Overlord: Welcoming the Birth of the King
Chapter 72: Commission? "Comprehend Languages" and the Vice President

The fact that these platinum coins could circulate freely among human nations gave them an almost international currency status. If this was indeed orchestrated by the Platinum Dragon Lord or his associates, it wouldn't be entirely impossible.

Tang Zheng merely pondered briefly before snapping back to reality, pressing down the head of the snarling little hellhound. "Grrr..." The small creature whimpered softly.

Clink~

The platinum coin returned to the money pouch, colliding with others to produce a crisp, pleasant jingling sound. "You understand, magical beasts' emotions aren't the easiest to control," Tang Zheng said apologetically to the middle-aged man before him.

Whether this involved the Platinum Dragon Lord or not, overthinking it now was pointless. These long-lived species who had existed for centuries, even millennia, operated on a thought process far beyond what short-lived humans could comprehend. Without sufficient intelligence, trying to guess their intentions would only lead to frustration.

"Understood, understood," the middle-aged man exhaled in relief and quickly responded.

"I'd like to post a commission—should I go to the front desk..." Tang Zheng suddenly spoke up.

The middle-aged man interjected, "Such minor matters can be handled directly by me." As a chanter capable of using second-tier magic with appraisal skills at the Adventurers Guild, his talents might be limited, but his position wasn't low-ranking.

Normally, such trivial commissions would be delegated to subordinates, unworthy of his personal attention. His current involvement stemmed from both the recently completed 720-gold transaction and certain matters requiring private confirmation with this black-haired young man.

"The commission involves finding a magic caster who masters 'Comprehend Languages,'" Tang Zheng said softly. "Preferably as quickly as possible."

Before heading to the Bahāruth Empire, he had numerous preparations to make. Beyond financial matters, his most pressing issue was illiteracy. In human society, being unable to read always brought unnecessary troubles. The simplest solution was learning.

Without considering whether writing systems varied across human nations, learning an entirely unfamiliar script would be headache-inducing for Tang Zheng, who had been academically challenged in his past life. More importantly, the time investment required.

'Comprehend Languages' could decipher various scripts, translating them into meanings understandable to the user. With such convenient magic available, there was no need to waste time. Alternatively, obtaining a 'Scholar'-type class could provide similar skills.

"'Comprehend Languages'? That's quite a rare spell," the middle-aged man mused, his expression thoughtful.

After a brief silence, he continued, "This magic is primarily used for researching extinct nations from centuries past. I do know several individuals who've mastered it. However..." His face showed hesitation. "These people aren't short on money. If you can wait, I know someone in the royal capital."

"But summoning them would take at least two months, with compensation exceeding fifty gold coins."

Hearing this, Tang Zheng shook his head. "Money isn't the issue, but the timeframe is too long." He couldn't afford to stay in E-Rantel that long.

Based on current timelines, the future Imperial Knight "Heavy Bombardment" Rainaes Rockbruu hadn't yet been recruited by the Bloody Emperor into the Four Knights. Recently expelled from her family, she was likely wandering somewhere, seeking a cure for the Cursed Knight class's side effects.

Even after reaching the Bahāruth Empire, locating Rainaes Rockbruu would require effort. Wasting months in E-Rantel was unacceptable.

Seeing Tang Zheng's immediate refusal, the middle-aged man leaned back slightly, a faint smile appearing. "There is someone in E-Rantel who knows this magic. But this information costs ten gold coins."

Clatter!

Expressionless, Tang Zheng reached into the money pouch on the table, retrieving ten gold coins which he placed before the man.

"Vice President of the Mages Guild, Master Beroray Vanov Gregory Butkin," the man said with visible respect. "He possesses 'Comprehend Languages,' but rarely appears publicly. Though nominally the vice president, even our guild leader struggles to meet with him." He ended with a shrug, his meaning clear.

Tang Zheng's lips twitched imperceptibly. The E-Rantel Mages Guild leader was Theo Lachiel, but this was his first hearing of a vice president. If even the Adventurers Guild leader couldn't meet him, Tang Zheng doubted his own chances.

Ten gold coins for seemingly useful yet ultimately worthless information.

In that case, alternative methods needed consideration. Were there perhaps magic items capable of translation?

As Tang Zheng prepared to rise and leave, the middle-aged man hastily spoke up. "Wait a moment, sir. These two hellhound bone chains—you obtained them from the Great Tob Forest, correct? Could you share the forest's current situation? Regardless of accuracy, these ten coins will serve as intelligence fees. For significant information, we'll provide additional satisfactory compensation."

He pushed the ten coins back toward Tang Zheng, who glanced between the gold and the respectfully bowing man.

Fine, fine. Playing this game.

"The Great Tob Forest's situation..." Tang Zheng pocketed the coins while standing under the man's expectant gaze, then stated flatly, "No idea."

Leaving the stunned man behind, Tang Zheng departed with the little hellhound.

"Seems my earlier information didn't satisfy," the middle-aged man muttered wryly, adjusting his monocle as sharp glints flashed in his eyes. "A juvenile hellhound and two adult hellhound bone chains—he must have entered the Great Tob Forest."

"Should I report to the guild leader and dispatch an investigation team?... Never mind. Since higher-ups have drawn conclusions, as long as border villages remain unaffected..."

"Lower-ranked adventurers need basic reassurance. The real trouble lies elsewhere..."