## Chapter 201: The Sewer Quest
The entire inner hall was incredibly quiet. Perhaps it was due to surprise at my youthful appearance, or something else, but everyone, including His Majesty Jerhyn, stared at me without a word. It was at this moment that a discordant voice rang out beside me.
"How dare you! Why do you not kneel before His Majesty?"
I narrowed my eyes and turned my head to look. It was a middle-aged fat man, dressed in the typical attire of a Lut Gholein Native, wearing a white robe cloak embroidered with gold. The band of his Turban was ostentatiously inlaid with a huge Ruby, and below his large nose, he sported a pair of 'treacherous' mustache. He looked like a fat Mouse covered in golden light. Among the two rows of ministers, he stood at the very front of the right row, indicating his Status was likely not low.
That skinny Mouse Tok was much more pleasing to the eye than him.
I merely glanced at him from the corner of my eye, as if I didn't want to look a second time, and immediately straightened my gaze. I estimated that this fat Mouse must have been quite angered.
"May I ask Your Majesty, can the words spoken by this fat man represent Your Majesty?"
Ignoring the other party's provocation, I raised my head neither humbly nor arrogantly, narrowing my eyes and meeting Jerhyn's gaze.
Jerhyn certainly couldn't say yes; what would become of the royal face then? He could only use the fat man's mouth to say such words. If he had said it himself, it would undoubtedly be a provocation to the Adventurer's Guild. Jerhyn was not foolish to that Degree.
"Minister Jess, do not be rude."
Jerhyn reprimanded him indifferently. Judging by his lukewarm Tone, if there were no surprises, the fat man must have received his instruction. I didn't believe that someone who could reach such a high Status would be so idiotic and brainless as to run out and contradict an Emissary on his own.
I smiled dismissively. The Little Ghost in my Necklace, however, was puffing up with anger on my behalf. As a noble Candidate Saintess, a treasure held in the palm of the hand at home, when had she ever seen someone so arrogant in front of her (of course, excluding a certain person who often bullied her)? She was gesticulating inside, constantly making a fist around a wooden staff, swinging it hard like a batter, as if she was about to pop out at any moment and give the fat man a solid whack.
At Jerhyn's signal, I silently sat down in the Seat in front of the fat man. As I passed by him, under the fierce prompting of Alice inside the Necklace, I smiled slightly at him and said in a Voice only he could hear.
"Lord Jess, I hear the public order in Lut Gholein City hasn't been good lately. You should be a little careful."
The poor fat Minister's face instantly turned pale, and Cold Sweat trickled down from his jeweled Turban. He seemed to imagine that as an Elder, I could completely Command those damned Adventurers, letting them give him a lesson he would never forget, or even make him disappear without a trace...
His thoughts weren't wrong, but I didn't plan to do that for now. After all, this poor fat man was just a Puppet. Saying that was purely to help our noble Saintess Highness vent her anger.
"Hehe... Serves him right!"
Seeing the fat man's pathetic Appearance, our Candidate Saintess finally relaxed her expression and smiled.
After sitting down, Jerhyn and his ministers began chatting with me casually. One moment they were praising my youth and talent, the next they were calling me mature and shrewd, exceptionally intelligent. Almost every compliment they could use on me was employed.
You see, my Buttocks hadn't even warmed the Seat, and the Sugar-Coated Cannonball barrage had already begun. Fortunately, Talen had warned me, otherwise, I would have been completely lost.
Clearing my Throat, I employed the Tai Chi Deflection Hand. I calmly licked the sugar clean off the cannonball, while gently pushing the core away. When it came to scheming against each other, I was no match for anyone here, but when it came to being thick-skinned, I had a bit of Confidence. You want to ask? You want to bully me because I'm young? Fine, can't I just play dumb? Either answer irrelevantly, or claim ignorance to everything. Don't be angry, I'm just young and don't understand anything.
"Elder Wu Fan is young and promising. When did you undergo class change?" Minister a.
"I don't know. After undergoing class change, Master gave me a solid whack from behind and ran away to get rid of me so he could travel alone. When I woke up, I had forgotten many things." I feigned a 'confused' look. Minister a was instantly speechless.
"Elder Wu Fan is so powerful, surely your Master is even more outstanding. I wonder if we have the Honor of knowing his Name and Class Level?" Minister b.
"Alas... Since then, I've forgotten almost everything about the past. To be honest, besides undergoing Trial, I came out this time on a Journey to Find Lost Memories. I find you very familiar, especially your melancholic gaze and rugged stubble. They always touch the fragmented memories deep within my soul. Surely, before I lost my memory, we must have been old friends. Please, you must tell me what my real Name is, my Age, who my parents are, whether I have siblings, how many Wives I have, how old my children are..."
I wiped away a few tears of sorrow, clinging tightly to Minister b until he feigned illness and collapsed, fleeing in a hurry.
"We express our deep condolences for the Monster Attack Event at Rogue Encampment last time. We wonder if Elder Wu Fan could tell us about it in detail." Minister c was quite direct, I liked that.
