Note: Caenis-(C); Yuri- (Y); Lemon- (L);
"Who the hell are you?" Alonso shouted, his anger now finding a proper target. But, to his bewilderment, Caenis gave a happy sneer like a tiger looking at a pocket dog. Alonso, though, didn't appreciate her attitude and once again tried to threaten her again, his hand going for his sword.
"No, Lord. Don't pull that out." Dalia stops him with a shout full of horror. She then steps in between the two, facing the incarnation of power in front of her. "*Gulp* Lord, please step back. We are in danger right now. Niea, find a way out of this building. I-I will try to hold her off. "
The sudden change of attitude of the taciturn woman made all the people beside Caenis fall into confusion. Alonso quickly grabs her shoulder, trying to question her, his eyes darting between the two ladies. While Niea scans the room, still not knowing why. As Hekkeran's group wakes up from their stupor. They intervene between the two groups.
"Ok-Ok, Not in here. I don't want to be kicked by the owner, so don't we calm down ." Hekkeran jumped between the two glaring women. He did not understand why the situation suddenly turned combative, but one thing he knew, if this went on, there would be a one-sided slaughter. He then turned to Alonso and, with a serious said.
Our business here is done so *pointing his head to the entrance* take that gold bag and leave. (Hekkeran)
On hearing this, however, Alonso momentarily forgot his confusion and moved past Dalia, trying to grab Hekkeran's collar. Suddenly, a dagger flew past his stretched hand, stopping it on its mid-track.
You hear the man, rich boy. Go bring that gold and sob story somewhere else. Imana emitted a killing intent fitting for a high-rank worker, momentarily drawing the attention of Alonso's guards.
*Clap Clap Clap*
Clapping his hands to draw attention, Lemon entered this situation casually. His eyes surveyed the room and landed his eyes to his stupid creation. His eyes suddenly turn harsher, making Caenis flience in response.
"Oi, you wild dog, why are you making this situation even more chaotic than it already is? Did I add something to make you act this way every fucking time? Now come here and stand outside with Solution. "
Caenis, as if hit by a stick, dropped her long ears and walked outside, mumbling, "But they started it" and such.
Seeing the situation calming down somewhat, Hekkeran walked up to Lemon. His other teammates, however, were still keeping a weary gaze on Alonso's group.
Haa. You guys are late, but thanks, it was really hairy just now. Hekkeran extended his hand, and Lemon took it, shaking his hand. Lemon then shakes his head, smiling exhaustingly. (Hekkeran)
I am also sorry, both for being late and for well fueling the fire. Caensi is always a troublemaker. It's a sirrah that she is unable to resolve. Who are these people, by the way? Are we causing any disturbances? (L)
Saying so, Lemon looked inquisitively at the group that was unusually glaring towards him and Yuri behind him. A sense of familiarity assaulted him when he saw the figures in this group. He racked his brain to remember a guy's blue hair archer, a onex hair tank and a pink-haired magician.
While Lemon was straining his mind, Hekkeran wondered if he ought to introduce them. Though he believes Lemon's group can easily finish this quest, he is hesitant to do so, because it is offered as a worker quest, which is not the same as a quest issued by the guild. It does not have the fundamental safety granted to adventures if the contract was broken by the client, and on top of that, the party this time was a Nobel, which doubles or triples the risk the worker has to take on.
Upon meeting Alonso's wary gaze, he could see the genuine desperation in his eyes. Having gone through his own parent's death, he could relate to Alonso on a certain level. Making up his mind, he broke off his gaze and looked towards Lemon, who had his eyes closed with a hand on his chin.
This here is Alonso. We were discussing on a quest he brought up,...If you are fine, do you want to join the discussion? (Hekkeran)
Imana and Roberdyck, on hearing the sudden reversal of statements of their leader tried to protest, but a sign from him silenced them.
Lemon though, on hearing the name, a bulb went in his head, illuminating the uncomfortable feeling that came from not being able to remember something you already know. Maybe because of this, his voice came out louder than he intended.
Ah, the heir of the Bellsky house, feew, that was killing me. (L)
"Wonderfully done, Master I believed in you." Yuri happily congratulates her master on his endeavour, and Lemon, with slight bashfulness on his face tells her to stop.
"H-How do you know that? Who are you? Did my father send you to sabotage my plans again?" Hearing the name of his house from the Lemon, Alonso and his group became instantly wary. This was not the first time his father had sent people to stop him from gathering people that would aid him on his quest. His father's interference had gone to the point where he ordered an assault on some of his long-time adventure buddies, crippling them for life and effectively ending their adventure career. From that point, he never named himself with that name, and if they recognised him with his family name, they must have been send by his father.
Lemon was surprised out of his happy mood by the sudden shower of clear killing intent. Yuri also suddenly appeared in the line of sight of her potential enemies.
What, Lemon, do you know them or something? (Hekkeran)
"They just misunderstand something, you two, and don't make the situation more complicated." Something fell between Alonso's and Lemon's group just as he stopped talking. It did not disturb the environment as it landed, so the people around instantly recognised it as Caensi and as if that was not enough, from the back of Alonso, Solusion walked out, fighting the man half to death.
Ya-ya, I got ya. (C)
Yes, Lord Lemon, then we shall continue to stand by the door. (S)
The sudden appearance of the two figures rattled the hearts of people inside the room. They were all confused about how they managed to bypass their senses, and this brought a sense of primal fear taking hold of them. They all collectively had the same premonition as if they were linked to a Spiritus Mundi, and the images of them dying, not even understanding how fleeted across their minds. This made them realise how thine their no the whole capital's foothold was at this moment.
