“Tsk, you dare to speak such insolent words in front of me, even after knowing that I am Junter the precious third son of count Gregor Amtaris. Know your place, filthy commoner!” the ugly man was very displeased and with a sudden rush of his hands he drew a golden glittering rapier from his back.

The man was really an unsightly appearance, but even so he acted very quickly and displayed very well trained skills in swordsmanship.

With a few cuts towards Hohenheim a sheer unlimited and strong cutting wind was released.

One really had to be careful with such an opponent, but how could Hohenheim feel even an inch of pressure. when compared to him, not even half gods where a match, so how could a mere weak human think of fighting or even wounding him.

The moment the cutting wind swished at Hohenheim, he only smirked slightly, then with an unnoticeable step to the left, evaded the wind.

Nevertheless, what seemed to be very easy to evade for Hohenheim, still carried the strong will to cut and with a loud “rumble” and the sounds of iron clashing and breaking stones, the impact slashed through the wall of the Inn.

“You... you even dare to evade?! Who told you to evade the righteously punishment I was willing to give you!” The ugly man really lost his noble manner as he, a bit frightened, looked at the gaping hole his swung left in the wall of the Inn.

After no moments of astonishment about the now cut open Inn wall. A tall and very thick build man yelled from the inside.

“WHO!...Who dares to cut open my precious wall!? Show yourself filthy worm!”

But as there was no time to react, the thick build man appeared with huge leaps in front of the three of them.

A well cared beard and black hair flattered together with a large silver, black pointed robe in the wind, as the man landed.

Arrived at the situation, He swayed his eyes around. One could even say it emitted a harsh, but warm ruling demeanor. And with a few sighs his gaze stopped at Junter, forcing him to gulp heavily and even taking a few steps back.

Normal humans could not feel it, but within his deep gaze, there was a frightful and pressuring aura.

And all of that aura was now focused on Junter.

“Was... was it you? Who broke my wall?” With a long pulled sigh the thick build man asked enclosing the distance to Junter with a few steps

“I...I...I, yes sir! I am very sorry! My family will ensure to compensate for your wall. So please have mercy, with this impudent fellow here.”

As if seen a ghost the manner of the ugly man changed within seconds and his skin turned paper-white pale, even beads of sweat began to slowly emanate from his face

Hohenheim and Mia both couldn't help frowning, from their point of view it was not making any sense that the, before so arrogant acting noble, now was kowtowing to a mere Innkeeper.

The thick build man sighed again turned his gaze towards Hohenheim and Mia. As he swayed over Hohenheim, he suddenly stopped and his eyes lit up. With a sudden change of attitude, he said in a respectful tone

“I am very sorry, that you had to experience such a disgracing wrongdoing, here in front of my Gong Hopper. May I ask if you were to enter and be my esteemed guests? As compensation this young man there would be very glad to pay up your bills.”

He said very respectful and as if he had already seen through the occurred situation.

Then he turned his gaze back to the ugly noble, who currently was in a very awkward position, pointed at him as he said who shall pay the bills

“Y..y..yes of course, it would be an h...honor to my family to compensate for your bills.”

The ugly noble said and sank in a very dispirited manner to the ground

“Hoh, you are too kind, but we were indeed to enter your esteemed local. May I ask who it is, who is so kind and not even helped us clearing an unsightly situation, but even invited us to a seemingly great feast?”

Hohenheims response was of course filled with respect, he will always repay those who gave him face with even more face. He has sworn to never be to arrogant due to his change of title and becoming a deity.

And so he asked politely for the identity of the thick build man

“Haha, how impolite of me. I am Mokir the owner of this beautiful tavern here, but most people just call me “Pops” so you can feel free to do so as well hoho. Just hurry in, I´ll give you a good place to rest and eat.” The Innkeeper jested in a rough voice and lets one have a feeling of him being some nice old godfather. Totally dissipating all enmity and suspicion

After he spoke, Mokir turned again towards the ugly noble. But he hadn't to remind him. Immediately by sight the ugly noble stood up, made an awkward bow and rushed into the darkening streets, as it became evening.

By while Hohenheim and Mia followed Mokir inside, they politely clasped their hands towards him and introduced themselves.

“So Pops, thank you again for solving the situation and dont making things difficult for me and my companion. I myself am Hohenheim and this is my...”

Hohenheim got interrupted by Mia as she pulled on his sleeve for a moment and she continued

“His fiance. I am his fiance! And my name is Mia, also thank you for helping us out before” While speaking Mia resolute hid her blushing and struck out her alluring and beautiful formed chest.

