Chapter 22
Avnas hummed a deep tune as she busied herself, organising her inventory, which had been her primary source of entertainment while everyone else slept peacefully. It soon became apparent to her that she had wasted a significant amount of money and time crafting items that she would never use. In Antherion, Avnas would spend countless hours crafting items solely to earn experience points that she would later utilise to create new abilities, like many other 180 players. However, she realised that she should have at least sold those items instead of letting them go to waste or gathering dust in her inventory.
But then again, it was not like Avnas needed even gold.
You could arm each person in this city without a problem, you know that? Albarien's voice made Avnas take a deep breath as she continued to move items around in her inventory. Ignoring me won't make me go away.
We know, like a brain tumour, we have to live knowing you're there, deep inside our head.
PEST! PEST!
You woke that thing up.
Avnas shook her head and decided to put her inventory away. She had lost the motivation to continue organising things at the moment. Moreover, the sun was gradually emerging, signalling the imminent arrival of morning. Avnas, however, was still thinking about what to do once the princess returned home. Truthfully, Avnas had no thought so far ahead, nor was she truly sure of what to do.
Perhaps we should get hold of some obelisks. Albarien's voice made Avnas frown deeply. Listen to me first. Those obelisks aren't only ways to get into the Conduit and ruins of my people but also to seek answers and ways to stop Lodflesh.
Again, if you wish for us to trust you, first, you have to tell us the truth, something, whatever, but don't keep knowledge that could benefit us. What are the Lodflesh technically? How could they be so durable and powerful enough for your people to lose against them? How did all of this happen?
Avnas's inquiries were not particularly shocking or something that should make Albarien feel uneasy. They were not only driven by curiosity but also stemmed from genuine necessity. How could Albarien anticipate Avnas to conquer an adversary about whom she had no knowledge, especially considering that this foe had managed to overpower a powerful being like Albarien? It would be unfair to blame Avnas for posing such questions.
At least, Albarien agreed with Avnas in that regard.
You're right. However, the truth is more complicated, and it will take time to tell you all of it.
What a way to circle around the question.
It's a set of questions that require a long answer. Albarien replied quickly, and Avnas could only scoff at the alien's answer. I want to show you. Find an obelisk, and I'll show you. But let me tell you this: the Lodflesh are just a small part of a greater evil. One that was brought in by my people's arrogance and by my stupidity and pride.
Avnas listened to the sound of Albarien's voice, causing a part of her to contemplate the true magnitude of this threat. The most challenging aspect was relying on Albarien's words and trusting her. Avnas's face became sharp as anger began to build up inside her.
SHE IS USING US! LYING ABOUT HER TRUE INTENTIONS! WE ARE BUT TOOLS FOR HER TO USE AND TO BE DISCARDED!
Avnas's head twitched, her eyes losing focus as her anger transformed into a potent mix of pure rage and calm ire. Albarien's refusal to share any form of knowledge had been fuelling Avnas's growing frustration, especially when this person asked for Avnas's trust.
I know you won't trust me until I tell you something. Perhaps, even then, you won't believe me. But I am on your side.
Avnas's face transformed rapidly into a visage of demonic rage, and she was on the verge of losing her sanity entirely, potentially unleashing her unbridled fury upon Yecora. Nevertheless, her rage came to an abrupt halt upon hearing Mariel's soft whimpering from the bed next to her. Avnas's attention immediately shifted to the princess, and her righteous anger transformed into genuine concern. Worried that her demonic aura might have caused harm to Mariel, apprehension and guilt consumed Avnas's mind.
Fortunately, that turned out to be untrue, but Avnas's anger did wake the princess up. Mariel had wrapped her arms around Avnas's tail, using it as a makeshift body pillow. However, it was evident that Avnas's fury was causing her body temperature to rise, leading Mariel to start whining as she started feeling the heat.
"Why is the room so hot?" Mariel whined as she slowly cleaned the sweat on her forehead.
"Maybe it's going to be a warm day," Avnas replied with an awkward cough, deciding to open the windows to let the fresh air in.
