I don't believe in fate

Lorry lowered his gaze and scanned the results section of the examination report. He clearly saw the doctor's diagnosis: his lungs were severely damaged, and he had at most six months to a year to live.

No wonder Joe was in such a hurry to resign. I was right back then, there really were other reasons... His eyes flickered slightly, which resolved the doubts he had had half a month ago.

Then, after a moment's thought, he tapped on his desk:

"I understand why you resigned. Would you like to hear my opinion?"

Of course, Joe couldn't say no, and readily agreed.

With a silent sigh, Lorry carefully chose his words and said:

"First, with the current level of medical care, your lung disease may not be without its own relief, or even completely cured."

Whatever your plans are next, the prerequisite is having a healthy body.

After saying that, he changed the subject:

"I was given permission to review some of the data on the Great Smog at the end of the year."

"One of the investigation reports indicates that there is a Harvest Church on Rose Street in the South Bridge District, whose clergy are very skilled at healing diseases. Many patients have been cured of their illnesses after drinking their free, miraculous herbal remedies; I suggest you give it a try."

Emlyn is now Sequence 6 "Potions Professor," and his abilities have been further enhanced. Perhaps he can cure Joe's lung disease... Lorry speculated, not entirely certain about the outcome.

However, he was clear on at least one thing:

In terms of healing diseases, Emlyn is definitely far superior to me, whether it's simulating "Doctor" abilities or imagining a "Harvest Priest".

South Bridge District, Rose Street, Harvest Church... Joe knew this was the boss's kindness, and silently noted down the addresses. He waved gently, indicating to the First Manager that there was no need to be so polite, and Lorry continued:

"Secondly, the Southern Continent is not like the Northern Continent. As a colony, even the relatively stable East Balam is much more chaotic than Backlund."

"If you're determined to find the swindler from back then, you'd better hire a few skilled bodyguards, lest you get into trouble before you even get to the bottom of things."

Joe nodded:

"I know, we always did that when we went there to do business."

"The same applies this time."

"In fact, I have already posted a commission in the East Borough bar, recruiting Bounty Hunter who are skilled in shooting and fighting and are willing to go to sea for the Southern Continent."

"However, I still appreciate your reminder." My experience First Manager is still quite valuable, but due to my limited perspective, I hadn't considered that the conman who ruined my family might not be an ordinary person, but rather Beyonder with supernatural powers from urban legends, perhaps even of a high Sequence. Simply recruiting bodyguards skilled in shooting and hand-to-hand combat wouldn't be enough... Thinking this, Lorry hummed in agreement and feigned concern as he inquired about the specific details.

Guided by his Beyonder Ability, Joe revealed everything without much thought.

Lorry's eyes flickered slightly as he secretly memorized the bar and contact information mentioned by the First Manager, and then shared them with his "Dawn Knight" clone.

Having finished discussing the bodyguards, he took a sip of his Black Tea and said:

"Also, I don't think you need to rush into resigning."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qiao couldn't help but give him a questioning look.

Lorry explained:

"It's quite a coincidence, really."

"I was away from Backlund for a while because I went to the Southern Continent to investigate investment projects—it perfectly matches the propaganda of the Kingdom and the Newspaper, with opportunities to make money everywhere, countless fertile lands, cheap spices and specialty crops, and inexhaustible metal deposits."

"I plan to run some businesses there, but I lack trustworthy assistants."

Having said all that, Joe couldn't possibly misunderstand. He hesitated, frowning slightly.

"But I..." Lorry interrupted with a smile and a wave of his hand.

"I know what you're worried about, but I hope you'll listen to my perspective before making a decision about whether or not to take this job."

"First of all, we must admit that finding that swindler is not something that can be done overnight; it may be quick, or it may take a long time."

"Hiring bodyguards and local adventurers and Bounty Hunter for the sea expedition, as well as providing food, drink and other necessities during the investigation, all add up to a considerable expense."

"Although your annual salary is not low and you receive a bonus, if the time drags on, it will most likely still not be enough."

"Do you want to start your investigation halfway through, only to slink back because you don't have the money?"

"Also, you have to admit that you're not very helpful in the investigation. In that case, why not use this time to fill your pockets?"

"Every extra penny increases the chances of success."

Joe paused for a few seconds, then spoke with a bitter expression:

I know you're right.

"However, I'm worried that something might happen to me during the investigation, which could cause you unnecessary losses."

Lorry shook his head. "What investment in the world is guaranteed to make a profit? Just do your best in everything."

Go for it!

"If you have concerns about this, you can look for a few young people who are willing to venture into the Southern Continent and are worth training to be your assistants."

He paused briefly and smiled:

"But I still hope that you will be in charge of the work there in the end."

"I read in some medical journals that people with lung diseases are better suited to live in warm places, and the Southern Continent is a good choice."

"Furthermore, don't constantly talk about fate's arrangements. I used to firmly believe in such things, but now my thinking has changed:"

I don't believe in fate!

"As Emperor Roselle once said, 'Things are all done by people'—I really like this quote, and I'm passing it on to you now."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lorry picked up the teapot, got up, walked to the Long Sofa, poured a cup of tea for the silent First Manager, and turned back to his previous seat.

He raised his teacup in an inviting gesture, and said:

"I won't be staying in Backlund for long; I'll be leaving tonight. I probably won't have time to see you off, so I'll just have this cup of tea instead. Cheers!"

"Wishing our First Manager a safe and successful trip to the Southern Continent."

A moment later.

With the soft sound of the door closing, the office returned to silence.

With the "Dawn Knight" as bodyguards, the First Manager's personal safety is relatively well-protected, at least better than him acting recklessly on his own... Back in the Southern Continent, the avatar ritual is about to complete the minimum thirteen times, but judging from her expression, she doesn't seem to have any immediate plans for Advancement...

Intis's Little Percival is just a side move; it won't make much progress for now... After the Tarot Club ends, I should probably head back to Norgar Island.

Oh, and there was one more bonus: I scared Pallez a bit. Once I'm in a stable state after my Advancement, I can drink another bottle of "Swindler" Potion??

Amidst a jumble of thoughts, Lorry briefly sorted out the situation of his clones and his main body, then leaned back, preparing to kill time with a nap.

The Tarot Club is about to start, so going back to the Cherwood Borough now isn't a good idea.