Volume 2: Original Sin 049, Whose Gaze Is Watching

  Miya also replied unhappily: "That person is a friend of Medanzo, and before he left, he specifically instructed that if that person comes to visit, be sure to stay at home and entertain him well until he returns. ...Medanzo has been gone for so many days, I just wanted to borrow some household items temporarily, you're coming after so many days!"

  Yinuo: "Business has been tough lately, I just received a large shipment and things are a bit tight financially. Didn't I send the money to you as soon as I had it?"

  Miya Li: "How can making a big purchase be bad for business? Which time did I borrow money from you and not pay it back? Didn't I always return the money as soon as Meidanzuo came home?"

  "Big sister, I've heard that Mei Danzuo has been gone for a very long time this time, and even after the agreed-upon deadline, he still hasn't returned. This is an unprecedented situation. He's already been cooped up at home for over a year, and I'm well aware that his line of work isn't exactly safe. This time, something might have happened, and he might not be able to come back... You're married now, but constantly asking your maiden family for loans isn't a solution either. If something really has happened, I advise you to think about yourself too."

  Miya's face changed, and she felt increasingly uneasy in her heart, but she put on a stern expression and angrily said: "I just asked you to borrow some money, why do you have so much to say!"

  Yinuo: "Sister, I'm also thinking of you! You were once the most beautiful girl on this street, but you married Mei Dianzuo, the son of a declining family. They used their last shop as a betrothal gift, and now only this old mansion is left. If Mei Dianzuo doesn't come back, will you have to sell the house or rent it out to make ends meet? I've heard the neighbors' gossip!"

  "You're still young and beautiful, yet you're stuck with that unreliable Medanzo, don't you ever think about your own future? What's the story with that man, you ask me for money on one hand but treat him like a guest at home on the other, is he Medanzo's friend or creditor, or what exactly is he to you?"

  The sister and brother chatted about family matters, the more they talked, the more they said, until Miarili's mind was all muddled. She didn't know what she was thinking, but leaned in close to her brother's ear and whispered: "That young man named Ah Meng is very rich, yet he doesn't want to show it off when walking on the road. When he arrived, he wore thin old clothes, his shoes were broken and covered with mud... Later, he moved into the best room at the inn, went to the tailor's shop to buy expensive fur coats, and even paid two gold coins for my maid when she went to pick up the clothes!"

  Yinuo was shocked: "When did Meidanzo make friends with such a generous person? Do you know what his background is? Since he's so rich, why did he wear tattered clothes on the way here, is there some secret that can't be revealed?"

  As soon as the words were out, Miyari finally told her brother about today's new discovery. Armon had left a pouch of money in his room with many divine stones and gold coins, enough to buy a house bigger and better than the noble ancestral mansion in this kingdom. Enno changed color and said: "Take me there quickly!... Good heavens, he won't be an escaped convict, will he? If something happens to Medanzo, you'll take in another criminal at home, it's going to be big trouble!"

  The siblings went upstairs again to re-examine Armand's belongings, and Leon also saw the money and the steel gauntlets disguised as tree branches. After going downstairs, he wiped his sweat and breathed hastily, but said in a low voice: "This man must be an outlaw! How could Monsieur Dantès ask you to entertain such a person at home?"

  Miya also became afraid: "He took the heirloom of the Medanzo family, said to be left by a magician, do you think this person is a magician?" The ancestral legend was a family secret, but Medanzo had mentioned it to his wife before, Miya naturally kept the family's secrets, but today she couldn't help telling Enno again.

  The two of them whispered in the room for another afternoon, "confirming" a few things: Armon was an illegal black market merchant who was very rich and carried a large amount of ill-gotten gains with him; Armon came to Wangdu alone, without anyone else knowing who he was, what he was doing, or when he would leave. At the same time, they also suspected that Medanzo had encountered trouble and might not be able to return, while Armon might be a magician.

  Miya Li was getting more and more frightened, but Enuo whispered another sentence in her ear, scaring her pale, shaking her head repeatedly: "I dare not, I'm just a woman, how can I do such a thing?"

  "Dear sister, don't be afraid, just do as I say and the rest will be taken care of. Just find an opportunity to lure him to a deserted place outside the city, where no one knows him and won't know where he's gone... Mei Dansuo will never come back, what kind of life do you want to live from now on?"

  Miya Li hesitated and said: "What if, I mean what if, Meidanzuo comes back and asks about it?"

