"I think I have one." The manager took another map from her room. It was a similar map, but with a few markings near Creek Village. "Please take a look at this."
They all glued their eyes on Creek Village. The manager pointed at the marker not far from Creek Village.
"There is actually a small tunnel in this place. One of our customers is actually the first young master of Count Heirden. When he was drunk, he told us that there was a secret passage leading to the other side of the mountain. They actually took advantage of the steep mountain and built a tunnel underneath it. This way, anyone that tried to pursue them would have to loop around the mountain, which would take a significant amount of time."
"!!!" Noel and Anna widened their eyes. They recognized how important this information was.
"How can I say this… You are truly good." Noel scratched the back of his head, praising the manager.
"We'll do our best to gather the information. Besides, all the girls are working together. So, I don't deserve your praise."
Noel smiled and said to Anna, "In that case, we'll check the passage first. There might be a chance that we have to use it. Of course, we need to locate and map the passage. We might be able to find a spot where we can dig to turn it into our escape route."
"That's indeed the case."
"I'll try to delay the movement of the Demon Banner Army," Noel added.
"In that case, I'll locate the passage." Anna nodded in agreement.
With this escape route, he felt a bit secure if he wanted to proceed with the mission.
Lastly, he asked the manager, "Will you have any problems if I take advantage of the passage?"
"I don't think the first young son of Count Heirden is aware of the leak of information."
"Still, if there are any problems, you and the girls should retreat immediately. Also, do you have any requests? Those who work will be rewarded. So, I'm planning to give you something." Noel asked.
"I don't have any personal requests. I'm already blessed to have a good house and living conditions. My job might not be honorable, but I can live with this. So, I'm satisfied. But…" The manager paused for a moment. "This might be presumptuous for me to ask, but our girls are mostly trained in the slum. They are those who want to change their lives and can only do this type of thing."
"Two of them are facing a problem right now. Their houses were seized not long ago, so they had been sleeping in the brothel for the past two weeks. Actually, one of them was the one who received the information about the secret passage."
Noel didn't hesitate to ask the manager. "What's the price of a house in this city?"
The manager felt happy that Noel was that considerate. However, she knew that asking too much would anger Noel instead. So she thought about it and said, "350 gold coins should be enough for a house."
"350 coins, huh?" Noel glanced at Anna. "How much do you have?"
"I'm the one who pays?" Anna's eyebrows twitched.
"Not entirely. Just give me some money since you've benefited from it."
"But you said you're going to surprise me… Don't tell me this is what you mean by surprise?" Anna looked disappointed.
However, Noel let out a sigh and explained what he wanted. "I'm just asking for a few gold coins. This should let them stay in a better inn for one month. I have my own savings, but it's all located at the Demon Relief Squad headquarters. So, I have to let them stay in a proper place until I go back and send the money."
"Thank you, Sir. Thank you, Miss." The manager seemed overjoyed when hearing the little discussion. 350 gold coins weren't a small sum for people like them. Even the manager had to save for a few years before she could afford her current home.
However, for Noel, 350 gold coins weren't that big. A Peak Level Demon Crystal alone could fetch up to fifty gold coins. As a Spirit Master, 350 gold coins were something that could be gained within one week. And it would be even easier when he became a Spirit Grandmaster.
And since he hadn't become a lord, which required him to take care of his spending, he could splurge a little. After all, the information was useful, and his life was far beyond 350 gold coins.
Noel thought for a moment and said, "From the way you word it, it seems that the house barely fits the requirement. I want you to buy them a better house, but not too good since I don't want others to feel jealous.
"So, I think 400 gold coins should be enough. If there is anything left, you can use it to treat the women with something nice."
"Yes, Sir." The manager lowered her head. She couldn't thank him enough.
Noel could see the honesty and care the manager had for her people. So he didn't feel like he had thrown away a lot of money.
Besides, the information was truly precious, considering it could save him and all the people that participated in the mission.
"Since we're done here, I'll be leaving." Noel took a look at Anna and said, "For now, we'll meet again in the South Gate, let's say, one day from now, at dusk. If both of us don't appear, then assume something has happened."
Anna nodded with a serious expression. They had a lot of preparation this time, especially for the escape route. Noel wanted to be extra careful and made sure he wouldn't lose even if he couldn't accomplish the mission.
All of them rose from their seats and headed straight to the door. Before leaving, Noel stopped and asked, "If possible, I want you to monitor the movement around the town. There are chances that some spies are mixing with the people. So, be careful. If there's any important information, you can go to the Go Goat Inn, room 7, to inform me."
"Yes, Sir."
