Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 426: Information

Rowanʼs expression turned serious when it was time for business. ”Right away, my lord.” He removed the satchel and took out a few pieces of paper from within.

”In the last week, I have put down anything and everything peculiar that I have encountered in Corvid in these notes.”

He respectfully handed the papers with both hands to Adam. ”I have also written down the dates for your convenience.”

Adam grabbed the papers with a raised eyebrow, ”You wrote them down?”

”Yes, my lord.” Rowan nodded anxiously. He put away his hands and kept them hidden underneath the table. Then, he began to fidget with his fingers, hoping that his findings were to Adamʼs liking.

Adam glanced at the paper and saw that the notes were written in fluent Acaros. Moreover, the handwriting was also pretty neat and beautiful to look at.

As I thought, the youth thought to himself. It seems Rowan has quite the story to tell…

He then started reading the points with rapt attention.

ʼThe gang, Black Blades, brutally enforce control over Bosky neighborhood…ʼ

ʼSerpent Bearers specialize in smuggling and have influence over the docks…ʼ

ʼRed Fists, a new gang, challenging the Black Blades for territory…ʼ

Seeing the last point of entry, Adamʼs eyebrows furrowed. He raised his head and glanced at Rowan, speaking in a hushed tone, ”Thereʼs a new gang in the neighborhood?”

”That is right, my lord,” replied Rowan solemnly, his eyes flashing with hints of fear and panic. ”The Red Fists were just another small-time gang before. But since a few months ago, their actions have gotten quite… bold.”

”How so?” Adam asked curiously.

”Well, theyʼve taken control of a large majority of shops, inns, and taverns in the Bosky neighborhood.” Rowan paused for a moment before voicing out his opinion, ”Word on the street is, the Red Fists are under new management.”

Adamʼs eyes narrowed. ”And by new management, are you saying it is currently being led by a magus?”

Rowan was silent for a few moments before nervously nodding. ”These are just rumors, my lord. I, uh, Iʼm not entirely sure.”

”Huh, interesting.” Adam turned his head and glanced at the Dell River outside through the arch windows, deep in thought.

Magi resorting to such means to assert dominance and acquire wealth, huh? Well, Iʼm not surprised, he mused inwardly.

Suddenly, he thought of something and looked back at Rowan. ”Iʼm guessing a turf war between the Black Blades and the Red Fists is imminent, huh?”

Rowan smiled wryly, ”Iʼm afraid so. I believe the Bosky neighborhood will be most affected by this.”

”Hmm.” Adam stoked his chin in thought.

A few moments later, he asked, ”Whatʼs the apartment rent like in Incus or Slate neighborhoods?”

Rowan was surprised by this sudden question, already guessing as to why Adam was asking it. He took a few moments to think before honestly replying, ”A modest apartment in Incus would be somewhere around 80 to 120 silvers.”

He paused for a moment before adding, ”Whereas the average price of apartments in Slate would be 48 to 75 silvers.”

Adamʼs eyes narrowed a little. ”You speaking the truth?”

”I dare not lie, my lord.” Rowan hurriedly waved his hand in panic. ”You may ask around and verify my word—”

However, before he could finish his words, Adam interrupted him with a cold voice, ”Oh? You think a magus such as me would have time to go around asking people the price of apartments in Corvid?”

Rowan shuddered in fear. ”N-No, thatʼs not what I—”

”Puahaha!” Adam burst into laughter. ”You should see the look on your face. Did you just shit yourself, Rowan?”

The middle-aged man was speechless. ”My lord, you…”

”Ah, Iʼm just messing around.” Adam waved his hand in a flippant manner, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ”But the look on your face was funny though, keke.”

You think this is funny? I thought I nearly lost my head!! Rowan laughed forcefully at Adamʼs unfunny joke.

Right at that moment, a server approached their table carrying a tray full of delicacies. ”Gentlemen, youʼre food has arrived~”

”Nice!” Adam beamed. He glanced at Rowan and chuckled, ”The food here is so delicious that youʼll be displaying withdrawal symptoms once we leave this place.”

Rowan nodded his head in a daze as he glanced at the tray full of food, his mouth drooling incessantly.

Hearing Adam speak such praises, the server was delighted. She started putting the food plates on the table one by one as she introduced them.

”Two chees loaves, two pumpkin cupcakes iced with orange sprinkles, two frosted sugar cookies, one large lemon chiffon cake with strawberry glaze, two cherry walnut pies, two Linlinʼs spiced apple cider, and finally two coconut creme cookies!”

After placing all the food on the table, the server smiled brightly, ”Enjoy your food~”

Glancing at all the colorful food on the table, Rowan felt like he was already going into a sugar coma. He suddenly thought of his kids and faintly smiled, They would love it…

He glanced at Adam and awkwardly said, ”My lord, I… Iʼm not feeling all that hungry. If itʼs alright by you, may I pack a little food and take it back home and eat?”

Adam smiled warmly, ”Itʼs alright, Rowan. Eat as much as you want. Iʼll order some food for your kids and wife.”

”...Was it that obvious?” Rowan lowered his head in embarrassment.

”Donʼt worry about it.” Adam waved his hand as he began sipping on the apple cider and reading the intel notes.

Having received the youthʼs word, Rowan felt deeply grateful. With tearful eyes, he grabbed the fork and knife on the table and started to gracefully eat his share.

Seeing the man use cutlery with such familiarity, Adam smirked. Old habits die hard, huh?

He then shifted his attention back to the notes and read each point with a solemn expression.

If these gangs are about to have a full-scale turf war, I must move Rowan and his family to a safer neighborhood.

Hmm, these gangs must have paid off a few city officials, or even some of the wealthy merchants to look the other side when they engage with each other.

But these little gangs are not my concern…

He continued to read the rest of the notes. A lot of them were rumors about smuggling operations that Rowan had overheard in the last week.

Finally, at the end of the last page, something finally caught Adamʼs interest, causing his eyes to narrow.

Whatʼs this about a new religion?!

Could this be… a cult?