Gaselirot: Lord of Redir - part 12

Ivan stood in the same room on the 4th floor of the Eruon trade union estate. "And how did I butt yesterday ... I hate this damn policy. And how should I behave with the lord ?! Even here, I only talked about ties with Nero ... Damn, I look like a goose! arms!" - Ivan thought, rubbing his weight with his hands. After a while, he took up the nearby dishes and filled his stomach. At the end of the meal, Barsik jumped onto his shoulder. However, he soon noticed one oddity, his armor was in perfect condition and even had new protective elements in places. After Ivan got dressed and examined his appearance, he heard a knock on the door. Immediately after being allowed to enter, the door was opened by a tall man in strict, black clothes.

- Sir, let me escort you to the hall where the chapter is now awaiting. the man said, bowing.

-Ah, yes, but what about my armor? - said Ivan.

-According to the decree of the chapter, we replaced your armor with a new and better one, in connection with the campaign into the domain of the lord. - explained the man.

-This is how ...

-I ask you to go down to the hall, sir.

-Oh, really, let's go - agreed Ivan.

Downstairs on the first floor, Ivan saw Zagok and the head of Eruon, sitting in the center of the hall. Also next to them were several persons already familiar to Ivan. They were: Nero and Tomen. Of course, they also noticed a man who had just descended to them.

-Oh! Haven't seen each other for a long time, Ivan! - began to shout Nero at the sight of Ivan.

-Hello, Mr. Ivan. Tomen greeted.

-Good morning, Mr. Ivan. - wedged into the conversation Zagok.

-Hello. - added the head of Eruon.

-Hello everyone. - answered Ivan.

- Hurry to sit down with us. - invited Ivan to the table Nero.

-Yeah.

-When did you manage to drop by? - Nero was puzzled.

-Yes, yesterday I visited some information about a sect ... - Ivan began to tell.

- "Levion", they recognized one of the members of the group and at the moment we all decided to go with the news to the lord. - finished the head of Eruon for him.

- Are you finally done with the Levion? I feel like a mountain fell from my back ... - said Nero.

-By the way, weren't you going for a week, or another, on some important matters? Ivan asked.

- Well, yes, I had to fix the problems in the economy that arose because of this Levion grouping, but if they disappear, then these problems will disappear by themselves.

-Do not evade work, you have to conclude contracts with new officials. - reminded the head of Eruon.

-E ?! But didn't the old contracts remain with the lord?

-If everything were so simple, then guerrilla tactics would not exist. - after these words of his father, Nero finally lost heart and rested his nose on the table in front of him.

-And why should I deal with contracts, do we have no one else for such work?

-You will be the head of our company, which means that you should be able to do everything the same as me! If you cannot even conclude several contracts, then you have no right to take over the management of our trade union! - the head of Eruon reprimanded.

- How serious it is ... - Ivan muttered to himself.

-I think it's time for us to move, the lord should already be waiting for us. - said the head of Eruon.

-Ah, Mr. Ivan, please leave your tamed beast in the union. The lord might not like this.

Ivan looked at the head of Eruon.

-Yes, leave him here, don't worry, they'll be able to take care of him.

- Eh, okay ... - Ivan sighed.

Ivan dismissed Barsik from his shoulder and handed it to the servant.

- Thank you for your trust, sir. - the leaving servant left behind a few words.

After that, they got up from the table and went to the exit, where a richly decorated carriage, harnessed by two black horses in beautifully decorated armor of gold and silver, was already waiting for them. As soon as Ivan's team climbed into the cart, it started off. Passing tall stone buildings and other structures, the carriage did not slow down towards the lord's domain.

-I did not think that I would ever meet with the lord ... - Ivan muttered, still in a dazed state.

- I think that since you are familiar with my son, then you are at least an unusual person, so the lord is also a possible option for acquaintance. - said the head of Eruon.

-By the way, I was just in the slums when I saw this group of yours "Levion", and in these gateways I met a small group of boys ...

- Have you been robbed? I can send a couple of soldiers and they will be killed, at the same time they will take your things. Nero suggested without hesitation.

-Nero. - the head of Eruon angrily looked at his son.

-What? - Nero exclaimed in surprise.

-Let the person finish, you can be rude to someone! Woe is the entrepreneur ... - the head of Eruon put his hand on his face.

-Um ... Actually, I wanted to find housing for this kid ... And I thought that for such a trade union it would not be a problem ... - Ivan explained a little nervously.

