Leon leaned back in his chair, swirling the remnants of his drink as the lively tavern buzzed around him. Iris sat across from him, her green eyes sharp despite the alcohol she had consumed.
"You handled yourself well back there," she said, tapping her fingers against her empty cup. "Most nobles would've pissed themselves facing a guy like Garth."
Leon smirked. "I told you, I'm not like most nobles."
Iris tilted her head, studying him. "That much is clear. But that leaves the real question—what are you?"
Leon exhaled slowly. He couldn't exactly tell her he was a reincarnated warrior from another world. Instead, he chose his words carefully.
"A man with nothing left to lose," he said. "Which makes me dangerous."
Iris grinned. "Now that I can respect."
Their conversation was interrupted by a figure slipping into the seat beside them.
A man, dressed in a fine black cloak, with sharp, intelligent eyes. He looked out of place in a tavern full of rough mercenaries, but the way he moved—quietly, smoothly—told Leon he was not someone to be underestimated.
Iris stiffened. "Tch. You again."
Leon raised a brow. "Friend of yours?"
The man smirked. "I prefer the term 'business associate.'" He turned his gaze to Leon. "And you… you're new here. But you made quite an impression already."
Leon didn't respond, waiting.
The man chuckled. "No need to be so guarded. I'm simply a man who deals in information." He reached into his cloak, pulling out a small pouch of coins and tossing it onto the table. "And I may have a job for someone of your talents."
Leon glanced at Iris. She rolled her eyes but didn't reject the offer outright.
"Go on," Leon said, intrigued.
The man leaned in. "There's a certain noble in this town—a pompous little lordling—who has been stirring trouble. Word is, he's hiring mercenaries to seize control of the local trade routes." He smiled. "That would be bad for my business."
Leon smirked. "And you want me to do something about it?"
The man spread his hands. "I simply want… interference."
Iris scoffed. "Sounds like you want him dead."
The man chuckled. "Now, now. I wouldn't say that. But accidents do happen."
Leon tapped the pouch of coins. "And if I refuse?"
The man's expression didn't change, but there was something cold in his eyes. "Then I suppose I'll have to find someone else. But… that would be a waste of talent."
Leon chuckled. He liked this game.
He picked up the pouch, weighing it in his hand. Then he glanced at Iris. "What do you think?"
She sighed. "I think I need another drink."
Leon grinned. "Then we're in agreement."
He turned to the man. "We'll take the job."
The man smiled. "Excellent. I knew I liked you."
Leon leaned forward, his smirk dangerous. "But one thing—you didn't tell me your name."
The man chuckled. "Call me Vance."
And just like that, Leon had taken his first step into the shadows of Torren.
The night was about to get interesting.