The God of Jesters
Chapter 494 - 8.02.2 Love

Chapter 494: 8.02.2 Love

Her honey-like voice drove some customers crazy, making them put their guard down during the bargaining. Which was fun to watch for Heroth, though the girl barely showed such energy when looking at him, he could see it.

’She fears me.’ Which was understandable. He knew better than anyone why she would have such thoughts. But what can be done, this is why the pay here was so great. Living alongside him was dangerous enough, so the payment should also match it.

Though in truth, Heroth didn’t feel any pity for the girl, not one bit.

If anyone else was in her situation, and they experienced what Arahi experienced during Heroth’s flared-up anger, they would have generally left the shop. The job at a pawn shop seems nothing when life is on the line.

Which can only mean one thing. ’She is here with an agenda, though if she is working for those people I can’t say.’

As for who those people were, Heroth was in no mood to think about them. They have caused him annoyance for multiple instances and thinking anymore about them will only cause him frustration.

And Heroth was the kind that preferred to live a jolly life, away from such thoughts. It’s why he was so famous during his adventures on the seas, a man driven by things greater than money. A man is driven by the spirit of adventure.

’Among the people that came here, there should be some of her associates, and they probably exchanged information by now... all I hope it’s not those foolish individuals, otherwise, Arahi won’t have a good end.’ There was a hint of pity in his eyes which Heroth soon hid. Although she held some odd intentions behind the facade of innocence, the way she handled herself, learning the trade at a fast rate as well as using her charms to fool customers.

It was easy to see that her actual skill level was way above the class that she was showing here. And although he didn’t have any proof that this girl was acting, his instinct was proof enough.

But none of that meant that he would oppress the girl for her little infractions against him. He was not like those high-place nobles, nor was he a cruel villain, Heroth considered himself "Human" And as a human, he showed a hint of care toward the girl, which anyone of his age would do toward the younger generation.

Not like she can do any harm, to begin with, so why be cruel?

It was also this time that someone entered the store that Heroth was very aware of. "Oh Mister Raja, is it alright for you to leave your bar unmanned at this time?" Heroth asked, putting down his book and looking at a somewhat haggard man with some curiosity.

"The customers there were a bit too rowdy, so I kicked them out early and came here... I wonder if you have some free time for tea?" Raja, the Bartender leader of the southern district spoke in a tone that made it appear he was speaking to an old friend.

Which Heroth didn’t mind one bit.

Two weeks ago, he was furious. But he can’t let his anger affect those uninvolved in the matter, so he sang and calmed down by the time Raja made his first visit with Spirit alcohol, which was still carefully kept by Heroth on the side.

Such alcohol can’t be wasted alone, he needs to find someone worthy to taste it together, which is why he chooses to keep it in a "Safe" place where no one can reach it beside him.

"It’s done, the Azure Dragon paid a heavy price to forego the matter. And from what we have seen, they have gone into isolation for the next year or so to recuperate from the losses."

"Good, it’s good news." the two were alone, sitting on the first floor of the pawn shop which was also Heroth’s open bedroom. Though there was nothing to hide here at all, which was the reason why he easily led Raja inside. "But I don’t believe the harm this did to your establishment is small?" Heroth wondered, curious over how the world would react to such insolence of a group of commoners.

And as he expected the answer was to his expectation. "We are to cease activities for the next four months. Though we can still act on contracts that we took before, but no more than that in the coming months." This was the punishment given to them by the Church of Truthful Deceit, which acted more as a warning.

However, the issue was not just this. The families that they helped, the White Tigers and the Vermilion Birds, both of them seem to cease any contact with them from henceforth.

They can betray the Azure Dragon at any point, the same can happen to them. But such talks of reputational damage can’t be fixed in the meantime. It might take years to build up your reputation, but losing it is just a matter of a second, which did happen with their prior outrageous action.

"You have paid enough for me... the boy that died to hide me. Pay his family enough." The whole reason the Bartender’s association could even have a case for retaliation was due to the sacrifice of one of their staff.

A son of a prominent figure.

"There is no need to worry, the father of this boy was already causing some issues, which included personal contracts and stealing some information that he shouldn’t have, his son was also involved in the matter. So they were going to be punished one day or the other." Of course in the Bartender’s Guild’s eyes, people like this have their own value, just like what happened before.

Justification was earned by the death of a corrupt Bartender’s son. What’s better than that?

But Heroth didn’t think so. "Still he gave his life to save me, it would be inappropriate for me to use him and still now pay my due respects. So I hope, you can treat the matter of the Father a bit lightly, don’t go to the extreme." Heroth really appeared like a kind old man at the moment. Generally, such a request would be treated lightly by Raja, as these were matters concerning the Bartender, and no outside influence was allowed or had the right to intrude on their directives.

But Raja also understood the kind of importance that was given to Heroth, so he bowed his head and nodded in understanding. "I will see to it that his punishment is lighter." He really meant it when he said these words.

However, this small incident also deepened the understanding of this odd old man. ’He is too kind-hearted.’ He thought to himself before reaching another topic, that was the reason for him coming here. "There have been some odd incidences happening recently in other districts, and the churches have come alive... though we can’t say for certain, some miscreants are roaming around in the streets recently."

"... Who are these people, any idea?" And Heroth also gained some interest in the topic.

Considering the size of Rudrain and the ignorant public that didn’t bother with learning anything about the world, it really left Heroth thirsty for some information about what was going on in the world.

"The same old, the new Cult of Jester, the one that was behind the Durum Dream Disaster." At the mention of the Cult of Jester, Heroth’s face turned a bit annoyed. As if recalling a frustrating memory that was deeply hidden in his head.

Before he recovered and asked Raja to continue.

"Mostly consisting of Mortals, the group’s aim remains unpredictable as always, though from the places they have raided, it can be seen that they are targeting places like your shop."

"Pawn shops?"

"Pawn shops, libraries, antique shops and even personal collection of certain noble families, which had caused a great panic among the nobility, which had caused the mobilization of Churches."

"Though there is not much to worry about, there had been next to no such activity in this district. Although the beast families are always at the throat of each other, they are very united against the foreign threat." Such words went to show how much authority the beast families had on the Southern district.

They controlled all aspects of life here, including the majority of businesses which were forced to pay extra taxes to the families for protection.

"They don’t take money for nothing... Southern district might be expensive to live in, but it’s also the safest of the districts." There was a reason why the people in this district were so happy, a reason why they felt superior over the foreigners that visited the place.

"I love this information... and I believe it will soon come in handy to me... so take a swig, stay for a while, I was getting bored down below." And then the driving binge started.

Of course, Arahi had nothing to do with it, she just focused on the job appearing as normal as ever. And things would have gone this way, if not for the arrival of a young man who smelled of blood.

A young man who stood still like a statue the moment his eyes fell on Arahi. "Hel... Hello?" He asked, confused by his own reaction, before shaking his head and coming to his senses. "I am here to sell something.’

"Oh is it, please come sir, and show me the item, I will assess the value of your item." This was the start of a bitter sweet love story.