something. He happily accepted.
Then I made some preparations and waited for the two guests to arrive in the afternoon.
Time passed quickly, and 1 PM arrived in no time.
Rudy arrived as scheduled. I invited him into the room and poured him a cup of my favorite tea.
"Rudy, tomorrow I'm taking Ariel and her group to the Sky Fortress, Chaos Breaker. You know of it, right?"
"Yes, Big Brother Dorin, I know. Isn't that the residence of the Armor Dragon King Perugius?"
"Yes, the Armor Dragon King Perugius does live on the Sky Fortress. Because I previously sacrificed a self-created summoning magic scroll to him, I received permission to bring friends for a visit.
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