The stranger spoke in a voice that was not loud, but it was clear and carried an obvious non-local accent:
"Madam, is this person staying at your inn?"
He first produced a banknote, and then a photo which he showed to Mrs. Sangmi. Due to the angle, Shard couldn't see what was on the photo.
Shard rested his arm on the counter and sat on the round stool in front of it, gazing at Luviya. As she raised her eyebrows, he gestured for her not to speak and then continued their earlier conversation, complaining to Luviya about how Miss Mary, the technical worker, had not been telling the truth.
"Where did this High Ring Sorcerer come from? Has the Church already found this place? Should I leave then?"
These thoughts were voiced internally.
[The other party is at least Twelve Rings, likely a Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer.]
"Thirteen Rings?"
Shard was even more surprised, but his facial expression remained unchanged:
