Chapter 82: Crest

Chapter 82: Crest

Welcome to my humble abode, Zirel offered with a flourish of his hands, his open palms directing their gazes towards a cozy foyer. The crackle of a warm fireplace originating from Toms left complimented a varnished, flat-top wooden desk that was strategically placed to serve as the first point of contact for any customers entering the purported establishment.

As Tom followed Zirel inside, shortly followed by Aleph, he noticed a round coffee table flanked by two cushioned armchairs, placed a comfortable distance before a short flight of stairs that led to the first floor.

What the hell, Zirel? Tom asked as he took in the small corner of warm coziness the Nameless District had to offer. The crackling of a warm fire. Neat, well-maintained furniture. And the tangy aroma of what was likely cured beast meat, serving a startling and equally welcome juxtaposition from the sweaty bodies and often foul-smelling blood-spattered gear a throng of shoddy dungeoneers subjected him to on a near daily basis.

While they had been practically slumming it out in an underground bunker, with stale air and week-old supplies- Okay, maybe Tom was being a little hyperbolic. Nevertheless, it didnt change the fact that Zirels accommodations were closer to the standards of his old world than the Nameless District.

Moreover, it was laughably ostentatious. Practically no different from holding a large sign inviting a group of Royal Knights to come streaming in with weapons drawn.

Even Aleph surreptitiously flashed Zirel a puzzled look and Tom could almost see the gears in her head turning Was the prince less competent than what he had led them to believe?

In response, Zirel winced. Look, he began, his tone sounding a little apologetic. The Elite Guards kind of commandeered this establishment a day after their arrival. The owners were well-compensated for their troubles and if they havent left the city by now, well its not like I can walk up to them and give them the keys back, right? Not with my reputation being what it is.

Tom could imagine the terror Riven Blackheart, known party killer, would inflict upon a dungeoneer that was clearly more interested in earning money for bread and breakfast over risking his life in the land below for the frankly slim chance that they would walk away with the winning gamble. If they were even interested in, or had any combat abilities, to begin with.

All Zirels benevolence would accomplish would be a very intimidated former hotelier seeking to distance himself from the Nameless District at the fastest velocity he could manage.

Tom found the mental image of the fleeing hotelier quite funny, if he was being honest.

I get that, but., Aleph stiffened for a moment, as she realized that she had almost managed to initiate a casual conversation with Zirel Covan Nottrakon, of all people. Sure, the atmosphere had greatly eased after they had stepped out of the Dungeon none of them were stupid enough to initiate combat in an administratively forlorn yet very much residential district. The time for consequence-less murder had passed.

But that didnt mean that she could or should manage to hold a conversation with a member of the tainted bloodline that had been responsible for a monstrous crime?

That wasnt fair. Not after shed herself agreed with Toms assessment even though his newfound abilities had left her more than merely astonished. Even after the possibly shocking connections she had made when she contrasted their original purpose in visiting Zirel with the side-effect that he had claimed was triggered at random.

There might have been some truth to that statement, but most of the shock she had felt at the revelation was offset by an even bigger revelation the presence of Zirel Covan Nottrakon, right within the reach of her blade.

Surprisingly enough, she didnt feel betrayed by him. Whatever his real name was. If he wanted to, withholding Zirels identity and leaving her in the dark was something he could have accomplished without any real consequences. Zirel certainly wouldnt have volunteered and after a quick clash, it was likely that they would have chosen to retreat.

She could tell. Zirel was strong perhaps the strongest enemy she had encountered till date, at least within her generation. Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Instead, the man that went under the pseudonym Synrak had chosen to trust her with that decision. Aleph had been lied to before. She had been tricked. Cheated. Misled. Cornered. And yet, she had survived each time. So it wasnt just her intuition that told her that Synrak was serious that he would really fight the Fourth Prince of the Syrelore Kingdom if she made the decision to. To the death.

That action had bought a touch of warmth of Alephs life that she didnt quite know how to deal with. So she had side-lined it, flagging it for later consideration as she focused on the task at hand.

Or at least, she had tried.

Aleph sucked in a cold breath of air, clearly not having considered that possibility.

But we dont have that kind of time.

Zirel clicked his tongue at that,You were the one behind that theft in the Noble District, right? A pity.

Toms brow twitched at that, as he once again reminded himself not to reveal any information that he didnt expressly need to..

Zirels wrist flicked in quick repetition, as two keys went flying towards Tom and Aleph in quick succession.

They both caught it with ease.

Room number one for the lady and four for you. Theyre facing each other, but if you want to sleep together I can get you a double-bed.

No, Aleph immediately interjected. It was only for a second, but Tom swore that he picked up on just a hint of coyness in her tone.

He really was tired.

Very well. Before we tuck in for the night though, I feel like I am obliged to inform you that there is a much simpler and certainly way less convoluted way of entering the Noble District.

What is it? Tom hurriedly asked, clearly not having expected this turn in events.

The smile that was playing on Zirels lips only grew wider.

I am willing to reveal it to you, but in return, I hope that you will reveal this key piece you need upon your return. A secret for a secret is a fine exchange, is it not?

Tom did his best to control his body language, not willing to glance in her direction for the slightest of instances. It was her inheritance that they needed to unlock and hopefully it would be enough to even the odds. However, he couldnt have taken Zirel back to Alephs hideout. He was fairly cordial right now, but if he learned that the inheritance of the Longstradia Family was within arms reach, would he be able to resist the temptation?

Even if he knew the Greater Control Glyph, Zirel couldnt be the one to open the inheritance.

Tom had to do it himself.

Only after it is safely in my possession, Tom replied with pursed lips.

I can accept that, Zirel replied, immediately reaching for a tear in the void that Tom knew to be his inventory.

He found himself retreating a few steps, while Alephs entire body language transformed to a state of combat readiness, but there was no loud explosion or a blinding flare as he pulled out a small metal emblem that buzzed with a violently red energy.

The Crest of the Elite Guards of the Nottrakon Family should suffice for your purposes, no?