Shadow Guild [3]
After a short walk, the trio reached a tavern marked with a sign saying [The Whiskey Haven].
"We're here," Aaron murmured softly, glancing around.
All eyes turned toward the modest building.
"They sure don't prioritize looks," Magnus quipped, scanning the neighboring buildings with his senses.
[The Whiskey Haven]
The Whiskey Haven, despite its name, is an old and simple tavern frequented by locals in the neighborhood.
The building looks worn-out and fragile, but it holds significance for the community.
The owner, who grew up in the area, opened the bar to provide an affordable place for locals to gather.
However, according to Samuel's intel, the owner also recruits disadvantaged individuals, including children, for various tasks within his guild.
These tasks range from gathering information secretly to training youngsters for unconventional roles like mercenaries.
Magnus grunted, his arms crossing tightly over his chest as he surveyed the dilapidated exterior of The Whiskey Haven. His brow furrowed in disdain.
"I still can't believe someone runs this dump."
Aaron chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Yeah, 'Whiskey Haven' my foot. More like 'Shady Haven' if you ask me."
Magnus let out a low chuckle, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "No doubt about it. Hahaha "
Enjoying their conversation, Samuel smiled gently as he pushed open the old, creaky door of the tavern.
DING-
A bell above the entrance rang loudly as they entered,
They stood quietly at the entrance, looking around the empty tavern.
It was early, so there were no customers yet.
Samuel noticed the strong smell of old wood throughout the empty bar.
The intelligence they had gathered indicated that customers typically visited in the evening for drinks, explaining the current lack of patrons.
The tables were haphazardly arranged, and the wooden floor looked worn.
Evidence of a previous night's altercation was visible in the form of broken chairs and tables piled in a corner.
-Noise
Suddenly, an elderly man with striking gray hair and green eyes appeared, placing a new chair by one of the tables.
"We're closed," Albert, the old man, said bluntly. "
'He should be the one in charge here right now.'
Samuel thought to himself, He then nodded at the old man and said,
"I understand, but..."
Samuel reached into his bracelet and pulled out a shiny silver coin, tossing it to Albert.
" … , I want a cold beer. "
Albert's ears rang with Samuel's demand for a cold beer.
He took the coin, still stunned by the request.
After a moment, he composed himself and said, "But, sir, beer costs two copper coins..."
Ignoring Albert's protest, Samuel lazily interrupted, "Don't spoil the fun, friend. Just get us three cold beers."
"But that's too much, Mr. Customer," Albert insisted because a single silver coin was worth a hundred copper coins.
Samuel waved him off, saying, "I've got plenty of money. Consider it a bonus. You could use it to fix up your Tavern."
-Sigh
Magnus sighed at Samuel's extravagance, relieved that he didn't pay with gold coins.
'Good thing he didn't pay with gold coins,' Magnus thought.
"Customer, still..."
Ignoring Albert's continued objections, Samuel ordered, "That's enough talk. Just bring us our drinks." .
Samuel then elegantly removed his robe to reveal his brown hair under his cap, and strolled around the bar as if he owned the place.
-Squeak.
The chair Samuel was holding made an irritating noise in the empty tavern.
Then Samuel quickly sat, and nodded to his two companions who sat quietly next to him.
Albert didn't let them down.
Once he had their payment, he left his other tasks and promptly poured glasses of beer for them.
Clack
After a few moments, Albert brought six big beer mugs to the trio's table.
"Here's your order! I also brought some extra cups."
"Ah, great, thanks."
Samuel took one of the glasses thankfully and had a sip of beer,
'This isn't bad, compared to the wine at the palace.'
In Samuel's past life, he drank alcohol every day to forget his problems and constant bad luck.
Alcohol was his escape and the only way he could act like he was fine.
The original Samuel was also addicted to alcohol of all kinds. So, regular alcohol didn't affect him. .
- Globe
- Globe
Samuel enjoyed a moment of peace in the run-down tavern, slowly drinking his beer.
The teacher and student couple also drank their beer quietly, sharing looks with each other.
"Alright, let's get down to business…"
After a few minutes, Samuel said, tapping his fingers on the table.
"Waiter"
Albert came back to the table.
"Need anything else, sir?"
"What's your name?"
Samuel asked, not looking too interested.
The man, now known as Albert, replied, "Albert, sir."
"Hmm"
Samuel's expression remained indifferent as he processed the information. Albert wasn't a name Samuel recognized from his reports. This meant He was likely just a regular person or a new employee.
Samuel had already memorized the names of important members of the Shadow Guild he might encounter this day, but Albert wasn't among them.
'So, he's either not important or new here,' Samuel thought to himself.
Internally, Samuel decided to proceed with his plan to infiltrate the Shadow Guild's base…
"By the way," Samuel spoke up again, still maintaining his disinterested tone. "I believe this is the main branch of the Shadow Guild, correct?"
Albert's friendly facade faltered for a moment before he recovered with a smile.
"Well, sir, this is just an old pub. If you're looking for a drink or a meal, you're in the right place. But if you're up to something else..."
"Huh?"
Samuel let out a sigh of boredom, gripping his chin in thought. "Looks like you're not going to confess, huh? This is getting boring," he muttered.
"Alright then, let's do this your way. Are you satisfied?" . "
"[I want a glass of cold lemonade with some appetizers. Don't forget to add a little sugar.] I think it's a strange password. I wonder who invented it?"
Samuel smiled slyly as he looked at Albert.
"This is the secret code for special customers, right?"
Albert didn't argue this time. He nodded at the trio, then politely said,
"Sorry, but these are our safety measures."
"Follow me, please."
The trio weren't surprised by Albert's change. They knew most of the Shadow Guild's rules already.
Albert, now taking on the role of a humble guide, led the group to their desired location.
They made their way through a concealed entrance protected by magical barriers and defensive spells.
Aron and Magnus studied these spells intently as they entered a modest chamber with basic furnishings: a bed, a cracked wall adorned with a large clock, and a simple desk.
- Tick.
- Tock.
- Tick.
- Tock.
The clock chimed softly as Albert deftly manipulated its hands, causing it to vanish and reveal a big golden door embellished with intricate designs.
With a respectful bow, Albert exclaimed,
" Welcome to [Shadow Guild] "
"Okay, let's move," Samuel said, gesturing for the pair behind him to follow.
With a slight murmur, he flashed a chilling smile. "Alright... time to wrap up this show."