The audience in the hall fell into silence after witnessing many burly men entering their inn. They nonchalantly sat down beside them while taking off their helmets to reveal their faces. One could say they were extremely good looking and they had white and yellow teeth, indicating they were hygienic people compared to most of the people who knew nothing about hygiene.
" Waiter, bring us some bread and water with meat. Also, give these friends some free drinks."
Richard put a few gold coins on the table and the atmosphere returned to normal as people started conversing with paladins. The guide looked at the situation with a helpless look, not knowing what to do.
The lord specifically instructed him to listen to his words but surely he was different from those high paladins. He heard Richard and Henry were unique but he didn't believe in those words. Honestly, it was hard to believe one of the most powerful forces would willing to lower themselves, yet here they are. Drinking with mercenaries and having laughter with them. Perhaps this was the reason for him being called the lion because lions never abandon their pride.
" How do you feel? We all live once and die. It is in God's hands and I want to live fully without any regret. Of course, you have to remember that everyone has responsibility, so you have to balance it carefully."
Richard continued to sip his water, reminiscing about his past when he had to battle against the enemies without any fear. Now, he was doing his missions, nothing more serious.
" I heard two lions of the church were unique individuals. One listened to others and dutifully fulfilled his role while others roamed across the continent. But I never thought the dutiful one would have this kind of side."
The guide didn't hide his thoughts, expressing his admiration for him. Richard laughed at his remark, raising his cup to mimic like he was drinking. However, soon his expression crumbled when he shifted his gaze toward the stairs where he spotted someone that he knew well.
" Please, have fun without me. I need to go."
He gently pushed the table while excusing himself from the crowd. His face remained hidden under his false smile but his eyes turned sharp as he grabbed his sword. The guards and mercenaries didn't show any confusion but the paladins nodded at each other while maintaining their mood. They understood he had something to do with someone in the upstairs and their goal was to keep things clear for him since he was the strongest man whom they had known.
There was little to no possibility that someone could assassinate him without making any ruckus.
Creak*
The wooden stairs creaked loudly under his large armor while his cape was silently drafted by his presence. Richard's face turned serious when he saw three individuals who were waiting for him upstairs as he knelt on the floor with deep respect.
" Richard greets your Holiness. I wonder what brought you here to grace my humble self."
Richard felt something was off by looking at their outfits and he could guess something was happening.
" Lord Richard, we need your assistance. The monastery was attacked by the imperial army and Lord Farcandus lost his life to protect us."
Richard's pupils trembled when he heard the news and he grabbed the hilt of his sword without noticing it. His breath grew sharper while his beard and hair stood up from the shock.
" I will heed your words but we have to move safely. You must be under their tracks."
Richard didn't hesitate to change his course, knowing the clash between the church and the imperial family was inevitable. Moreover, he was confident that they were being tracked.
He quickly followed them to their room, looking for items that could help them.
" Take this with you. My group is too eye-catching and you need to avoid us until you leave this city. I will try to change our course but we have to be swift and precise. The bloodshed will happen and I am not sure that all of us would survive but this isn't a simple matter."
Richard didn't want to admit that but they were in grave danger.