Dirius
It's gonna take a while to get used to calling myself that name. I mean it isn't bad at all; however, I still prefer Averie, albeit biased on it's familiarity.
On the plus side though one thing I can say for sure was that Dirius was a handsome bastard. I doubt it would be hard for me to pick up hoes like this. On a more serious note, my sister and I happened upon a large pub in some dingy back alleyway while perusing through town.
A distinct scent of rotting food hovered over the entire area, rats could be seen scurrying about the floor. My face visibly twitched at the thought that I'd have to walk through there, but I digress. Information was a necessity, and what better place to gather information than at a pub.
Alcohol tends to make people loose lipped. Coupled with the fact that this world seemed to be midcentury, it wasn't hard to assume that if there were any problems with governing bodies... be the citizens would be sure to complain about it.
'Bars were a judgement free area. Of course I'd know that best.'
***
Upon entry of the pub I paid no attention to the general atmosphere, instead opting to locate a free seat near the bartender. The vibe these places tend to give off were all the same no matter the era after all.
"Hey hey! Don't you think that guy over there in the white is like super handsome?"
"Huh? Oh, damn you're actually right for once Cindy."
Sitting at the countertop I overheard the hushed whispers of nearby customers.
'Got to say, as much as I enjoy the attention...those two aren't exactly my type.'
Orphelia and I chose to switch into older clothes before leaving the inn, obviously to avoid painting a massive target on our backs. This was partially because we had no idea of the power system of this world, but mainly due to fear of being recognized.
I find it hard to believe the children of a Marquis would be unknown after all especially given the nature of our bodies' previous owners.
"Hey Dirius. You taking the usual today or not!?"
I heard a gruff voice call out to my name, quickly realizing that the old Dirius was probably known in this bar I improvised.
"Nah not today man! I'll just take two shots of you're strongest spirit. Separate of course."
If the old Dirius was someone that frequented this pub it would've been strange for me to decline a drink. 'Plus in all honesty I just want to drink.'
Tossed into the world of a shitty novel without a gold finger, and worse yet having only read four chapters. Anyone would yearn for a drink after circumstances like that. Hence, I also got a shot for Orphelia.
"Here. that'll be four copper. Or are ya taking on the tab again?"
The man asked the latter sentence in a snide tone, as if contemptful at the fact Dirius was wealthy enough to own a tab.
Knowing that the old Dirius was a dumbass with an iq below 100, I assume that means he used the Marquis' name on his tab. Given that we'd been disowned that would cause a problem for me.
"No tab today, here you are."
The man's face was twisted in shock at my choice to pay in cash, or would it be coin now? Regardless I couldn't afford to have the marquis after me for spending his money.
Spotting Orphelia looking around like a lost lamb I walked up to her, placing the shot directly in her face.
"Drink?"
I smirked.
"Any excuse to drink as always I see, this time I agree though."
She smiled at my offer before taking the drink, likely elated at my amazingly kind gesture. 'I'm such a thoughtful brother.'
The two of downed the pint of ale at the same time before letting out a satisfied "hahhh~".
"Shall we split up to cover more ground?"
She nodded at my question before continuing.
"Yeah but we should meet back here in like two hours."
"No offense sis but your perception of time is whack."
It wasn't a lie. She was the type of person to say five minutes and you'd have to add on another ten. Sometimes I think she does it on purpose.
"Says the one who can't ever wake up to an alarm on time."
'Touché'
Before giving to a chance to respond with a quip she walked off on me. tch.
Instead of bothering I went back to my original seat to listen in on others.
"Yo barkeep, I'll take a pint of ale."
I ordered another drink for my eavesdropping session. In all likelihood I probably wouldn't finish it as I needed my mind to be completely sober in order to process information efficiently.
'My limited funds are gonna hate this though. I don't even understand the currency yet, I'm just assuming it follows the default fantasy layout.'
The bartender placed the mug in front of me while heaving a grunt before walking off to tend to others.
"Oi Alex. You heard what the Marquis did?"
'Finally some useful information.'
"Fack are ya wafflin about now Tispon?"
"That ain't tha tone to make with ya stepfather to be prick. Whatever I'll let it slide for today since I'm in a good mood. I heard tha Marquis finally disinherited those two little gremlins."
