Xarth and Ernoul walked in at the front door, the bell then rang gaining everyone's attention inside the building.
The people's gazes were on the robe hooded man and at the young man beside him.
Xarth's gaze headed towards everyone in the room one by one but he couldn't find the person he was looking for. He went up to the counter and asked.
"Where's the owner?" Xarth asked the man on the counter. The man in the counter lifted his brows. "Why would you want to meet the owner?" he replied.
Xarth moved closer to the man at the counter for him to be the only one to hear what he wanted to say. "Hey. Just fetch him or you'll see your Guild disappear without a trace." Xarth coldly told the man at the counter with him covering his mouth with his hands.
'Well not really...' Yes, he couldn't actually make it disappear. It's not like he was some kind of Op dude.
The man's eyes started to shake he quickly then Bowed and headed toward the Staff only Room to fetch the owner.
'What the hell!? Who was that? How can he have such a terrifying aura.' The man on the counter anxiously pondered this as he head his way to the Guild Master.
The man on the counter was breathing heavily as he just had ran all the way there. "Huff...B-Boss someones looking for you!Huff...I don't know who that is but he had a terrifying aura. In any case please just go quickly." he informed his Employer.
The Owner was currently organizing paperworks when his employee barge in inside his office. 'What's with him? Did he run all the way here? I've never seen him flustered before.' he asked this to himself since it was an unusual behavior of his employee.
The Owner quickly placed the paperworks on the table. "Okay, I'll go now!." The Owner hurriedly ran out of the staff room, Xarth could see a short man with blue hair huffing and puffing because he had run all the way here.
The man slowly approaches the robed person...
The blue-haired man was Ronald Hillman the leader of the BlueBird Merchant Guild. At the start of the novel the BlueBird Merchant Guild wasn't that large because they were laying low to find the right time to shine. They already had large information and items in stock that could be a game changer If were used on wars. And the man who made the BlueBird Merchant Guild rise to their fame as one of the three largest merchant guilds on Southern continent. Is obviously Ronald Billman, he was said to be a quite a meticulous man.
"Who are you and why do you need to see me?" Ronald anxiously asked.
'Heh, no greetings well I'm sure he's anxious about what made his employee act like that' Xarth believed that was the case for him to act this way.
"I need a more private room to talk to. There's a lot of gazes here." Xarth mentioned while looking at everyone throughout the room.
"Ha! Fine" Ronald scoffed at Xarth and signaled the staff to prepare the room on the second floor. The staff quickly gone up and prepared it. Ronald gestured his hands. "Follow me!" he replied in an annoyed tone.
Xarth ignored Ronald's tone and followed behind him, Ernoul also soon followed behind Xarth.
They walked past 3 rooms and ended at the very last room on the second floor of the building. Ronald opened the door. The room's size was just right, there were two chairs a table, and a large painting at the center. It was simple but very clean.
Xarth whispered to Ernoul at that moment. "Guard the door don't let anyone in, you can do that right?" Ernoul nodded his head and went outside. The door closes and Xarth voluntarily sat down on the chair with his legs cross as he signaled Ronald to sit.
'What the!? Who is this man how can he be so casual? He's like sitting in his own living room.' Ronald was annoyed at the robed man's actions.
Ronald let out a loud sigh and sat on the chair across Xarth. "So What do you want!?" he asked with a nasty look on his face.
"Ha! Why are so anxious?" Xarth scoffed at Ronald.
Ronald slams his hand on the table in front of them."Tch get to the point" For some reason he was quite annoyed and angry at the robed person.
Xarth started to uncross his legs and looked straight at Ronald's eyes. "Ronald Billman Youngest illegitimate son of Duke Billman who was disowned by the household and had fled here from the Eastern Continent" he stated with a mischievous smile on his half exposed face.
Ronald's eyes started to shake so much while his mouth was opening and closing because of all the emotion he was feeling confusion, anger, and fear. "H-How did you know that!!?" he stuttered as he asked that.
Ronald Billman Youngest son Of Duke Billman he was disowned by his family for he was the son of a maid that the Duke had played with. His mother soon was fired from the Duke household and raised Ronald herself she worked a lot of jobs to meet days quota. And raised him old enough for him to look for a job. But after raising her child she slowly wither away... At the age of 17, Ronald created a name for himself he led and created the BlueBird Merchant Guild.
