"Who is he? How dare he come here and cause trouble?"
"It seems he's the owner of a tavern on the outskirts of the city. I've heard of him!"
"Such audacity! Doesn't he know who owns this tavern?"
"10,000 gold coins? That's outright robbery!"
...
Ethan Drake sat leisurely at the table, smiling at the still-shaken Josef from a distance.
He ignored the murmurs from the surrounding patrons.
"Do you really have to make such a big fuss?"
Josef clenched his fists in silence, his voice low and intense.
He chose not to argue further, recognizing it would be futile.
In business, results are what matter.
The man's imposing presence suggested he was indeed a formidable opponent.
If someone like Jack, a Level 56 warrior, could be effortlessly dealt with, Josef had no immediate means to counter such a threat.
This person wasn't a fool; his brazen approach indicated he had some backing.
If Josef lost his composure and confronted him head-on, he would likely lose both face and reputation.
He would become a laughingstock.
"Fuss? Is it really that big? Repaying debts is a basic principle, isn't it?"
"Boss, once a choice is made, one must bear the consequences of that choice! Isn't that right?"
Ethan Drake smiled gently, his words carrying a subtle implication.
"Hahaha, indeed! You're right, young man. When one makes a choice, one must face its consequences!"
Josef's expression changed abruptly, and he forced a genial smile, seemingly unbothered by the mess in his tavern. He spoke warmly to Ethan Drake as if they were old friends.
"Repaying debts is only right! Since my friend directed you to me, I'll cover it for him!"
Josef gave no further explanations, casting a sidelong glance at the suffering Jack. He emphasized the word 'friend' with a hint of mockery.
Jack shivered at the implication.
Josef retrieved a card from his space ring, swiped it, and handed it to Ethan Drake.
"Young man, this card contains 10,000 gold coins, as repayment for the debt. How does that sound?"
Josef's generous manner maintained the last shred of dignity for his battered tavern.
"The boss is straightforward! That will suffice!"
Ethan Drake accepted the card without a glance, tucking it away.
He nodded and smiled at Josef as if they were long-time friends.
The atmosphere between them was surprisingly amicable.
If not for the surrounding chaos, one might think they were lifelong friends.
"Since you're so straightforward, I have no further matters. Our account is settled, and I'm leaving now!"
Ethan Drake stood, placing his cup on the table.
He dusted off his clothes, smiling as he spoke.
"Please do!"
Josef gave a courteous gesture, showing him out.
"However, young man, don't forget what you said earlier. Some choices come with their own costs!"
"My money here isn't so easily taken!"
As Ethan Drake turned to leave, Josef's eyes narrowed, his words seeming to carry a veiled threat.
"Thank you for the advice, Boss!"
Ethan Drake maintained his composure, responding with a smile.
"The things that belong to me are, of course, within my grasp..."
"Since you've reminded me, I'll return the favor. Boss, tea made by unscrupulous people is tainted and best used to throw at others rather than consumed..."
Without turning back, Ethan Drake waved his hand dismissively and headed toward the door.
At that moment,
"Your actions are not right!"
A clear male voice suddenly rang out from among the patrons, causing Ethan Drake to pause.
He turned to look at the crowd.
Among them, a young man with a long sword stood tall. Dressed in simple leather, his dark eyes shone with intensity as he locked eyes with Ethan Drake.
He exuded a unique aura,
Resolute, brave, and honorable...
He seemed to possess a natural leadership quality that drew others to follow and respect him.
"Kid, what's your name?"
Ethan Drake, unfazed by the implied insult, asked with genuine curiosity.
"Me?"
The young man blinked, then instinctively replied, "I'm Rex!"