Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1678: Chapter 1676: The Thief Girl

For Fang Zheng, this was just a chance encounter on the road, so he didn’t think much of it. After getting some fresh air outside, Fang Zheng returned to the store and saw Rem and Lei running over with a pile of things.

”Have you picked out everything you want to buy?”

”Yes, Lord Fang Zheng. I think this is more suitable for Megumin, and this would be better for Little Meiyin...”

As they spoke, the two began introducing the items to Fang Zheng, who nodded repeatedly as he listened. Though these sisters hadn’t been in the castle for long, they seemed to know almost everyone there... so far, it seemed they were getting along quite well.

”Alright, if you think there’s no problem, then let’s go with that.”

With that, Fang Zheng snapped his fingers, signaling the clerk to come over.

”Please categorize and package these... Hmm, how much?”

”Um, um... dear customer.”

However, the clerk seemed a bit hesitant in response to Fang Zheng’s inquiry but soon broke into a smile.

”Actually, you’ve won the grand prize!”

While speaking, the clerk raised his hands and clapped vigorously. Watching this scene unfold, Fang Zheng, Rem, and Lei exchanged glances.

”Grand prize?”

”Yes, you’re actually this store’s 100,000th customer since opening, so today all your purchases are 50% off.”

”Oh, interesting.”

Hearing this, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but laugh. It was his first time experiencing a discount sale in Another World, but the method felt so cliché it was like a scam.

”So you’re saying all these items are half price?”

Fang Zheng pointed to the items in Rem and Lei’s hands. Though they were just small trinkets, the quantity was quite large since they needed enough for everyone in the castle. Plus, many items were quite valuable, and if Rem and Lei hadn’t witnessed Fang Zheng bargaining a hefty sum from Lugnica earlier, they wouldn’t have dared to spend so freely.

”Y-yes...”

”Great, then let’s buy some more since everything’s half price... Rem, Lei, if there’s anything else you fancy, don’t hold back!”

”Yes, Lord Fang Zheng!”

Ignoring the clerk’s pale face, Rem and Lei quickly ran to the counter to pick out more items with glee. Previously, they had their eyes on numerous expensive gifts but opted for cheaper alternatives out of concern for the price. But now that everything was half-off, what was there to worry about?

Buy, buy, buy!

In this aspect, the sisters’ ghost clan blood was genuinely authentic.

When Rem and Lei returned to the counter with their coveted items, the clerk’s face was nearly pale and frothing, yet he forced a smile as he rang them up—serving in retail really isn’t easy, huh?

”And there’s also this, please accept it...”

Just as Fang Zheng was putting everything back into the item inventory, preparing to leave with the sisters, the clerk humbly offered Fang Zheng a badge.

”What’s this?”

”This is proof of VIP status. If you hold this badge, you’ll receive a 50% discount at any Heshin Merchants store.”

”Hmm? Such a benefit?”

Fang Zheng took the badge, looked meaningfully at the clerk. Previously, Fang Zheng didn’t care too much, as the discount was one-time only. But now this badge was different; it meant Fang Zheng had an unlimited 50% discount... this practically meant a loss for the merchant group.

”Alright, I’ll accept it.”

Fang Zheng examined the badge carefully, confirming there was no weird magic or curse attached, then he accepted it cheerfully. He didn’t care if the other side had any ulterior motives; if there’s a bargain, why not take advantage? Even if it were a sugar-coated shell, just consume the sugar and send the shell back.

Don’t underestimate the planner’s thick skin.

”Next, let’s go eat.”

After shopping contentedly, Fang Zheng took Rem and Lei to eat as it was already noon, and the streets were bustling with people. The trio strolled leisurely, admiring the surrounding scenery while discussing what to eat.

”How about that?”

”I think this tastes good, sister.”

”Rem, try this...”

”Lord Fang Zheng, please taste this.”

”Hmm... nice flavor, quite interesting, what’s this?”

”Pigman’s meat.”

”... Excuse me?”

While the three were walking and eating, suddenly, a petite figure darted out from the crowd, crashing into Fang Zheng.

”Oops.”

”Sorry.”

Looking at the person who ran into him, Fang Zheng stepped back.

”Are you okay?”

