Lord Gauss’s arrival naturally couldn’t go unnoticed by others.
Though Gray Rock Town is remote and not particularly prosperous in trade, as one of the transit stations for many adventurers entering Jade Forest, its information flow is very well-developed.
Even while Gauss was away for these months, locals frequently mentioned that Gauss was an adventurer who hailed from Gray Rock Town, and many of them had even met him face to face.
When talking about this, even though many foreign caravans and workers might not believe it, the locals spoke with pride.
Although Gauss’s appearance had changed significantly from the past, the main features of his black hair and green eyes remained largely unchanged, so many people could vaguely guess his identity after some observation.
Of course, guessing was one thing, but the diners in the hall eating wouldn’t recklessly disturb this adventurer squad’s meal, and even their conversation voices instinctively grew quieter, afraid of disturbing them. Naturally, they might also want to overhear what Gauss and others were chatting about.
At the dining table, while waiting for the dishes to be served.
Gauss was introducing his past experiences in Gray Rock Town to Albena and Ying.
He didn’t think his past life in Gray Rock Town, struggling at the poverty line, was any inglorious experience, or rather, those somewhat painful and bitter memories had become insignificant tales to share at the moment.
After chatting for a while, the dishes were quickly brought up.
"Sit down and eat together."
Gauss promptly invited Sofia to join them for the meal.
He also wanted to learn about how her life in Gray Rock Town had been over the past year.
Although from his observations, the expansion of the shop, the increase in staff, and the renovations of the inn all undoubtedly indicated that Sofia’s situation was thriving, hearing directly from her would provide a clearer understanding.
"Haven’t encountered any trouble, have you?"
"Quite good actually, what trouble could I possibly have?" Sofia smiled. "Thanks to you, there’s always someone to take care of the shop’s business."
"What about you, Gauss, have you been well?"
Sofia’s gaze turned to Gauss’s teammates.
Even though she was just a regular town resident and didn’t know much about adventurers and their lifestyle, she could tell that Gauss and his teammates were distinctly different from the adventurers in town.
Their equipment was more luxurious, and the demeanor they exuded in their words and actions showed a notable difference.
After all, a person’s demeanor and temperament refine over time with experiences and broadened horizons.
In less than a year, which seemed insignificant, Gauss and others went from battling beast hordes at the Forest Crown Town’s outpost, rampaging tree-men in Black Forest, blasting goblin rock-dwelling caves, to sinking goblin motherships at sea, engaging in rural "volunteer teaching," subduing dragon beasts, slaying evil witches, and fighting against the Dragon Worship Sect, meeting twin deities and learning prophecies...
Ordinary adventurers might not have as rich experiences in a lifetime as what they encountered during this time.
With each experience, encountering several life-and-death crises, lent everyone an air of calm composure.
Of course, Gauss merely selected some interesting travel anecdotes to share with Sofia, such as the scenery at Coral Bay, the festival at Blue Lake of Lake Town, and the encounter with tieflings at Flute Castle.
Sofia listened to his travel stories and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, happy for his growth.
The once-town boy had grown into a legendary figure in the eyes of ordinary people.
After finishing lunch,
Gauss’s gaze moved to the few cavalry waiting at the inn’s entrance; in fact, they had arrived halfway through his meal, but did not interrupt, and merely waited until he finished dining.
After making eye contact with Gauss, the leading man nodded and walked in.
"Lord Gauss, President Abelhard wishes to invite you and your teammates to visit the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters at your convenience; he would like to meet with you."
"I understand, I will head to the Guild this afternoon."
Gauss nodded.
This did not surprise him.
In truth, it wasn’t just in Gray Rock Town; ever since he gained fame as the Red Dragon Knight and achieved impressive feats like slaying the Extraordinary Dragon Priestess, each small town he passed would offer him an invitation from the local Adventurer’s Guild president.
Some simply wished to meet him and see if they could establish connections, while others wanted to hand over challenging high-difficulty commissions to him.
However, during that time, he was busy heading to and returning from the snow mountain, so he didn’t spend too long on the road.
Since Gray Rock Town was his "hometown," he certainly couldn’t refuse the invitation with the excuse of a busy schedule like he could with other ordinary small towns he passed through.
Speaking of which, he had encountered Abelhard several times before and recognized him.
However, this recognition was one-sided from his perspective; back then, he was merely a regular level 1 Professional, not noteworthy at the winter hunting event, and was even envious of President Abelhard’s griffon mount.
But now, in terms of mounts, he was far ahead.
Shaking his head to cast aside the thoughts.
Gauss did not rush to set off immediately for the Adventurer’s Guild but instead took his teammates back to his own home not far from the inn.
Having been away for over half a year, the house was filled with dust.
He checked the mechanisms he left behind, confirmed that no outsider had entered the house during his absence, and then used magic to swiftly clean the house, leaving it spotless once more.