Like usual, I leave the room through the window. Jumping off the edge before casting several translucent barrier-like platforms and landing safely before touching the ground. At the corner of my eye are a couple of servants hiding away among the trees. A male and female servant are having some loving moments together. They could do it during their off day, but I guess this place and time works for them.
Also, I need to go past them to leave the mansion ground. But it should be fine since I am in stealth mode. I deprive ordinary people of sight, hearing, smell, and presence. It is a perfect method if I make some sneaky attack or escape the troublesome situation. Eventually, I reached the city square. Even at night, it is bustling with happy, jolly people enjoying some parties to themselves, eating and drinking and getting wasted afterwards. I don't blame them, to be honest. After whatever hard-earned work they had, the citizens deserve such enjoyment.
I should be hidden from everyone.
I stop in the corner of the alleyway. I lifted the stealth magic as I walked out of there. Just a block away, there is a tavern I usually like to go. The Dragon Puffing. This establishment serves, if not the best, honey mead and a decent meal in this area. Still, I would always head here unless the tavern were to close for a reason.
"Oh! Welcome back, Mr Rainier. Fancy meeting you again!" Alice, the barmaid, greeted me happily as I entered the tavern.
Oh right. I go by that name since I am a registered adventurer of this city. The mask I wear may only cover my eyes. Leaving my mouth exposed, but I am lucky. The mask is, in fact, an artifact I acquired from my adventuring job in one of the ancient ruins. The mask acts as a perception blockage to anyone looking at me. But some people I ask what I look to them, they say my whole face is covered with a mask made of metal. Sometimes, some unsavoury people tended to remove it to see who was behind it. Rowdy and rude people, I would say. Sadly for them, it could not be removed at all. Only me is permitted to do so. As for those people I mentioned? Let's say I teach them a lesson and then pile up their medical bills.
"Good evening, Miss Alice." I greeted her. My voice is different while at it. Perhaps this is included as one of the effects of the mask.
"Good evening to you, too. Let me guess. The usual?" She put up her brightest smile.
"Yes. I'm sorry to trouble you."
"Oh! Don't be! More like the owner, and the others are glad for your patronage. Without you, I doubt we can last long in this establishment."
"Please. You are flattering me. Besides, I love the owner's cooking and the barmaids serving the people around. Such a joyful and positive environment really."
"Oh, please! It is our job as such. But anyway. Right this way. I shouldn't keep you waiting."
She brought me over to the private small room I was always in, carefully manoeuvring the crowded tavern, not wanting to bump into anyone or anything. Once here, she opened the door before telling me she would bring the usual order for my late dinner. Closing the door behind me, I sat as I waited for my food. It did not take long for me to hear knocking on the door.
"Your food and drink is here. Please enjoy, sir."
"I'm sorry to trouble you, Miss Alice."
"Don't be, sir. I am used to carrying the tray filled with all sorts of food and beverages. Please! Enjoy your meal."
Before settling in for my meal, I cast Perception Block and All Lock magic. I would not want people to eavesdrop or suddenly barge into the room. The full-course meal for tonight is meat stew, sliced white bread, chowder, and a mug of mead. I am surprised Miss Alice can carry this despite her being a girl. Indeed, she is used to this kind of job carrying a heavy meal on a tray. Later on, a series of banging on the door. Oh no. Don't tell me.
"Mr Rainier! It's me! Please open the door! It's very urgent! Please!"
Great. It's Miss Holly. The adventure guild receptionist. What does she want this time?
Once again, she seems to be working overtime. I cannot say whether she is a hard-working person or something else. Putting that aside, I ready myself. I undo the magic and go to get the door.
"Let me guess. An urgent quest?" I said that the moment she and I met face-to-face.
"Hehe! You read my mind. I mean, it's urgent that the threat level suddenly spikes. All thanks to the scout we sent. They are safe if you must know that is."
I let out a sigh like usual. Whatever, thank goodness I am done with my meal. I knew this would happen anyway. I am someone who can be relied on, after all, when it comes to dangerous emergency moments. I enquired where this quest might take place.
"The Northern Forest." Miss Holly said these words.
The forest? Could it be that forest that my first brother went to clear the rampage? So, there are remnants of unclear monsters? There is no use in overthinking about it. I will check it out. Before heading out, Miss Holly informed me she would do the necessary paperwork regarding this quest.
"No. You can do that later. Go home and get some rest. I am not asking."
"Oh...urmm...but of course. It's been a long day. Good luck and be careful, Mr Rainier."
I pay for the meal to Miss Alice. She thanked me and bid me farewell and good luck on my quest. Fine. I could use this as an exercise of some sort. Before, I will call it a day as well. But the Northern Forest, huh? For some odd reason, it is bugging me. Something tells me it would not be a regular walk in the park like usual. But that is just me. I will see what I might encounter in there.