- You wanted us to take care of the little things from the slums? Ivan, do you think that our trade union will help every beggar? We're just investing in a potentially profitable business and I don't think these little friends of yours can help us in any way. - began to explain Nero.

- Nero, stop it. It seems to me that we could take them under our wing. Just a few kids won't do us any good.

-What? But you yourself always talk about the benefits! You won't even lift a finger if it's not profitable for you! So where am I wrong now? - indignant at the words of father Nero.

- You don't seem to understand me. After all, Ivan has an extremely high predisposition to all magical elements at once, which means that in the future he will be able to wield powerful forces. It is also beneficial for us, consider that we are investing in the future. Am I right, Ivan? - having uttered his speech, the head of Eruon turned his face towards Ivan.

-Eh? Well, yes, I have a pretty good disposition to all magical elements, but ... - Ivan hesitated in embarrassment.

-But you decided not to be arrogant? Do not be shy, I know how long it took you to enter the state of meditation and to release fiery sparks. An ingenious student of the great Dusiey ...

-You overestimate me ... So Nero has already told you about everything ... No, stop, how did you know about the time for all this? Was Nero present at the lessons then?

-I have other sources of information about this. Better tell me that you were called ... Is it true? - pronouncing these words the head of Eruon leaned towards Ivan and looked seriously into his eyes.

-Uh ... Well ...

"His look ... He will drill a hole in my head right now! It's scary! It seems that if I don't tell him everything right now, then my glorious days will end at the bottom of the nearest lake with a pebble in my arms. Should I even tell him about it?" ... No, he already knows everything. In vain, I probably still told Nero about this with Uru-Shea ... Okay, I was not. "

-Yes, I did appear in a field near the village of hobbits "Dyrosh", but I'm not sure that I was called exactly ...

- Indeed, to summon and not give instructions, moreover, not even to look at the summoned creature, although the summoner may have followed from afar ... In any case, summon a humanoid creature ...

- Can't you summon humanoids?

-Well, no one seems to have called ... However, not everyone talks about their calls. Maybe they exist.

- I see ... I would like to know about such cases.

-Well, I'll send a few people to check the archives about this.

-Thank you very much.

-Of course, after all, this is a contribution to the future. - Saying this, the head of Eruon smiled mysteriously.

-Father, are you only doing this because of his magical powers? Is that really the only reason ...

-Of course, not only because of that, you seem to be talking about how he saved Uru-Shu from the beast with the ability of foresight ... This is a very interesting detail and I like it.

-I see ... Now I understand ...

- Eh ... I just accidentally killed him then. Nero, I already explained it to you! - Ivan began to make excuses.

-Yes, I remember, I remember ... You don't have to remind me. Don't worry Father, he's just a little shy. - Nero turned towards his father and began to explain Ivan's behavior, as if he were a small child.

-Hey! - Ivan clearly did not like the previous statement.

- Gentlemen, we are already near the lord's domain! - their conversations were interrupted by the cry of the driver outside the carriage.

- Okay, enough about that. When you fall before the lord, then behave appropriately. Ivan, you can follow Nero's movements, he knows what to do. Try to speak as little as possible and not stand out too much.

Don't be mean to the lord under any circumstances.

- Of course ... - Ivan immediately shook his head vertically.

"I have already perfectly hammered these rules into my head, I do not want to somehow repeat the story from Lagos ...". After some time the carriage stopped and the charioteer opened the door. First, the head of Eruon came out, followed by Nero and at the very end Ivan with Tomen and Zagok behind him. The lord's courtyard looked almost sparkling. A fence consisting of iron rods intertwined in bizarre patterns and polished marble pillars decorated with gold to a shine. Each bush that grew along the path on which Ivan's group stood looked so picturesque and lush that a feeling of unreality of what was happening was created. This whole mesmerizing picture could become the center of the world. "Every time I see more and more elegant buildings and courtyards ... What will happen next? I start to think that I am nothing more than a waste, just by looking at one of these green bushes by the road! Am I really lower than a bush in status ? " The most important building towered over all this magnificent garden and made it perfectly clear that it was the heart of this city. Several severely dressed servants stood at the huge doors. When the head of Eruon came closer, the servants opened the doors. Inside, there was a maid, also sternly dressed. "Grace and austerity ... Someone seems to have good tastes here! Damn, her breasts are quite voluminous! If my friend were here ... He could always name three holy numbers at first glance. I can only rate her as hot chick ... I wonder if she works here as a secretary? Damn, no, no, no! Lord is a serious man, and all these vulgarities are just part of my perverse fantasy ... If I go back to my world, then I will definitely limit all her interactions with porn ... In any case ... She was hired here for a reason ... Is it really true for her huge "eyes" ... "The employee, in turn, did not even suspect Ivan's thoughts, led the guests to a room with a large rectangular table and sofas on either side. A rather tall man with crystal-white hair sat on one of the sofas. His long hair fell in strands over his shoulders and he had a braid running horizontally from one weight to another, as if dividing his head in two. Already a common feature for Ivan, long pointed ears protruded outward. Nice face and bright green eyes. All this created a perfect example of a beautiful elf from fairy tales and legends. "My God ... If I were a woman, I would definitely have already laid down in front of him. Handsome, and even with money ... Lord of the main trading point of the kingdom of elves ... He is still a womanizer anyway! I wonder how many innocent Has he already tried beauties? I am beginning to dislike with all my heart! If he tells me right now that he is already tired of the staring and languid gaze of the female half, then I will cut his throat right there! Ivan's eyes immediately sparkled with a cold gleam.

