Grove froze, then looked up at the Lord. It did not seem like he was being sarcastic. "He... he trusts me well enough."
"What have you done for him? Tell the truth. If you lie, I can sense it."
Grove froze again. "I haven't done much. I just... I often reported Wright Viscount's situation to him. Later, I often reported on the movements of those bandits living in the mountains! And I offered him some property and two girls..."
Grove listed seven or eight things in succession, his voice growing quieter as he spoke. Only then did he realize that he seemed more like a knight loyal to Viscount Teuton.
Hobart nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad."
Grove immediately defended himself. "That bastard Albert isn't any better..."
Hobart waved a hand. "I have an assignment that suits you perfectly."
"Please give your orders."
"Tomorrow, defect from the Lord's Manor and seek refuge with Viscount Teuton. Gain his complete trust and gradually become someone indispensable to him. Naturally, I'll provide assistance throughout the process."
Grove did not react at first. Two or three seconds later, he finally understood: the Lord had set his sights on Viscount Teuton.
Hobart picked up the sheet of paper beside him. "This contains the Potion Recipe for 'Barbarian.' If you agree, it will be yours.
"If you successfully complete the mission in the future, I'll also give you the recipe and main ingredient for the subsequent Potion, 'Bribor.'"
Hobart smiled. "I am a Beyonder of the Lawyer pathway. You can go as far as I can."
Only today did Grove learn that the Potion following Barbarian was Bribor.
After pondering for quite a while, he asked, "What if I fail?"
"Then I'll still give you the main ingredient for Barbarian. You, and your son, will