Chapter 176: An eventful dinner (2) (1/2)

Aiden slithered his way through the crowd, smoothly reaching the counter with ease. Looking at the innkeeper for tonight, was a venerable old man. His long, white beard swayed back and forth as he belying his own age ran around the counter taking the orders and shouting towards the back, where a hearty, womanly response could be heard every now and then.

Apart from the bushy beard, the innkeeper had little-to-no hair left on the top of its wrinkled head. Gaps could also be witnessed in his mouth, he had lost quite a few teeth over the years and the rest donned a grimy, yellow color.

He wore simple, red linen clothing, only slightly better than the tattered rags the average beggar could be seen in. While he wasn't skin and bones, he wasn't toned either, the skin hung loosely over his body, but still, some meat could still be observed keeping up and withstanding the passage of time.

His charcoal black eyes rapidly darted back and forth, scanning for new customers to serve. His pace, his attentiveness was something that someone wouldn't expect from a man of his age.

Not long after Aiden leaned against the top of the counter and looked in the elderly man's direction, the man noticed him as well and quickly ran in front of him. With a friendly albeit slightly hideous smile on his face, the elder promptly greeted the youngster with a kindly tone.

”Greetings young man, how can I help you tonight?”

Matching his expression, Aiden smiled back with the same friendliness as he answered in his crisp, clear voice, matching the elder's tone.

”Greetings, elder. Yes, my friends and I would like to dine here tonight. While we are not sure what the menu is, we saw this plate on the neighboring table that we all really liked. It had a pair of sausages with some mashed potatoes and beans as the side. Can you give us three servings of it?”

The elder nodded its head, his expression not changing the slightest.

”Definitely, that is tonight's house special, I am sure you and your friends will love it!” Then, without waiting for a response, he looked at the back and yelled out towards the kitchen.

”HEY! 3 MORE OF THE SPECIAL! QUICKLY WOMAN!”

The response came immediately in the form of a grumbling loud shout.

”WATCH YOUR TONE YOU OLD COOT, OR I WILL HIT YOU WITH MY PAN!”

Ignoring the 'angry dragon' in the back, the old man turned back to Aiden, and with the same friendly smile, he continued with taking his orders.

”Alright, your food is on its way. As for drinks, would you guys like something? Water, juice… or maybe some beer?”

Aiden wasn't interested in alcohol that much, but he wasn't against it either. With no desire at all, he shrugged at the thought and gave his order.

”Two mugs of water, and one beer, please. Thanks.”

”Okay, I got everything I need from you. You could go back to your seat, but I would advise against it.” Giving a helpless look at the crowd he continued. ”Today is a bit… unusual, so it would make my life and yours easier if you would wait for your order here and take it back. Hope you don't mind.”

Aiden shook his head in response, the smile not leaving his face.

”No, not at all. I assume it wouldn't take long?”

”Just a few minutes. Thanks, kid!”

With that said, the elderly innkeeper was already in front of the next customer, taking their orders and repeating the same discourse he had with Aiden while also yelling towards the kitchen.

With nothing better to do than wait, Aiden turned his attention towards the band that was still in the process of setting up their musical instruments and tuning them for the live musical event that would be starting soon. He didn't know if there was any occasion for it or if this was a regular thing, this was only his second night in this place after all. Giving a quick glance at the innkeeper's direction and seeing how busy he was, Aiden knew he couldn't bother him with such a useless question either.

So he kept his attention on the band, mostly focusing on the strange, magical drum-like objects. The aura they emanated was really interesting, he felt a soothing wash over him just by feeling it. He was increasingly interested in what purpose did it serve, and what was the point in bringing it to such a place as this…

Back at the table, Mary seemed much calmer than a few moments prior, it seemed that being in the presence of Aiden made her heart jump and beat at a much faster pace than normal. She looked at Cole, her face revealed a cheery, jubilant expression.

”Cole, may I ask how did you two meet? Don't take this the wrong way, but you guys don't seem that much alike.”

”Ahaha, no I don't mind it at all!” Cole chuckled at the question. ”True, Aiden is strong, fearless, and brave. He knows no danger, seemingly nothing could cause him harm. Believe me, I've seen him fight against the Sea Devils!”