Chapter 71 – Drink

In a tavern located in the busy parts of Lugenstan city, Ramiel and Leone went there. Sitting on a table near a square window fitted with glass and wood. The two ordered crimson ale and started drinking while facing each other. Around them are the busy fighters of Lugenstan City. They carry weapons on their back and waist. Ramiel played with his mug and made the ale inside it twirl around. Leone sat still on her seat sipping the contents of her drink silently.

The Tavern is called Redtail. It is a popular tavern due to it being close to Lugenstan’s Fighter's Guild. The Fighter’s Guild is a place where people are hired to slay monsters or do odd jobs. Most of the people that visit the fighter's guild are mercenaries. The Redtail Tavern is a prominent location hence most of the fighters here are planning their next goals while partaking on the ale and meals.

Leone and Ramiel arrive in this city just a while ago. They came here to drink after a long travel. The two even could see some of the passengers from the carriage sitting on one of the tables drinking, and eating. Leone who was more knowledgeable about the city decided to explain the city to Ramiel.

Ramiel’s face is flushed, his cheeks are red, and his eyes are twirling. But even with that he still listened attentively to Leone’s words. Staring at Leone with half closed eyes, Ramiel didn’t dare to act deaf simply because he also finds it interesting.

“This city contains a fighter guild. If you want to work then it is the best place to go.”

“I don’t want to work.”

“And if you don’t, you won’t be able to eat.”

“Do they accept people that just sat in the desk there?”

“That is...” Leone grabs her chin.

“If they do then I rather work as a staff member. I can read and write the language now anyway—and most of all I can sort out documents. If they want I can even do some accounting for them.”

“That sounds odd. I thought most men in the world prefer adventurers.”

“If you truly want to die then, yes all of us prefer to go on adventures. But there is also this thing called ‘reasoning’ that allows us to think what if I can die while going to on adventurers. Fun and enjoyable adventuring may be, but I say reason comes first.”

“True.”

“But hey, that is just my opinion. A strong handsome elven like you is probably more of the adventurous type anyway, and honestly, I am saying all of this because I am weak as shit.”

“Really...”

Leone drinks her cup of ale. She looked around at the interior of the tavern. Tables littered with cups and plates, the ceiling that has lamps hanging around, the bar where there is a big man with hairy arms, serving drinks for the customers of the tavern.

The smell of alcohol also lingers in the air. The faint scent of tobacco pollutes the tavern which mixes with the alcohol, making a rather strange aroma loiter on the atmosphere. Leone looked back at the eagerly drinking Ramiel. She then stared at him with her mouth curving to the right.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“Okay?”

Ramiel raised a brow at the odd stare that Leone gave him. He continued sipping on his drink, while constantly having his eyes attracted everywhere. He liked the tavern. It felt strangely comfortable with the ale warming him up. Ramiel turns his eyes towards the window. He saw the slowly setting sun and thought that he should drink here for a while before leaving.

...

In a road paved with stone, people are walking around. Ramiel and Leone walked together in this road while heading to an Inn. Ramiel seems like he is about to fall at the moment. Leone who is helping him out made sure to support him. She was quite used to helping out her benefactor.

“I think I am going to puke man...”

“Not in the street.”

“Damn...my head feels like it is spinning.”

“Please walk slow and steady.”

“Okay...thanks man.”

Ramiel thanked Leone. It put a strange smile on Leone’s face. The two walk along the stone paved road of Lugenstan. While sauntering around, Leone who is keeping a look out for Ramiel said.

“What are you going to from now on?”

“I don’t know. Hmm, maybe I will really work on that fighter’s guild you were talking about. And if they don’t allow me to work there then I guess I just work on some farm.”

“Ramiel, you really are a strange one.”

‘What? Is trying not to die brutally that strange to you?”

Pale light masks upon Ramiel’s face as he said that. He then looked at the giant pale giant on the sky. He could see dots of silver shining in the sky.

Leone noticed the strange melancholy on Ramiel and said, “Indeed it is strange, most of the men I meet would rather use there brawns rather than work on offices. And usually, they are just scared to fight.”

“Of course they are. Not everyone is brave. Even I admit that I am easily scared by shit I have no idea off. That is just me, and I am not changing what I am so that I can have some useless facade of braveness that can get me killed. I know I can’t fight well, I accept that. That is why I rather work in a safe environment.”

“You are odd.” Leone said.

“Whatever, it is not like I can convince someone like you who is some sort of elven ranger elite to see my way.”

“I guess there is a difference in how we think.”

“Obviously, if we all think the same thing then we wouldn’t be an ‘individual’.”

“I guess you can say that.”

Leone smiled yet again. Ramiel saw the rather gleaming smile that Leone give. He thought that it was a rather beautiful one. But immediately disperse the thought, thinking that he really doesn’t swing that way. The two then walk silently to an Inn, hoping to rest for the day.