  "Alright, it's easy. You just say that Armand thought Mme. Danziger wasn't coming back, so he tried to seduce the maid and even made a pass at you, but got kicked out. It's only natural, given how beautiful and charming you are, and he's a young, single man with money. First, we'll bribe Frosine, and she and I will both testify for you... Besides, after this is all over, do you still want to live with Mme. Danziger?"

  Miya Li lowered her head again and said anxiously: "Amon, if you really are a magician, once the plan is exposed..."

  Yinuo's hand grasped the corner of the table, with a bulging vein on his forehead, gritting his teeth: "Exposed? Does he dare to reveal his identity? Once exposed, he will flee far away from the imperial capital! ...Don't forget that I am also a warrior, how old is he? Even if he's a magician, what can he do? With or without intention, a divine technique master being assassinated by a warrior at close range is also unavoidable."

  Miya cried out and covered her eyes with her hand, "Don't mention stabbing in front of me, don't say it's so scary! ... But what if he finds out you're carrying a deadly weapon on you and becomes suspicious?"

  "Going on a picnic in the suburbs, how can you not bring a dinner knife? As a warrior, it's normal to carry weapons with me. We're so enthusiastic about our hospitality, he won't have any suspicions. If we were wary of him, we wouldn't let him stay at home for so long... Before that, I suggest letting Fresa get close to him, best if she can lure him into bed and try to figure out more details, that way we'll be more confident."

  Some people say that under the sun, there are always new and strange things, it just depends on whether your eyes can discover them. Others say that under the sun, nothing is fresh, you always see familiar shadows. Ah Mon only went out to play for a day, but didn't expect that Miyali and Enos had already hatched a plan to rob and murder him in their hearts. In Sumur Town, he had similar experiences before, this time it just changed the location and characters, happening in another form.

  Armon had a great time that day, going to many places in the capital and seeing many things he had never seen before. He even bought gifts for his maid Fresa and the groom, and after some thought, he also purchased many winter necessities for the Maidanzo family at a large store in the capital, all of which were loaded into the carriage and brought back.

  Back home, he met another "guest" - Miarlie's brother Enno. Enno had a smile all over his face, although it seemed somewhat unnatural, but his attitude towards Amun was both enthusiastic and respectful. He claimed to have heard that Medanzo's friend and teacher were visiting, and he came specifically to visit today, telling Amun not to be polite, and he also wanted to find an opportunity to entertain him well.

  Although Amun felt a little surprised by the unwarranted enthusiasm, he didn't think much of it at the time. However, when he returned to his room, he discovered that something was off. His belongings had been disturbed, and his staff had been moved a short distance, leaving marks on the floor. His wallet was still in his pocket, but it wasn't in its original position, and the old clothes in his pocket had been opened and then refolded.

  It was clear that someone had rummaged through his belongings while he was away, even opening the pouch to count the spirit stones and gold coins. What was the purpose of this? Amun didn't want to make a scene or embarrass everyone, so after reorganizing his things, he decided to take his leave.

  It's been so long since Meidanzo hasn't come home, did something happen on the way? Armon also has this worry, but before he leaves, he will leave a sum of money for Miyari and a message for Meidanzo, thinking in his heart, still quietly going downstairs to eat.

  If it's about being calm, there are few people who can match Amun, this young miner from the town of Duk, who has experienced great storms. Miya didn't notice anything unusual. That night, Enuo accompanied Amun to dinner and ordered his servant to buy fine wine, repeatedly urging him to drink, showing great enthusiasm, and as they drank, their conversation became more and more lively.

  Yinuo talked about many things from all over the world and also asked about Amun's experiences in various places. He expressed his sincerity to entertain him well and apologized for not visiting him earlier due to being busy with work. He told Amun that he would let Fersa accompany him to play around the city for a few days, and then invite Amun to go on an outing outside the city, bringing delicious food and wine. There was a place with great scenery and environment, which he himself visited several times a year to relax.

  "Having disturbed you for so long, I'm really sorry, I should take my leave. If Meidansuo comes back, tell him that I've already been here, and if he wants to learn the unfinished skills, he can go find Link, he'll understand what it means... If you have any difficulties or needs, I'll help resolve them, as a thank you for your hospitality."

  As soon as Amun said he was leaving, Enno gave Miarili a look. Miarili stepped forward and grabbed Amun's arm, begging him to stay for a few more days, saying that Medanzo might return immediately, and since they had already waited so many days, why mind waiting a few more? She also asked Amun if there was anything she had done wrong to make him dissatisfied, and if so, Medanzo would definitely scold her when he returned. By the end, it seemed like she was about to cry.

