Chapter 55：Clues and Deals (2/2)
Now, that seemed to be untrue as young Kira was still here. Disapproving the earlier theory solved the question of why was Kira attached to him? But now a new question was raised, was this wolf Kira or was Arthur just mistaken?
The wolf seemed to recognize him a bit, as it calmed down after examining Arthur. The latter scratched his head in thought before picking up the boar and heading toward Elise's Eyes pub.
”Hey Joe, mind if I get two meals of roasted rabbit?” Arthur walked in casually like this was his place. He couldn't help it since the place felt so familiar to him.
”Oh, you're back? Sure thing.” Joe smiled in recognition before heading toward the kitchen. Arthur took out the money and placed it on the bar as he waited.
”Why are you back here, kid?” The bearded man he saw the other day talked to him and Arthur realized this place was a lot livelier than in his memories.
”I like the area here, feels like home, you know?”
”Hahaha, I agree! Even though this place is a bit remote and having lower-tiered monsters, it's cozy here.”
”It is. So, there aren't any high-ranking monsters over here?” Arthur asked, testing the waters. The bearded man gulped from his beer before smacking it to the bar.
”There are! Terrifying ones! This is the periphery of the mountain range, so there are only unranked monsters here. Deeper into the mountain range are intelligent monsters that took comfort in solitude.”
”Oh, how come they haven't been killed yet?”
”They tried, the Union, the guilds, but the mountain range is too dangerous. It's not worth the risk, as these monsters have a lower possibility of dropping skills or possessing artifacts in their treasury! Some of the lower ranking monsters even built villages, like goblins' or ogres' villages!”
Arthur listened with fascination to the stories of the bearded man, named Roberto, as he waited for the food. The man kept chatting and told the urban legends of mountain range Rovero. A few minutes later, the meat was brought by Joe and Arthur paid him the money.
He took the meat outside toward the starving Kira and sat next to it and the two ate. Kira was a lot less intelligent than Arthur remembered, acting more like a wild dog than a companion. Even so, Arthur enjoyed the meal, the scenery, and the companionship.
”It seems like you got a new friend,” Joe came from inside the pub and laughed. Arthur laughed as well before pointing at the boar.
”Can you use that to make something for it? Oh, and its name is Kira.”
”That's a nice name. Sure thing, I'll give Kira something in return.”
”Thanks, Joe,” Arthur smiled, remembering the time he spent at the pub. He had enough time and boredom to examine the portraits on the walls, and he guessed in his mind about Joe's past. To summarize it, he felt he could strike a deal with him.
”I have a business offer for you, care to listen?” Arthur finished his meal before he stood up and walked toward Joe.
”Ah, is that so? Mana cores, monster parts, or is it about commissions?” Joe nodded with understanding, but Arthur shook his head.
”Let's just say… This deal can be life-changing, for both of us.” Smiling with confidence, Arthur was able to pique Joe's interest.
”Okay, want to talk now?”
”Would be even better.”
”Let's go to the stable, there are some chairs we can use.” Joe led the way as the two walked over, Kira cutely following after Arthur. The young bartender took out some chairs and the two sat down next to each other. After serving some iced juice, Joe sat next to him and waited for his offer.
”I found a way to supply some artifacts, skills, maybe even potions. However, I don't have the time to use the channels necessary to sell them, anonymously, of course. That's why I need someone to act on my behalf.” Arthur saw Joe's face turn serious, and he added one more bit to assure him. ”I promise they are not stolen, smuggled, or defective. We can even sign a contract to free you of any responsibilities if anything illegal occurs.”