Erend took a pair of military clothes that were in the back of the trunk of their official car.
It's not a uniform. It's just a long-sleeved shirt and trousers.
Both are black with the military emblem of the Republic of Ascaria.
Then Erend rolled his bloodied shirt into a plastic bag. It was also the same military clothes that were full of Sharkmans' blood.
"How should I explain it?"
Erend stared at the lump of bloody, fishy-smelling clothes.
Maybe later he'll just burn it until there's nothing left of it.
Yes, that is the most suitable way to handle these clothes.
After taking a shower in a public bathroom and using up the soap and shampoo provided for other visitors,
Erend came out wearing new clothes.
The blood of the Sharkmans had already been washed away and flowed into the oceans of the other world.
Erend headed to the car again and threw the bloodied military clothes into the trunk.
Then he went towards the small bar not far from there.
Because night has come, the lights that have been installed are lit in this harbor.
This harbor district is almost the same as the Alum.
But because this place is often used to anchor ships carrying goods from overseas, the government still pays a little more attention to this port than the Slum.
Even so, the government only pays attention to things that they think can make everything easier for them.
Such as repairing damaged roads so that trucks carrying goods can pass easily.
They pay no attention to the people who live here or make a living working in this harbor.
There are several huts built in this port. The hut is made from used wood or plywood collected in the trash.
Of course, it was something that was thrown from the city area.
Erend didn't pay much attention to them as he walked through the huts. Because he also saw the scene every day.
If people from the city area were to see them, they would definitely think that this scene was something sad and unimaginable.
They must have looked at the inhabitants of the harbor with pitying eyes and frowns. Just like when they saw the state of the Slum.
However, Erend did not feel any difference.
He just walked like he was through his own neighborhood.
It wasn't until a few moments later that he finally spotted a bar that had the most lighting in the neighborhood.
There was a neon sign hanging crookedly above the entrance.
The sign was something the bar owner - once again - picked up from the trash. And the bar owner makes good use of it.
The bar has been a gathering place for people in the harbor since it was first established.
Several people sat chatting while enjoying ale and snacks in the outside area of the bar.
Erend went inside. This place wasn't very big so the presence of around twenty people already made the place cramped.
Several people stared at Erend when they realized his arrival.
They could see who Erend really was from the clothes he wore. If that wasn't enough explanation, there was a military emblem on his right and left upper arms.
Besides that, Erend's face has spread all over the country as a hero who fought the Elves and uncovered the conspiracy of two high-ranking military officers.
But Erend didn't care about that because he already knew what kind of response he would get as soon as he entered here.
Erend walked on in to find Billy. It didn't take long for him to find Billy sitting at the long table.
A woman in her twenties was standing behind the counter talking to Billy.
The woman noticed Erend's presence as soon as he approached. Then showed a faint smile.
That woman is the owner of this bar.
"Your friend has come," the woman said.
Erend sat down next to Billy and said. "Alice, give me your ale."
"You got it," Alice stood up and took a bottle from the fridge. Then give it to Erend.
They can't buy classy beverage in this place. But the ale that Alice and her father brewed was not much different from those high-priced, classy beverages.
Alice had never told him the secret recipe for this extraordinary ale.
And no one asks anymore because they don't want to be blacklisted from this bar.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in a long time. I thought you were dead," Alice said.
Erend downed the ale. Feel the sweet distinct taste of the ale wafting down his throat.
Erend sighed after finishing his gulping.
"I also thought I would never taste this ale again," Erend said. "Didn't Billy tell you everything?"
"He had drunk too much ale before I got back here. When I came back from cooking he was too drunk to talk," Alice replied.
Erend looked at Billy. He was still sitting up straight.
However, his eyes were out of focus. And he didn't seem to notice Erend's presence here.
Erend just snorted, smiling realizing his friend's silliness. And decided to ignore him.
Billy's attitude when drunk is actually not too bad. He would just stay silent until he finally passed out. He didn't make any fuss.
"Well, it's been a long time."
Erend finally took over the conversation with Alice.
"I still remember when you first came here. You came together when you were seventeen. Then we talked until morning," Alice said.
"We also came a few more times after that. You know, we saved days to be able to come here," Erend replied.
She laughed. Alice took an ale for herself and drank with Erend.
"After that, suddenly you guys went to ar with the Elf."
Erend snorted. "Yeah, it's natural that you think we're not coming back."
"To be honest, I did think so." Alice gave Erend an apologetic look.
"It's alright. We also thought that we would not come back alive," Erend said.
They talked about their lives again until the night was getting late.
~~~