Arthur's Point of View

The Pendragon Estate

Instead, their footsteps got closer, and I just groaned in annoyance. "Guess we're doing this now." Standing up, Greigh and Ziah followed me as we exited my office. "What do you two want?" I asked as we came out to the entranceway where the two Elves were.

Alwin saluted me and answered. "I was informed that you were involved with some business surrounding the Rainy Helm." He began. "My sister and I have come to offer some assistance."

"Assistance?" I repeated.

"The nobles have caught wind of the changes in the Rainy Helm. Many are unhappy that some popular dishes are reserved only for the residents of the lowest rung." Alwin stated.

I gave him a plain look. "You mean The Slums."

Alwin frowned. "While some of the nobility may think that way, I do not. So, I would appreciate it if you kept such speculation to yourself when regarding my morals and ethics."

Quirking a brow at that, a small smirk came to my lips. "So, why are you two here?"

Ayda stepped forward. "As my brother stated, we have come to offer our assistance. The nobles are likely getting ready to take what they want, as they usually do." She then gestured to her brother and herself. "We know the law better than most and would like to help keep them at bay."

"I'd like to offer my services and expertise if for nothing else than as a thank you for saving me." Alwin stated. "It is why I came. To give you a warning and give you any help you might need."

"That's very nice of you. Of both of you. However, I have everything under control. I figured the nobility would be getting involved and have been waiting for them to make their move." I informed the two of them.

"You knew the nobles would target the Rainy Helm?" Alwin questioned me.

"I know some of them would, and I need their influence out of The Slums going forward." Then I gestured back to Greigh and Ziah. "If we're going to move forward with our plans, then I need them to realize I'm not someone to be fucked with."

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Both Alwin and Ayda frowned at that before they looked to Greigh and Ziah. The two Zugal had been working for me for a bit now, so they were becoming more and more used to the language I used. It still irked them, but I got shit done, which is what was most important.

"So, anytime your pointy-eared friends want to come down to The Slums to try and fuck me over, or the good people down here, I'm more than willing to stop everything I'm doing to say hello." My smirk unnerved the two Elves, but before they could respond, someone started banging on my door. "Come in!"

Sherry opened the door so fast and looked at me with fear in her eyes. "Arthur!" She cried out in alarm. "The nobles are demanding to see the menu and recipes that you gave me!"

"Where are they now?"

"Waiting outside the Rainy Helm!" Sherry stated.

Rolling my neck, I groaned and eventually shook my head rapidly before looking at her with a large smile. "Let's do this!"

Alwin stepped in front of me, and I stopped for a moment to look at him. "Perhaps it would be best if I were to handle this for you."

Giving him an amused expression, I tapped his shoulder. "How about I show you why I outrank you." Was my quick reply before walking towards the front door while pointing at Greigh and Ziah. "Get started on those projects! I want them in the works by the time I'm done dealing with these Nobles!"

Sherry, Alwin, and Ayda all followed me as we made our way further into The Slums. Seeing as how two generals were walking down the street, many of the civilians got out of the way. Thankfully, it didn't take us too long to arrive where a small group of Nobles stood outside the Rainy Helm. All of them looked rather annoyed and put off, which is just how I wanted them to feel. It amused me that they brought what looked to be bodyguards or mercenaries of some kind.

All of them turned towards us when they saw us approaching. "Can I help you gentlemen?" I inquired.

"We are here to see the owner of this establishment due to an investigation that has been opened against her." A blonde Elf informed me. "Why the Knight of Lestrania is here is beyond me, but you are not needed." Then he gestured to Sherry. "Should we assume you are the owner of the Rainy Helm?"

Sherry went to respond, but I held my hand up. "Sir, I'm going to have to inquire on what grounds an investigation has been opened against the owner of the Rainy Helm?"

The Noble frowned. "You will refer to me as Count Redwood." He told me in a high and mighty tone.

"As soon as you answer my question about the investigation, Sir." I replied evenly.

Obviously, the Count didn't appreciate my candor. "Perhaps we should take this inside?" He offered. "Business is best done in private, is it not?"

Smirking, I opened the door and gestured for them to come inside. "By all means."

Once inside, the Nobles sat them down at a table before I joined them with Sherry staying by Alwin and Ayda, who watched from the sidelines. The Nobles looked around, likely trying to aid them in whatever it was they were trying to do. Not that it would work. Many frowned in distaste as they finished their quick glance around the tavern.

"So, what investigation has been opened?" I asked again as I sat down at the table across from them."

The Count was clearly the highest-ranking member of Nobility present since he responded. "Unfortunately, Knight or not, you have no reason to be here. We thank you for coming to address this problem, but you best leave this to the Nobles of this land, Sir Knight." What's his face informed me.

Smiling in response, I nodded. "Thank you for your concern. However, Sherry will not be talking to you today. As her business associate and investor, I assure you that I am very much involved."

Smirking, the Count merely pulled out a scroll before placing it on the table. "The scroll before you informs you that the increase in size and expansion of her business is illegal. Her growth of this restaurant has broken the law pertaining to how much space any single establishment is allowed." He then dusted himself off with his magic. "As well as her refusal to disclose the information where she got her new menu items. She is suspected of theft, and it is because of these reasons she is under investigation."

A few chuckles escaped from the lips of the Nobles, but I merely kept my smile. "Then I'm going to have to ask you to leave because none of these laws have been broken."