'Only my mother and that Bastard knew that I was his illegitimate child no one could have known that beside me. Who is this man!?' Ronald wondered this, as to who really was this man in front of him that is currently giving him a heart attack.
'Well, I've read the novel how else should I have known.' Xarth answered Ronald's question through his head. Since it will only complicate things if he were to tell that out loud.
Xarth started to look at his fingernails. "I just know." He then began to focus his gaze on the man in front of him. "Well anyway, I want you to bring these items. A map of Southern Continent, a map of Messiah Kingdom, a map of Forest of Lila, 2 spatial bags, 2 robes, and 2 masks." he requested.
Ronald started to clasp his hand and started thinking. 'All the things he requested are easy enough to get so. Why...!? Why does he need to reveal my secret!?.' he still wondered as he can't understand what's the need for the robed individual to tell him his deepest secrets. When he only came by to buy something.
Ronald just let out a sigh. "Fine, I'll prepare it so why do have to reveal my secret." he was waiting for the strangers reply.
Yet...Xarth could see Ronald's eyes were straight as an arrow as he asked that. "Just cause," he replied in a casual tone.
'For future things, I need the BlueBird Merchant Guild for help so I'll have to put on collar on his neck. Blackmail is the key it's the same method in my world why not apply it here as well.' Lee Son did it since he sees it an advantage for him to gain quick information on everything happening around him.
Ronald scoffs at Xarth's respond. "Ha! This bastard." he quietly uttered to himself. "Why don't you tell me your name so I can relax a little." he asked once more.
Xarth placed his hands on the armpost of the chair. "No, I want to remain anonymous." he informed the worried man in front of him.
'I don't have to reveal my identity for him right now.' He thought this since it will only complicate things when dealing with Ronald, he was the kind of guy who doesn't like special services. Lee Son likes to do things on his own yet in just a spun of a day he ordered someone for the first time for something unrelevant.
"And just so you know I'll pay for the things I asked I'm not that bad of a person." Xarth added.
"Sigh! who told you I'll give it to you for free anyway." Ronald wailed as he stood up from his seat and gone out to prepare the stuff that the robed person asked.
Xarth started to organize his thoughts. 'That concludes it. It seems I'm really inside the novel well Ernoul answered all of it. I never would have thought that I'll find him here. Hmm since I'm here on Count Barrow's territory might as well get The Drunken Blade. Now that I think about it if I get the sword won't it cause a large change in the storyline? Well, I'll just give it back to him so I can leave a good impression on him.' he was thinking it was a good way to leave a good impression if he were to meet Zero.
In the novel, while Zero was traveling to go to the capital he came across a forest. It was naturally the Forest of Lila where across from it was a waterfall for him to drink. Then at that night, he saw the waterfall started glowing bright brilliant light that brighten out all the area by the waterfall, Zero looked towards the waterfall and saw a cave in it. So he began to investigate and got the sword after that.
'After this, I'll get the sword but I'll need some more money to proceed with the plan to get it. Well, the plan is to buy a lot of wine for what? You'll see later.' Xarth placed that thought to his head as he waits for Ronald to come back.
Ronald came into the room and placed 2 Spatial bags on the table one was full of stuff while the other was empty. "All the stuff you had asked is in there." he informed Xarth.
Xarth started to caress his chin. "Hmm...How much storage does the Spatial have?" he asked. Ronald started to think. "Well enough to fit 1000 items in it." he respond while his hands on the side.
Xarth started to smile Ronald flinched at the man who started smiling for some unknown reasons. 'Why's this bastard smiling!?.' Ronald pondered this.
"So how much?" He asked once more, Ronald started to think before replying."It's only 10,000 gold coins." he mentioned.
'Well naturally I'm lying it's only 8,000 gold coins I'll just play a little prank at him. he started it.' Ronald was scheming something since this person pisses him off.
Xarth placed a large pouch on the table, Ronald's eyes started to widen well naturally he had not expected a large pouch to come out of the robe hooded man. He slowly started to open the pouch it was filled with gold coins, He had never seen 10,000 in cold gold coins he only has seen it in on cheque.
Ronald gulped before counting the coins."That's is the right amount right?" Xarth was making sure it was the right amount. Ronald headed his gaze on the robe hooded person. "Ahh yes..." Ronald slowly replied.
Xarth took the Spatial bag and left the room after commenting. "I'll visit in some time later," Xarth said with a smile on his face before closing the door. "That Bastard!" Ronald yelled after Xarth left the room.
