Seeing that Quentin Bennett did not refuse, Eunuch King's expression improved considerably. He put on a smile and said, "I'm entrusting you to find out the whereabouts of this calligraphy scroll. This matter is of great importance, and the fewer people who know, the better. As long as you can find out where it is, I will naturally reward you further."

A reward... Quentin Bennett was in tears. He didn't want any reward; a eunuch's reward is never easy to accept.

But judging by the situation, the man was basically holding a cleaver, insisting that you take his reward whether you want it or not.

Fine, I'll investigate!

"But to investigate, I'm afraid I don't have enough manpower. Especially since I'm not familiar with the people in your residence, so it would be best to have someone trustworthy to help. I heard you have a very capable man under you, surname Carter, given name James, skilled in both civil and martial matters, and very loyal. Why not assign him to assist me? Would you be willing, Your Excellency?"

"James Carter?" Presumably this fellow was one of the outer members guarding the eunuch's residence. In any case, Eunuch King didn't have much of an impression of him, so he said, "Wait a moment, I'll go ask."

He then called someone over, inquired about James Carter, and ordered someone to bring James Carter in.

Quentin Bennett was feeling smug. Carter big brother, even you have fallen into my hands at last! He then snickered slyly.

James Carter came in, completely confused. He first shot a surprised glance at Quentin Bennett, thinking viciously: Hasn't this Bennett guy been dragged out to feed the dogs yet? Since when did Eunuch King become so good-tempered?

He thought to himself, maybe the eunuch heard about my skills and specially ordered me to carry out the punishment.

James Carter suddenly got excited, his mind running wild: Should I break his hand first, or his leg? Ha... For the sake of his respect for Carter grandpa, maybe I'll gouge out his eyes first. Carter grandpa has been honest all his life; I can't ruin my own reputation over this. Amitabha, mercy, mercy.

"James Carter..." Eunuch King called, interrupting his fantasies.

"Your Excellency, this humble one, James Carter, greets you. Wishing you great fortune." James Carter immediately put on a fawning smile, his small eyes squinting into slits, baring all his teeth in a neat row.

"Shameless!" Quentin Bennett cursed inwardly.

Eunuch King nodded at James Carter with expectation and said, "I've always known your loyalty. Now I have a task for you. From now on, you will follow his orders. Don't ask questions, just do as he says. If you do well, there will be a reward. But if you dare have any crooked thoughts, I'll take your life. Do you understand?"

As Eunuch King spoke, he pointed at Quentin Bennett.

James Carter was shocked. What kind of potion did this kid give Eunuch King? Not only is Eunuch King not punishing him, but he's actually making me work under this kid? This... makes no sense.

Chapter Five: Debts Must Be Repaid

"Ahem, ahem..."

After leaving the eunuch's residence, the sky was as dark as ink, and only faint lights could be seen on the street.

Quentin Bennett walked with his hands behind his back, coughing desperately.

James Carter immediately asked nervously, "Young Master Bennett, are you alright? Should we rest for a bit on the way? I can give you a back massage."

A back massage... Quentin Bennett looked at him darkly, afraid that James Carter might just beat him to death without warning.

"No need." This time, Quentin Bennett kept his words brief. Then he paused, cleared his throat, and said, "Also..."

"What else?" James Carter grinned from ear to ear. Although he didn't know what had happened between Quentin Bennett and Eunuch King, he was very clear about the current situation: Quentin Bennett was now his immediate superior. If Quentin Bennett told him to go east, he had to go east. As an outstanding lackey, he had to adjust his mindset to adapt to this complex and ever-changing society.

Quentin Bennett said sincerely, "Carter big brother, you just called me Master Bennett and referred to yourself as 'this humble one.' That's too distant. What are we? We're brothers! Brothers in this life, not the next. How can you be so formal? What you just said chilled my heart. I've always respected you, treated you as my Carter big brother..."

James Carter was moved, though he wasn't sure if it was real, but at least he acted the part: "No, no, I should call you Bennett big brother. Although I'm a few years older, in my heart, you're like my late elder brother."

Bastard... Quentin Bennett's face fell. This guy actually said he was like a dead man.

But Quentin Bennett clearly didn't like to get straight to the point. He patted James Carter's shoulder: "Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease!"

James Carter grabbed Quentin Bennett's arm, eyes brimming with tears: "Bennett big brother..."

Quentin Bennett then said, "By the way, where's my money pouch? I gave it to you for safekeeping earlier. Do you still have it?"

James Carter slapped his forehead as if suddenly remembering, quickly took out Quentin Bennett's money pouch, and said with a grin, "I was just worried you might lose it, so as your brother I kept it for you temporarily. Now, returning it to its rightful owner."

Quentin Bennett took the pouch, looked through it, and his face immediately darkened.

James Carter quickly asked, "Bennett big brother, why do you look so unhappy?"

Quentin Bennett sighed and said, "I clearly remember there were fifteen or sixteen taels of silver in my pouch, so why are there only four or five taels left, plus a few dozen copper coins?"