"What the hell?" Sumit muttered under his breath, watching Jack groan and sit up, brushing dust off his fur.
"Oww, that hurt, you overgrown bull," Jack grumbled, glaring back at the pub as if it had personally offended him. His expression brightened upon noticing Leo standing nearby. "Oh, Leo, great timing! Let me borrow some coins from you."
Leo's face remained stoic. "No."
Jack blinked, tilting his head. "Why not? I promise I'll return it!"
"That's what you said last time. And the time before that. And the time before that," Leo replied, his tone even but pointed.
Jack sighed dramatically, waving a hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. I don't need your money, cheapskate." He turned toward Sumit, his eyes widening in surprise. "Kid, is that you? When did you arrive?"
"Just now," Sumit replied, still processing Jack's antics. Internally, he wondered, Was he always like this?
Jack's face split into a wide grin as he strode over and threw a heavy arm around Sumit's shoulders. "It's so nice to see you again! Come on, let's head inside."
"Wait, don't you were just thrown out from there"Sumit asked
"Don't worry, Leo here will be thrilled to pay for your welcome party." Jack said happily
"Wait. I never agreed to this," Leo protested, following the pair into the Roaring Bull.
The pub was a lively, chaotic space, filled with the scents of ale and roasted meat. Beast-people of all kinds crowded around wooden tables, some laughing, others arguing, a few already slumped over in a drunken haze. The energy of the room was infectious, though Sumit couldn't shake his unease as he caught wary glances from several patrons.
As they stepped into the lively chaos of The Roaring Bull, Sumit's brows knitted together. He turned to Jack, his voice tinged with curiosity and disbelief. "Is it really ok to be here?"
Jack laughed, waving off the concern like it was a minor inconvenience. "Relex kid, I only got kicked out because I had no money. But now that we're with Leo here," he gestured dramatically toward the stoic tiger-man, "we're practically VIPs. Leo's one of the best customers this place has. Trust me, kid, we're good."
Leo sighed but didn't protest, which seemed to be enough confirmation for Jack. They found a table in a quieter corner, away from the rowdier groups. Jack slumped into his seat, motioning for Sumit to sit across from him. Leo followed suit, sitting down with the composed grace of someone used to maintaining order in chaos.
Jack clapped his hands together. "Alright, introductions! We've already crossed paths, but it's time to make it official. I'm Jack, Captain of the Capital Guards. Not that the title means much to me these days." He leaned back, grinning smugly.
Leo nodded, his voice calm and measured. "Leo. Vice-Captain of the Capital Guards."
Sumit hesitated for a moment, the alias feeling strange on his tongue, but he eventually said, "Kaali Billi." He managed a sheepish grin. "That's… my name."
Jack barked a laugh, and even Leo's lips twitched upward for a split second. "Kaali Billi, huh? Suits you, kid," Jack said with a wink.
Before the conversation could continue, a waiter approached their table, balancing a tray laden with an assortment of fruits, nuts, beer, and juice. He set the dishes down with a practiced efficiency, stepping back to let them enjoy. Sumit eyed the spread, his stomach growling, but a thought nagged at him.
"Uh, excuse me," Sumit called out to the waiter. "Is there anything… spicy?"
The waiter frowned, tilting his head in confusion. "Spicy? What's that?"
Sumit blinked, realization dawning on him. This world doesn't have spicy food? They have beer, but no chili or spice? What kind of weird place is this? He shook his head and offered a quick, "Never mind," before the waiter left.
Jack was already digging in, cracking a nut between his sharp teeth. Sumit nibbled at the fruit, his longing for spice overshadowed by curiosity about the two men sitting with him. He turned to Jack, raising an eyebrow. "So… are you really a captain? You were acting more like a thug earlier."
Jack froze mid-bite, his ears twitching before he burst into laughter. "A thug, huh? Can't argue with that. But yeah, I'm the captain—unfortunately. Honestly, I've wanted to retire for ages. I just couldn't because no one else was mid-level. Then, finally, this guy…" He gestured at Leo with a nod. "…broke through to mid-level two weeks ago."
Sumit's gaze shifted to Leo, curious. "So, you're the captain now?"
Leo sighed, his expression almost tired. "No. Jack asked me to take his place, but I refused."
Sumit blinked in confusion. "Why?"
Leo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Because I am not ready for it yet and I believe the captain should be someone who can handle the responsibilities which come along with the position. Jack might complain about it, but he's better at inspiring the guards than anyone else." His eyes narrowed slightly as he added, "And in response to my refusal, he's become even more irresponsible, lazy, and idiotic."
Jack smirked unapologetically. "If you hate me so much you should take my place but if I have to be stuck with the title, I might as well have some fun with it."
Sumit snorted, amused by their dynamic. These two were nothing like the imposing figures he had first imagined. Despite their titles, they felt oddly approachable—or at least Jack did. As he chewed on a piece of fruit, he wondered what kind of adventure he had stumbled into this time.