Xarth signaled Ernoul that his business here is done and left the building to head towards the Count's manor. Ernoul's eyes shook to where they were headed "Um...Hyung-nim why are we going there?" he was startled by this since he was not expecting something like this to happen."Well, it's my home." Xarth casually replied.
"Ha!" Ernoul let out a shocked scoff. They went through the back gate of the mansion there was someone there on the guard post. Naturally, it was Bern waiting for his Young master. "Young master welcome back," Bern said while having a bright smile on his face.
He then looked toward the young man beside Xarth."Young master, who is this?" Bern asked as he was curious to who this young man was."Oh, his my future knight please prepare him a room and tell the Captain knight of our territory to let him use the training area. In the meantime, I'll talk about this matter with my father." Xarth strongly commanded Bern.
"Certainly Young master." Bern bowed towards Xarth and took Ernoul's Arms. "I'll take care of it, Young master." Bern happily dragged Ernoul to the guest's room, while Ernoul on the other hand looked lost while being dragged by him.
Xarth ignored the two and crept his way inside the manor. He swiftly took off his robe and placed it on his spare spatial bag before quickly heading to the Count's office. In front of him was a brown elegant door where the Count office lies.
He knocked three times on the door. "Father It's me Xarth" he chatted. "Come in." the Count then swiftly replied. Xarth opened the door and walked in a graceful manner. "Father, can I talk with you?" he asked in a respectful tone as he is standing alone with someone of high status.
The Count headed his gaze on Xarth. "Of course take a seat." he signaled him to sit on the chair in front of him. Xarth sat down and took a glance at the Count. "So um...I was out on the streets right?" he mentioned."Yes, Bern told me." Count Richard responded back positively,
Xarth started to put on an act. "Well, when I was there some people tried to rob me and harm me." he was creating a false situation to help Ernoul to be on his side. The Count started to frown at his words and stayed silent as he lets Xarth continue his statement."But luckily someone saved me and I brought him here, I think he's good enough to be my guard. I mean he saved my life" He put on a emphasis on the word 'life' since Xarth is his son it's only natural for him to worry over this kind of stuff.
The Count started to clasp his hands. "Hm... Who's the one that attacked you? Did you see their faces?" he asked in a worried tone.
'Got him!' Xarth was happy to see the bait he had set was taken by the Count. Now it all comes down to his acting to make things work. Xarth face started to look gloomy. "No sorry father." he said in a sorrowful tone clearly showcasing his unknown side.
The Count unclasp his hands and waved it toward his son. "No no you shouldn't apologize to me. I should be the one apologizing because I didn't send any guards with you." he felt bad since he let his son out with no one to protect him. Somehow Xarth was feeling guilty but that doesn't mean he'll tell the truth. "It's alright father it was my choice to have not anyone with me." he commented.
The Count stood up from his seat and approached Xarth. "Are you certain that the man you have brought in will not betray you and will protect you with his life?" he asked in a grave tone.
'Woah, with his life so over the top but I guess I gotta take responsibility for him. I was the one who changed his destiny.' Xarth was feeling resposible wit Ernoul well he really was.
"Of course." Xarth replied in a confident tone. The Count just looked at Xarth with an indifferent expression. "Then I'll allow it, I'm glad your safe is that all you have to say?" he asked back since he would like to set matters straight quickly.
Xarth placed his hand on his neck. "Father, I know this may be rude. but could give me money?" he was requesting money since the money he had before was already washed out.
The Count just smiled. "No it's not rude at all, Well to be honest I'm kind of happy that you are well behaved these days so I'll give you some ." he proceed to go back to his work desk to get the money.
Xarth beamed. "Thank you, Father." he commented before lowering his head while the Count gave him a check. After receiving the money he quietly bowed and left the Count's office.
He then let out a silent sigh upon exting the Count's office. 'That was easier than I thought. Now I got to find Bern and Ernoul.'Xarth hastily made his way to the knights training area where Ernoul was currently training with his sword, there was also Bern watching Ernoul practicing.
"Bern" Bern looked toward the direction he heard the voice from and quickly ran towards it. "Yes, Young master what can I do for you?" he beamed as he had asked that. "How're all the things I told you to do?" Since he was preparing for the next step to acquire the Drunken Blade. "It's all done Young master." Bern happily informed his Young master. "Good, then I'll make you do something again."