-Hello, dear guests of my humble domain! Please have a seat. - said the luxurious elf and pointed to the sofa in front of him.

-With your permission. - answered the head of Eruon, sitting down.

Ivan and Nero also hastened to take their places. Ivan was noticeably nervous, because not every day you talk to high-ranking personalities, although for Ivan this is already, one might say, the third time. Thomen and Zagok, of course, stood behind, not daring to sit down.

-So what do I owe you, Mardo? the lord began to talk.

- I would like to discuss the Levion faction.

-Do you have any information about these bastards? - the eyes of the lord shone and a fleeting smile appeared on his noble face.

-You are right, Hishan. We were finally able to find the evidence we needed, which perfectly confirms my previous suspicions. We can finally get rid of these terrorists.

-It's interesting, interesting, since you speak so sincerely ... And what is your today's report?

-We found out about one of the members of the group. The one who, perhaps, performed most of the executions and part-time student of the magic academy is Deshis Lover and, for sure, most of the members of the group are also students of the magic academy.

-Deshis ... A student of the magic academy? Is the magic academy somehow involved in all this?

-Most probably not. I believe that this is only an independent activity of her students, however, I advise you to conduct your own investigation on this matter.

-Of course, something else? How about methods and traces?

- I think that, using their status and connections, they passed through the gates into the slums of the city, preliminarily disguising their victims in rags when they were taken, then they killed and covered their tracks, they provided disinformation with the help of acquaintances from patrols and at posts, thereby covering Your eyes. Following sound logic and my experience, the group has several leaders, thus it is possible that the group is divided into several parts, which ensures its independence ... However, since these are only students, then they do not have serious forces, which means keeping the whole gang alone they cannot, and certainly young heads are rather careless and mentally unstable. As soon as we put a little pressure on one of the leaders and the rest will also weaken. Without each other, they are just a bunch of worthless rebels. But it will be most effective to find the most capable leader. Surely they have one of the smartest, to which everyone listens and base their plans on his words. - Gave out his assumptions Mardo.

-What is your source of information? And what is its guarantee? - the lord elf warned.

-This person next to me, Ivan is an acquaintance of my son and also a promising magician. I cannot give a 100% guarantee on this information, but his words were confirmed by one of my people, who was present at the crime scene with Ivan.

-Hmm ... These assumptions have a good chance of being true. If this is the case, then we can go to one of the leaders of Levion. I think this is exactly what we will do. Having obtained information about the other participants in this coup, we will destroy their entire system ... However, what if this is not quite the case? Maybe this is part of their plan that we should fall for the trap? - having finished his speech, Lord Hishan turned his sharp gaze on Ivan.

-It is unlikely that Ivan has a rather naive character and knows little about politics and economics. I also did a little pressure test, but it shook him easily. Even the sent spies would have resisted at least a little ... In the conversation, I could not reveal a single professional habit that hidden agents usually have. Otherwise, I am proudly ready to lose to such a person in terms of acting and beating around the finger ... Also, a person from my trade union is a proven knight who has a good income and has been in the service for a decent amount of time. - explained Mardo.

-Ivan, huh? Well, I'll believe you, Mardo. Try not to deceive my trust in you. - in a cold and distinct voice summed up Lord Hishan.

-You will definitely not be disappointed, Lord Hishan. - assured Lord Mardo.

-So, what are you going to do now? - asked Lord Hishan, continuing to pierce his interlocutors with his gaze.

