Chapter 13: The Struggling Merchant Marnid

They stood tall and sturdy, perfectly proportioned like warriors. Unlike typical tavern attire, they were clad in what seemed like formal military gear, chainmail vests cinched with leather belts, glossy chainmail boots, sharp longswords at their thighs, and hefty kite shields on their backs. This ensemble radiated an air of martial dignity.

‘Great, they’re better dressed than me. Will they even believe I’m a customer?’ Draxel mused internally.

[System Prompt: So you do realize clothes make the man, huh?]

‘If only you, system, were more generous with funds, we could all be strutting in suits,’ Draxel retorted in his thoughts.

Embarrassed by his plain gear, Draxel managed a self-deprecating smile.

As he approached the bar, the tavern woman greeted him, “It’s been a while since we’ve had such a handsome man. What can I get for you?”

Her interest wasn’t piqued by his modest attire, but Draxel’s appearance, more charming than ever since the dragon egg Lein’s aura fused with him, caught her attention.

“You are quite lovely yourself, hello. You must be the owner? We’re just passing through,” Draxel responded courteously.

“Indeed, I am the owner, Ronnie. And your name?” she asked with interest.

“I—” Draxel began, only to be abruptly silenced by Safiya covering his mouth.

“I’m Safiya, and his name isn’t important,” she interjected.

“Really? But I find it important. What if I insist on knowing?” Ronnie replied, her smile unfading as she slid a glass of malt beer before them.

“Thanks, but I don’t drink. I’m not like you guys, always drunk,” Safiya shot back, her voice tinged with a hint of disdain.

For some reason, Safiya seemed to harbor an indescribable aversion and resistance to this woman, especially when she conversed with Draxel, even feeling a tinge of hatred.

“You needn’t thank me. Did I offer it to you? This is for him,” Ronnie retorted, her patience wearing thin. In her domain, not even the mightiest dragon dared to crush the local snake, let alone this unknown young lady.

The tension escalated, leaving Draxel awkwardly caught in the middle.

‘Why do these two women, strangers to each other, clash at first meeting?’ he wondered, puzzled.

Fortunately, a down-and-out man entered the tavern, breaking the unbearable awkwardness and silence.

“Ah, it’s quite busy today. Hello there, sir,” Ronnie greeted, maintaining her professionalism despite the newcomer’s off-putting stench.

The ragged man settled into a seat, brushed off his clothes, and offered, “Hello, friend. Care to join me for a drink? I’ve only got my last 5 Denars, and I’d rather not drink alone.”

Draxel’s interest was suddenly sparked. That one line of dialogue reminded him of a character from the game.

‘Hmm? Could he be?’

Ronnie, hearing the man’s words, rolled her eyes, thinking, ‘No money, and yet he still wants to indulge in food and fun?’

Approaching, Draxel sat beside the man, asking,  “Your last 5 Denars, what happened to you?”

“It’s a sad tale, sir.”

Draxel gestured to Owens, who promptly brought the malt beer from the counter to their table.

“This one’s on me. I’m intrigued by your story. Perhaps I can offer some help,” Draxel offered generously.

Ronnie, irked  by the gesture of giving away the beer she had offered, demanded, “Before you two men start your chat, pay for this beer first.”

Realizing his oversight, Draxel apologized, “Please forgive me, Ronnie. I’ll be more careful next time. For the beer, I’ll pay double.”

“Generous indeed. Go on with your chat, I have things to attend to,” Ronnie huffed, leaving for upstairs, still grumbling, “Such good looks wasted on boredom.”

Safiya, feeling a wave of relief at Ronnie’s departure, eased her posture. Draxel’s focus shifted entirely to the man before him.

“Alright, now you can tell me your story.”

“Not long ago, I set out from my village with a caravan loaded with goods, aiming for a profitable sale in Uxkhal. Little did I expect a brutal raid by Khergit bandits en route. And as if that weren’t enough, two days later, my own guards betrayed me, stealing what was left and vanishing into the night.”

Upon hearing the man’s story, Draxel was nearly certain of his identity. Opting not to reveal too much, he just waited for the man’s self-introduction, casually asking, “Do you know who robbed you? If it was Nayan Tu Lu, I’m proud to say that he was recently given a well-deserved lesson.”

“Good heavens, that despicable man. I heard he was beaten by someone named Draxel, a lord and noble count from the Kingdom of Swadia.”

“Hmm, I didn’t expect my reputation to spread so quickly,” Draxel mused with satisfaction.

The man, startled, tumbled off his seat, gazing at Draxel in astonishment.

“You’re Draxel?”

“That’s me.”

“Oh, what an honor to be in your company. I’m Marnid.”

[Character Introduction: Merchant Marnid]

[Current Character Status: Marnid, Level 10, Strength 10, Agility 10, Wisdom 22, Charm 22.]

[Skills: Trade 5, Persuasion 3, Riding 2]

Draxel thought, ‘His attributes aren’t stellar, slightly disappointing.’

Still, Draxel was pleased. Marnid, in the original Mount & Blade world, was known as a noble merchant, and he appeared to be the same here.

Given his current need for finances, Draxel considered offering Marnid armed protection, potentially leading to profitable business ventures and his first significant earnings.

“So, Marnid, as you’re heading to Uxkhal for business and I’m the lord there, how about joining my troop? I’ll escort you, and if you choose to follow me, I’d gladly welcome you.”