"I'm not very clear on the specific situation. Akara told me to focus on my Trial and not worry about other things." I sat up straight like a good child, answering very straightforwardly.
The ministers chatted for a long time, but it seemed they couldn't extract any Information. They had seen rogues, but never such a rogue. He could lie through his teeth so confidently and righteously. They couldn't just turn hostile either, who told the Rogue Encampment's fist was big?
However, seeing Jerhyn's chiseled handsome face looking frighteningly gloomy, I regretfully came to a conclusion—the Remote Teleportation in Lut Gholein was probably out of the question this time. From the moment I saw him and the fat man singing in harmony to give me a show of force, I no longer held any illusions.
It doesn't matter. I'll discuss matters of sneaking through with Talen. If that really doesn't work, the worst-case scenario is completing the Quest quickly and taking a boat to Kurast Docks. The Overseers there are insiders, and they are familiar with Akara, so they probably won't make things difficult for me.
It's just that this way, it would probably take one or two years to return. Thinking of this, I felt a pang of guilt. After being with Velas, the Honeymoon wasn't even over, and she would have to endure days of staying alone in an empty room again. And I didn't know if I could make it back in time for Lars's relocation.
My Mood worsened significantly, and my face also became sullen. I no longer had any interest in dealing with these ministers insincerely.
"If Your Majesty has nothing else, then please allow me to take my leave."
I stood up and bowed slightly.
"Isn't Elder here to apply for the Remote Teleportation qualification? Why are you in such a hurry to return so soon?"
Just as I was about to turn and leave, Jerhyn's Voice slowly sounded.
"Oh?"
Raising my head, I looked at his indifferent expression Incredulous. I had already given up, but he brought it up himself. Was there such a good thing?
"Of course, but seeing Your Majesty's face is not well today, I dare not disturb you further. If Your Majesty has this Intent, then that would naturally be for the best." I cupped my fists and replied, not holding much Hope in my heart.
"This King's Body is fine. It's just that this Remote Teleportation Magic Array was built by the Western Kingdoms at a huge sum of money. Even if This King knows you have the Qualification to use it and is willing to facilitate it, I must give an account to my subjects and cannot make an exception out of favoritism."
Jerhyn still had a calm Appearance. It was impossible to tell what Plan he was making In One's Head.
"How about this? Two months ago, something seemed to have gone wrong in the Sewer. People often heard terrifying howls. My restless daughter seems very interested and wants to go inside to investigate. This King is worried about her Safety. I think if Elder Wu Fan provides protection, it should be foolproof."
When speaking of his daughter, Jerhyn's tense expression seemed to reveal a hint of doting love.
No way, being a babysitter? I have no Experience with that.
I furrowed my brow.
"How about I go alone? Such a small matter doesn't require Princess Highness to go personally."
"Elder, you can rest assured. Although my daughter's natural talent is far inferior to yours, she is still a Level 15 Mercenary and has some self-preservation Ability. Besides that, This King will also send two more Mercenaries familiar with the Sewer to lead the way. Surely Elder Wu Fan doesn't even lack this much Confidence, does he?"
Jerhyn smiled faintly. His meaning was clear: if you can't even do such a small matter, do you still want to obtain the Qualification to use Remote Teleportation? Dream on.
"Then, as Your Majesty wishes."
I inwardly snorted coldly. Although I didn't understand what trick this Jerhyn was playing, what was I afraid of? At worst, we'll go our separate ways. I really don't care for your Remote Teleportation.
"Hmph—"
Looking at the empty inner hall, Jerhyn, sitting on the Throne with a sullen face, snorted coldly.
"Your Majesty, this kid is impervious to fire and water, not easy to deal with."
The fat Minister stood beside him, saying with Cold Sweat on his forehead.
"No need to make a fuss. How could a Rogue Elder be someone an Ordinary Person can take on? Those old fellows like Akara are old and cunning. If the Elder sent here allowed us to manipulate him, it would be even more suspicious."
Jerhyn analyzed calmly, looking like he understood clearly, but the gloom and irritability between his brows were even more so.
Adventurer's Guild, what are you attempting by sending an Elder here for no reason...
"Let's observe his Strength first. Alright, you may withdraw. This King wants to be alone for a while."
Jerhyn waved the fat man away, his face no longer able to conceal his tired expression. This King of Lut Gholein, he truly was a useless one. But just wait, one day, This King will make all Adventurers submit at my feet.
In the empty Palace, Jerhyn's crazy laughter echoed.
Stepping out of the Palace, Talen's figure not far away brought me warmth. As the Guild President, he was busy with countless affairs, yet he was able to wait under the scorching sun for so long.
"How was it?"
Seeing me slowly walk out of the Palace Door, Talen hurried forward and asked.
"Let's talk back at the Camp."
I pulled down the lower edge of my Hood and said. It was too conspicuous outside the Palace, and I didn't want to be discovered on the spot by familiar Adventurers.
"Protect Princess Highness?" Even the steady Talen couldn't help but exclaim.
"Is there anything special about this Princess Highness?"
