Problems that need to be solved must be solved.

Chapter 47 Problems that need to be solved must be solved.

Mia couldn't help but worry about Edson's intentions; a wizard wouldn't teach magic to Alphonse without expecting anything in return.

Tessie, on the other hand, was more open-minded. He had already learned a kind of witchcraft called "true qi" under Alphonse's tutelage, and since he was Alphonse's slave, he could only obey. There was no point in delving into his origins.

Before leaving, Taisi even went and stole two ant eggs.

Since we can't see any change in the gold-eating ants' emotions, the fact that they haven't made a move means they've given their permission.

We took a different path out of the anthill, which was more like a tour.

Like ordinary ants, gold-eating ants build their nests in a very organized manner. Both worker and soldier ants have their own resting caves, and they also have special "storehouses" for storing food.

As for the accumulated feces, it also has its uses; when combined with rotting plants, it can be used to cultivate fungi.

Alphonse saw many "mushrooms" growing on the mountain-like pile of dung.

People from Yunnan would probably like it; they cook almost any kind of mushroom.

The idea that Cantonese people eat everything is a stereotype. People from Yunnan are the real deal; they even use pine needles in stir-fries.

"You'd better not use your witchcraft in front of outsiders, especially the witchcraft that summons the souls of gold-devouring ants," Mia advised Alphonse once again.

"Hmm." Alphonse nodded perfunctorily; explaining the method of absorbing necromantic energy to Mia would be too troublesome.

If she thinks it's witchcraft, then so be it.

"I think," Tessie hesitated for a moment, but still spoke to Alphonse, "the slave you wanted was a craftsman who could prospect for mines and forge iron. I have now found a mine for you. If one day I can break free from the bondage of the slave contract, I hope you can set me free and let me leave."

Indeed, Tessie had done a great job this time, finding a mineral vein that even the Miners' Association couldn't detect. But Alphonse never thought he would let him slip out of control so easily.

Well, Taixi is quite a talented person, isn't he?

He's really too naive; how can you make demands only after the job is done?

However, it is still necessary to soothe his emotions.

"I understand your desire to travel and explore, but you also need to have great strength to avoid being controlled by others. You should understand the importance of strength after being captured by the slave team. I bought you this time, but if something happens again, you may not be able to escape. For now, just focus on cultivating in the Cold Wind Territory. There will be a day when you will be free. You should also understand that I do not treat you as a slave."

Tessie nodded silently. The honest and simple man had been convinced. What Alphonse said did make sense.

Alphonse had also figured out that if any hidden dangers of the Blood Fiend Demon Art were to arise in the future, he could blame it on the magical bard Edson.

Witchcraft is a very strange thing, isn't it?

Alphonse arrived at the military camp early the next morning.

With the strength in hand, the problems that need to be solved must be solved.

Only then can I stay home in peace and cultivate myself slowly.

In other words, an order was issued, summoning Simon and Thompson to the barracks for a meeting.

I hadn't seen Simon for a few days. The splint on his hand had been removed, and he seemed to be recovering well. At least he could perform the knightly salute properly.

Thompson still had that sinister look on his face. Although he still had a smile on his face, he always gave people the feeling that he had ill intentions.

As Alphonse scrutinized the two men, Thompson was also subtly observing him.

A considerable amount of time has passed since the day he incited the soldiers to riot, and Alphonse has not taken any further action to hold anyone accountable; he has only punished Nick and that's it.

This made Thompson even more pleased. The young lord couldn't do anything about him and still had to rely on him to maintain the stability of the guard.

"I wonder what matter the lord has summoned us to discuss?"

"It's nothing." Alphonse smiled kindly. "I just think that Thompson, you're no longer suitable to manage the Coldwind Territory's guard, and I'm preparing to remove you from your post."

Thompson's face instantly turned ashen.

Simon was also stunned and stood there speechless for a moment.

"Without my leadership, you probably wouldn't be able to control my soldiers, my lord," Thompson said through gritted teeth.

"You don't need to worry about that. I just don't think you're capable. Take the incident with the soldiers causing trouble at the lord's manor last time, for example. Simon could control his soldiers, but yours... well, let's just say it." Alphonse shook his head with a smile. "Let's just say it directly, you were the one who caused that incident, weren't you?"

"My lord! You are disgracing the reputation of a knight!" Thompson's temples bulged with veins.

"And then? You want to disobey my orders?" Alphonse stood up. "Fine, I'll give you a chance. If you can defeat me, this will be considered as if it never happened. You can still be your captain of the guard, and I won't interfere anymore."

Upon hearing Alphonse's words, Simon immediately became anxious. "My lord! Please reconsider."

Alphonse waved his hand dismissively to interrupt, "No need, just do as I say."

"For the sake of my honor, I am willing to accept this duel! You'll regret it!" Thompson was completely enraged. In his opinion, with his second-tier battle aura strength, defeating Alphonse would be an easy task.

"No need to pick a place, this will do." Alphonse swept the table and chairs in front of him aside and beckoned to Thompson.

"You can go pick out a weapon. Also, I can't guarantee that I can control the strength as I please during the duel. Don't blame me if you get hurt!" Thompson was determined to teach Alphonse a heavy lesson, at least enough to keep him in bed for a month or two.

Seeing that he couldn't stop it, Simon had no choice but to compromise. "My lord, I'll go get two wooden swords. It wouldn't be good if anyone got hurt."

His words were interrupted again by Alphonse, "No need. I don't need weapons to deal with him, Thompson, draw your sword!"

Alphonse told Thompson to draw his sword, but Thompson didn't want to be accused of patricide, so he simply unsheathed the longsword from his waist and held it in his hand.

Seeing Thompson's behavior, Simon finally felt a little more at ease.

At least it wasn't a real duel; the young master would only suffer minor injuries at most.

He simply couldn't understand why Alphonse would think of provoking Thompson.

He dared not let his guard down, his hand on the hilt of his sword, staring intently at Thompson.

He must stop Alphonse immediately if he is in danger.

"Don't think that just because you defeated Keberie you can look down on knights with battle aura!" Thompson roared, rushing forward and slashing his sword at Alphonse's shoulder.

The white light wrapped around the scabbard trailed a bright white glow.

Swift and ruthless!

(End of this chapter)