-First, we will send a few people to follow Deshis, after finding out the rest of the group, we will take control. With the help of torture and persuasion in mercy, we find out the rest of the information. Well, after that we will provide you with everything, including details, documents and the members of the "Levion" group themselves. Of course, I hope for some reward ... For example, half of the criminals' belongings and your promised price for completing the task ... You wouldn't think of breaking your contract, would you? - began to bargain Mardo.

-You ... Bloody hucksters ... I'll only give away some of the magic items. Don't count on anything more. This is the order of the lord! - barely hiding his indignation on his face, hissed through his teeth Lord Hishan.

-Ho-ho, dear lord, please do not be angry at such a small request. After all, I always knew about your generous part ... You will not refuse to spread some rumors about your generosity? I am sure the people will love to hear how you treat your maids for being forgiving! Few people are ready to accept such an attitude towards their servants ... And it would be fine only the usual warmth towards the servants, so you and some feminine ambassadors with noblewomen stayed for a while. Did they really enjoy their time at your residence so much? Yes, I'm sure they enjoyed your warm welcome ...

-Enough! I'll give you half of the things! And just dare to hint about your "relationship" later! - Unable to bear it, Lord Hishan finally broke into a cry.

-Of course, I am glad of your generosity, lord. - Mardo smiled.

- I think this is all you wanted to talk about?

-We'll come back to you after we catch and neutralize the whole group.

-I hope everything goes well. And after we will not meet with you again. - said Lord Hishan with a twitching eyebrow

-Farewell.

-Yes, good luck. - the lord said goodbye to the group.

-It's time. - turned towards his companions Mardo.

- Yes ... - Ivan answered and got up.

-Of course - also said Nero, getting up from the chair.

The company then left the room they were in and prepared to leave Lord Redir's territory. However, Ivan managed to hear strange sounds coming from the side of the door that had just been closed and decided to stop for a while.

- Damn, I'm tired ... Fucking merchants, they always cause a lot of problems ... Gloriolla, come to me. - came to Ivan the voice of the lord.

-Of course, sir. - answered him a woman's voice.

-You look just fine today ... Ho-ho, it's lace today. Let me find out what is between your little legs ... - after this moment Ivan immediately moved from his place and quickened his pace to catch up with Nero and the head of Eruon.

"Damn ladies' man! I knew it, his mother! I can already hear the groans! I want to turn around right now and punch him in the face at full speed! We moved away just a second ago, and he is already having fun with the maid! So that's what" warmth "said the head of Eruon! Pervert! One day I will kill this bastard!" Ivan's anger towards Lord Redir grew at a frantic pace. Soon they were already near the same carriage on which they arrived at the court of Lord of Redir.

-Well, now we need to deal with slum reconnaissance and spying on Deschis. Ah and Nero, deal with Ivan's little friends. - issued instructions to Mardo, turning towards his son, Nero.

-Of course, Father ... I will try to take good care of our new members ...

-Company members? - asked the bewildered Ivan.

-Well, should they somehow pay for a roof over their heads? We will make them employees of the Eruon Trade Union. - explained Nero.

Ivan looked questioningly at the head of "Eruon" Mardo.

-My son is telling the truth. They will become employees of the company. And think for yourself, if we had not provided them with work, who would have taken the people from the slums to their important position? And this is not to mention the salaries of our employees. They are unlikely to be able to find a job where they will pay as much as we do. - convinced Mardo.

- I see ... Then it will probably be even better ...

-Well, of course. - confirmed Mardo.

After that, they again climbed into the decorated cart.

- Return us to the courtyard of the Eruon Trade Union. shouted Mardo to the charioteer.

The carriage pulled out and headed back down the paved road along the streets lined with ornate houses on the sides.

-So these kids will settle in Eruon ... This is all good, of course, but this lord ... Hishan ... - still not calming down, Ivan muttered to himself under his breath.

-Hmm? What's wrong with him? - Nero asked uncomprehendingly.

Mardo, just as unclearly, looked up at his interlocutor.

- Oh, well ... I just didn't like him. We certainly wouldn't be friends with him. Forgive me if that ...

-Didn't like it? I don't understand ... As an entrepreneur, he is quite good for himself ... - Nero was still perplexed.

-Ho-ho! Is Ivan really about his relationship with his maids? - Mardo suddenly smiled, realizing the reason for Ivan's behavior.

-Yes well, right? Ivan, you didn't like a man simply because he has a lot of sexual intercourse? Wait a minute ... Ah! Ivan, you're not a virgin, are you ?! - asked Nero.

-... - Ivan blushed and his eyebrow twitched. - I'm not ready for this yet! And anyway, what the hell are you asking about something like that!

