110 Devils Hub (1/2)

After Isamu's registration process at the Arena is finally concluded, the gang headed on to the Jewelry store Headmaster Ezkiel told them about, which is located at the same district of Trade Town, where they are currently standing outside at its street. They needed to get their hands off the jewelry reward given to them by Lady Stephania Walcot from Einsberg for a hefty amount of 12,000 gold.

Again, the gang opted to ask another town local, and they were directed to the Jewelry store's specified location somewhere in the north-western corner of the district.

In a short while, the gang arrived at the store. The place is undoubtedly also an attraction, especially to jewelry connoisseurs or other people who just simply adore the exceptional quality of ornamental accessories. Of course, some customers, most notably Enchanters, purchased this grandiloquent item as a medium for their Enchanting trade, offering both grandeur display and powerful effects in their arsenal.

Overall, The Velvet Box is a shop who the rich and nobility would frequent in this part of the Trade Town, indulging themselves in the eloquent world of the wealthy. Speaking of the shop's physical appearance, the establishment seemed quite welcoming at first glance, where people, mostly the rich-looking, are seen entering and exiting the place.

Although it was mentioned that the rich and nobility are the usual patrons of the shop, all people with different backgrounds and ways of life are welcomed here, and the shopkeeper himself would never deny a person's right, as long as he or she possessed the gold of course. In the long run, coin only matters.

The gang entered the shop so they can get this over with and depart themselves full of gold in their purse. Of course, that really meant metaphorically since the gold will actually be stored in Gray's Inventory instead.

***

Thankfully, things have gone according to plan for the gang, and they were able to garner exactly 11,868 gold from the box of jewelry that they presented to the dealer.

Speaking of the dealer, the proprietor of The Velvet Box, a male Dwarf, was undoubtedly in awe when he peered the jewelry inside the box that the gang has shown to him. He was more than happy to receive and add it to his growing merchandise, discerning some of the most beautiful gemstones, rings, and necklaces that he has ever seen. When the Dwarf asked where did Gray get his jewelry collection from, the elf simply weaved an unreal tale that it was given to him by a wealthy noble friend of his from Chadena as a favor that he rendered some time ago.

Of course, Gray could have told the Dwarf that it came from the good Lady Stephania, but he doesn't want to risk anyone finding out anything about his involvement in rescuing the Lady. If the mastermind is investigating, he or she may be able to find out about the jewelry reward from the Dwarf. If the mastermind is smart enough and was capable of putting the pieces of the mystery puzzle together, it may ultimately lead to Gray's potential demise. As a result, it would be entirely wise that the elf will be remaining cautious in his every dealings here at Flocaster, where a kidnapping whoreson of a Mage is still on the loose. Overall, Gray just did not want to risk it and opted for this particular safety measure that he thought of, denying his involvement in the kidnapping incident.

After thanking the Dwarf for his remarkable service, the gang now set their further plans into motion, making their way to the Devil's Hub district, the part of the town where the recreation establishments are located. It's the district that's mostly occupied at night, where the citizens, noble or common-folk, without prejudice or exception to the social hierarchy, would luxuriate in an evening of revelry and excitement, that is, if they have the coin to do so.

The Devil's Hub accommodated people of Flocaster with fun and entertainment, a den of carousing, and merrymaking as they say. The district consisted mainly of gambling sites, taverns, inns, brothels, and anything to satisfy a person's worldly desire. As per the Devil name of the district itself, it's definitely a place of sin that an individual can't help but be tempted by the many luscious and desirable things that the site has to offer and marvel. It's no surprise that gambling, drinking, and prostitution is always rampant around these parts, where lonely noblemen would mostly seek the services of a wench to turn their world upside-down in a night of vigorous fornication with screams that appeal to a Divine deity.

Thankfully, the afternoon is still young, meaning the streets are not crowded and is a peaceful scenario when the gang eventually step foot at the place. There are also the usual Bards and other performers playing around their proximity.

Additionally and as tipped to them by the Dwarven Jewelry dealer a while ago while on their small chat together during the transaction of sale, there are… Flower Girls roaming around the district where the townsfolk refer kindly to the wenches in search of a willing client to satisfy sexually for gold. True to the women's known alias, they each carry a basket of flowers while wearing alluring dresses that show a fair amount of skin to entice any men or even women to sin. The flowers, they sell it as a form of side business from the local Florist who at the same time is the esteemed madam who also oversaw every Flower Girl and provided each of them with protection and rights as a legitimate business approved by the Count.

And right now, one of the women, a red-haired human beauty wearing a black sleeveless dress with a white hooded cowl, approached the gang with an angelic smile.

”Hail to you, my lord.” The redhead greeted Gray and his companions. ”Should I interest you with some flowers in my basket? Or perhaps… do you prefer the flower that's underneath my lower garment, hehe.”

The last statement, the Flower Girl, said it seductively without any shred of shame, acting all too beguiling in an attempt to entice the elf to purchase her for a night of carnal services.

As a healthy man with a normal fascination for the female body, Gray was slightly caught off guard by the redhead's sexual innuendo and blushed a bit. He had to admit, though, that was a good one, and he is more than tempted to take her offer. No doubt, the woman was gorgeous, and any sensible man with working hormones will be willing to spend the night with her. Although such was not Gray's business at this moment and is not a very good time, considering that he has a company behind him. The elf would be an absolute ass for abandoning his companions in favor of indulging his libido. As a result, he politely rejected the redhead as how a noble gentleman should.