  There are many things in the world that are hard to explain. If Ah Meng had left that night, perhaps what happened later would not have occurred. But Ah Meng stayed behind amidst the wailing voices because Enuo made a suggestion - two days later, Gilgamesh, the lord of the city-state of Uruk, was going to leave the capital and return to his own city-state, and there would be a grand farewell ceremony. The king ordered that the citizens could revel wildly, and even at night, there would be no curfew. At that time, the city would definitely be very lively, such a grand event is not easy to come by, watching the excitement and then leaving, can follow the revelers out of the city, and then go on a picnic in the suburbs, just right for sending Ah Meng off.

  Thinking that he might also be checked at the city gate when he leaves, Amun agreed to leave two days later. As for the outing and picnic, it would be a farewell party. He would give Miyari some divine stones at that time. This woman had flipped through his wallet, but perhaps she didn't have any malicious intentions, maybe she was just curious. Her generous hospitality should still be thanked. If Medanzo really got into trouble, he should take care of his family's livelihood.

  After dinner, Armon washed and rested, and returned to his room. It wasn't long before he fell silent, apparently having fallen asleep. He had played all day and must have been very tired. Meanwhile, Miyari quietly called the maid Fresa into her own room, closed the door, and whispered: "Fresa, it was because your family owed money that you were used as a substitute to pay off the debt and became a slave of our household. Do you want me to return that contract to you? Moreover, En said today that he likes you very much and wants to take you back home as his most beloved concubine. My mother's house is much more comfortable than here!"

  "Gracious mistress, Fanny is of course willing! Are you really speaking the truth?"

  Miya nodded and said, "Of course it's true, but it depends on how you do it..." She leaned down and whispered in Fresa's ear for a long time. Fresa's face turned red and white, sometimes frowning and sometimes gritting her teeth, but finally she nodded. Miya patted her shoulder and said, "You remember, just do what I say, go and seduce Armon, make him infatuated with you, try to find out more about his family background, and gain his complete trust... For the next few days, don't do any household chores, just accompany Armon in the capital and have fun."

  She thought this conversation was not for outsiders to hear, but Amun happened to hear it clearly. It's not that Myriall wasn't being cautious, in fact no divine spellcaster would casually deploy detection spells everywhere without a reason, wasting their magical power on meaningless things, and neither would Amun.

  Since then, Armon had never used the Detect Magic spell to spy on Miyari's daily life, which would be impolite. But today, since this happened, he gained an extra ear and heard a shocking conversation. Miyari told Fresa to seduce him, ask about his family background in detail, take him on a picnic two days later, and entice his attention.

  But what's even more frightening is that Miyari also made Fresa tell a lie, if Medanzo comes back in the future, Fresa will testify that Armon seduced her and tried to molest Miyari, and was kicked out without a face to come back. Miyari's intention is obviously that Armon won't see Medanzo again, so something else must happen, not done by this maid, does she want to harm him, make him disappear forever?

  Amon felt a chill, but he didn't want to retaliate against Miyari, so let this woman and her slave go daydreaming on their own. Amon planned to slip away quietly tonight without saying goodbye, leaving the Medanzo estate. Just as he thought of packing up and leaving, he found someone outside the gate because Amon was casting a detection spell to scan the surroundings, and he happened to detect it.

  Meadan finally returned home, and his gains this time were not small. The tribe where Lin Ke was located at the foot of the mountain encountered a flood, and after the flood receded, they collected a large amount of high-quality steel sand from around the water pool where the Iron Armor Beast King lived. What surprised him even more was that Amun subdued the Iron Armor Beast King and four large iron armor beasts before leaving, becoming the guardian beast of the tribe.

  This is a miracle of Ahmon! Although Maidanzo didn't see Ahmon, he revered him even more in his heart.

  To wait for the tribesmen to smelt all the ore into Magite Steel Ingots, and also to entangle Professor Lin Ke with a divine technique he had never learned before, Mei Danzuo stayed in the tribe for another month than originally planned. He finally shouldered his heavy luggage and set off on his return journey. This time, he brought back only Magite Steel Ingots, which were worth several Divine Stones, making him feel delighted.

  Almon is really great, and he's so generous. Before leaving, he left Link a precious staff that Medan is drooling over. Link told him that Almon went to travel the continent and might go to Balen City to find him, and Medan also eagerly hopes to see Almon. Although he returned home late this time, he instructed his wife to keep Almon well-treated until he returns.