-So I'm right! Ivan is a virgin! But what about Uru-Sha?

-Uru-Sha? What are you talking about?

-So you are not together? Until now, I could not imagine that any of the other races would be able to connect their lives with an orc ... - thought Nero.

- What the hell are you talking about ?! I didn't do anything like that! - Ivan got angry.

-Yes, talk to me here, and who slept with her in the same bed? But even in the girl's house! You didn't have time to invite her to your place, but you are already spending the night ... - Nero quipped.

-Is not at my house! I have just settled in the city, where will I invite her to you ?! - Ivan continued to protest.

-And the fact that you slept with her, of course, does not matter ... Do you think we do not understand anything? - pressed the head of Eruon.

- I just ... Fuck you! - Ivan finally fizzled out.

-Ha-ha!

"Fucking gossips. And Mardo turns out to have a sense of humor ... When will we get there? Why is it taking so long ..."

-By the way, father, how are we going to recover the losses associated with the murder of key figures in the economy? We will now have no contracts or enchanted supplies from almost 30 people. It is unlikely that we will be able to so easily and quickly restore previous ties with merchants. What should we do about this situation? - asked his father Nero.

-Stupid question. You should have listened better to my conversation with the lord. We will take half of the property of the executed criminals and receive a reward from the lord of the city. So we will get a good profit and for an indefinite period of time we will not have any problems in economic terms. And with the supply of enchanted items, we will have to endure until a new generation of wizards. Fortunately, I have connections with the magic academy and now even with Dusiey himself ... - pronouncing his last words, Mardo squinted at Ivan.

-And surely! We can now start negotiations with Dusiey! An excellent plan to defend a victorious position ... All we need to mention is that we found Ivan, and then brought him to Dusiey. And the fact that we helped his student would also be a great bonus. I already feel our contract with him in my hands. I wonder if we can drop the price for enchantments by supplying cheap materials ... Maybe we can even throw unnecessary garbage to them, in exchange for easy concessions in terms of production ... So many opportunities from one acquaintance! - began his monologue Nero.

-This is ... - muttered the stunned Ivan.

- It's his trade vein. Will soon pass. If you are going to do business with merchants, then you should get used to such periodic trips. While a skilled trader is unlikely to behave this way, I would argue that this behavior repels any possible deal and attracts unhappiness. - reassured Ivan Mardo.

-Well, if I were one of the competitors, I would probably already know a lot of your weaknesses ...

- Don't worry, he only reveals himself to those he trusts. - after these words, Mardo threw a confident look at Ivan.

"Well, at least Nero trusts me ... The head of Eruon strains me a little ..." Ivan's thoughts are interrupted by the charioteer's cry.

-We are at the yard of the Eruon trade union! - announced the charioteer.

-Well, it's time for me to return to my office. - notified Ivan Mardo, leaving the carriage.

-What should we do? Ivan asked.

-Well, how? Weren't you going to take those kids out of the slums and put them in our care?

-Ah, right now ... And I thought ... Then I will soon return to you again!

-We'll be there soon. - said Nero.

-Then give them a short excursion, I am sure it will help them at least a little, but they will get used to it here. Hey,

-Yes, let's go, take the carriage to the borders of the right slums! - ordered Nero to the driver.

-Of course, sir! - answered the driver and waved the reins.

The carriage set off again. This time, Nero was the first to break the silence by asking Ivan.

-Listen, tell me about these little friends of yours. Maybe I can find my own approach to them. I hope these will not be unnecessary problems ...

-Well, there are all three boys. One of them with brown hair is probably the kindest ... I think he will be the easiest to get along with. The second is blond and apparently their leader, quick-tempered, but tries to protect others. And the last one, black-haired ... I don't know anything about him, but his aura ... He's creepy. - said Ivan.

-I understand, the first guy is naive, weak and a little stupid. The second is an under-leader with a sense of superiority and weak nerves. And the latter is most likely a nugget that is capable of something more than the rest. We might even make him an agent or a murderer. Great job of gathering information and participants, Ivan! We will definitely take advantage of this! Nero praised sincerely.

-A wonderful job of gathering information and participants? - Ivan said aloud.

-Well, yes, rarely when you come across people with, as you said, "an eerie aura", most likely you have found a mature young man beyond his years! Ah, if only he had the experience of killing! He would be emotionless and perfectly following orders! A real nugget! - with sparkling eyes listed the possibilities of Nero.

- I hope you are joking ... - Ivan muttered, starting to regret his actions a little.

