As long as he took on a few more jobs, his strength would definitely improve within these two weeks.
When the time came, dealing with those two witches would be a piece of cake.
And now, Dick was also considering a question:
Should I ask Xiya for help when the time comes?
After thinking it over for a moment, he decided against it.
He would wait until this young lady had completely changed her attitude toward him.
If he spoke rashly, she might part ways with him when his original self's misdeeds came to light.
"Dick, you dropped your short crossbow on the ground earlier. I picked it up for you," Kebi said from behind him.
Dick turned, took the short crossbow, and gave him a slight nod.
Then Dick looked at Xiya, whose face was slightly pale. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Dick. Since even you can turn over a new leaf and help these commoners, why can't I do my part? Remember, we're partners."
There was approval in Xiya's eyes:
This witcher worked seamlessly with her. At this rate, their demon-slaying efforts in Odinburg would certainly earn her good grades once she returned to the Magic Academy;
She only hoped Dick would not suddenly revert to his former lazy ways.
As for herself, a little hard work would do no harm.
"That's good." Dick inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. He really would need Xiya as a too... a fine helping hand later.
"If there's nothing else, we'll be heading back." Dick looked at the constable again.
The constable nodded in satisfaction. "Dick, you did very well this time. Without your help, these fishermen would likely have faced extremely difficult days ahead. When I have another commission, I'll come to you again."
Dick acknowledged him, then prepared to leave.
The young knight's squire had temporarily abandoned his pursuit of the lovely lady. He only felt that he was far too weak in both strength and mentality, unworthy of the female apprentice who could cast powerful spells, and that he should continue improving himself.
Seeing Dick and the sorceress turn to leave, he hurriedly said, "Dick, I actually have a commission here. Would you be willing to take it?"
Dick turned his head and motioned with his eyes for Kebi to continue.
"I happen to be heading back to town too. Why don't we talk along the way?" Kebi then explained, "And I happen to live in Odinburg as well, so we're going the same way."
"All right," Dick said with a smile, and the sorceress apprentice had no objection either.
"Uncle O'Neill, I'll head back now. I'll come visit you another day." Kebi looked at the constable.
"Mm. Luckily, you weren't injured this time, or I wouldn't have known how to explain it to Baron Odin. Hurry home, you little brat!"
"Will do!" Kebi replied cheerfully.
Then he led his mount over, and the three of them set off back to Odinburg side by side.
As the three walked slowly back, Kebi began explaining the circumstances. "You both know Odinburg, but do you know where its name came from?"
Seeing the young apprentice keeping them in suspense, Dick was in no hurry and played along:
"I heard someone mention Baron Odin earlier. Presumably, that's Odinburg's lord-Odin III?"
"That's right, witcher. That is precisely how Odinburg came about. It was a fortress conquered and established during the past campaigns of Odin I, the grandfather of the present Sir Odin III. And I happen to be Odin III's adopted son."
At this, Kebi could not help proudly straightening his back.
In this era, lords held an exalted position and could exercise complete control over their territories. As a lord's son, he had no reason not to be proud.
Even as an adopted son.
But the witcher was still looking at him with a smile, while the sorceress apprentice also appeared utterly indifferent.
Only then did Kebi remember their identities: they were both extraordinary individuals who had no need to concern themselves with anyone's status except the king's.
As a baron's adopted son, he had no advantage whatsoever before extraordinary individuals.
Feeling rather deflated, he returned to the subject. "Dick, this commission concerns something that happened where my adoptive father, Odin III, lives."
"Just a few days ago, strange noises began occurring in the castle every night.
"At first, no one paid them any mind. They simply assumed it was the wind or rats.
"However, lately, these noises have become increasingly frequent and strange. Just last night, someone even faintly heard a woman crying. Everyone says a ghost has appeared.
"My adoptive father has been very troubled by this. He sent people to investigate, but they have yet to find anything.
"I know you're a professional, so I thought of asking you to help and see whether you could resolve this matter."
"Is that all? Is there no other information?"
"I don't know much more." Kebi shook his head slightly. "I've only just returned from the knight order to visit my family. I happened to hear about this from the soldiers. Some also said it happened in the maids' quarters."
"Then it looks like we'll have to ask those involved.
"All right, then how much will the commission pay?"
"You won't be shortchanged. As the lord of Odinburg, my adoptive father certainly won't pay you a penny less than you're owed.
"I can stake my character on that." With that, he even raised two fingers slightly as though swearing an oath.
"There's no need for that. Shall we go straight to Odin III's fortress now, then?"
"Let's go now."
As they spoke, they had already reached the town gate. When the previously languid soldiers saw Kebi appear, they immediately changed from their earlier attitude toward the witcher and sorceress apprentice, straightening their backs and looking as though they were ready for battle.
One soldier spoke respectfully. "Welcome back, Young Master Kebi."
"Keep up the good work," Kebi replied casually, his manner returning to what it had been when he first met Dick, as proud as a peacock spreading its wings.
At those words, the soldier's face blossomed into a radiant smile, as though he had received the highest praise.
Even the witcher and sorceress apprentice were given a warm welcome along with him.
"Welcome back! Thank you for your contributions to our territory," another soldier said.
A slight smile curved Dick's lips, and he nodded faintly, but inwardly he grumbled:
Looks like these people tailor their treatment to whoever they're dealing with. Just seeing me walking with Kebi has made their attitude so much better.
After entering the town, the three continued straight along the central stone-paved road.
Before long, they arrived before a towering courtyard gate, where two soldiers were still standing guard.
Seeing Kebi return, one soldier nodded and said solemnly, "Welcome back, Young Master Kebi."
Kebi nodded as well. "Captain Fisher, I've found a professional witcher to solve the problem."
"Understood. Please state your name." The captain looked at Dick expressionlessly.
In fact, when his original self first arrived in Odinburg, he had registered at the fortress, and the person who received him had been this very captain.
In other words, the captain naturally knew the witcher.
But considering that his original self had been here for over half a month without doing anything of substance, and had instead become a local menace.
The captain was doing this deliberately.