Unable to afford the blades sold at the shop, and unimpressed by the ones displayed on the third rack, Maude decided to step out for a while. Adding to the uncertainty was the unresolved situation with Abby and Kazte.
Before leaving, Maude returned to his room to shed his weighted gear and gather his equipment and remaining Berries. Once prepared, he made his way downstairs, casually wandering around the shop, gradually edging closer to the exit.
"Stop right there."
Sunny, with a sharp glance at Maude's now-unburdened legs, instantly saw through his intentions to slip away.
Maude halted, turning back to her with a puzzled expression. Then, as if something alarming caught his eye, his face shifted into feigned panic.
"Sunny! Bailey have broken free from his chain! Catch him, quick!"
"What?"
Sunny spun around in alarm. Losing the Bailey, their precious money, would be disastrous.
To her dismay, all she saw was a confused and stationary Bailey sitting where he was supposed to be.
"…"
Realizing she'd been duped, Sunny whipped her head back around, only to find that Maude had already vanished.
Meanwhile, the perceptive Bailey, sensing the tense atmosphere, attempted to crawl away from Sunny.
Having successfully tricked the money-minded Sunny, Maude slipped out and set off to gather intel about Abby and Kazte. Initially, he considered spending a little cash at the tavern to get some information. However, another idea struck him.
"If Tatam's around, he might know something."
With that thought, Maude decided to head for the Nightshade Bar.
Half an hour later, Maude arrived at the bar. Behind the counter, Tatam greeted him with his usual stoic demeanor, tinged with a faint smile.
"Welcome."
"The same drink as last time," Maude said as he glanced around the bar, noting the absence of Wolfrat.
Tatam nodded and began preparing the drink. Maude propped his chin on his hand, watching the process in silence.
Before long, the drink was ready. Tatam slid the glass over to Maude, who took a sip before cutting straight to the point.
"Tatam, I'd like to buy some information."
"What kind of information?"
"Do you know Abby and Kazte?"
"I do."
"I want to know about their recent activities."
Tatam showed no surprise at Maude's request. He simply retrieved a piece of stationery from a drawer and placed it on the counter before sliding it over to Maude.
"It's from Wolfrat."
"Hm?"
Surprised, Maude picked up the paper and began reading. The note was brief but to the point. It didn't take long for him to finish, leaving him with a look of realization.
"A mutual defeat, huh? No wonder it's been quiet these past few days."
It turned out that after escaping the tavern that day, Abby and Kazte clashed soon after. Their fight escalated into a full-blown battle, with both captains taking it seriously. In the end, they severely injured each other.
To avoid being taken advantage of by rival factions, their respective crew officers had acted decisively, calling a truce and retreating with their gravely injured captains.
"A hot temper is bound to backfire," Maude remarked with a grin, clearly enjoying their misfortune. He showed no sign of remorse for being the instigator.
If not for his impeccable dodging skills and the crushing blow that shattered Abby's confidence, the chain of events wouldn't have unfolded as they did.
Tatam, noticing Maude's amused expression, calmly remarked, "The story's spread around town."
"This one?" Maude asked, waving the paper.
Tatam nodded.
"That's a bit troublesome… Ah, whatever. Let it spread."
The smile faded from Maude's face. He had no interest in gaining fame—it would only hinder his hunting activities.
"By the way, how much is this information?"
"No charge."
"Then I won't hold back."
Given his tight budget, Maude didn't hesitate to pocket the Berries he would've spent. After finishing another sip of his drink, he raised another query.
"Tatam, I need to buy a decent blade. Do you know which weapons shop in town is reliable?"
"You're buying a blade?"
"Yeah."
"Wait here."
Tatam seemed surprised by the question. Without elaborating, he stepped out from behind the counter and headed upstairs. Maude, puzzled, watched him ascend the stairs.
A few moments later, Tatam returned, carrying six swords.
"Are you running a weapon shop on the side?" Maude asked in astonishment.
Tatam didn't explain. He simply placed the swords on the counter. These weapons were either collateral from previous customers or left behind by those who caused trouble and were dealt with by Tatam himself.
Noticing Tatam's reluctance to explain, Maude didn't press further. His attention shifted to the swords, and one immediately caught his eye—a red and black longsword.
The hilt was red, and the sheath black. While the design was plain, lacking any ornate details, it had a certain understated charm.
Maude picked it up, noting its hefty weight.
Clang!
Drawing the blade, he held it before him. The sharp, reflective surface of the blade mirrored his face.
"How much for this sword?" Maude asked.
"600,000 Berries."
Tata Mu quoted the amount based on its previous collateral value, as he had no clear estimate of its worth.
Hearing the price, Maude instinctively touched his pocket and feigned indifference. "Too expensive. How about 400,000?"
"Deal."
Tata Mu agreed without hesitation.
"…"
Maude suddenly felt like he'd been swindled. Perhaps he could've offered 300,000, and Tatam would've still agreed.
Regardless, he had obtained a blade that suited him. Passing over 400,000 Berries, Maude finalized the transaction.
With the deal complete, Tatam returned the remaining swords to his room. Meanwhile, Maude tested his new sword's balance and feel by slicing at the air in the bar.
Though tempted to caution him, Tatam ultimately stayed silent.
After a while, Maude sheathed the blade, satisfied. "I'll call you Dark Crow," he declared, naming his new weapon.
With the information and blade secured, a contented Maude prepared to leave. Just as he was about to bid Tatam farewell, the bar door swung open.
A man wearing a black top hat and carrying a cane stepped inside—Lafitte.
At the sight of Lafitte, Maude's expression shifted slightly. Unlike their first encounter, which had caught him off guard, he was now prepared and masked his reaction well.
Without sparing him another glance, Maude pretended Lafitte was just another stranger.
Lafitte approached the bar, placing a hefty stack of Berries on the counter. Tatam accepted the money and handed over a piece of paper containing the requested intel.
After glancing at the note, Lafitte pocketed it. However, instead of leaving, his gaze landed on the longsword in Maude's hand before drifting to Maude's face.
Studying him intently, Lafitte eventually broke into a faint smile.
"Mr. Undertaker, we meet again."
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