For the further duration of the trip, almost complete silence fell in the cart. Only from time to time were published small and short dialogues on this or that trifle, and the snoring of a sleeping Barsik. The remaining hour of the trip dragged on very slowly for Ivan.

-We are at the border of the slums! Unfortunately, our carriage will not be able to travel further. I'll stay here waiting for you. - announced the charioteer.

-Come on, Ivan. - Nero turned to Ivan.

-Already going. - after these words Barsik suddenly woke up and immediately jumped onto Ivan's shoulder.

Thomen and Zagok hurried to line up behind Ivan and Nero and looked around warily. But before the group moved through the narrow alleys of the right-hand slums of Redir ...

-So, where are we going to go? - turned to Ivan Nero.

-And yes, exactly, now we need ... - Ivan's face suddenly twisted.

"And where do we go, then at all? I never bothered to remember the road or at least somehow cooperate with those children on the account of a second meeting. I have to come up with something!"

-Look, Nero, about this ...

-What's there?

-We have problems.

-Hmm?

-I don't remember the road at all.

-What are you ?! And how were you going to pick up a change without even knowing about the road to their home ?! What if we were lost in the slums? - Nero was angry.

-Sorry ... Everything happened there so quickly that I didn't even think about this trifle ... - Ivan began to make excuses.

- Little things ?! In your opinion, getting lost in the most dangerous part of the city because of ignorance of the road is a trifle ?!

-Well, I somehow didn't think about it then ... I forgot who doesn't happen to ... Now we will just ask some passer-by for directions.

-Just ask ?! Does a passer-by have a way to three small ragamuffins who most likely keep their house secret from all sorts of extortionists? Of course, why not! Great idea! So let's go right now and ask the first slum dweller we come across!

-Okay, don't shout, now we'll figure it out somehow ... Surely there will be a way to get to the guys.

-Oh well! And of course we have forgotten about the possibility of getting lost! Are you suggesting to stray?

-No, it's enough to memorize the road. If something happens to us, your father will help us, he won't let his son and precious successor, the future head of the trade union Eruon, disappear due to an absurd accident?

-This is of course so, but I personally have no desire to listen to claims and moralizing because of "carelessness"!

-He can't listen to the screams ... The poor little heart will probably not stand it.

-Yes you ... Ah! Okay let's go! Do what you planned, I will look at your pathetic attempts, though they will shout for a reason.

-Ha-ha, you will still see my methods in action! - Ivan with a proud look and a grin on his face moved through the streets of the slums.

-Yes, yes, mister perfect. - muttered to himself Nero.

Ivan proudly and confidently walked forward, while Nero nervously trudged behind. The guards of Eruon, in turn, spoke in whispers, walking behind.

-Look, Zagok, it seems that Mr. Ivan does not know much about this situation, perhaps he is not even very friendly towards our trade union ... Maybe we should stop him? - Tomen suggested.

-Do not worry so much, you can trust Ivan, and if something goes wrong, we will be able to deal with the problem, I have already been here with Mr. Ivan, you can rely on my experience. - calmed comrade Zagok in turn

-Well, as you know, but I will still continue to follow him in both eyes. You never know what he will throw out ... You, too, be on the lookout, not everything can be trusted now. Tomen warned.

-This is of course yes, these events with Levion ... Damn scumbags.

- Hush, I think I heard something ...

Suddenly the silence was dispelled by a childish scream and a thud. A small shadow jumped out of the darkness of the nearest corner, hurrying into a narrow alley where a grown-up elf would no longer be able to squeeze through. Quickly enough, she disappeared into the darkness of the alley, immediately after the disappearance of this small shadow, a larger figure ran out. Not seeing her target, she headed towards Ivan and his group. Soon, emerging from the shadows of the houses into the light, her appearance also appeared. He was a large and squat man with thick arms and a massive cleaver in his hand, his height did not exceed a meter. The snow leopard on Ivan's shoulder perked up his ears in alarm.

-Hey, you, here small fry did not run? Speak quickly, I'm in a hurry. the man turned to the group with obvious impatience in a rough voice.

-Uh ... - Ivan was confused.

- Come on, master of ranting, deal with your passerby, maybe he will lead us to your kids?

-Tts. - clicked Ivan - Y-yes we saw a small guest.

- Well, where is he? Don't fool me, or my bosses will take care of you! - looking around at the guards behind Ivan and Nero growled a short man.

-He ran there - Ivan, after some time of thought, pointed in the direction of the road along which he came here.

- I hope you didn't lie to me, mutant! - shouted the man running away in the direction indicated by Ivan.

