Veronica asked politely, "I'm looking for a man. Can you help me to find him?"
Max served the hulk a glass of beer before looking at his new customer properly. The girl was at least 5'6" tall with a slender body. She was wearing a worn-out dress and her back and head were covered in a cape with an oversized hood. Even so, her fair skin, pink lips, and green pupils made it hard to not notice her.
Max had keen eyes. He couldn't miss the details. He complimented her naïve, pretty look inwardly and then inquired, "A man? How does he look?"
The bulky man also turned to face her. He was curious to know what she had to say.
"Um… he is this tall," Veronica raised her hand while standing on her tiptoes to show how long that man was. "He has black hair and yellow eyes. He is b-b-b…" she turned red and stammered. She couldn't complete the last word.
Max waited for her to finish her description but gave up when he concluded that she couldn't utter another word. In the end, he said, "Yellow eyes, that's unusual. I have heard of a man who has golden eyes but I don't know where he is now, Miss. Sorry I couldn't help you."
"Ah, is that so…" Veronica's heart dropped. She looked down. She was upset.
Seeing her pitiful expression, Max suggested, "Would you like to drink? I can guarantee that my drinks are of better quality than those that are found in the other bars around. If nothing else, you should consider passing your time here as he might come here to drink."
"Oh, really?" Veronica's emerald eyes were filled with hope instantly. "Then, can I sit inside your bar while waiting?" She couldn't give up yet. She wished to stay inside and wait for him to come.
"Of course, you can sit in that corner," Max pointed to a small table in a corner. "This is the first time that a pretty lady like you had come to my place and asked for something. Unfortunately, I couldn't help you. So, whatever you want to eat, it's on the house tonight."
Veronica blushed at the words 'pretty lady'. She obediently sat in the corner. When a glass was placed on her table, she thanked Max.
"Please enjoy the drink. In the meantime, I will find someone to help you go searching for the man you are looking for," Max left after saying that.
'Juice…' She curiously looked inside the glass. The wooden glass was filled up to two-thirds with a colorful drink. It smelled sweet. She sipped a little and her eyes sparkled instantly.
She could recognize the taste. It's cherry juice. She never tasted sweet drinks. Like a child, she wondered how they made the cherry drinks with those beautiful round fruits.
While she was enjoying her juice, someone approached her. The person stood in front of her and asked, "Miss, are you looking for a man with golden eyes?"
"Yes," Veronica answered while nodding. She stared at the man with expectations.
The person was middle aged, with tanned skin and a round figure. He was wearing a brown waistcoat over a simple white shirt and a pair of brown pants. Holding a smoking pipe in his hand, he leaned forward and said, "I know a man of your description. I know where he is now."
Veronica's eyes shone with hope. "Do you really know where he is? This is great! Can you please tell me?"
He lowered his voice and answered, "It's Morina's Palace."
"Morina's Palace?" Veronica blinked. This was the first time she heard such a name. She became worried instantly. How would she know where that place was when it was only her first time hearing its name ever?
Realizing that she couldn't recognize the place, the man snickered. He said, "Since Max told me to help you, I can show you the way if you want."
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Veronica walked behind the man on the street. Later, they entered through the gate, and then it felt like they were in a different dimension. The streets were decorated. Men and women were standing close to each other without caring about others' gaze. They were chatting and laughing.
Veronica's eyes widened in surprise when she saw some men and women were being too intimate in public. 'What kind of place is this?' She wondered in horror. 'Is it okay to go further? But then, I can't meet that man and give him back his necklace.'
She was in a dilemma. She was scared of these strange people around her. Her grip on her skirt tightened. 'No, I can't go back. I finally came all this way just to meet him. After I'm done with my business, I will go back to the temple.' Deciding on what she needed to do, she walked forward in determined steps.
Just then, her escort went inside the most luxurious building upfront. She followed after him. "Where are we?" She questioned him.
The man narrated shortly, "Ah, we are in Morina's Palace. This is the place I was talking about earlier. There is a restaurant on the first floor. You can get all the types of food here. Most of the men and women in town come here to seek eternal pleasure. You will find him somehow. Just stay in the restaurant and you will see all sorts of people going in and out. You will meet him here for sure."
"Oh, I see. Thank you very much, Sir. I don't know how to repay you," Veronica was overwhelmed with gratitude.
The man politely stated, "It's all right. You are Max's precious guest. This is the least I can do for you. Anyway, as for my payment, please give me two silver coins."
"Eh?" Veronica blinked. She couldn't understand what he was talking about. She didn't buy anything from him. Why would she have to give him money? Moreover, one silver coin meant one hundred bronze coins. No one could afford that much money unless they were filthy rich.
The man understood that this woman was absolutely clueless. He let out a sigh and explained, "Miss, I guided you all the way here. You have to pay me for my service."