Chapter 124: Welcome, Sir Dokebai.

Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Welcome, Sir Dokebai.

Chapter 124: Welcome, Sir Dokebai.

Knock~

Knock~

The next day, Osborne heard a knock on his room door, interrupting his sleep.

By the time the knocking came for the second time, he was already sitting on the edge of his bed.

He got up from his bed and opened it, only to see Vivian standing outside with a slightly troubled expression on her face, her hair loosely tied back.

"Morning. Umm... There’s someone outside. They said they’re here to see you."

’This early in the morning? Don’t tell me it’s another one...’ Osborne wondered, immediately recalling his meeting with Albert and the mysterious organisation known as the Black Ledger, whose members had somehow managed to gather information about his recent activities and even arrange a private meeting with him.

Although Albert had seemed more interested in purchasing Moonlight Grass than causing him trouble, Osborne wasn’t foolish enough to assume that every person who approached him would have the same intentions, especially considering how little he knew about the people operating behind the scenes in this world.

He had already spent enough time dealing with unexpected situations since arriving in town, and the last thing he wanted was to bring unnecessary trouble to Nicholas’s family, who had kindly allowed him to stay in their home despite knowing very little about him.

"You didn’t let them inside, did you?" He asked as they began walking towards the front door, keeping his voice casual even though his mind had already started considering the possible reasons behind the unexpected visit.

It would be more difficult for him to use his abilities properly in the house if need be, particularly if the visitor turned out to be someone dangerous, and he had no intention of putting Vivian or the others at risk simply because he had been careless about where he chose to deal with an unfamiliar person.

"I tried inviting them in, but they politely refused." Vivian sighed, apparently finding the visitor’s behaviour a little strange because most people who came to see someone usually preferred to wait somewhere comfortable rather than remain outside.

Osborne didn’t immediately respond, instead continuing towards the entrance while thinking about the possibilities, since the visitor’s refusal to enter could mean that they were simply following proper manners or that they had a particular reason for wanting to speak with him outside the house.

They both soon reached the door, and Osborne briefly glanced at Vivian before placing his hand on the handle, deciding that it would be better to deal with the matter himself rather than allow her to remain involved in something she knew nothing about.

"For now, please remain indoors."

"Is something the matter?" Vivian blinked her eyes, confused by his sudden request, since she had assumed that the visitor was merely another person who wanted to speak with their guest.

Osborne didn’t bother explaining, partly because he didn’t have enough information to determine whether there was actually anything worth worrying about and partly because giving her unnecessary details would only make her more concerned about a situation that might turn out to be completely harmless.

Besides, even if the visitor had come with hostile intentions, there was no reason to involve Vivian in a confrontation when he could simply handle the situation outside and return to the house once everything had been settled.

Osborne pushed it open, mentally preparing himself for whatever might be waiting on the other side, although he made sure to keep his expression calm rather than reveal the caution with which he was approaching the situation.

On stepping outside, he saw a random woman standing a short distance from the entrance, dressed in ordinary clothing that didn’t immediately suggest she belonged to any particular organisation, and her appearance gave him very little information about the purpose of her visit.

"Good day, Mr. Dokebai."

’She already knows who I am?’ Osborne became vigilant, his eyes squinting towards the woman as he quietly considered how she had learned the identity he used while working as an adventurer.

The name Dokebai wasn’t something he had shared carelessly with everyone he met, and although Albert already knew it from their previous encounter, Osborne hadn’t expected the young nobleman to send someone to the farm so soon, especially when their discussion the previous night had already covered the matter of his membership with the Black Ledger.

"Likewise..." Osborne said, secretly scrutinising her from head to toe while attempting to identify anything unusual about her appearance or behaviour, though he couldn’t find an immediate reason to believe she had come looking for trouble. "Might I ask what business you have with me?"

"I’m here to deliver this to you. On behalf of Sir Albert." The lady took out a paper envelope and extended it towards him, maintaining a polite expression.

’Oh?’ Osborne’s interest was piqued, and he accepted the envelope.

He examined the envelope briefly before opening it, carefully removing its contents while making sure not to damage whatever had been placed inside.

What came out was a uniquely crafted card, which he guessed to be a membership card, and the name Black Ledger was engraved boldly on it, making its connection to the organisation unmistakable even before he had finished examining its design.

The card in his hand was a dark shade of black, with its surface appearing smooth and carefully finished, and although its appearance was rather simple compared to the expensive items he had encountered at Albert’s mansion, there was something about its construction that suggested it had been made with more care than an ordinary identification card.

Osborne turned it over between his fingers, examining both sides while wondering whether the card contained any special properties or whether its primary purpose was simply to prove that its holder had permission to use the Black Ledger’s services.

"Whenever you require their services, you may contact them using that card." The woman explained, after seeing his reaction.

Osborne gave a slight nod.

The lady then offered a bow and left, leaving Osborne standing outside with the card in hand as he watched her depart.