"Mutant ?! That damn nickname again! Do you think I don't take insults?"

-And why do all of them call me mutants at once? - Ivan muttered.

- Well, your ears fit that description perfectly. Better tell me why you lied to him? - asked Nero, referring to Ivan.

- Yeah, it's just ... But I don't think I would have let him catch up with that fugitive and do something terrible. Better to lie. - Ivan said.

-Pf, naive fool, what if it was a murderer and an acquaintance of the victim was chasing him? What if it's the father of the now-dead boy? - sneered Nero.

- Um ... Well ... I didn't think about it ... What if this is really so ... - Ivan began to deepen to himself.

-Forget already what's done is done. Let's go better check out that imaginary "killer", you never know we can still get something out of him.

-Okay ... You should at least ask about the reason for the persecution. - Ivan nodded.

Approaching a dark alley, into which a small shadow ran some time ago, Ivan looked inside. Due to the pitch darkness, it was difficult to see anything, but it turned out that it was a dead end and there were few places to hide. It was enough just to move a couple of boxes and the group was able to see a small figure covered with a dark gray cloak. The figure at the same moment jumped up and flew over Ivan, falling behind him. After landing, she ran past Nero with sharp and jerky movements, stopped for a second, received a direct kick from Tomen and flew off, smashed into the wall.

-Khe, cough .. - the figure coughed.

-Tomen, damn it, you could have been more careful! - Ivan cried out, running up to the victim.

-Eh? I? - exclaimed Thomen.

-What are you going to do about it? - asked Nero, going up to Tomen and crossing his arms over his chest.

-First, it's worth helping him! - Ivan answered worriedly.

-Hmm, it seems to me that it is too late to build friendly ties, not the right situation for this. - reproached Nero Ivan.

-Hey, wake up, are you okay? - Ignoring Nero's caustic expressions, Ivan began to shake the gaselirian in a cloak leaning against the wall.

The figure under the cloak twitched and coughed up a bloody clot, lifted its head, thereby throwing back its hood. Coughing again, the face of a youth of about fifteen came into view. Noticing someone's presence right in front of him, the boy tried to get up, but immediately collapsed back, unable to rise to his feet.

- Hey, be careful, you have already flown so robustly ... - Ivan warned, looking sharply at Tomen behind him.

-Eh, you need information, right? Then they will get rid of me ... Apparently I will bend, unable to take a step beyond these rotten slums ... Well ?! What more do you want from me ?! Play on feelings? Maybe my appearance will suit your clients? Better kill, have mercy on the poor boy! - the guy in the raincoat begged in a hoarse voice.

-Hey, hey, hey, kid, calm down, you already thought of yourself, God knows what, we're not going to do anything like that with you! And why are you all, here in the slums, just screaming about death at once ... - Ivan began to calm down - Initially, we were not even going to harm you. I'm sorry about that ...

- So you're not looking for information? Great, so the gods still heard my prayers ... - the boy sighed.

-Well, actually we just need a little information. - wedged into the dialogue Nero.

-W-what do you want? the boy asked.

-Nero? - Ivan turned around in surprise.

- You were going to look for those guys. - reminded Nero.

-Oh! Exactly after all. Listen, kid, could you help us find three kids, about your age. - Ivan asked his question.

-Kids my age? More details? - with apprehension tried to clarify the guy.

-Yes ... One black-haired, another with brown and finally light yellow hair color, it seems that the one with light yellow hair is their leader. - listed everything that Ivan remembered.

-Leader with light yellow hair ... Ah ... And black-haired, by chance, not with fish eyes? the little informant asked suddenly.

-Yes exactly! You look at them and immediately throws a shiver! Do you know these guys? - Ivan confirmed the boy's guesses.

- Y-yes ... I will help with their search ... - with hope in his eyes, the boy seized the opportunity.

"Ha! Well, Nero, look where my ingenuity has led! I'm a fucking genius!" - Ivan thought to himself.

-But I would have some money ... It's hard to live in a slum without at least some little change in his pockets ... - The boy nervously looked into Ivan's face.

Ivan again looked the boy from head to toe. A dirty tattered raincoat, frayed trousers peeking through the holes of the cape, and huge sewn-in patches that replace the once sickly damage in this piece of fabric, now more like a doormat, immediately caught my eye. A spotted face with many bruises and a black eye, a trickle of blood trickling down the boy's chin reminded of Tomen's recent blow.

Ivan's feelings took over him and he turned sharply towards Nero.

-Not. - Nero's firm refusal broke the moment's silence.

