Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1259: Twin Moons INN, Pakdra

Haku was a bit taken aback at by how relaxed Izroth seemed about all of this. If it were any other person in his position, they would undoubtedly be wronged and angered. Yet, not only did Izroth not blame him or the guards, he even appeared to be thankful, for some reason.

It was a stark difference from his bold words. To say that even the Head of the Formation Master Guild could not make him retreat—just what kind of backing did this person have to display such a high level of confidence? Surely, he was not relying solely on his status as an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild, right?

Regardless, Haku felt bad for not speaking up earlier, even if it were for the sake of his juniors and the other guards who worked for the Formation Master Guild.

”I have already sent someone to report your arrival. Right now, it should be Elder Arden who’s on duty. Elder Arden is an upright man. Once he finds out about Formation Master Rionso’s actions, he won’t just sit back and do nothing. Ah, while it’s no VIP room, I have a friend that runs a nearby INN. They owe me a favor, so I’m sure they’ll be willing to let you stay there for a while. As for Formation Master Rionso—I will deal personally with the aftermath so that my juniors and brothers are not affected. This is the least I can do for being unable to aid you earlier.” Haku stated reassuringly.

”I am curious. Is there a reason for you to go this far? Having firm principles is admirable. However, principles without the power and means to live by them often turns into a fool’s journey.” Izroth said calmly.

The best course of action for Haku was to follow Rionso’s orders. Yet, he was willing to risk his job for a complete stranger. If it were a simple matter of principles alone, he would have never tolerated someone like Rionso to begin with. Izroth believed that there was something to it.

”The truth is, I was offered a position as a Lieutenant under a Captain of the War Brigade’s 1st Legion. I thought about turning it down because I didn’t want to leave my juniors behind. But, today helped me realized what I already knew in my heart. If I remain a guard, while I might be able to protect my juniors and brothers, in the end, we will always be forced to submit to the nobles who look down on us. Unless I climb the ranks, nothing will change. For the sake of those who have placed their trust in me, I have no choice but to succeed.” Haku stated with a look of determination in his eyes.

”Oh? The 1st Legion has good eyes. I think you’ll fit right in there. Do you know the name of the Captain you’ll be under?” Izroth inquired.

”2nd Division Captain of the 1st Unit, Zas. But—do you have some ties to the 1st Legion?” Haku asked as his brows rose in curiosity.

’Captain Zas... I have only met him on one or two occasions, but he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. Not to mention, seeing as how he is under someone like Commander Ezra and the 1st Legion led by General Solomon, he should be fairly competent.’

”That’s one way of putting it. You can say that I have a close connection with some members of the 1st Legion. We’ve fought on the battlefield together on multiple occasions.” Izroth said unhurriedly.

Haku’s brows rose in surprised. However, it quickly followed by a troubled expression. Though, Izroth immediately understood his thoughts.

”What you’re worried about will not come to pass.” Izroth said in a carefree manner.

Haku released a small sigh of relief. He could not hide the embarrassment brought about by his thoughts.

”Am I that easy to see through? I am ashamed of my thoughts. It seems that I have spent too much time in Danaharpe and the Formation Master District.” Haku sighed with a helpless smile.

”Then, it’s a good thing you will no longer have to worry about it soon.” Izroth replied.

...

A few moments later...

Haku guided Izroth to an inn located close to the entrance of the Formation Master District.

From the outside, the inn had a warm and welcoming appearance. It did not give off a grand feeling of luxury; however, even at a glance, one could tell that it was a place well taken care of by those who worked there. On top of the inn was a sign that read ”Twin Moons INN”.

Haku escorted Izroth through the doors of the inn. The moment the two stepped through, they were greeted by the sight of a moderate sized resting area filled with wooden tables and cushioned chairs.

”Hello, welcome to the Twin Moons INN! How may I- Oh? Look at what the Darabeast dragged in! Haku, you bastard—did you finally decide to grow a conscious and bring me the money you owe me?” A woman’s voice sounded from behind the welcoming counter.

The woman behind the counter appeared to be in her early to mid forties. She had bronze skin and well defined muscles. She possessed long dark amber hair and a pair of deep red eyes.

But, what stood out the most about this woman was her towering stature that stood nearly 2.3 meters high!

’Oh? This feeling and aura... It somehow seems familiar. No matter how I look at it, it’s not something that can belong to a simple inn keeper.’

”Ha? I’ve already told you that bet was invalid. Do you think I wouldn’t notice what you did back then, Pakdra?” Haku said with a playful smile.

”This guy... Well, whatever. I’ll let you off this time. It’s rare for you to drop by without sending a word beforehand. More importantly—you sure brought someone interesting along with you. A friend of yours?” Pakdra said as her gaze fell to Izroth.

”Ah, that’s right. I’m still technically at work. I just swung by to ask for a favor.” Haku started.

He then continued, ”This is Izroth, an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild. He came to visit the Formation Master Guild, but there was a bit of unexpected trouble. Until it’s resolved, I figured you wouldn’t mind letting him stay here. It shouldn’t be for too long.”

”I should’ve figured something was going on since you’re still in your work gear. I still owe you for back then when I was still new to this place. If it’s only letting him stay for a bit, I won’t chase him away. Any bugs I have to worry about?” Pakdra questioned.

Haku shook his head and replied, ”It’s already believed that he will have left the Formation Master District. There shouldn’t be any unexpected trouble that arises.”

”Well, that’s a shame. Things have been pretty slow here lately. So, I was hoping for some entertainment.” Pakdra said in a hint of disappointment in her voice.

”You... No, never mind. There’s no use saying anything that you won’t listen to anyway. Anyway, I should hurry back. If I don’t return soon, they might think I’m slacking off. Elder Arden is relaxed as long as we get the job done, but others will be a headache to deal with. I will leave Honorary Elder Izroth in your hands, Pakdra. Then, excuse me.” Haku said as he gave a brief and proper farewell to both Izroth and Pakdra before he took his leave.

At the same time, Izroth used his Divine Appraisal skill on Pakdra.

’Oh? A physical condition like this is also possible? How interesting.’

NPC Name: Pakdra(???)-> Pakdra, The Unconquered(Legendary Initial Stage) [Appraised]

...

~Appraisal~

Age: 45

Physical Condition: Flawless

Affinity: Earth

Faction: The Unconquered Clan

Likes: Strong people

Dislikes: People who brag

Potential: ???/???

~Appraisal~

Izroth had used the Appraisal skill on hundreds of individuals. Yet, the highest he had seen thus far was peak physical condition. Yet, Pakdra exceeded that and showed as someone who possessed a flawless physical condition.

This, and the fact that she was also a legendary realm existence, confirmed Izroth’s thoughts that Pakdra was not just a mere inn keeper.

”Haku has already told you my name, but since I will be in your care for a while, it’s only right that I introduce myself properly. I am called Izroth. I thank you for your hospitality.” Izroth said as he cupped his hand into his fist.

”Haku and I go way back. A little favor like this is nothing much. Rather, you’re an interesting one. You don’t look like it at first glance, but you have quite an impressive physique. Well, for a regular human, that is.” Pakdra stated as she placed her fingers on her chin in a thoughtful manner while she examined Izroth.

She then continued, ”I am Pakdra, the owner of this here fine establishment. You can stay here for as long as you need, but the rooms are reserved for paying customers only. Still, if you really need somewhere to stay, I can make some room in the storehouse.”