Mr. Parker, with his hands clasped behind his back, responded calmly, "In fact, you are already enjoying our services."
Lex straightened his back slightly. "For example?"
"For example, if we weren't responsible for the clean-up, the Police Station would probably be looking for the people who took down the Sea Serpent Gang last night."
"Of course, the police probably wouldn't be looking to give you a 'Good Citizen Award'."
Old Parker's gaze remained unchanged, making one truly wonder if his stomach was filled with parts and Machines. "Besides that, we'll also help you find a place to stay for free. After all, it's quite normal for people like you to move every few days."
Hearing this, Lex suddenly had an idea. "If I wanted to settle down in Tingen, could the club help me find a suitable house?"
He remembered the Watcher's suggestion and planned to acquire a 'safe house' in Tingen for changing clothes, disguising himself, and evading pursuit.
Additionally, he needed to find a residence for 'Duke'—which, of course, was also a layer of disguise.
However, he hadn't intended to rely on the club to find a house; he merely wanted to inquire about the prices and sales methods of houses in Tingen in advance.
Mr. Parker's gaze finally shifted slightly. He looked at Lex with a hint of surprise. "You mean the kind where you buy out the right to use it for ten or fifteen years, based on the land deed's term?"
"I mean the kind that is fully purchased."
The old man's mouth twitched slightly before he said, "We don't provide that kind of service. If you need it, I suggest you inquire at the 'Tingen City Housing Improvement Company'; they are more professional."
"All I know is that for a full purchase, houses on Daffodil Street are around 900 pounds. Houses in the northern Fania Street area, with a porch and a small lawn, would be more expensive, probably around 1500 pounds."
"As for better neighborhoods, like Halls Street, or the Golden Banyan District, house prices are even higher. And you probably wouldn't like living in such a showy place."
Daffodil Street was absolutely out of the question, at least before early September. The Fania Street area in the North District was decent, but there was no need to rush. As for Halls Street and the Golden Banyan District, they weren't entirely out of consideration.
Those were high-end residential areas, indeed a bit ostentatious, but precisely because of that, the identity of 'Duke' would be safer. Because most people would, like Old Parker, think that a hunter wouldn't live in such a place. Of course, houses there would definitely not be cheap!
As Lex was contemplating his property acquisition plans, Grizzly's voice came from behind him. "Morning, Boss Duke."
"It's evening, and it's getting late," corrected his partner, Mole.
Lex turned around. All the hunters and Beyonder who participated in yesterday's operation had arrived.
Arbiter Cromwell was still his usual self, looking melancholic. The big beauty Nafi's eyes were full of curiosity, constantly looking around.
Lex tapped the bar. "Mr. Parker, a drink for everyone."
Old Parker didn't move. "Drinks are not free."
"Deduct the cost of the drinks from my bounty."
With that, the old man opened the liquor cabinet and took out a bottle of white wine.
After everyone was seated, Lex took out envelope after envelope from his pocket, containing the payment he had prepared earlier.
The envelopes had each person's name or nickname, so there would be no confusion.
After receiving and counting their respective payments, they all let out satisfied laughs.
Taking Grizzly as an example, his basic payment was 50 pounds, but Lex added an extra 100 pounds as additional reward. After deducting last night's ammunition consumption and firearm repairs, he still managed to earn over a hundred pounds.
This was not a small sum.
As for the Beyonder, they gained even more.
Cromwell, having taken down Terros with the red hair by himself, received 350 pounds, including his basic payment.
The young lady Nafi had a zero kill count, but in the battle with Stephen, she played the role of a living trap as Lex instructed, cutting off the swindler's arm, and received 250 pounds.
"Boss Duke, you're the most generous person I've ever met. If you need help in the future, remember to call us!"
Grizzly raised his white wine, toasting Lex. However, seeing the big man drink white wine like beer, the old man behind the bar looked pained.
"It's nothing; compared to the reward I paid you, I gained even more."
Lex suddenly paused.
Did I just speak my mind?
Is it because of the negative effects of the 'secrecy keeper'?
Fortunately, after being Sealed, this magical item only makes people reveal their thoughts, not their secrets. Otherwise, Lex's words would have become, 'I obtained spoils worth ten thousand pounds and two magical items.'
After getting the money, the small team temporarily disbanded, but Lex noticed that the young lady Nafi was still sitting in her chair.
She looked at Lex with an excited, adoring gaze. "Boss, you were so cool last night. If there are missions in the future, can you always take me with you?"
"I want to learn from you!"
No, girl, my fighting style isn't suitable for you.
That would damage your image, and you might not be able to get married.
Lex couldn't imagine Nafi saying to her opponent, 'How are you weaker than a girl like me?'
However, taking her on missions could be considered. In fact, after he advances to Pyromaniac, if he finds someone of the Apothecary pathway, they could form a 'Warrior-Mage-Priest' combination.
Collecting his thoughts, Lex nodded almost imperceptibly, agreeing to her request.
Nafi cheered happily, almost jumping up.
At that moment, a figure flickered in the corner of his eye, and a warm voice with a hint of a smile rang out, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Lex looked up, and what met his eyes was a middle-aged man with moderately long, golden, messy hair, beneath which was a mature and extremely charming face.
His brown eyes held a gentle gaze, and his carefully trimmed beard curled slightly with the smile that bloomed on his face.
Lex remembered him.
The first time Lex came to the club, he had seen him; at that time, he was playing the violin by the window!
"Hello, my name is Richard, a musician."
Lex took the hand the other party extended, and briefly introduced himself, "Duke."
Richard nodded and sat down. "Congratulations on completing a commission. You are the fastest advancing hunter I've seen in the club."
He then smiled at Old Parker. "Could I have a drink?"
While the old man poured the drink, Richard turned to face Lex. "I'll get straight to the point, Duke. I'd like to ask for your help, the kind with a reward."
Lex swirled his drink, narrowing his eyes slightly. "What kind of help?"
Richard leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Deliver a letter for me. The reward is a clue to the next stage's potion formula!"