”No problem, no problem.”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s inquiry, the person lifted their head, revealing a girl of about twelve or thirteen, with golden hair and dazzling red eyes. She rubbed her nose, waving nonchalantly.

”Nothing serious, just bumped a bit, sorry, pal.”

”Oh, that’s good.”

After hearing the golden-haired girl’s response, Fang Zheng nodded.

”Alright then, just return the wallet you took from my pocket.”

”Huh?”

On that note, Rem and Lei froze, and the golden-haired girl’s expression changed as she turned abruptly to flee—only to be snagged by Fang Zheng at the collar.

”Okay, I’m not planning to be overly harsh, but stealing from others is bad.”

”Let go of me, let go! Help, someone’s trying to rob me!”

From the golden-haired girl’s experience, usually, when she shouted like this, the surrounding people would gather, creating an opportunity for herself. But to her surprise, though she shouted loudly, the people around acted as if they hadn’t noticed her at all, as if she was invisible.

”Alright, just surrender obediently; little tricks won’t work.”

”Ugh...”

Upon hearing that, the golden-haired girl seemed to give up struggling, and Fang Zheng released her, putting her down. However, just as Fang Zheng let go, a green-blue radiance flashed across the girl’s body, and she tried to leap away, but...

”Huh? Huh? Huh?!”

Watching her body as if fixed in mid-air, the girl widened her eyes in shock, desperately attempting to move, but found herself unable to.

At this point, Rem and Lei encircled her.

”Trying to steal from Lord Fang Zheng, what an audacious little thief!”

Rem glared coldly at the golden-haired girl, extending her hand as sharp spinning wind blades formed in her grasp.

”Should we eliminate her, sister?”

Lei said this while pulling out a Meteor Hammer—wait, where did you even hide that thing?

”W-wait a sec!”

Looking at the Meteor Hammer, which was even bigger than her own head, the blonde girl’s expression finally changed. If that thing hit her, her head would crack open like a watermelon!

”I’ll give it back to you, okay?! I’ll give it back!”

”Alright, stop scaring her.”

Seeing the blonde girl finally give in, Fang Zheng snapped his fingers, and soon, time began to flow again around the girl, allowing her to land on the ground. This time, she didn’t plan to run away. After moving her hands and feet to make sure she was okay, she breathed a sigh of relief, then took a money pouch from her bosom and tossed it to Fang Zheng.

”Here, take it back. Is that okay now?”

”Yes, you’re a good kid when you listen.”

Fang Zheng took the pouch and put it back into his clothes.

”You should think carefully about who you choose as your target. If you choose the wrong person, there could be dire consequences.”

”So, what should we do next, Lord Fang Zheng? Should we take her to the guards?”

Ram coldly stared at the blonde girl, clearly not planning to let her go. Hearing Ram’s question, the blonde girl’s expression changed immediately.

”Hey, wait, you said earlier that you’d leave me alone if I returned the wallet! I don’t want to go to jail!”

With anyone else, the blonde girl would have turned around and run away by now, but after their encounter, she realized she was no match for the man in front of her. If she tried to run, she might end up frozen like before, so begging was her only option.

”Hmm... Getting locked up at this age is indeed a bit sad. But stealing deserves some punishment. Ah, I know.”

At this point, Fang Zheng seemed to have an idea and clapped his hands.

”You’re a thief, so you must be very familiar with this King’s City.”

”Of course!”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s question, the blonde girl proudly puffed out her rather flat chest.

”I’ve been everywhere except the Royal Palace!”

”Alright, then you can be our guide.”

”Guide...?”

Upon hearing this, the blonde girl was taken aback.

”What’s that?”

”It’s a job where you show visitors around the city. As you can see, we just arrived at this King’s City and aren’t familiar with it. Since you’re a local and a thief, you should know this city well. Just show us around, and as for payment... how about a Gold Coin?”

”Uh...”

Initially, the blonde girl wanted to refuse, but upon hearing Fang Zheng mention the payment, she fell into thought.

”Where do you want to go?”

”Famous places, beautiful places, or interesting places are all fine. Of course, I don’t want you to take us to any secret or dangerous places, just a tour of the city. If you can recommend some local-flavor eateries, that would be great.”

