Chapter 306- A plan for Frost City

A plan for Frost City

The Tooth and Nails Tavern had a sterling reputation among old and novice adventurers alike. Located on a side street near the Military District, the clunking of dripping mugs and tankards on the worn wooden tables never ceased. Ming wrinkled his nose while glancing at the alley next to the establishment. The slurring speech and regurgitation sounds indicated the tavern lived up to its name.

He paused to look up at the weatherbeaten sign creaking on a pair of rusted hinges. A large oil lamp blazed from the hanging overhead while sending out its shaking light from the perforated wooden shade. Ming nodded on making out the large tooth and clawed paw carved under the standard tankard.

"I expected the taverns in Frost City to be huge because of the number of adventurers, mercenaries, and soldiers gathering here. The taverns here are not that larger than the ones in Limerock."

"Since coming to Frost City, I don't think I ever came across or heard of any bigger taverns. This city has so many taverns in each district it's impossible to visit all of them. Most patrons who arrive in Frost City tend to visit this particular one. From here, they all gravitate to the one which will become their lifelong watering hole."

"That makes sense, especially when you're new and searching to join a group. It's better to drink among teams or a party you are familiar with than strangers. If you crack a joke or taunt the wrong crowd without knowing their limits then..."

The sounds of splintering wood interrupted Ming and Hans's discussion as a curled body smashed through a half shuttered window. A groan drifted from the cobbles as the lanky frame tried to untwist and raise itself. With a wounded sigh, anesthetized by ale, the man toppled of his shaking elbows and slumped to the stones. Ming raised his hand to point a thumb at the snoring drunkard.

"Then this type of thing would happen. Back in the day, Clod and I experienced our fair share of tavern brawls. Although you can't really relax in these types of taverns, they truly are yet the best."

"When it comes to gossip and news outside of the city, they really rank first among our list. We placed members of the gang at taverns like these near the four gates. The children's teams also hang around during the day when it's less rowdy. They work in the kitchens fetching water or scrubbing the tables before the taverns open."

"Nice idea. Not only do they get paid for work but they also earn a stipend and live under the care of the orphanages. I would have given a finger years ago to escape the slums in the village with help like this."

Ming sighed on recalling the past like an old man. Casting a serious face, he grinned while slapping the pouch hidden under his cloak. The welcome tinkle curled his lips into a broad smile.

"Well then, Hans. Let's live like adventurers tonight!"

The two of them shifted past a pair of wobbling drunks to enter the smoke-filled tavern. Under the fogs swirling around the candle chandelier, a boisterous revelry appeared to be in full swing. Hans scanned the ale drenched hall before beckoning to his companion. Together they drifted towards a table of a leather-clad party.

The group seemed to be at ease among the rowdy crowds, as they also traded shouts and boasts among other groups of old-timers. Hans slapped the shoulders of a strapping baldy who looked as if he escaped straight out of a child's nightmare. Raising the empty tankard, he yelled for a refill while joining the group with Ming.

"Captain Barns, how goes it tonight?"

"Haha, Boss Hans, what can I say, it's been a slow night. The gossip so far centers about the demon beast raid and the possibility of more beast roaming within the Pass. Other than that, the mercenaries escorting the merchants take about the upheaval in Limerock and the new product called Ming Glass."

The bald man whispered while glancing at the raven-haired companion.

"Not every night can bring profitable news. This is my companion, Ming. Tomorrow we'll have a suitable introduction at the supervisor's meeting. Will you be working the tavern tomorrow or will it be Jakes?"

"Jakes for sure, my wife will turn cold if I return tomorrow night smelling of ale. I keep telling her I only drink a mug since these guys here are the ones changing shift daily to double this task as relaxation. At the meeting, I think I will recommend another Captain to rotate with Jakes and me."

"Haha, who would have thought the past infamous gang leader called Rough Headed Barns would become tired of ale. Anyways, tonight I also have my own task. Did you receive the message?"

Hans grinned. The burly man cast him a wry scowl before thumbing a finger.

"Over in the corner. I told Zan there to keep an eye on him since I have a friend coming over to hold a discussion."

"Great, I'll give you guys a heads up. Enjoy yourselves, because our big Boss has arrived in Frost City."

Hans whispered. Before he could rise, Ming tapped his shoulder.

"Hold on Hans. It's impolite to leave without joining friends for a drink. Hey, barmaid, bring two tankards on this table for my friends here. And also one for the table there and there. Captain Barns, this is on me, but the credit for buying for those you consider friends is all yours. One drink, Hans, then we go."