"Ugh, I feel so sticky!" Lynas groaned, shifting uncomfortably on the bed. In no time, everyone else woke up, their bodies covered in sweat, except for Avnas. She stood by the window, whistling cheerfully.
"I suppose a bath is in order," Avnas added.
"Strange, it is so cold outside," Elian whispered as she leaned on the window next to Avnas.
"Strange indeed."
After bathing, they all proceeded to prepare for another day in the city. They considered the possibility of further exploring the west side of Yecora. However, they remained focused on what they were waiting for. Fortunately, their wait was soon interrupted by a knock on their door. It was Melinda, the Guild receptionist, who had a weary smile on her face.
"Good morning," Melinda's voice quivered nervously as she held out a sheet of paper. "I wanted to let you know that we have found someone who is interested in the request. If you'd like, he can meet you here on the first floor in one of the private rooms."
"I see. Thank you," Avnas replied as she took the sheet of paper from Melinda's hand, and then the Etline bowed before walking away. Avnas's eyes did not miss Melinda's nervous expression. Avnas took her time reading what was written on it and simply raised an eyebrow.
"So, who is accepting the job?" Lynas asked with curiosity.
"Leon Goldenleaf, the captain of the Goldenleaves Buccaneers," Avnas stated, finding the name of the group rather amusing. "It's quite an interesting choice of name."
"It doesn't sound intimidating at all," Alex mumbled as Elian's eyes became rigid for some reason. There was something that felt out of place for her, even perhaps familiar.
"Well, we have someone who wishes to meet us, so let's not make him wait."
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Avnas and the group walked down to the first floor, with Melinda leading the way. She seemed to be waiting for them and promptly directed them to one of the numerous rooms in the back of the tavern, where clients and workers conducted their business. They soon entered the room, where a man with a perpetual smirk on his face awaited their arrival.
Leon Goldenleaf, a man in his late thirties, sported a messy ponytail of shoulder-length brown hair. His well-groomed beard possessed a magnetic charm that would undoubtedly captivate any woman's attention. Leon was clearly fit and well-toned, accentuated by his choice of clothing that showcased his chest and his strong arms; this man was clearly a womaniser, with a hint of shrewdness and dangerousness that was easily hidden by that smirk of his.
Leon's eyes widened upon seeing Avnas. He got up from his seat and walked towards her. Taking her hands, he gently kissed Avnas's knuckles, a wide smile adorning his face. "Had I known that the Alabastrine was this stunning, I would have accepted this request without delay."
Avnas glanced at Leon, feeling a tinge of surprise and maybe a touch of embarrassment at his words. However, she managed to keep her stoic expression intact. "I appreciate your kind words, but I highly doubt that my appearance would lower the price," Avnas responded, causing Leon to burst into laughter. Even his laughter exuded a sultry and alluring charm.
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"Never intertwined, business with pleasure," Leon replied.
"My kind of man," Lynas chuckled.
Leon smiled before soon looking down where the curious eyes of the princess stared back at him. Leon's dark eyes stared at the princess's hazel eyes.
"My, my! I should have saluted you first, my lady!" Leon said gently, bowing at Mariel. In response, Mariel quickly returned the bow in the customary manner. However, as she did so, Leon's eyes sharpened with the realisation that his suspicions were correct and that the young girl before him was, in fact, the princess who was believed to be dead.
"I certainly hope my manners were impeccable, my dear young lady," Leon playfully teased, his charm working its magic as Mariel giggled from behind Avnas.
"Now, please take a seat. We have a lot to discuss," Leon declared, gesturing for everyone to gather around the table. Without delay, Leon turned his attention to the Alabastrine companions, carefully examining each of them. Among the group, the half-elf stood out as the most amiable. Her eyes emitted a flirtatious charm, and her smirk was infectious. However, Leon was keenly aware that underestimating her would be a grave mistake.
Yet, if both could have some fun, why not?