-But he already suffered so much. Just look at him! Do you think he can hold out here without money? - Ivan tried to persuade his companion.

-You seem to misunderstand something ... He is an informant and earns money from this, he knows their value and can dispose of them properly. - again refused Nero.

- But we're one of his clients. We came for information and we have to pay for it! - Ivan continued to convince.

- We have already paid for this service, saving his life just a few minutes ago. Do you think that this is not enough? - stood on his Nero.

-But we saved him without knowing about the information ... We only helped him to escape ... - Ivan justified himself.

- Don't you appreciate his life? - Nero refused again.

-Uh ... No! No, nothing like that, I just ... So stop, these are completely different things! The salvation was not for any profit! We only did it out of kindness! People should help each other!

-P-people? Ah, that's what you call all humanoid races ... Then ... Should you help? Seriously? Ha ha ha! Does anyone have altruist syndrome? Didn't know you were so good! Oh boy ... Can you buy him a house in a wealthy neighborhood too? Go ahead! Make his life a fairy tale! Become a second mother, feed and raise a chick! Do you even think about what you are talking about? How old are you to sing about such nonsense with a serious face? - Nero snapped at Ivan's previous statement.

-What the ... - Ivan was surprised at such a reaction.

"Nero ... Are you really ..." Ivan looked at Tomen behind Nero and saw a sullen expression on his face, he shook his head. Then Ivan immediately glanced at Zagok and noticed how he sighed heavily, crossing his arms over his chest. "Do you all really think so ... Just don't say that everyone is here ..." Ivan sharply turned to the boy, and even he blinked in surprise, staring at the person who had just said this. Ivan's world trembled greatly and he could hardly stay on his feet. "This is some kind of mistake ... But what about banal help to a needy ... Why do they not understand this? No ... Why do I react to it this way ... Why did it hurt me so much? What did I even think about this world? ... I don't know anything about him ... Ha ... I understood ... All this is a common thing here ... I am unusual in such a situation ... Who will ever help a stranger when you yourself always walk on the edge ... This is a fantasy Middle Ages ... Why do I behave like a person from modern civilization in a world with completely different laws? Yes, who do I think I am ... Damn! No, I must urgently stop thinking in this vein, this everything is not good! Let them behave as they want, but I will live by their own laws! I am not like them! " Ivan made up his mind and his sharp gaze rushed to Nero.

-What? Finally changed your mind? You are our moralist, ha ha - laughed Nero.

-Nero. - Ivan said loudly and firmly.

-Hmm? What? - Nero asked uncomprehendingly.

-Give him the money. - Ivan demanded, continuing to look directly into Nero's eyes.

-You go again? What's wrong with you ... - staggered Nero.

- Just give him the money. - Ivan took a step forward and announced the demands even louder.

Thomen and Zagok grabbed the swords on their belts and cautiously approached Nero for protection in the event of a dangerous situation.

-Ivan, calm down. - Zagok tried to calm Ivan.

-Do not make sudden movements. Tomen warned.

-Okay! I'll give him this damn coin! The moron ... - Nero took out a gold one and threw it at the informant boy.

The guy in the raincoat reacted quickly and caught the coin, immediately after which he was very surprised at the gold in his palm.

-O-thank you so much! I have never held such a large fortune in my hands! I am very grateful to you! the boy bowed immediately.

-And now calm down and get away from me! Abnormal ... - Nero walked away again, being wary of looking at Ivan.

- You already have too much money. Small ones will be more useful. Now let's get back to the information about the guys. - a smile again blossomed on Ivan's face.

-O-Of course ... Y-I'm even ready to go for them personally! I'll bring them here myself! - suggested the boy.

"Great! It's even better! Now I won't have to go back and forth over and over again. I'm already tired enough today ... Finally, we'll sort it all out."

-Of course, let's get them, we'll wait for you here. - Ivan said and patted the boy on the shoulder.

The boy immediately ran out of this nook, disappearing into the darkness of another passage.

-Ivan ... - called Nero.

-What? - Ivan responded.

- You damn crazy fool ... - made a stern reprimand to Nero.

-E ?! What's wrong? I just solved our problem. - Ivan asked, not understanding what he did wrong.

- You just threw all our efforts to get information from this little asshole to the wind. - said Nero.

-Threw away? I only did better. He will now lead them to us himself. - Ivan was still perplexed.

- Eh ... He just ran away ... - covered Nero's face with his hand.

-Oh ... - Ivan suddenly realized his mistake.

At that moment it seemed that even Barsik was glancing condemningly at Ivan.