The name suited the inn very well. It was buzzing with the brass laughter of men and a few women. They were wearing armor and carried an air of recklessness. Chinks in their armor could be seen near their ribs and arms. The quality of their blades was fine and one or two men had an insignia plastered on their chest as if property.

Most of the women seemed to be mages, as they wore high-quality robes and dresses that exuded a blue stream of visible air. Rings, necklaces, and earrings adorned their whole body and sparkled with a glint time to time.

“Are these people mercenaries, Effari?” Ares interest was piqued by the somewhat lack of variety in her customers. They seemed battle-hardened and most of them gave off frivolous bloodthirst time to time. Astercoth almost killed him plenty of times when Vi teased. It wasn’t friendly, but Ares welcomed the familiar killing intent with open arms, causing a brief sadness and momentary glee.

“They are adventurers” She smiled. She was glad that he seemed interested in Ryner’s establishment. ‘I hope he’ll stay the night.’ She thought innocently. She would be happy to be with him longer and learn more. Ares mysterious nature gave her a sense of thrill, she hadn’t experienced in a long time because she was always stuck babysitting her little sister. She felt a lump grow in her chest and her heartbeat raise. Putting her hand over her left breast, she calmed herself and let out a deep breath. She stared deeply into his eyes, and if going into a trance, she lost track of her thoughts before she could continue.

“Effari?” Ares asked worriedly. He had never seen her space out before. She was usually glaring at him or giving him ‘that’ expression that made him feel uneasy. She snapped out of it and continued where she left off after hearing his voice.

“Oh yes, uh,” Her voice trailed for a bit before grasping her thoughts. “They explore dungeons for treasure. As the costs of preparation are expensive, noble houses sponsor the most brave and skilled of these adventurers, as long as they receive at least twice of their investment in return.” She noticed him leaning his ear towards her, paying attention carefully and flinched. Her heartbeat was rising again as her lips trembled and cheeks reddened.

“I see…”Ares saw the insignia on some of the adventurer’s armor and made the connection. As he looked towards the crowd, a weight slammed on his shoulders from above. Little arms wrapped around his eyes and her small chin placed firmly on top his hair. “… Aren’t you a bit too old to be doing this, Rachel?” Ares didn’t mind but he looked like a joke. Standing firmly with his palm on his blade, a little monster was tying and pulling his hair. Accompanied by his stern expression, the bartender and a few waitresses cackled, along with the few tables in front of them.

“She’s only five.” Effari said plainly. “She has our father’s height. She’ll probably be as tall as you once she’s of age.” A sigh let her lips and Rachel sneered looking down at her. Effari snapped and tried to pull her off.

“Nuu! I’m sowy big shister!” She clawed into his hair like a cat.

“It’s too late to apologize now!” She said grabbing her legs by her delicate feet.

The bustling crowd began to focus on them. Some with stares of jealousy. Some with stares of distant memories. And some… with stares of interest.

Ares ignored the commotion around him and focused on the man with a hawk of his bracer. His sword was unsheathed and looked familiar… it resembled the sword he clutched in his own hands. Ares eyed him intensely. The mysterious man didn’t notice him, yet.

Ares made sure his sword was completely sheathed as to not awake any sleeping lions he did not know of. His sword was definitely identical to his majesty’s blade. Ares walked with Rachel on top his head towards the man, only to be stopped by one of two beauties standing to the side.