Still, from what he could see, Alex was clearly a noble from the Angram Empire. Leon only had to see the way he sat on the chair, his impeccable nails, his hair, the way he stared at him. Leon knew all too well how an Angram Imperial behaves. He would never forget it, no matter how many years have gone by.
But why is a young Imperial noble playing as an adventurer? Was it only for fun, like many have done before? Seeking adventurers for a thrill before going back to their ludicrous lives? Or for something else? Leon had to admit he was curious to find out.
Then Leon's gaze landed on Elian, and in that instant, his heart sank. The piercing blue eyes, coupled with the dishevelled, long ponytail of blue hair, evoked memories he desperately wanted to erase. However, he couldn't let his emotions show. Leon was not one to let his guard down easily, so he masked his actual reaction with a simple smile.
"As I said in the letter before, my name is Leon Goldenleaf, captain of the Goldenleaves Buccaneers. A pleasure to meet all of you."
"Pleasure to meet you," Avnas said. "Now, how much would this cost me?"
"Whoa, jumping into the negotiation so quickly! You're not giving me enough time to get to know all of you better," Leon chuckled slightly. Avnas tilted her head, deciding not to engage with a man who clearly had more experience in this type of environment. It was a realisation that Avnas had also come to terms with–she had no experience dealing with people and lacked confidence in doing so.
Avnas had an inner demon that excelled in screaming, always fuelled by an unwavering anger that despised being taken advantage of. However, beyond that, this demon didn't possess the wisdom to guide Avnas on how to navigate life's challenges. One simply needed to reflect on the decisions, or rather the lack thereof, to realise that Avnas was primarily reactive in most situations.
Avnas was well aware of this fact, perhaps more so than anyone else. Insecurities had plagued Avnas throughout her life. Fear and anxiety were sensations she was always close to. And now, as she found herself in a position of power, navigating this transition proved to be quite challenging.
You're not that weak. Albarien's voice resonated in Avnas's mind.
We were so weak, constantly afraid of everything and everyone. Some days, the intensity of our panic attacks was so overwhelming that it felt as if our lives were hanging by a thread.
That might be true, but the fact remains that you're still here. You had the option to give up, but you chose not to. You have overcome. This is an accomplishment that only a strong individual could have attained.
Avnas experienced a whirlwind of emotions upon hearing those words, and the fact that they came from Albarien made it all the more challenging to embrace. However, she also yearned for compliments and validation, longing to be recognised as someone who had evolved and fully embraced her new self.
Thank you. Avnas replied as she focused on Leon and his smile. "You said it. Never mix business with pleasure," Avnas replied, and that response caused Leon to lean on his chair with a teasing smirk on his face.
"True," Leon replied, leaning forward this time. His eyes fell upon Avnas's breast as he continued, "But we can always make exceptions." The buccaneers' captain couldn't deny it; he had encountered numerous beautiful women in the past, yet the demon standing before him was truly captivating. She might just be the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
There was an indescribable allure that drew him towards her, a captivating enigma that left his mind perplexed. However, would he possess the ability to unravel the enigmatic nature of the Alabastrine? Only time will tell.
"Exceptions? That sounds like a good way to ruin a business," Avnas replied with a bit of amusement in her voice.
"Perhaps, but it is what my heart aims for," Leon replied. "I am just a man, made of flesh and bones. I cannot control my desire."
The implication in Leon's words was evident to everyone present. Elian found it repulsive, and Alex shared the same sentiment. Lynas found the idea of the captain taking his chances to get in bed with Avnas amusing while the white-haired demon simply stared back at him, maintaining a stoic and serious expression.
He is a nymphomaniac, isn't he? Albarien whispered, sounding a bit disgusted and a bit amused.
He sure sounds like one. We don't like it. He makes us feel nervous.
You're very attractive; don't be surprised when people wish to bed you. Perhaps you should use the power of sex to get things in your way?
No.
Avnas shook her head before focusing on the clearly unprofessional captain. "I wish to keep things professional. Especially when there's a child here; if not, I'll wait until another person takes up the request."
