Chapter 005: Deceit and Fraud

Amidst howling north winds, Casimir followed Du Fan’s steps, taking deep and shallow steps as they wandered across the ice field for a while before finally reaching Du Fan’s camp. Since the north wind couldn’t blow into the camp, and with the campfire still burning, it was a few degrees warmer inside compared to the outside.

Du Fan led the way, looking at the still pitch-black surroundings with a sense of frustration. He turned to look at Feri, his eyes filled with doubt: Could those guys really have run away?

Although Feri was also puzzled, he knew well that if they hadn’t been able to stop those magical beasts earlier, the main force here probably wouldn’t have gone to rescue them either. After all, compared to that mission, a few lives meant nothing. He didn’t dare say much and cautiously ran into the tent. Moments later, he came out holding an ice block with a strange expression on his face.

Du Fan glanced at the ice block in Feri’s hand and saw pairs of numbers such as “39” and “57” carved with the tip of a sword. Frowning for a moment, he quickly understood. This method of sending messages was a specific code used within the Holy Church. Each number represented a character, word, or phrase from “The Temple.” Alone, these phrases made no sense, but combined, they conveyed different meanings.

Having spent several years in the Holy Church, Du Fan recognized this method of communication. After a quick look, he understood the message on the ice block—it roughly said that the situation had been critical earlier, and when help was sent, they had already been safe. Reading this made Du Fan feel increasingly angry, though the last part made him slightly more cautious.

The last part stated that the sudden appearance of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group on this northern ice field was likely suspicious—perhaps they were spies from Roland Academy. So Alfred instructed Du Fan to act as needed and keep a close eye on them. As for their main force, they should remain hidden to conceal their strength, making it easier to determine whether this was a conspiracy or a coincidence…

In short, Alfred wanted Du Fan to put on a show in front of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group to test them.

The message also said that for safety reasons, Alfred had left Sister Tasia behind as a backup in case of emergencies.

Du Fan inwardly despised Alfred greatly. If that Tasia hadn’t been unable to endure the extreme cold, he would have definitely kept her. As for why Nicholas was taken away while Du Fan chose to forget about it, well… Still, despite his disdain, he believed somewhat in what Alfred said. Ignoring the strange looks from the four members of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group, he casually crushed the ice in his hand, then signaled a Templar Knight to light a campfire. After the rest went to guard the perimeter of the camp, he sat down and waved his hand, saying, “You must be Casimir. Please sit down too. Since the deal has been settled, I won’t make things difficult for you. As for your injuries…” With that, Du Fan took out a small bottle and threw it over. However, it contained only ordinary wound medicine, worth hardly anything. Still, Casimir was extremely grateful. He divided the medicine into several portions, and after all four of them applied it to their wounds, he spoke up, “Sir, no matter what, I, Casimir, must express my deepest gratitude for your kindness. Not only did you save us without holding grudges, but you’ve also been so good to us… It’s truly humbling…” Du Fan sneered inwardly but showed a faint smile on his face, saying, “Sir Casimir, you’re too polite. I’m a businessman. Since we’ve reached a deal, I naturally treat you as honored guests. This is just some medicine—there’s no need for such gratitude.” Casimir felt frustrated, thinking, “What the hell is this called treating honored guests? Using this trash worth a few gold coins to deal with me—can you really call that treating honored guests? If you really wanted to treat us as guests, why not bring out that miraculous medicine you used earlier?” Yet, despite these thoughts, his face showed no sign of dissatisfaction. Instead, he remained grateful, saying, “Even if it’s just some medicine, it can save lives! Sir, you’re really too kind… I thank you for your rescue, for saving our lives. If possible, please tell us your name. Our Snow Fox Mercenary Group will remember it forever…” Du Fan sneered inwardly, but his smile remained calm, saying, “It’s better not to…”

Casimir laughed, as if he had understood something, and said, “I know. In a place like this, no one would casually reveal their name… But I swear by my honor, and by the honor of our Snow Fox Mercenary Group, we will absolutely not reveal your names! It would be utterly despicable of us to save you scoundrels only to not even know the name of our savior!”
With that, Casimir struggled to stand up. “I, Casimir, am the leader of the Snow Fox Mercenary Group… Most of our members have sacrificed themselves tonight, but a few worthless guys like us are still left. This guy with the knife is named Dici; he’s a third-level warrior. The one with the bow is our group’s only archer, named Hege. As for the last one…”
At this point, a suggestive look appeared on Casimir’s face. “This is Miss Eirwen. If her identity were revealed, it would be extremely frightening. She… is a magician…”
As he introduced her, Du Fan glanced at her casually. The warrior and archer weren’t anything special, but the so-called magician, after wiping her face clean, did seem rather pretty. Though she had a few freckles on her nose, it didn’t greatly affect her appearance. She seemed unafraid of the cold, wearing a dirty black robe whose subtle curves were faintly visible beneath it.
Still, in Du Fan’s eyes, her beauty paled in comparison to the airheaded maids at his home.
Seizing Du Fan’s gaze, she smirked and threw him a flirtatious glance.
Du Fan couldn’t help but feel disgust. This so-called magician Eirwen seemed like the kind of woman available to anyone…
Noticing Du Fan’s look, Casimir laughed heartily, showing a smile that any man would understand, and whispered, “Our magician Eirwen loves young heroes the most in this world—people like you… I believe that if you’re willing, you’ll definitely have the chance to enjoy her company tonight!!!”
Seeing Casimir’s smiling face, which resembled that of a street hustler, Du Fan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He had to change the subject and said, “Lord Casimir, you’re joking. How could I ever have such despicable thoughts about a lady? Please stop joking.”

Seeing Du Fan speaking seriously and noticing the slightly naive smile on his face, Casimir couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. Hmph, though this guy was wealthy and seemed like a leader, he was still too inexperienced both in combat and in handling people. If I let that little troublemaker Eileen go wild tonight, I doubt I can’t handle you. With these thoughts, Casimir grew even more excited. But fearing Du Fan’s naivety, he smiled and said, “Alright, esteemed sir, I’ll stop joking. Look, we’ve both revealed our identities, yet you still refuse to do the same. Isn’t that a bit too much…” At this point, Casimir paused, staring at Du Fan expectantly, thinking, I doubt you can still hide your identity under these circumstances.

“My name…” Du Fan showed a hint of hesitation on his face. After a moment, he sighed and said, “Well, since Lord Casimir insists on knowing, I’ll tell you. But please keep it a secret from me. I… could be considered a minor noble… As for my name… it’s Alfred.”

The Templar knight listening to Du Fan almost burst out laughing. This Lord Du Fan actually used Lord Alfred’s name—how absurd!

Yet Casimir nodded seriously, murmuring “Alfred” a few times, laughing to himself: This guy really has no experience. Just a few words and I’ve figured out your identity. Once I understand your true nature, you’ll know how you die. Still, Casimir maintained a solemn expression and said, “We will definitely remember this name. If we manage to survive this northern ice plain this time, we will find a way to repay you.”

Seeing Casimir’s seemingly extremely excited expression, Du Fan thought, Casimir, do you really think Du Fan’s head can be kicked by a pig? With such a fake expression, you might fool naive kids, but trying to act in front of me? You’re still too inexperienced!

Nevertheless, Du Fan wore an apologetic smile and said, “Lord Casimir, you’re being too polite. Let’s just forget about this matter. As for the future, we’ll talk about it later.”