For a few steps Mokir lead the both of them forwards, but then stopped for a moment and frowned his brows, turned towards Hohenheim and asked in a weird tone and manner

“Hohenheim?...”

His gaze was inscrutable and weird as if he were in thoughts about something, but he doesn't seem to bother much. Short after Hohenheim gave him a slow nod, he turned around again and lead them to a neat and medieval-like designed hall.

The Inn, really contains a lot of space inside and is even separated into three big dining rooms. The warmth light of a fireplace and candles engulfed the Inn and plus a lot of shields and old swords as wall decoration it gave of a comfortable old fashioned aura.

The dining room Hohenheim and Mia were lead to, was the emptiest of all three halls. Only a few old, but very cared for persons sat in there. Their appearance seemed to be one of the most important things to those old men.

“Haha, so here we are, feel free to take a seat. I will be shortly back with something good to drink.” With a curious and joyful wink, Pops gestured towards a beautiful and elitist decorated, wooden table corner. And then took his leave.

As Pops disappeared through a large swinging door, the few men inside the same room, couldn't help examining the newcomer guests. And ending with a few quiet discussions.

The dining room they were in seemed to be the most exquisite one.

“Hmm, do you know those two?” someone asked in a quiet tone

“No, but they do look like they were at least the noble middle class people.” Another one added in a bit satisfied tone

“Yes, seems so, but why were they personally invited by Pops?” Another one questioned

“Ah maybe we will know later, but lets not stir up something here and continue enjoying the evening.” the first one added and ended the discussions

Hohenheim and Mia didn't bother much with the chatter from the old people. They enjoyed the nice ambiance and took a seat next to another.

“My fiance, huh?” Hohenheim smirked slightly, furrowed his brows and looked at Mia

“Eh you dont like it? I mean.. I mean you were the one who just said and ..you know..” A bit unsure of the expression given her, Mia panicked and blushed beet red

“Haha, calm, calm. I do like it. Just a bit surprising. But a good surprise.” Hohenheim lightly patted Mia's head and she fell slowly towards his shoulder and ended up leaning on his side.

“But I wonder who this Pops is. With my expectations a normal Innkeeper shouldn't have such influence, to scare a son of a duke.” Hohenheim wondered out loud

“The son of a count, not a duke. But you are right, he also gave of a frightening and unfathomable deep aura that time. I bet he is not a simple man. Maybe we will know after he returns, it sounded as if he wanted to drink with us.” Mia chuckled shortly and sat straight back at her seat.

“Duke, Count... both the same...” Hohenheim muttered quietly and lead Mia to be even more elated as she nearly broke into a small laughter

Before the both of them could start a bigger conversation, the large swinging door swung open with a shriek and Pops squeezed himself through.

On his thick arm was a large tablet, on it a real feast for the eyes.

Not only were there all kinds of delicious looking foods, even two very big and till the edge filled beer mugs were placed on it.

Pops joyfully walked towards Hohenheim and Mias place, placed the large tablet on top of the table and set one of those beer tankards in front of Hohenheim.

And he also hasn't forgotten about Mia, as he took a, not the least bit smaller, wine glass form the table and placed it in front of her. Additionally he snapped his fingers and the door swung open again.

A small and very young looking girl, with blonde hair and snow-white skin came pass it. She looked like nearly reaching the age of 12 years, her chest not well developed yet, but still very alluring. Her small and fragile body gave of a whiff of innocence. And between her small arms she carried a large and with condensation covered, exquisite wine bottle.

She rashly followed Pops gesture and her white skirt flattered due to her effort, to not let anyone wait. Very fast she arrived next to Pops and looked with round and puppy blue eyes at the guests.

“Hoho, Leo no need to rush. This is my granddaughter Leonie, since her parents died due very terrible circumstances I am in care of her. And she likes to help me out in the tavern.” One could see that Pops really loved his granddaughter, a very lovable and proud expression covered his face while speaking of her.

Leonie, shyly gazed at Hohenheim and Mia, afterwards she made an elegant curtsy. With her small arms she barely lifted the large wine bottle and placed it on the table, next to Mia.

“Uh, you are soo cute! I bet you do a very great job as Pops assistant.” Mia lost all her restrain and broke into deep admiration as she looked at Leonie. She started to pat her head and even squeezed her cheeks.