Leon, raising his hands, conceded defeat and acknowledged that the white-haired demon was immune to his charms. Adding to the fact that she hadn't torn his throat out for such a suggestion made him realise that she was unlike any others he had encountered before. This only deepened his curiosity, as he had no knowledge of Avnas' origin.
"Alright, I apologise. I had to take my chances," Leon replied as Avnas scoffed. "But, I think I know more about you thanks to this."
"Do you know?" Avnas asked while raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, so, returning to the topic at hand. You wish to travel to Equidaeria. That's around two months of travel if only using winds. But with ships with engines, they can make it in a month, perhaps less with good winds."
Avnas was now surprised to hear that even ships had engines now. What sort of engine could they possibly use? Did they use fuel or something similar? Or perhaps those strange blue stones? Avnas wondered, getting more interested in hearing about it.
"And, well, fortunately for you, my ship is incredibly fast," Leon proudly smiled. "However, it is going to be quite expensive. Stelenita Engines tend to run out of fuel quickly. Keeping that in mind, the total cost will be around five hundred gold. Naturally, fifteen per cent of the amount must be paid upfront."
"F-five hundred gold?!" Lynas coughed loudly. Even for Elian and Alex, that was quite the number. "That's almost 100 gold per person!"
"That's a lot of gold," Elian mumbled. Mariel looked at Avnas nervously, who appeared to be thinking hard.
"Agreed," Avnas replied, reaching into her inventory to retrieve a bag of gold, which she then placed on the table. Leon looked at the bag of gold and appeared to be a bit surprised that the white-haired demon simply agreed with his terms. He realised that she wasn't concerned with the amount and never was.
It was clear that Avnas's interest was set on something else that was more important.
"Alright, I see you wish to do this fast," Leon stood up and walked towards the door. "Melinda, my dear, we came to an agreement."
Soon, Melinda came forward with a set of papers, and both Avnas and Leon began to sign them off. It was all very professional. Avnas paid the taxes to the guild, and Leon did the same. Soon enough, Leon smiled at her.
"I can have my ship and crew ready in two days," Leon said with a smile.
"Two days? I see," Avnas replied, as her eyes were staring at Leon. "Can I trust you won't run off with the gold then?"
"My dear lady, rest assured that my crew consists of highly skilled professionals. When we commit to a contract, we never fail to fulfil it. I promise you, until I safely escort you all to Equidaeria, I will take full responsibility for your well-being."
Leon said dramatically as he bowed to her.
Avnas looked at him and sighed. "We are in your care, then."
Avnas and the group walked back towards their room, and once inside, they appeared to sigh deeply.
"So is it done then? Two days from now?" Alex stated.
"That does appear to be the situation. However, Master Avnas, why didn't you try to negotiate for a better deal? Five hundred gold coins, plus taxes, is an exorbitant amount," Elian whispered, expressing her dissatisfaction with the entire situation to Avnas. Elian felt as if Avnas was played by a fool by that buccaneer captain.
"Gold is not a problem for me. What matters is getting you all back to Equidaeria," Avnas replied as he leaned on the window, watching the people walking on the street. Yet, as she was doing so, she noticed a group of people in a nearby alleyway, watching the building with keen interest while holding a piece of paper. That brought Avnas's attention, but soon enough, they left.
"As long as we are careful, we should leave this continent without a problem," Avnas added as she glanced at them.
"Two days, eh? I wonder why it would take them so long?" Lynas asked as she lay on her bed, watching the roof of the room.
"Supplies, maybe?" Alex said.
"Still, what should we do for the next two days?" Lynas asked them. "I don't want to stay inside this room forever."
Avnas nodded, feeling a weariness from being confined in the tavern for too long. However, her gaze returned to the window, unsure if venturing outside was wise. The city seemed to hold an air of intrigue, something stirring beneath the surface. Or maybe it was just her growing sense of unease.
"We can look for more things in the city, but I suggest staying close."
Avnas stated before focusing on the window. "Hopefully, nothing will happen."