Chapter 72 - 72: The Festival And The Beast 1 (1/2)
Night had now fallen over Galos City but it remained as lively as usual due to two events, the arrival of the returning students and the search for the beast responsible for the recent attacks.
”Today be very noisy ey?” Inside Hilda's tavern, Hilda herself asked this question aloud as she served some drinks to someof her most usual customers... Jin who had somehow managed to drag Jagu along.
”Mhm, everyone's excited that the returning students have arrived... well almost everyone, most commoners are afraid they'll be bullied by the senior aristocrats.” Jin pointed out as he showed a smile with his eyes firmly fixated on the booze Hilda brought him.
”Aye, I feel sorry for the welps, they'll surely have a hard time. Have em c'mere if they're ever feeling down. No aristocrat dares act pompous in-front of Hilda!” She proudly declared while puffing out her chest before walking away, Jin just laughed and raised his jug to her while nodding. Jagu on the other hand seemed hesitant to drink.
”Relax big guy, we've already purchased the venue and we'll collect the key tomorrow. So we're free till that know it all girl prepares everything else.” Jin explained while sliding his body towards Jagu.
”This free time should be used to train!” Jagu growled and cast the bottle aside, causing Jin to sigh. ”Ok we'll train tomorrow and the day after that, think about it this way, once Aron's plan is fully in motion... we won't have to drink at all!” Jin warned as if they'd suffer a fate worse than death.
Jagu pondered for a bit before succumbing to Jin's honeyed words and picking up a bottle. ”Haha that's the spirit, Hilda! Fifteen more bottles please.”
While Jagu and Jin were enjoying themselves within the tavern, the streets of Galos City were filled with wandering students enjoying what looked to be a welcoming festival. Among them was Reginald and Aela who had been tailing Aron.
Aron who wore the same attire he did earlier the same day minus his cloak was seemingly just walking around enjoying the festivals alone. Occasionally he'd stop at certain stalls and even purchase a snack but never stayed in the same place too long.
Soon he decided to stop at a stall that seemed to be preparing some unique smelling meat. ”Excuse me, what kind of meat is this?” Aron, who was drawn in by the smell, asked the large muscular old man behind the stall in a casual manner. ”Good nose you have there, this meat came from a Tier eleven mana beast. I know what you're thinking, most people wouldn't dare cook mana beast meat as it's too tough, unsavory and sometimes poisonous.”
”But that's what makes this stall so special, not only do we cook it but I guarantee it tastes better than any normal meat you've ever tried.” The muscular old man flexed his muscles confidently as he revealed this fact to Aron who gave him a skeptical glance.
As far as Argos's records were concerned, cooking the meat of a mana beast is uncommon. Although those dedicated enough have developed techniques to fully bring out the essence, taste and nutrition the meat holds. Aron's father was one such individual who was skilled at it, he himself however never quite got the hang of it.
”I'd like to try some.” Aron showed his interest, bringing a smile to the man's face. Despite looking confident, Aron was actually his first customer. Not many were daring enough to try beast meat. ”One Vildahar Deer kabob coming up!” The man exclaimed happily, preparing the order.
”Make that two please.” Before the old man could begin, a low gentle yet powerful voice spoke. The old man turned and found the source to be a beautiful apathetic blonde haired woman clad in armor. Not only him but many passerby's stopped to look at this woman.
”Juliet! Please don't rush off!” A familiar voice called out to the woman before coming to a halt near the stall. ”Aron...” The source of the voice calling out was none other than Henry who froze upon seeing Henry.
Before more words could be exchanged, Esmeralda, Emilia and Sebastian appeared behind Henry. They too froze upon seeing Aron.
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