My Computer Leads to an Instance Dungeon-Chapter 86 - 83: Night of Revelry, and—Heretic

"You’re not drinking anymore?" The proprietress was a little surprised, but she didn’t press the matter. Instead, she retrieved a copper key from under the counter, picked up a candlestick, and led the way.

Fang Zhen followed the proprietress up the stairs, carrying his gear bag.

The stairs were made of wood and creaked with every step.

Fang Zhen climbed these stairs to the second floor.

The second-floor landing wasn’t very large, with just four rooms in total. The floorboards and the railing above the stairs were made of wood, and a faint, sweet aroma of oak hung in the air if one paid attention.

The proprietress led the way to the room at the very end, unlocked the door with the key, and stepped inside to light the candle before waiting by the entrance.

"This is the best room I have. It’s quiet, and sound doesn’t carry."

"It’s a good place for important discussions."

She held out the key.

Fang Zhen nodded and took the key from her.

He walked into the room.

Inside the room, a slightly worn wrought-iron lamp cast a warm glow, illuminating the simple wooden furniture and heavy fabric draperies. From outside the window, the breeze carried the sound of laughter from the tavern below and the excited shouts of the townspeople.

The air held a mixed fragrance of fresh hay and pine. The coarse linen bedding on the bed was sturdy and durable, warm to the touch with a slightly rough texture.

The proprietress tactfully exited the room, closing the door behind her.

Fang Zhen walked over and sat on the only wooden chair in the room. Seeing this, Matthew and Ande exchanged a brief, polite gesture before sitting at opposite ends of the bed.

As Fang Zhen looked at Matthew and Ande across from him, a curious thought struck him.

The three of them in this room were quite possibly the top figures in Redstone Town.

Fang Zhen was the pinnacle of Combat Power.

Matthew was the highest representative of spiritual authority, while Ande was the most influential man in the secular sphere.

’Heh, what does that make us? The big three of Redstone Town?’ The thought tickled Fang Zhen’s sense of humor.

Seeing Ande’s puzzled expression and Matthew’s pensive look, Fang Zhen reined in his thoughts.

"Gentlemen, I’ve cleared out the Kobold mine, but the situation in Redstone Town is not optimistic," he said. "While clearing the Kobolds from the mine, I stumbled upon a conspiracy against our town."

"Baron von Kleist to the north is the mastermind behind the Kobolds—or, to be precise, their sponsor."

"Baron von Kleist’s goal is to annex the whole of Redstone Town."

Fang Zhen stated.

After he spoke, he carefully observed the reactions of the two men before him.

"What?" Ande immediately cried out in shock.

Father Matthew was also stunned, but after a moment, he seemed to recall something, and his expression slowly returned to normal.

Fang Zhen took out the letter he had retrieved from the Kobolds’ treasure chest.

He had been carrying the letter on his person, and it was still warm from his body heat.

"See for yourselves."

Fang Zhen held out the letter.

Ande took the letter and examined it closely.

However, a look of confusion gradually spread across Ande’s face.

"Sir, the letter... I can’t read it!" Ande said hesitantly.

Fang Zhen glanced at Ande, his expression one of both surprise and understanding.

It made sense. Fang Zhen could only understand the letter’s contents because of his talent for symbology and linguistics, which had also allowed him to recognize that its script was different from the writing system used in Redstone Town.

Ande didn’t seem to be a particularly scholarly man, so it was only natural that he couldn’t read it.

"Ahem," Matthew coughed lightly, rising to his feet. "I have received some education and training in other scripts. Perhaps I might take a look?"

"Of course," Fang Zhen nodded.

Matthew took two steps forward and accepted the letter from Ande.

The moment Matthew glanced at the writing on the letter, he froze as if he’d been struck dumb, standing stunned for a full three or four seconds.

"Father?" Even Ande sensed something was wrong and called out to him.

Fang Zhen was also a bit surprised. ’It’s just a supply ledger. Is it really that shocking?’

"Heresy!"

Suddenly, veins bulged on the forehead of the usually mild-mannered Matthew as he let out a thunderous roar!