Sorry about that,....., well just standing here is also not proper so, let's all sit down and I will tell you how I knew your family name.
****************************
The three leaders sat at the table inside the booth. While their team members scattered around the room, engaging in their own activities. Some leaned against the wall, while others stood behind the leaders, some sat on the sofa, and some brought in refreshments that they had ordered.
Lemon, picking up the spoon full of stew, put it inside his mouth, and he then swallowed the tasteful bite with a drink of water. When going for another scoop, his eyes met with Alonso's and seeing his dissatisfied countenance, he clicked his tongue in annoyance and spoke.
Aren't you happy now that your wild goose chase is over? So why are you looking like a spoiled brat who didn't get the present he wanted? (L)
When exposed to an annoyed look by Lemon, Alonso quickly averts his eyes. He then put his fist down on the table and spoke in a voice full of doubt.
Well, I am grateful that someone as strong as Mr Lemon is willing to help but, it's just that. I can't believe Ms Irona asked you to aid me. (Alonso)
Ya, I heard from her that you guys had a big disagreement and parted indignantly. (L)
I see if you already know that much then. Yes, our relationship has become more estranged for the past few years, so when a group of people suddenly appeared and tells me, she had sent you, I would say my being a little dissatisfied is justifiable. (Alonso)
Caenis, who was lounging on a sofa and munching on some fried chicken scoffed before Lemon spoke. "That's your problem. We don't want to hear about your entire sad past; we're just here to help you get that herb. If you want to display that 'dissatisfaction' or whatever. Go talk to that old lady."
"Well, As always, thanks for taking what I want to say and saying it in the most offensive tone." Lemon said while shaking his head, then looked at the dumbfounded man.
"You heard her. We are here to take a request. If you want to patch up your 'estranged' relationship, do it on your own time." Lemon then turned to the other person sitting with them. Hekkeran was just sitting quietly, acting as a bystander while sipping the tea Arche brought from him.
"Now that you know the story, are you also joining this expedition?" asked Lemon. Hekkeran paused his hands, then placing the cup, fell silent. After a few seconds of thinking with his head down, he looked at the two of them and shook his head.
"I will be sticking with my earlier decision. I think we would just become a liability in the inner part of the forest. And to be honest, after hearing all that, this sounds like a major bomb of the family feud variety, and we do not want to be involved in those."
Saying that Hekkeran stood up from the chair. "You guys will be talking about the details, so we will leave here *looking at Alonso* don't worry your secret is safe with us, don't want a future Marques coming for our ass. *turning to Lemon* Let's meet for that tour some other time. I know a killer place that serves orc meat." Hekkeran and his gang walked out of the booth, leaving only seven people in silence.
Well, let's get down to the details of this quest. Spoked Lemon, getting a nod from the Young man. (L)
"I will pay the same amount I offered to Foresight, 350 gold coins. Seeing Lemon nodding at the price, he continued, "do you know this place in the forest?" He then pointed to a spot that was on the opposite side of the Azerlisia Mountain range, making it well inside the Kingdom's territory, though still deep inside the forest.
Hmm, Nope, no Idea. I can't say that, can I? From my estimate, it's nearer to Nazarisk, so I can just ask Aura to guide me after I reach there.
"Yes, I recognise the area, though not the exact place you are pointing at, but I am sure we can manage it."
"Amm, not very reassuring, but....you people do look very strong." He then peeks a glance at Solution, who is elegantly sipping a cup of tea. He quickly looked at the map as soon as Solution's head twitched, like a student that broth a note into an exam. "I will believe in your strength, not like I have any other option anyway."
OK, Now that we have finished up. We will meet up again in 3 days. Is that ok with you?
On hearing this question, Alonso, with a surprised voice, denied it.
"What, 3 days is too long, we should move out by tomorrow. You know I don't have that much time left." Alonso's voice echoed inside the booth, attracting the customers' attention again.
"You really don't learn, do you? Sit down." Lemon's dominating voice made a chill run down his spine, and he quickly sat down.
"I say three days because that's how long we'll need to replenish supplies and attend to some business. As Hekkeran told you, we just arrived in the city yesterday and thus have not finished any of our business. And, It may only be a one-way trip, so you guys also need to say goodbye to people close to you."
Alonso became silent upon hearing this and realised that he had become hasty. On a mission like this, Hast always makes Waste, and he does not want a repeat of the failure he suffered in the swamp. He also wants to visit Irona, to thank her for introducing a strong party. "All right, let's meet up in 3 days. As for the meeting place, let's meet up at a mid-class hotel called Shirui Lily. It's a place I go to from time-to-time, and the security there is sufficient for a meet-up."
Shirui Lily, is this a coincidence...Solution did mention their regulars were heirs of nobles' families and wealthy merchants.
"I know the place, let's meet up there." Standing up, Lemon extended his hand, which Alonso took with a little fright, and after a shake, Lemon walked out of the booth and paid his bill. They walked down the much emptier road after casting illusion magic on themself.
"Say, Master, do we have any work we need to do for three days?" asked Caenis, as her eyes wandered around the various street stalls.
"For us, No. For the espionage group, always." Replied Lemon as his eyes wandered around the various street stalls.
"Thought so." (C)