I took a sip of the hot Spirit-Clearing Water, crossed my legs, and sat leisurely and comfortable on the Lounge Chair.
"It's precisely because this Princess is nothing special that I find it strange," Talen said with a wry smile.
"She is His Majesty Jerhyn's only daughter, a Level 15 Mercenary, skilled in Cold Magic. Her personality is taciturn, and she always wears a black veil. Even within the Palace, not many people know what she looks like..."
"That's all the Information?" I sighed.
"There's nothing I can do. I don't know how to describe it, this Princess Highness is really... uh... not very impressive. If you hadn't mentioned her, I might have even forgotten."
Talen also seemed quite frustrated.
"Forget it, the gap in Strength is obvious anyway. I don't believe Jerhyn can pull any tricks. We'll deal with it as it happens." I drank the Spirit-Clearing Water in one gulp, scalding my tongue and making it twitch.
"Oh right, what's this Princess's Name?"
As I was leaving, I suddenly turned back and asked.
"Seems like Marissa."
"Seems like"? It appears the Mage Guild really lacks awareness of Information. I shook my head with a wry smile and walked out.
Early the next morning, according to the agreed time, I got up early and hurried towards the west side of the city under the lead of a Soldier.
"You're really eager, Princess Highness. Maybe you'll even spark some love."
Alice's sour Tone came over.
"Stop thinking wildly. We don't even know what she looks like yet. What if she's a Princess with a face full of pockmarks and a spoiled, willful personality?"
"Hmph hmph, I wonder who was muttering yesterday about how there are no ugly women in the royal family. Besides, don't you men all like princesses? It's the same in novels, full of brave and handsome heroes defeating evil Demon Kings, and then winning the heart of the beautiful and moving princess, wuwu~~"
This Little Ghost, she's throwing a tantrum over a small matter again. I really don't know what to say about her.
"Little Ghost, you seem to have forgotten yourself. Think about it, the daughter of the King of any small kingdom can be called a Princess. There are probably countless princesses on Sanctuary, but there are only three Candidate Saintesses. So, why would I abandon you and go mess with those princesses?"
"That... seems to make sense too. Hmph hmph—"
I could almost imagine the Little Ghost, having found her Confidence, standing with her head held high and chest puffed out, looking arrogant yet naive and cute.
"Wow!! Do you have rude thoughts In Your Head like 'That stupid ghost in the Necklace is really easy to coax'?"
Just as I was feeling smug, the Little Ghost made a sudden counterattack. Caught off guard, I almost subconsciously nodded in agreement. Fortunately, I reacted quickly, bit my tongue, and quickly shook my head like a rattle-drum.
"What are you talking about? Am I that kind of person?"
In my heart, I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. I really couldn't be careless. It seemed that after winning against the Little Ghost on the beach last time, I had become complacent and carried away, completely ignoring her title of "Saintess Highness with eyes like torches".
Under the Soldier's lead, we walked for over an hour and finally arrived at the Destination. Four people were already waiting there. Two were dressed as Desert Mercenaries, and another was quite special. He had a face full of whiskers, was tall and sturdy, and tough and sturdy iron armor tightly wrapped his powerful muscles. A fiery red Cloak hung over his shoulder, and on his head was a pointed iron helmet.
The last small white figure was undoubtedly the object of my Protection this time—Princess Marissa.
"Kid, you seem to be late."
The tall whiskered big man let out a thunderous rough voice, his Power not much weaker than Doug's. If the two of them joined hands for a song like "I am a wolf from the north", the entire Lut Gholein would probably shake three times.
"My Name is Geleizi, I'm the Mercenary Captain of Lut Gholein. That old fellow Talen told me about you."
Geleizi patted my shoulder hard. Seeing that I was completely unmoved, he couldn't help but show a look of praise.
"Not bad, not bad. You are indeed a brave Warrior."
Judging someone's Strength/Power based solely on this? What if the opponent was a Sorceress? I felt greatly ashamed at Geleizi's method. However, it seemed Talen hadn't told him my Status. That was good. He didn't look like someone who could keep his mouth shut anyway.
"These are my subordinates, Kaelen and Holt. These two kids often go into the Sewer, they've almost become mice."
Geleizi turned around and pointed at the two Mercenaries behind him.
"Hello, I am the Druid—Wu."
I nodded in greeting to them. The two seemed quite shy and quickly showed respect. Good, if they were all like Geleizi, I'd have a headache.
"Hello, Princess Marissa Highness."
Finally, I spoke to the small girl who had been standing there silently.
She merely nodded slightly, showing no sign of being indifferent, nor was she enthusiastic. It seemed she was indeed as taciturn as Talen had said.
"Before we go down, could you tell me the Information you know?"
After exchanging greetings, I immediately asked.
"Lord Wu, it's like this. A few months ago, many of our fellows still frequently went into the Sewer for Trial, because the monsters there were few, making it a most suitable place for parties with weaker Strength/Power. But one day, the monsters inside suddenly increased, and several parties of our fellows accidentally died inside."