Leonie was caught at surprise and couldn't escape Mia´s cuddles. But due to Mia´s very gentle manner Leonie didn´t dislike her actions. Instead she even enjoyed it a bit, being cared for.

“Ah haha, you have a really responsible and cute granddaughter. Better treasure her well.” Hohenheim had to admit that Leonie really gave one the shot, she really was a cute little girl awakening the urge to cuddle and care for her.

“Thank you Mister. And you as well big sister, but I have to work again now.” She finally escaped Mia and with a curtsy she smiled brightly showing one the sun of cuteness. Then she ran back into the other rooms

“Aww, she called me sister.” Mia sank into even deeper admiration

“Haa~ yes Leonie is a great child and I do my best to compensate for her loss. But nevertheless,

lets not mention such themes today and enjoy the evening a bit. I hope you have no objections of me joining you for a while?” With a deep sigh Pops seemed to lift a few worries and continued with a bright and joyful expression.

“Of course not, how could we. Please join us and lets sooth our souls with food and sake.” Hohenheim gestured at the large chair opposite to him

With a loud poof, Pops sat down and placed the last tankard in front of himself.

The food really was far above Mia´s and Hohenheims expectations. Not to mention the diversity of meals. Every single one released an explosion of taste. There were baked lobster, curled fries, a special cheese fondue, some special and unknown noodles, a cooked chicken and lots of others.

For a while, they talked about common stuff, for example where Hohenheim and Mia come from and how they traveled.

This time Hohenheim had prepared for those questions and he told Pops that they were separated from a group of traveler and they wanted to enjoy the beauty of the city a bit more personal. And that they originally came from Songtae, the capital of the Baharl continent.

From pops they learned why he had such influence, he was once working under the Head of the “Mystic forger” a small group of people who mastered the element of Iron and could create astonishing, high quality weapons as well as tools. Their group had a lot of talented people and Pops was one of them, but they were also known for their strong fighting abilities. Each of them was at least a warrior of the A rank. And Pops was a Warrior of the S rank. That's why many people have the utmost respect towards him and dont dare to offend him, because they knew if he would be serious he could fight an army all by himself.

(AN: In the Baharl continent are not many strong fighters as in the main continent, for so an S rank Warrior is extremely powerful.)

And within the time of two short years Pops managed to build up this tavern, which now counted as one of the most exquisite locals in the city.

“Pops, one thing is bothering me all the time now.” Hohenheim asked with and broke his laughter for the question

“Hmm and what would that be, come on dont let me wait in curiosity. Heheh ask son.” Pops responded very curious and a bit inebriated

“Its simple, why have you helped us before? I mean you must have seen clearly that we were not from here right? And I cant think of you only helping us because of a cut down wall, haha” Hohenheim came straight to the point and furrowed his brows in a curious manner

“What that's all... Hahahaha. Dont be silly son. I just saw through your situation and I dislike those kind of actions from the noble man. So I decided to teach him a lesson. And due to your appearance and that I never have seen you once, I could conclude your not from here. I really want to enjoy an evening like this, talking about the outside world and exchanging stories. So dont bother with such silly questions Hohoho.” Pops laughed loudly and patted Hohenheims shoulder.

From all the chatter of the evening Mia and Hohenheim really began to like Pops, he seemed like a very righteous man.

While The three of them continued chatting, The main hall, the brimful biggest and one that was turned into a loud environment. All here and there people, mostly shabby commoner and bunch of soldiers, were yelling, singing and even dancing.

As suddenly the big entrance door swung open with a forcefully push.

And among the confusion the hall turned quiet and everybody swayed their gazes towards the entrance.

With rattling sounds ten, fully equipped knights appeared and in the midst a very fat and ugly man, with an unsightly beard and oily brown long hair.

The knights made a path for the fatty and saluted him.

“Where is Mokir! He should come out and pay the price for being insolent towards my precious son!”

The fatty shouted through the house and his voice was very fierce and loud even resounding.

The people inside the hall were all dumbfounded by his appearance and a commotion occurred within them.

“Count Gregor. Its the Count of the northern part!” someone muttered

“Why is he here? And why is he with his personal guard?” An elderly person added

“He called for Pops, to pay the price? Isnt Pops an S ranked warrior?” A soldier rumored as well

“Is the Count looking to die?”

The commotion rose up high, but no one dared to higher his voice, why that is?

Its because to them, they do know very well who that ugly and fat person is. Its none else than one of the four Counts of the City. Count Gregor.