When Ming left the table, one of the men gulped down a mouthful before turning to the Captain.

"Where did Hans find that boy, I felt I knew him my whole life. He has a knack for creating a lively table."

The Baldy burped while keeping his eyes on the two figures.

"Your training still covers combat only in the gang. When your group begins participating in theoretical discussions, you will realize you asked the wrong question."

"How so, Captain?"

"The real question is how did he know we and those mercenary groups were friendly..."

In the corner, Ming and Hans sat down opposite a hooded figure. Seeing the person pull back a little, Ming smiled.

"Don't worry, I hope I didn't keep you long. I believe my companion who sent you informed you of our names. I'm Ming and this is Han. Sue is my younger sister, I'm her eldest brother."

The small frame hesitated before the hands removed the hood to show a determined face. A short tuft of golden locks matted above a pair of blue eyes.

"Grandmaster Sue really said you would introduce yourself as an elder brother. My name is Erin Willows..."

***

Miki lathered the fruit juice generously into the scalp of the sitting boy. Chu leaned backward while watching the wooden shingles of the ceiling as the girl completed her task.

"How did you know this would work, Chu. Your hair really has changed color. You look like a dark-haired redhead."

"I once heard some old women gossiping about this. Who knew I would try it one day. Mixing a little vegetable juice with oil and then washing off later on with sour Indigo fruit juice. Did my hair change color that much?"

Chu asked while trying to twirl a strand towards his eye. What he failed to mention, however, was that this recipe originated from the mouths of village women from earth. The vegetable, fruit, and oils of the original recipe had been substituted by their comparable variations.

"It worked quite well. When we return home, I want to use this myself. I always wondered how I would look with red hair. Maybe I should give it a try. What do you think, Lucy? This is the best opportunity, you know."

"Okay, okay, hurry and wash out the Indigo juice with some warm water. It's time for me to take over."

Amanda grinned while holding a comb in one hand and snipping the scissors with her other fingers.

"I promise you won't recognize yourself when I'm finished."

"Seeing you waving around the scissors makes me think my hair is the least of my worries. Lucy, did you complete that mouthpiece?"

"Yes, but I still want to polish it so you won't feel uncomfortable."

Chu raised his thumb in reply as Amanda began grazing on his head with her hairdressing tools.

Not long after, Lucy smeared a little charcoal to darken his chin.

"Well, how do I look?"

"Urgh! See for yourself. Lucy, hand him your mirror. With that face of yours, you're character really needs to be rolling in dough to attract girls."

Miki said while twisting her mouth.

Lucy reached for her backpack and placed it on the nearby bench. Opening the straps, she then removed a small wooden box. On opening it, she removed the mirror from among her various items like carved ivory throwing knives, a stuffed bear, and turquoise studded earrings and bracelets.

On noticing the boy's eyes hovering over the contents, she quickly closed her treasure box and handed over the mirror. Even in the flickering light, her skin appeared flushed in beet red.

Chu smiled at her before raising the mirror.

A strange stuffed, darkened face stared back at him. The slick red-hair disappeared down his head in straight, neat, furrows. If not for being conscious of this operation, he might have believed he transmigrated once again.

"Excellent, excellent. If I begin tomorrow, then by the end of the week we should move to the noble quarters. It's time to introduce to Frost City a true foppish young master..."

***

"Did you hear the news? The one about the young noble who arrived last night from Seastone City?"

"Seastone City? That's like far on the other end of the Empire, near the South Sea. That shouldn't be big news, though, since even princes from those far southern kingdoms sometimes travel to our city to try their luck."

"Sure, but have you ever heard of any of them freely tossing pouches of gold coins? They say he shares coins like a gushing mountain spring. I heard he gave every guard on duty at the south gate a dozen gold coins when he passed."

"That's old gossip, my wife's brother works on a farm outside the east gate. He returned this morning saying over a hundred wagons entered the villa estate of Merchant Dayes. A traveling servant said this young master is the sole heir of the biggest noble-merchant family in Seastone City. Apparently, even the governor of that city has to listen when they complain."

A passerby stopped to share the latest rumor. Since this morning, the markets, squares, and every corner in the city heard about the arrival of this generous young master.

By midday, the rumors had ballooned naturally as expected. Merchant Dayes was said to have rented his villa to a young master from Seastone City. In addition to the now two hundred wagons that arrive, numerous reports surfaced of another two hundred entering the guarded estate.

Who was this wealthy young master of sudden fame?

****