Chapter 998: Chapter 561: Predicament (Part 2)

The wealthy travelers were able to hire a ship with no shortage of money. Upon arriving in Hamlet, they didn’t stay on board or at an inn like others but rented several two-story houses instead.

This allowed them to accommodate the entire observation team; after all, they had guards with them, and altogether they numbered more than ten people, not including the crew.

Initially, they came to see if there really was a treatment for leprosy, but they were delayed for a day, just when they began to suspect it might be a false lead.

Unexpectedly, there was a Fishman invasion. While they had little interest in other matters, they were quite interested in the monster corpses.

However, they were still blocked, and even after negotiating with the merchants solely interested in money for half a day, they couldn’t acquire a single corpse.

Facing repeated obstacles in Hamlet, these high-status doctors became frustrated. In Totnes, both high officials and rich merchants, commoners and nobility treated them courteously, as everyone falls sick from time to time, and the Church’s divine arts only heal injuries, not illnesses.

Given the monopolistic nature of the Association of Healers, it’s no wonder they were so wealthy, and even had guards arranged.

But unfortunately, this was of no use in Hamlet. They couldn’t even bribe bureaucrats to smuggle out a corpse, as all intact bodies had been taken to the sanatorium, while the remnants had long disappeared. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

This strange town gave them a peculiar feeling until they witnessed the Lord’s might and the public trial, causing the members of the observation team to meet despite the late hour.

"What do you think?" someone looked at the big bearded man in Knight’s Armor beside him. He was the Guard Captain, a Knight Master.

"Very strong. A legendary fighter I’ve never heard of. I probably wouldn’t last a few rounds against him."

"This place is too weird. Don’t we have any more information about it?"

"Spend some money on the Romani, or the locals would be happy to tell us more."

From their conversation, it was clear their focus had shifted from leprosy to the Fishmen, and now quickly to the Lord and this place.

As they talked, the leader seemed to drift into memories before finally speaking.

"Twenty years ago, I also visited a place called Hamlet..."

The name Hamlet translates to "home," so many places have similar names.

Moreover, the locations differ greatly, so those familiar with Hamlet find it hard to associate here with its past.

Only those who truly understand it would know these things.

In the current situation, those who witnessed Hamlet’s former glory couldn’t help but recall certain things.

There might indeed be a chance of treating leprosy here.

"The people we negotiated with don’t have the authority to decide. I will personally meet the Lord. Recently, everyone should restrain themselves and avoid causing trouble, as he dares to stand up even to the Church. We’re no exception."

This decision was made knowing that the Association of Healers is also a supernatural organization...

Conditions in Hamlet improved after the Lord’s return. All grievances were aired, and Lance, busy around town, effectively overturned Grendel’s cautious, conservative policies, getting everything back on track overnight.

As the sun rose, it seemed everything had returned to normal stability.

The militia stood down, and firearms and weapons were checked and stored away once more.

However, their achievements must definitely be acknowledged, though it would take more time to make a full record in this era.

The sheriff and Naval Lance ordered their leave, initiating the reserves in the training camps and having school-aged youths patrol and maintain order.

After a night of rest, the hundred wounded, alongside the Honor Guard, escorted the mob to the wilderness for reform through labor.

Such arrangements by Lance naturally eased the frontline forces’ tension, allowing them to rest, but also left Hamlet somewhat undermanned.

However, no one cared because the Lord had returned.

Those foreigners, having witnessed last night’s "barbecue," likely wouldn’t dare act rashly, now more eager to leave.

Thus, early in the morning, many shipmasters went to the government building, hoping to get an exact time.

Meanwhile, in the third-floor office, Lance appeared for the first time in a while, having changed his outfit which made him seem more human.

Last night, he soaked for half a day to wash off the congealed blood, staining the water red, as imagined.

The full armor, broken sword, and clothes were sent to the museum as a testament to the Lord’s efforts to protect them, justifying Lance’s hard-acted performance.

"Those people demand the port be reopened soon."

Grendel entered the office. She had come early to assist with handling affairs.

Having received healing and Bless from Lance and after a night’s rest, she was evidently revitalized.

Upon hearing this, Lance wasn’t overly concerned, continuing with his breakfast, even gesturing to Grendel.

"Have you eaten?"

"It’s been two days. If we keep suppressing them without giving a precise time, it might cause trouble," Grendel, lacking Lance’s composure, couldn’t help but worry.

"I’m more eager to resolve this quickly. After all, Hamlet’s meat supply relies on fishing, but those Fishmen lingering in the waters haven’t left, and we don’t have any other solutions."

As Lance spoke, he tapped the plate with some resignation. "You see, I used to have fresh fish and shrimp every morning; now it’s just bread and eggs."

It’s not that Lance didn’t want to resolve the issue, but there was no way.

The Fishmen were causing trouble underwater, and he had no effective countermeasures.

Without fishing and the harbor, Hamlet’s development was severely hampered.

It was unexpected to be blockaded here too; the forefathers truly cut off his lifeline.

"What shall we do?" Grendel could only sit and ponder the solution.

"Simple, we go directly to the Fishmen’s lair and dismantle it, see if they dare return."

"But we can’t go underwater?" Grendel didn’t quite understand.

Even unable to deal with Fishmen in the water, how could they find their lair in the vast ocean?

Lance understood and immediately explained.

"To the northeast of the Old City Ruins, in a sea cliff, there’s a massive crevice where the Fishmen hide their lair."

"The Fishmen’s lair isn’t in the sea? Isn’t that too odd?"

Growing up in the Misty Mountains, Grendel could imagine mice in underground tunnels but struggled to understand why Fishmen would be in the bay.

"The bay’s environment is very complex; I’ve never been there, only inferred this from scarce surviving accounts."

Lance didn’t elaborate further, as that information was from the game’s limited clues.

However, it was quite helpful, ensuring not to confront Fishmen in open waters.

"Tell them, the port will reopen at the latest by tomorrow. They can board now to check if it’s seaworthy."

"So soon?" Grendel was surprised. Everyone knew they sought not merely to set sail, but to ensure safe escape from the Fishmen’s watch.

"Though we can’t drive them off permanently, we have emergency solutions," Lance hinted at shifting the topic, bringing up something else.

"Last night, I visited the hospital. Do you know the status of those not fully healed by the Holy Light?"