Chapter 68: Reunion at the Tavern
“Guests, did you see the meteor in the sky yesterday?” Dar, the dwarf, asked, his thick hands deftly holding three beer mugs by their handles as he placed them before Abyss and his companions. “It’s a shame I missed it. I was busy preparing spices in the tavern when it happened. The tremors even shattered two of my glasses. What a loss.”
“We saw it, we saw it. We were sleeping right where it landed. It almost crushed our camp,” Abyss said, taking a sip of his beer. “It was as hot as a dragon’s lungs.”
“Oh haha, you’re joking again,” Dar said with a hearty laugh. “I know you didn’t see it. Never mind then.”
Abyss just smiled at Dar, not saying anything more.
Today, Abyss wasn’t engrossed in Star’s notes about the Outer God. Instead, he was chatting quietly with Flora and Leona, discussing what they had done while he was unconscious.
“I always thought Leona fought purely on instinct. I didn’t know she had such a meticulous side,” Abyss said, looking at Leona incredulously after hearing Flora’s account.
“Do you think I’m an idiot?” Leona said, taking a large gulp of her beer. “Listen, I might be impulsive, but that’s not because I lack brains, it’s because I’m too lazy to use them. With these fists of mine, who in the entire continent would dare disrespect me? My ancestor once said, ‘Silence before a stunning display of power,’ which perfectly describes a genius like me, with both physical and mental prowess.”
“Knowing that your intelligence isn’t lacking puts my mind at ease,” Abyss said, nodding in satisfaction, reaching out to ruffle Leona’s hair.
“Stop it! Stop it!” Leona immediately covered her head. “I’m two years older than you! You’re like a little brother to me!”
“Oh, alright, sorry. I won’t touch your head again,” Abyss apologized.
“You…” Leona said, suddenly flustered. She stood up, blushing, and grabbed Abyss by the collar. “I meant… You need to ask for my permission first! I’m not that petty…”
“Welcome!” Dar suddenly boomed.
Leona, hearing this, knew another customer had entered. She quickly released Abyss’s collar and sat back down.
A slender girl entered, wearing a gray cloak, her silver hair tied back in a ponytail. It was none other than Princess Helen.
She spotted Abyss and his companions sitting at the bar and walked over excitedly, taking a seat beside Abyss.
“You’re here! I was worried you had already left Golden Griffin City!” Helen said, her voice filled with relief. “I have a question for you!”
“About those beads I gave you, right?” Abyss asked with a faint smile. “Didn’t they all shatter last night?”
“Yes,” Helen nodded. “Can you tell me what you did?”
“It’s… related to the meteor last night. I used them to protect some of your city’s residents,” Abyss replied.
“Did you predict the meteor?” Helen asked. Her memory of last night’s battle had been altered by Abyss’s magic, leaving her with only the impression of a meteor falling outside the city.
“Yes, I predicted it,” Abyss said, a mysterious smile on his face. “It was actually aimed at me.”
Helen didn’t understand what he meant, but it was clear he wasn’t going to explain further. Out of politeness, she didn’t press him. She hesitated for a moment, then said, “This morning, the palace was in chaos, organizing people to investigate the meteor crater. I took the opportunity to sneak out. I came here specifically to thank you for your help, Mr. Belator!”
“Just call me Abyss,” Abyss said, waving his hand dismissively. “I appreciate your gratitude. But are you sure you weren’t followed?”
“Huh?” Helen was surprised by the question. “I don’t think so… I snuck out.”
“Do you realize how many people’s interests you’ve crossed?” Leona asked, leaning towards Helen. “You should know that there are many people in Golden Griffin City who want you dead. Leaving the palace alone, without your guard, is the perfect opportunity for an assassin.”
“This…” Helen panicked. “Are you saying I’m being followed?”
“Someone is indeed following you,” Abyss nodded. “And it seems these assassins haven’t just started targeting you. They’ve been waiting for an opportunity. There were many people on the streets when you snuck out of the palace, so they wouldn’t attack carelessly. But now, you’re in a secluded part of the city, drinking in a remote tavern. If they’re going to strike, this is the perfect time.”
“Please protect me! I’ll repay your kindness!” Helen pleaded, her voice trembling.
This was a completely different level of pressure compared to when she had threatened those nobles. Back then, she had been acting as a princess, her every move protected and monitored by the royal guard. No one dared to touch her, no matter how much she offended those nobles. But now, she had deliberately evaded the royal guard’s protection and come to this remote tavern alone. If she were assassinated here… it might be a whole day before anyone noticed.
“I’ll definitely help you this time,” Abyss said, raising a hand to calm Helen down. “But you have to answer one question. Are you truly willing to abandon your carefree life as a princess, take up power, and fight against those corrupt and greedy nobles for the sake of your country? Once you choose this path, there’s no turning back.”
Helen calmed down, thought for a moment, and looked into Abyss’s eyes. “I am willing. And I won’t give up.”
“Good. Then have a drink with me,” Abyss said, giving her a wide smile. He called out to Dar, who was wiping tables at the other end of the tavern. “Barkeep, a glass of Arregian Knight, please.”
“Coming right up! I stocked up on two bottles after that lady ordered it last time and we were out. Glad it came in handy,” Dar said with a chuckle.
…
Helen carefully pushed open the tavern door, glancing left and right before stepping out.
The street was deserted. She hesitated for a moment, then continued walking.
After taking a few steps, her shadow behind her began to writhe, growing taller and more curvaceous. A pair of long, pointed ears twitched atop the shadow’s head.
Before Helen could react, a tall woman with dark purple skin emerged from the shadow. She held a magically materialized dagger and plunged it straight into Helen’s heart, the blade piercing through her chest.
“The Shadow Sisterhood sends their regards.”
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