  There are many fun places in Wangdu, and there are too many new and strange things that can't be seen in the deep mountains. Ah Meng will definitely have a great time!

  Mei Danzuo entered the city just before the city gate closed, and first found a black market merchant who privately collected Moge steel. He sold all his goods and got two divine stones and more than ten gold coins in return. Both he and the black market merchant were very happy, and they made an appointment to go to the tavern for a drink. Only then did he walk home with light steps, humming a little tune, by which time the sky was already completely dark.

  It's been so long since I've seen my husband, and this time I've earned so much money, Miarlie will definitely be overjoyed, she'll shout with excitement and rush into his arms. --- Mei Danzuo thought to herself.

  Turning a corner into the alley, he already saw the gate of his own mansion in front of him. Mei Dansuo naturally quickened his pace, but suddenly stopped and grasped the hilt of his sword at his waist with one hand, while the other hand also clutched an amulet in his sleeve, because he felt that someone was staring at him from behind, standing in the shadow under the high wall.

  "Medanzo, don't be afraid, it's me, Armon." A familiar voice suddenly sounded in his ear, Medanzo loosened his grip on the hilt and turned around to welcome him with big strides.

  "Ah, Amun, my god! How did you end up here? You scared me half to death, but what a wonderful surprise! Have you just arrived? I'm on my way home right now, come with me!" Medanzer stepped forward and bowed before grabbing Amun's arm and pulling him towards his home.

  Ammon grasped his wrist: "No, don't be in a hurry, I've been living in your house for a month now. I just found out you were back and came out to meet you. To tell the truth, tonight I had already planned to slip away quietly."

  Meadows was taken aback again: "Why? Has someone been slow to you? ... Hmm, what's going on?" As he spoke, he had already noticed that Amun had cast a simple yet ingenious spatial concealment spell, enveloping the surrounding sounds and making their figures blurry and indistinct in the shadows under the high wall.

  Amon can ignore Miya and leave, but in front of Medanzo, he must make things clear. He doesn't owe Medanzo anything and doesn't want him to be deceived after he leaves. Who knows what Miya, Eno, Fusa, and others will say? Amon decides to tell the truth and see how Medanzo reacts. If it's not worth dealing with, then there's no need to deal with him anymore.

  "It's not convenient to talk here, come with me quietly, I have something to tell you." Amun beckoned to Maidan Zuo and turned to leave the alley. Maidan Zuo was confused but followed Amun without saying a word.

  Two people walked through several blocks, and found a large inn in the distance. Armon ordered the best room, with a separate entrance hall outside the bedroom. He closed the door and asked Medanzo to sit down, then took out several divine stones to set up a divine array that isolated sound and magical fluctuations. Only then did he take out the Earth's Pupil and place it on the table, pointing at it with his hand: "You listen yourself."

  Meadanzo's ears picked up the whispers of two people, which was exactly the conversation between Miyari and Vesa. Armon also paid attention, and at the same time he heard the conversation, he used the Information God Technique to record it in the Earth's Pupil. He couldn't use this technique as skillfully as the old madman, but with his current level of a 5th-level God Technique practitioner, he could still manage to record a not-too-long conversation. The Earth's Pupil that had been personally crafted by the old madman was the best medium for using this technique.

  Maidanzuo's face changed, he stood up with his sword and was about to rush out, but Ahmon reached out and pressed his shoulder, saying: "Don't be impulsive, I just wanted to tell you what happened, not to make you do anything. Now if you go to blame them, it won't work, no one will admit this kind of thing, I just want to quietly leave before everything happens."

  Maidanzuo suddenly turned around and knelt down in front of Ah Meng: "Ah Meng God, I beg for your forgiveness and pardon!"

  Ammon reached out to support him: "Why say so, this is not your fault!"

  Mei Dangzu did not get up, but lowered his head and said: "If you leave like this, I don't know what face I have to see you again?... For you, leaving is a kind of relief, but it has become my shackles!"

  "None of this has happened, and it may not happen. It's just their temporary wild thoughts. Many people in their hearts may have had all sorts of crazy ideas. This is not an unforgivable sin, but the temptation of human demons."

  "Since that's the case, let me see the true face of this demon! My Amun god, can I ask you to grant me one thing, or else my heart will not be at peace."

  Ammon looked at him with inquiring eyes: "What's up, speak up."

  That night, Meidanzo didn't go home, and the next day, Armand didn't leave either. Everything was normal, as if nothing had happened. Miyari and her maid, Vesa, were completely unaware that Armand had met Meidanzo yesterday.