”No problem!”

Hearing this, the blonde girl instantly smiled and patted her chest.

”Leave it to me, young man! I know this city very well!”

And with that, a small turmoil came to an end, and the blonde girl joined Fang Zheng and his companions. She introduced herself as Felt, a child from the slums here, who is currently also working as a thief.

As a thief, Felt was indeed very familiar with this city. She led Fang Zheng and the others through a tour of the entire city while chattering on about things that had happened in various places. Some were stories from the past, others were recent rumors. Like how some noble got into a spat on a certain street and got beaten up... All of these captivated the group.

And so, Fang Zheng had a delightful day with Ram and Rem, until the sun set in the west.

”Lord Fang Zheng, it’s time for us to head back.”

Taking a glance at her pocket watch, Ram reminded him. Upon hearing her words, Felt seemed somewhat reluctant.

”Eh? Are you leaving already? I haven’t introduced you to many places yet.”

Although she wasn’t eager at first, Felt soon realized she quite enjoyed this lifestyle. After all, being a thief in the slums, she didn’t have many friends and lived alone with her grandfather. She rarely got the chance to talk to others, but today, she got to talk a lot... Naturally, she didn’t want this to end here.

”Yes, it’s about time. Let’s call it a day. We can chat again next time.”

As he spoke, Fang Zheng took out a Gold Coin and placed it in Felt’s hand, and Felt gazed at the coin with a complex expression.

”Young man... is this really okay?”

”Hmm? Is there a problem?”

”I mean, I just took you around the city and had a chat. And for that, you give me a Gold Coin? Honestly, even a silver coin seems too much for this.”

”Value varies from person to person. Since I previously said it would be a Gold Coin, then it will be a Gold Coin.”

Saying this, Fang Zheng reached out and patted Felt’s head.

”I think it would be better if you stopped being a thief. Why not try being a guide? From today, I see you have a knack for this.”

”Can you really make money just by showing people around?”

Felt was still somewhat doubtful, but Fang Zheng nodded.

”Of course. Maybe to you, this place is just like your backyard. But for us outsiders, it’s different. Look, in such a big city, anyone new is bound to get lost without someone to guide them.”

”Well, that’s true. But if you don’t know the way, you can just ask the guards, right?”

”Guards will only point you in a direction, but they won’t lead you. And if they give you wrong instructions or you forget them, wouldn’t that be terrible?”

”That’s true...”

Felt nodded. In fact, most of her victims were outsiders who, not knowing the city well, couldn’t even find their way after she stole from them. Before, Felt merely thought these people were foolish. Now, she realized there’s a business opportunity here.

”Of course, credibility is also vital. Especially for someone like you, if customers know you’re a thief, they might worry you’ll lead them into a trap. So, it might be hard to gain their trust initially, but if you persevere, it should lead to a stable income. And it’s certainly better than stealing.”

”Uh... you do have a point...”

Felt actually disliked being a thief. It was a dangerous occupation where she was pursued, beaten, and caught. But, as a child from the slums, she found it hard to get a proper job. Fang Zheng’s suggestion was like a revelation. Leading people around the city didn’t take much energy and was easy for Felt, plus it was a way to earn money. More importantly, it wasn’t as problematic as being a thief. If she could indeed make a lot of money...

”Alright, I’ll give it a try!”

Thinking about this, Felt tightly clenched the Gold Coin in her hand and nodded vigorously at Fang Zheng.

”Thanks a lot, young man.”

”Yes, but my advice is that if you want to be a guide, you’d better wear clean clothes and tidy up a bit.”

”Eh? Why is that?”

”Because you don’t exactly look like someone engaged in legitimate business right now.”

Fang Zheng pointed at Felt’s revealing attire.

”With your current look, any decent person would hesitate. In general, you want to give others a sense of security for better communication and interaction.”

”Okay, fine.”

Felt frowned in thought for a moment before nodding and then turned to leave, while turning back to wave goodbye to Fang Zheng and the others.

”See you next time, young man!”

As he watched Felt’s disappearing figure, Fang Zheng shrugged and then turned to Ram and Rem beside him.

”Alright, let’s head back too.”