"You're pullin ma leg here mate. No facking way he did."
"I swear on me mums tits mate."
'Seems info on our disownment have already spread. It really was a good choice to wear non flashy clothes.'
"Bahaha! Bout time the fuckers got disowned ay! I heard that Orphelia brat was flirting with a priest from tha Renzian empire."
'She did WHAT!?'
"Ya fackin lyin mate. No way the lass was dumb enough to do that."
"Oi keep callin me a liar and I'll clock ya. All ma information be from reliable sources."
After that those two started chatting about things I couldn't be bothered with. I doubted I'd find out anything else from them.
Looking around the back of the pub I made out a busty beauty drinking by herself. She wasn't wearing anything flashy; however, as a proud member of the male species I'd be hard pressed if I couldn't make out a hottie underneath her cloak.
I walked over discretely before dropping my ass on a seat opposite of her.
"May I inquire as to why a beauty such as yourself is left by yourself?"
Being this close to her I could just barely see under her cloak. Long sunset dusted blonde hair, silver eyes that seemed to reflect the moon itself and pale skin with the perfect color peach blush on her cheeks. She seemed to be somewhere around late twenties early thirties. 'Alright enough staring at the jade like beauty.'
"And what's it to a little boy like you?"
She responded without even looking at me.
"Pardon my forwardness.. but I couldn't just leave a pretty flower unattended now could I?"
"Well you should have. This flower is thorned boy."
"Sometimes a flower is so beautiful you don't mind being pricked by it's thorn."
At this she finally looked up to meet my gaze. A slight tinge of pink dusted her cheeks after seeing my appearance.
"You sure have a way with words kid."
"Really? This is my first time trying something like this. Seems like it was worth it."
A lie. I had done this many times; however older women love inexperience.
"Ha! Am I to believe that? You're only deluding yourself boy."
'tch. Seems I have to kick it up a notch.'
"Dirius."
"Huh?"
"Don't call me boy, I prefer to hear my name."
"You got it 'Dirius'."
She had probably said my name sarcastically, however I didn't mind as it set me up for attack.
"Good. Hearing my name being called from a soothing voice is rather pleasing."
"Ha. pfff-Hahaha! This kid is hilarious!"
'If you can make her laugh and giggle.'
"So what's your name miss? Or should I continue calling you beauty? I don't mind either way."
"My name is Alfiya. Alfiya Vengarden."
'She has a last name? Given the type of world we're in doesn't that mean she's—'
"Shocked? I thought the son of Marquis Hendrix would've recognized me...though I supposed that asking too much."
'So she knew me, why am I even shocked? I mean I literally told her my name.'
From the way she referred to the Marquis as if she were reminiscing and assumed I should know her I immediately knew she was a noble. Unfortunately though, I had zero clue what position she held.
"Apologies, as you may know, I'm unfortunately not very knowledgeable when it comes to things like these."
'Noble or not however, I'm not backing off.'
"Of course I know, I doubt there is anyone in this town that doesn't."
She was clearly amused at the idiocy of this body. However I couldn't help but enjoy talking to her, regardless of insult.
"I guess my reputation precedes me."
She cut me off before I could continue, a mischievous smirk embedded on her face as she ran her finger along the rim of her mug.
"That it does~."
"Right. So how about we have a private tutor session? You seem rather knowledgeable."
"My lessons don't come cheap boy~."
She said in a cheery tone, her smirk was so wide that anyone could tell she was enjoying this conversation.
"I'm willing to pay any price."
I said staring directly into her eyes, adding a slight edge to my voice.
"Oho, I hope you know what you're getting into boy."
At this I leaned into her ear.
"Please, If I wasn't ready to take a risk I wouldn't be here."
Without saying anything further she took my hand and began leading me to a room behind the bartender.
I was smiling ear to ear at the thought of having some one on one time with a beauty... however just then—
"Who is that man lady Vengarden!?"
Fuck.
Not taking a chance I booked it and headed straight for the room I saw Orphelia go into.
BANG
"What the!?"
"No time to talk Orphelia let go. Now!"
Information could wait another day.