Bern eyes stopped smiling and listened seriously to Xarth request. "What is it?" Xarth threw the spatial bag at Bern, Bern caught it before he started to speak again. "Buy 1000 Highest Grade wine and put it all in there." he commanded. Xarth then gave the check to Bern, he looked shocked at the check that Xarth had given him. Since it was the first time he saw so many zeroes in a bill.
Ernoul was also there looking at the two having a conversation. "Ohh...I almost forgot that I'll need it before sundown." Xarth added. "Yes, Young master I'll prepare it immediately." Bern bowed.
'Why is the Young master buying so much wine. Is he planning some sort of event?' Bern questioned his Young master's behavior since he knows for a fact that Xarth doesn't have friends to drink with. He thought this as he swiftly makes his way to a Wine store in their Territory.
'It's so nice to be a nobleman.' Xarth was certainly pleased with how things are, since it was the first time he ordered someone to do something for him without them complaining.
Xarth mouth started to form into a crescent shape. Ernoul who was looking at Xarth felt chills as he saw the mischievous smile on Xarth's doll-like face. 'How can be a fragile-looking person have a smile like that. I mean Hyung-nim was also weird the first time I met him why did he not reveal his identity to the Guild master?' Ernoul secretly pondered this since if Xarth were to reveal his identity to the Guild master he will surely be treated with importance.
Xarth placed his hand on Ernoul's shoulder. "Ernoul continue on training, before sundown come to my room secretly." he instructed before taking a step back. Ernoul looked towards him and "Yes, Hyung-nim." timidly replied.
Xarth saunter his way away from the training ground and gone on up to his room. He casually sat on the couch and started to remember the soon upcoming events that will take place soon. He then remembered what was the upcoming event. It was on the Messiah Kingdom.
In the novel 5 days from now, they will hold the birthday banquet of the king and all the nobles must attend this celebration to pay respect to His Highness. The one who'll represent Count Barrow's territory was supposedly Count Richard but he will be busy financing the territory so he'll send his eldest son to attend it instead.
Then there will be a terrorist attack or you could say they were the same organization that attacked the Brook Village they will take citizens and nobles as hostage furthermore they planted bombs throughout the ballroom hidden in place, But the novel explained where the bombs were scattered.Coincidentally Zero our MC was in the vicinity of the ballroom where they held the celebration. He then heard the same scream that he had heard on the Brook Village Zero. He urgently ran toward the noise to see the same robe that had the Red Claws mark by their chest. Zero grit his teeth and took out his sword from his scabbard a Red aura started to rise out from his sword, his aura can be seen as a Swordmaster level the people inside the ballroom felt hope...Hoping that the terrorist will be destroyed by the young Swordmaster.
All the robe person was quickly killed but some were able to escape. Some citizens and nobles were killed so it was not much of a victory on their side. Relieved that the unknown men were wiped out the people started to address Zero as the Hero.
That's the first time the MC will receive the medal of honor for his heroic deeds of protecting the king and the citizens with his life on the line.
'So how can I prevent that Harold will be attending the celebration at least for taking Xarth's body I need to protect his family oh...I know I'll just bring Zero in early. He'll wipe out all of the enemies and the storyline wouldn't change at all. It's a win-win situation.' Xarth positively believed this outcome a possibility.
Xarth looked out the window to see the Sun slowly started to set and Bern was still not here but it was at that moment.
*Knock knock knock.
"Come in." Xarth yelled to inform the person on the other side of the door.
Bern came in with an exhausted look on his face as he slowly walked towards Xarth while panting.
"Huff...Young master Huff... Here's...What you have ordered.." Bern handed Xarth the spatial bag full of Wines, Xarth started to smile. 'What a useful item. An item that can hold such a large amount great job author for creating this.' he complimented the Author who was not even there.
Xarth patted Bern's shoulder. "Good work Bern you can rest now." he commanded. "Thank you, Young Master." Bern smiled brightly.
'I knew it, The young master has truly changed I've been observing the young master since yesterday and his behavior and the way he acts all changed it's like I'm serving a stranger. No no don't think that I think young master really just had a change of pace which is a good thing he doesn't whine anymore nor does he throws plates at the servants.' Bern left the room while having those thoughts on his head. The sun was almost set and Xarth was only waiting for Ernoul to start the mission today.
The mission was looting the Drunken Blade.
To be continued...