Chapter 142: The Tiger's Den

Chapter 142: The Tiger's Den

The weather was turning chilly.

Especially in the northern regions, people were already seen wearing thick coats.

Thump.

"Dip it in the sauce."

A waiter placed the food on the table where I was seated.

It was a dish made from the meat of the Northern Horned Rabbit, a creature exclusive to the north that I had never tasted before.

I followed the waiter's suggestion and dipped the meat into the accompanying sauce.

"Shall I pour you a drink?"

While entertaining a frivolous thought, I sensed someone approaching my table.

"There are no available seats. May I join you?"

I nodded my head as I had already been informed through a note.

When the person took a seat opposite me, I examined their face.

'I wondered who it would be...'

I knew someone would come, but it had to be someone I knew.

Setting that aside, it was surprising to see a dark magician openly roaming the outskirts of the northern territories.

I was currently in Borghyen, one of the cities in the north, carrying out planned actions for the gathering I was supposed to attend.

'I thought at best a messenger would come, but I didn't expect someone of this caliber to show up.'

Although it wasn't something people would recognize, I could sense that the northern boundaries were heavily geared towards savagery. If it weren't so, they wouldn't be operating in this manner, no matter how well concealed their identities were.

"Innkeeper! We'll take the Rabbit Special here too!"

"Sure thing."

A voice came from the kitchen, and my companion turned back to me.

"Yeah, the weather's been getting colder lately. Looks like you came up from down south? Aren't you feeling cold?"

I ignored his commentary and continued to eat the rabbit meat.

It had a slightly strong flavor, but that was its charm.

It also had a distinctive smell that might not appeal to everyone, but I generally liked all kinds of food, so it didn't bother me.

"You're a man of few words."

"Your food is ready. Dip it in the sauce provided here."

"Also, a beer here."

"Of course."

I ordered a beer from the waiter, and my companion on the other side started talking excitedly.

"Is your work all finished? I can tell from your early drink order."

"Brown."

As I called his name, his pupils widened in what seemed like unexpected surprise.

"Could you please keep it down during the meal?"

"Uh, sorry?"

At least that got a reaction.

After cutting a piece of rabbit meat and putting it in my mouth, I took a sip of the beer that the waiter had brought over.

As expected, the beer was from the north. Perhaps due to the cold climate, the quality of the brew seemed better than that from the southern regions, even though there might be supply trains for such quality beer to reach the capital.

Brown, whether because of my slight jab or the fact that I mentioned his name, simply ate his meal quietly.

As soon as we finished our meal, I got up from my seat, and he hurriedly stood up as well.

It was still dusk when we entered the restaurant, but it had already become quite dark.

Here, like on Earth, as winter approached, the nights grew longer.

"You have quite the temper."

Brown, who followed me out, no longer hid himself and muttered under his breath.

And this time, he began walking ahead as if it were his turn.

"Originally, someone like you shouldn't be participating. Consider yourself lucky."

"Brown, is Kruk still the same?"

{T/n: Well it's supposed tobe Crook but that is just lazy writing}

"That guy!"

He suddenly stopped and glared at me.

But knowing that his behavior stemmed from self-defense rather than hostility, I couldn't help but find it amusing.

"Why are you so worked up when I'm just asking how you are?"

"You know my name, but how do you know master's?"

"Is that really so surprising? There are many surprising things. Now, can you hurry up and guide me?"

"You annoying brat. Let's see at the gathering."

Dragan also stepped forward to offer his greetings, so I followed suit.

Around Hegel, there were familiar faces, so I didn't hesitate as I approached him.

However, just as I was making my way, someone appeared to block my path.

"Why are you here?"

I looked at the person who had silently blocked my path.

It was a warlock of the warlock caliber whom I had met once before. Jester Levan.

{T/n: Warlocks are powerful mages and warlock is also a title given to the stronger ones in the class}

Perhaps due to the harsh encounter we had in the past, he was openly displaying hostility, and thanks to that, Brown quickly fled.

"I received an invitation."

"You speak boldly. Do you think you'll leave here alive?"

"Well, yes."

I replied with a smile, wondering how his face hidden beneath that bizarre tall hat would react.

No, there couldn't be a face under that hat, right?

"Jester, what business do you have with my guest?"

At that moment, someone approached Levan from behind and spoke to him. Simultaneously, another figure rushed over.

"Friend!"

A girl with opalescent irises that shimmered in various colors, Luna Pendragon, came running towards me with enthusiasm, embracing me.

I gently received her and ruffled her hair.

"It's been a while, Luna."

"Yeah!"

Meanwhile, I could hear Jester Levan muttering discontentedly to Hegel.

"You called him?"

"Yes."

"Even after what that guy did to you?"

"I wasn't present at that moment, so I didn't know."

Hegel shrugged casually, as if he had no involvement in the matter. His demeanor suggested that he didn't care, and when Hegel ignored him, Jester began releasing mana while glaring at me.

Sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, the gazes of the dark mages in the banquet hall turned towards us.

"Don't touch my friend."

"Do you know how much we lost because of that guy? Get out of the way."

"Hegel, are you not going to stop this?"

As Luna prepared her enchantment and shouted at Hegel, he merely grinned, just like before.

He seemed shameless.

"The feud between the two of them should be resolved by themselves."

He clearly expressed his intention not to intervene.

Although I wasn't sure of his intentions, it seemed he was interested in my reaction and response...

"I apologize, but it won't go as you wish."

I had sensed the arrival of reinforcements with my keen senses.

"I won't just stand by either."

"That's your choice, Luna."

During their conversation, a shape resembling a black claw appeared on both sides of Jester.

Each claw was so massive that it almost enveloped his entire body, and they moved towards me as if to attack directly.

Seeing this, Luna quickly attempted to use her enchantment, but I stopped her.

"Friend?"

"It's okay. Jester won't move recklessly."

I had already sensed someone's presence and remained composed.

As I had predicted, Jester's black claws couldn't move as I said.

Clang!

Suddenly, a black-armored knight appeared, blocking Jester's path in a threatening manner.

It was the appearance of a Death Knight, one of the most powerful undead beings.

"Wow!"

The people attending the gathering were in awe of the Death Knight's appearance.

As those who guessed the identity of the Death Knight began to gather around, someone spoke up.

"Everyone, let's stop here."

"We didn't..."

It was Lord Dwalski.

The strongest necromancer had appeared by my side.