Chapter 27: Back to the Tavern

Safiya, cradling the dragon, headed toward a corner of the hut, murmuring, “It’s quiet now, probably fed up with you. We need to keep our distance.”

Draxel’s mind was a whirlwind of unspoken curses, like a wild stampede of thoughts. 

‘This little trickster…’ he thought.

Thankfully, every dark cloud has a silver lining. The crisis was once again averted through Safiya’s tears.

Soon, the downpour subsided, and Owens kindled a fire inside the hut. Huddled together, they found warmth and endured the night.

Come morning, in the aftermath of the storm, the land was fragrant with earthiness. Wildflowers and weeds were surrounded by its aroma. The leaves, bejeweled with sparkling dewdrops, shimmered like diamonds under the sun’s embrace.

Draxel and his companions dried their clothes by the fire, their spirits buoyed despite yesterday’s challenges, brimming with hope and positivity.

“Let’s set off. Our first stop is Ronnie’s tavern for some milk for the young dragon, and to stock up on supplies and water,” Draxel declared.

“As you wish, my lord,” Owens promptly agreed, leading the way.

They were familiar with the route to Profit Empress Ronnie’s tavern. Owens, with his innate sense of direction and sharp memory, soon found an efficient shortcut, and they quickly advanced.

By noon, they arrived at the familiar place. The tavern, with its intricately carved beams and painted rafters, exuded an air of grandeur, its light smoke adding to its allure.

“Indeed, it’s as beautiful as ever. We’ve arrived,” Draxel announced, leading everyone into the tavern.

The two bartenders, Xiao Nan and Xiao Jia, who also served as Profy Empress Ronnie’s personal bodyguards, immediately recognized Draxel upon his arrival.

Their physiques were imposing and more formidable than ever, yet perfectly proportioned. Clad in chainmail secured by premium leather belts and sporting gleaming chainmail boots, they presented an image of seasoned warriors. Each had a sharp longsword strapped to their thigh, emitting a cold, lethal aura, complemented by hefty zither-shaped shields on their backs.

This ensemble of fine equipment projected a majestic and heroic presence.

This time, however, their demeanor towards Draxel was markedly more hostile than the usual indifference. Xiao Nan and Xiao Jia regarded him with scorn and animosity.

Draxel, unfazed, responded with a grin, “Hey, I’m here to patronize the establishment. Shouldn’t you greet a customer with a smile?”

Xiao Nan, slightly older and recognized as the elder cousin, was notably more articulate and courageous. He shot back, “Here to spend, are you? With the money our boss handed you?”

“Oh, you’re aware of that? Are you jealous because she treats me so well?”

“You’re not welcome here. Leave,” Xiao Nan said, glaring fiercely as though he could devour Draxel whole.

“This tavern is open for business, and I’ll visit if I wish. It doesn’t matter if you welcome me. Are you the owner?”

“I may not be, but I knowthat our boss, Profy Empress Ronnie, doesn’t welcome you.”

At these words, Draxel’s face turned stern, radiating a frighteningly solemn aura. “Careful, lad. Lying has its consequences. Think before you speak again.”

Draxel was absolutely certain that Profit Empress Ronnie held no ill will towards him and would undoubtedly welcome his visit.

Just as tensions seemed to escalate towards a confrontation, Safiya intervened. In a gentle tone, she said, “Xiao Nan, Xiao Jia, we’re just here to buy some milk, food, and water. We won’t cause any trouble.”

Xiao Nan and Xiao Jia, who had seen Safiya’s valor on the battlefield, respected her as a female warrior.

“Alright, for your sake, Safiya, come on in,” they conceded.

As they entered, Draxel muttered under his breath, “Damn, that explains it. You two are acting tough because Ronnie isn’t here to keep you in check. But I’ll let it slide. There’s a saying about not provoking the dog to respect its owner. I’m in good standing with your boss, so I’ll forgive you this time. Besides, calling you dogs is too harsh, with your burly statures, you’re more like bears.”

After this internal tirade, Draxel felt a sense of relief, his irritation completely dissipated.

However, driven by curiosity, he still used the system to check the actual capabilities of these two.

[Xiao Nan, Tavern Employed Knight (4th Level)]

[Xiao Jia, Tavern Employed Light Cavalry (3rd Level)]

[Overview of the Neutral Tavern’s Mercenary Progression: Three Categories]

[From Tavern Employed Rookie to Veteran, then Light Cavalry, and finally Knight]

[From Tavern Employed Rookie to Veteran, then Light Infantry, and finally Sergeant]

[From Tavern Employed Rookie to Veteran, then Archer, and ultimately Senior Archer]

‘Wow, so you two aren’t even significant characters, yet you’re overstepping like this, taking on more than your roles demand?’

[Observation: Owens and Awang also seem to have their fair share of importance. It wouldn’t be right to favor one over the other.]

‘Seriously, whose side is this system on, always taking others’ sides?’ Draxel thought, exasperated.

He directed Owens and Awang to procure food and water while he took a brief respite in the tavern, soon stepping out for some air.

It was a fortuitous exit through the tavern’s back door, as Draxel found himself gazing at the vast farm Awang had previously mentioned. It was more fitting to call it an estate, actually.

Within Profit Empress Ronnie’s estate, Draxel felt as though he was enveloped in a nebulous cloud of sweet, fragrant orange blossoms. The aroma, invisible and intangible, seemed to hold him in a gentle embrace, irresistible and captivating.

Far off, herds of cattle and sheep grazed contentedly on lush grass, basking in the warm sunlight, epitomizing contentment.

‘These animals have it good, living as Ronnie’s cattle and sheep,’ Draxel mused to himself.

The estate’s tranquil beauty and the serene atmosphere helped Draxel relax. With a chuckle, he thought, ‘Looks like Awang was spot on. Wherever there are cows, that’s definitely where you find milk.’

After his leisurely enjoyment of the estate and rejuvenating amidst the verdant surroundings, Draxel made his way back to Profit Empress Ronnie’s tavern.

By that time, the group had already sorted out their food and water needs, with Awang holding a bucket of milk in his arms.

“Well done, Awang,” Draxel said.

“Thank you for your praise, my lord.”

“Now, Awang, how much did all of this cost us?”

Awang paused, his eyes briefly flickering towards Xiao Nan and Xiao Jia. A subtle mix of surprise and delight was evident on his face, though it was hardly noticeable.

“Hmph, our Empress Ronnie has decreed that whenever you visit, everything you need will be provided free of charge,” Xiao Nan said, his words laced with barely concealed resentment. Each word seemed to be forced out through clenched teeth.

Xiao Nan was internally boiling with envy. He couldn’t help but wonder, since when had Profit Empress Ronnie ever been so extravagantly generous to any other man?