Jin spotted a small tavern with a large wooden sign that read, Thornhorn Tavern. The tavern was made of weathered timber.
Inside, the tavern is buzzed with activities. Merchants, serfs and laborers filled the space.
Gabby and Jin sat on a vacated table.
A woman approached their table with a warm smile, carrying a wooden tray tucked against her hip. She had warm brown eyes, quick to scan the room but soft when she finally looked at them. Her dark hair was pulled back into a loose braid, a few strands escaping near her face.
She wore a simple yet sturdy linen dress, slightly dusted with flour. A leather belt cinched at her waist, holding a small pouch. Her voice was gentle she asked, "Good morning gentlemen. What'll you having?
Jin replied, "A stew and a bread please." He turned to gabby and asked, "How about you?"
Gabby responded while his hood covered his face, "Same as his order."
The server said, "That will be forty copper, sir."
Jin placed a gold coin on the table and replied, "Thank you for the service. Keep the change as your tip."
Gabby thought to himself, "He must be rich. That tip is worth about nine hundred copper coins. But now, people from the other table are watching us."
The server gave Jin a warm smile, then leaned in and whispered, "Sir, be careful with your tips. There are many hungry wolves in this tavern."
Jin simply nodded, and the server went to the kitchen to prepare their food.
BANG!
After a few minutes of waiting, the tavern's door burst open with a loud bang—someone had barged in like they owned the place.
A man in his late thirties stepped inside. He wore a black tricorn hat adorned with feathers, iron-plated armor, and a flowing blue cloak. In one hand, he held a large handbell with a dark oak handle; in the other, a rolled parchment. His sharp eyes scanned the tavern with authority.
To his left stood a standard-bearer, holding the fearsome flag of Duke Ashby II. On his right, a squire carried his staff. Behind him, eight knights marched in formation, their armor were gleaming.
The tavern fell into a hush. Whispers spread among the serfs.
Someone murmured, "That's the Town Crier, Desmond Haynes."
Desmond raised the bell and rang it once, loud and clear. Then he declared:
"Ladies and Gentlemen. By the command of his grace, Duke Ashby II, protector of the South. The South's Finest Assassin, Sarah Eldrath has been found dead. After a thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that Cero Restes a witchborn, killed her in a fair duel—without the duke's permission. This heinous act has thrown the southern territories into unrest."
"Let it be known across all towns and borders: Cero Restes is to be captured—dead or alive. A royal bounty of twenty-thousand gold coins is hereby placed upon his head. He is armed, dangerous, and known to wield twin daggers. Approach with extreme caution. Approach with extreme caution."
"Proclaimed under seal by Duke Ashby II, from the halls of Ashby Keep."
A poster was handed to each table and pinned to the tavern walls. It showed a drawing of a fourteen-year-old child with shoulder-length, layered dark hair, sharp yet flat eyes, and a finely pointed nose—almost feminine in appearance. There was no mistake: it was Cero Restes.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
One serf whispered, "The South's Finest Assassin was killed by this beautiful girl?"
His companion replied, "Of course. Twenty thousand gold? That's enough to buy land and live like a lord."
Cero thought to himself, "How did the news spread so fast? No one saw me and Sarah fought. Don't tell me…"
As Town Crier Desmond reached Jin and Gabby's table, he paused and looked at Jin. He asked, "Why is a noble like you mingling in a place like this?"
Jin looked down, his voice trembling as if on the verge of tears. he said, handing Desmond a letter.
The town crier opened it and read silently. After a long pause, he spoke: "A rejection love letter…from Lady Helen of House Stanton, County of Thorpes."
Desmond added, "Sir Jin, may I see your identification card?"
Jin reached into the folds of his hood and handed over a small card.
Desmond flipped it over, held it up to the light, and examined it carefully. "You're from the Far East," he said, nodding. "No wonder you look so worn out."
Then Desmond turned his gaze to the figure beside Jin. "Sir Jin, who is this man sitting with you?"
Jin replied calmly, "He's my cousin, Gabby Magus. He's a bit introverted, but he's been accompanying me on this journey."
"Is that so?" Desmond said coldly, his tone sharpening.
He stepped forward. "Sir Gabby, I'm requesting you to remove your hood."
Gabby didn't respond. He kept his head down, eyes fixed on the table.
The air grew tense.
Desmond's voice hardened. "I won't repeat myself. Sir Gabby, remove your hood immediately. That's an order."
Desmond released his terrifying blue mana. His eyes narrowed as he signaled one of his knights to act.
The knight stepped forward, reaching for Gabby's hood.
Jin quickly grabbed the knight's shoulder, his voice urgent. "Wait! I think this is a bad idea."
"Don't interfere while I'm doing my duty," the knight snapped, shrugging off Jin's grip.
Jin's thoughts raced, "We're in trouble. There's no way we can take on this many opponents. Cero isn't fully healed. Even if we win, we won't escape unscathed. The duke's forces are too strong."
Gabby tried to resist, but the knights quickly overpowered him.
Jin sharpened his senses as he tapped the table with his fingers. He was preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Chairs scraped hurriedly against the floor as a few patrons rose and slipped out the door, murmuring excuses—"forgot my cart outside," "not my business"—eager to avoid the scent of danger that now hung thick in the air.
Others stayed rooted to their seats but hunched low and eyes wide with unease.