And he is very well known for his barbaric methods. A real savage, he likes to torture people and has interests in little girls. But even with that known, no body would dare to offend him, one of the reasons is that he has the biggest military capacity of the whole city. So even the other Counts must handle him with care.

And now exactly this person is stirring up trouble for an S rank warrior, many people thought that he had lost all his sanity and truly wanted the path of death.

But so were others, not entirely convinced, that Pops really was an S rank warrior. They all thought a disaster was heading towards Pops.

But with no more time for any commotion, the fatty gestured towards a knight.

The knight saluted walked towards the bar and with a fierce swung of his sword he decapitated a man sitting at the bar.

As his head was rolling on the floor, everyone broke into panic.

“This is the punishment for those who dare to have a relation with someone who is an enemy of my house and family!” The fatty once again loudly shouted and the fierceness became even more intense and a burst of killing intent flooded from him.

“And now, Mokir come up and take the punishment in your embrace. Otherwise I will kill everyone here!”

The fatty left no space for uncontrollable panic and instead made a clear message towards everyone.

“I am here, I heard you loud and clearly.” Mokir appeared from a door at the side with Hohenheim and Mia following.

“Tsk, that you even dare to show your face to me! You dare to insult my son and even wanted him to pay up for some outsiders! Lets see who will make whom pay!”

“Guards! Put him in chains and let him kneel!”

The fatty´s voice resounded and rashly the knights followed his order. '

they enclosed Pops with drawn swords and slowly moved closer.

As Hohenheim saw this scene, he couldn´t restrain his anger. With an unnoticeable shrug he jumped inside the circle of knights and was right about to engage with them.

“Stop! Hohenheim, dont make a foolish move. You are not a citizen of this continent. They will definitely not let you both go easily if you act up now. I will handle this somehow, just stay out of it.” Pops desperately stopped Hohenheim form any further actions and with a surrendering expression he turned himself in.

Following that scene Hohenheim and Mia really wanted to act up, but since Pops pleaded to not act they decided to stay put.

It also was a dangerous situation if someone would identify him as the deity of Equilibrium, someone would spread the message and if some bad conclusions would lead towards the discovery of the new area of the dwarfen city, who knows which disaster they would lead here.

The knights chained Pops up and to the surprise of everyone there, he did not resisted in any way. All the people waiting to see a good show between the knights and an S rank warrior were disappointed.

Pops was pulled in front of the fatty and with a fierce kick into his knee throat, he was made kneeling.

“So you are, at least, man enough to not fight and risk all the life's here. Haha.

You know what, because I am a very generous man I´ll let you live. Huh how about that?

You will live, but will be forever imprisoned in my dungeon. Hahah”

The fatty broke into a mad laughter and with another gesture he pointed towards Pops and the knights pulled him outside, leaving together with Count Gregor and Pops.

At that very moment, everyone inside the tavern left hurriedly, in fright that Gregor would change his mind and return to kill them all. Very rashly only three bodies were left behind in the tavern.

Hohenheim, Mia and the decapitated man who is currently lying on the ground.

“Hohenheim? Do you really intend on doing nothing? I could feel that you not really planned on helping Pops, but just acted as if you would.” Mia curiously asked as she recalled the feeling Hohenheim gave of before.

She had instantly realized that Hohenheim was not interested in helping Pops at all.

“Hmm, You´re right, I really didn't want to help him. Two reasons for that.

First of all, I wanted to see what that special aura was, that I felt as we met him. I hoped he would use some special power.

Second one is that, after all he is only human and I am the god of balance, wouldn´t it be a bit of unappropriated to help him? I mean if he just hadn´t helped us before, we would be totally fine nevertheless. And additionally, I think you have felt it as well right?” Hohenheim turned serious and a sudden change of his attitude was to feel. It seemed as if he had become a bit of indifferent in human matters.

“Hoh? Hehe, is that a change in your personality`? Are you finally undergoing that change. Great! I never liked humans, but I do like their food and his food was extraordinaire delicious.

So I think we still owe him something wouldn´t you agree?

But yes I felt it as well, his life force is being drained by something and he cant use any fighting power right now. If this continues he will die in around 2 years. I wonder if its some kind of curse.”

Mia smirked at Hohenheim and mocked him a bit while she chuckled.

“Haha, I knew you would say something like we owe him due to eating his food. But I already prepared myself to help him. Lets move out and see what we ca....”

Hohenheim immediately turned silent as he saw a wailing and sobbing man entering the tavern.

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have fun, next chap will follow closely. like one week

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