Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength

Five days later.

Dominic, sitting in the carriage, had a somewhat tense expression.

Before heading to Black Mountain Town, he had made ample preparations and was confident in handling various social events.

But after Bart, the head of the investigation bureau of Black Mountain Town, told him about Kurpis and the resident Mr. Ronald Adler, that indistinct yet formidable ability kept Dominic's mood apprehensive for days.

Are you kidding me!

A wizard who could be compared to Queen Dantrian, undoubtedly the strongest on the mysterious side?

For someone like him who had never learned any spells...

Could he really have a smooth first encounter with this person?

After all, in Dominic's eyes, Queen Dantrian's strength and status were beyond doubt. Based on this understanding, his apprehension and special attitude towards Ronald also became evident.

In his anxious mood, Dominic naturally turned his gaze to another person in the carriage, seeking some psychological comfort:

"Miss Patricia, I've heard you had quite a connection with Mr. Ronald before?"

Besides Dominic and a few from the investigation bureau, Patricia was also in the carriage heading to Kurpis.

Upon hearing Dominic's inquiry, Patricia immediately understood the unease in this Black Mountain Town leader's heart:

"Ronald is a very good friend of mine."

First clarifying her relationship with Ronald, Patricia then continued to describe to Dominic:

"And Mr. Dominic, there's no need to worry so much."

"Ronald is gentle and humble, unlike those arrogant or aggressive casters like the recent ones from Graid. As long as you explain your intentions well, he will definitely support your future work in Black Mountain Town."

Hearing Patricia's answer, Dominic's expression eased slightly, and he lowered his head to look at the wooden box in his hand.

Contained within was a collected travelogue first edition.

Based on the information gathered in Black Mountain Town these days, those on the mysterious side seem to favor books that are rare in number, so this should be the best gift for meeting Ronald.

...

Thus, the carriage sped forward on the newly repaired road.

The reconstruction of Black Mountain Town was comprehensive, and the surrounding roads leading to various places were also refurbished.

So compared to the poorly maintained road condition more than a year ago, the current road from Black Mountain Town to Kurpis was flat and smooth, allowing the carriage to travel smoothly.

Therefore, the journey that once took Ronald, traveling with a merchant caravan, three full days to cross, was covered by Dominic and company, who set off from Black Mountain Town on the morning of the 6th, in just under a day to reach Kurpis before nightfall.

"Mr. Dominic!"

"There are crops planted by farmers up ahead; we are not far from Kurpis now!"

Dominic's private driver loudly reminded from the front driver's seat.

Hearing this, Dominic quickly leaned to the edge of the carriage, looking out at the scenery.

As the driver said, large patches of crops were visible on one side of the road ahead, although it was far from harvest season, so there weren't many details to see.

Continuing to follow the road and the direction of the crops.

With the sun at his back, a small town nestled against the forest and mountains gradually came into view ahead of them.

"This is Kurpis..."

Dominic squinted, trying his best to see the full view of Kurpis.

But as they got closer, he didn't find anything special about the place; it looked no different from any ordinary village.

A figure comparable to Queen Dantrian...

Would actually choose to live in such a place?

Based on what he learned, Mr. Ronald should have experienced the prosperity of outside cities. In comparison, this young hero could suppress his desire for grandeur and not strive for the power he deserved?

Dominic was deeply puzzled.

But such questions were ultimately hard to articulate, and no one in the carriage could adequately answer them.

With their view drawing nearer.

They finally arrived in front of Kurpis.

And before reaching the village where most residents lived, they first saw an estate secluded from the rest of Kurpis.

Dominic immediately called out to the driver:

"Stop the carriage, we need to get off!"

"..."

"Who are you?"

The people in the carriage filed out one by one.

Just as they were tidying up and preparing to visit Ronald's residence, a voice suddenly came from the side.

Such a common person like Dominic was fine.

But for Patricia and the investigators, they were genuinely startled.

They had not sensed anyone else around prior to this.

It was only when the person spoke up that they realized someone had already approached, and they were completely unaware!

What kind of strong presence was guarding the entrance of Kurpis?

With such doubts, everyone turned their gaze to the direction of the voice.

Soon, a speechlessly beautiful maiden climbed up from the slope at the edge of the road and then smiled slightly at them.

"..."

Dominic could swear he had never seen a more beautiful girl in his life.

She wore simple clothes, a straw hat on her head, and carried a flower basket in her right hand. Yet despite such a simple outfit, her beauty, beyond human comprehension, could not be concealed by the plain attire.

In contrast, the casters in the group...

The maiden's proactive reveal was even more astonishing.

Though like Dominic, they were astounded by her ethereal beauty, they were more shocked that she showed no signs of magic fluctuation on her body!

To approach quietly to such a distance and perfectly conceal her magic fluctuation...

Such an existence, if she became an assassin...

She would undoubtedly become a terrifying nightmare capable of threatening anyone!

The casters felt extremely nervous and full of vigilance. But at this moment, it was actually Dominic, unaware of the maiden's threatening nature, who became the first to speak:

"L-lady, we are here to visit Mr. Ronald!"

"Ronald, yes." The beautiful maiden nodded gently, a hint of regret in her expression. But she soon pointed to the solo estate beside them, "He is there; you can go knock on the door now, and Ronald should be home."

Realizing their intentions, the maiden had no further intention of speaking and quickly climbed up the road to leave.

Seeing her about to leave, Dominic couldn't help but ask again:

"Beautiful lady, may I be fortunate enough to know your name?"

The maiden with the flower basket turned back before leaving, revealing a nearly mind-stealing beautiful smile to Dominic:

"Me? I'm Il, and I run a flower shop here in Kurpis."

"Feel free to drop by and support my business whenever you have time; you're very welcome, you know~~"