The First Legendary Beast Master

Chapter 2020 Hindsight

With the small changes made to the staffing, things were going much more smoothly at the Dollhouse. Next door at the Inn, which someone had named the Lycanʼs Den, complete with a Lycan on the wooden sign outside, things were somewhat less smooth.

Those who knew that it wasnʼt worth fighting for a room at the best hotel had come here first, and found that while the restaurant wasnʼt open yet, the magic of the tavern had made the Darklight Hostʼs own Divine Cooking version of Elven Wine and Dwarven Ale, plus a black rum that would be popular with sailors.

So, while they could check into the tiny rooms, and they did, few of them even went to check the room, and simply packed the tavern to get a drink and share stories of the dungeon.

That braggadocio was what Andrea was counting on to loosen tongues and get her the information that she wanted.

There were no dolls in the tavern. Instead, there was a burly Lycan druid bartender, who was actually a construct, and a bunch of younger Lycan serving girls, who were happy to use their claws to remind patrons where their hands belonged.

That only made the patrons laugh, as they were used to the response.

However, if it came to a fight, the bartender was a Supreme-Ranked construct, thanks to Andrea letting them borrow her power, and the waitresses were all Void Immortals.

That was a tactical choice by Opal.

If they made them too strong, the aura would intimidate the weakest of guests. But if they made them too weak, it would invite trouble. So, they put them in the middle and gave them claws so that they could take care of themselves, and not threaten the dignity or status of the lower Elders of the visiting Clans.

If everywhere that they went, even the servants were more powerful than the Elders of their Clan, they would be unlikely to return.

But cute girls who were just strong enough not to be viewed as a pushover was a challenge that would make them feel comfortable, while reminding them that these were workers with some status within the Darklight Host.

Assuming they didnʼt realize that they were part of the Innʼs magic.

Karl noticed that most of the guests had no idea that they hadnʼt convinced an actual Supreme Ranked Lycan to work the bar. Everyone treated him as a Grand Elder of the Guild, even as they haggled to get a bulk discount on liquor.

That was a failing strategy, but the Innkeeper bought a round for the entire bar an hour after they opened, and that got the party mood set.

Karl was sitting on a roadside bench by the dungeon tower when he overheard a conversation between two newly arrived travelling Immortals.

”Master, are you sure that this is the spot? Didnʼt you say that it was a small clan that specialized in strange weapons?”

The old man next to the girl who had spoken nodded slowly as he looked around the city.

”I think that it has to do with the phenomenon that occurred here. It must have been the appearance of that dungeon. Thatʼs why there are so many people here. This should be the right place, we just need to find the black and white halved banner on a sign, and that should be the Guild House.”

On any other day, that would be easy to find, but the first similar sign they found was Raeʼs clothing shop. So, they went inside to ask directions.

”Welcome guests. What can I help you find today?” Meisje asked.

”Weʼre looking for the Guild with a banner similar to your store. We heard that you can commission specialty weapons there.”

The Elf smiled. ”Youʼre in the right town, the Guild House is just down the street. But if youʼd like I can call the Guild Master over? Iʼm also a member, and one of the Elders runs this shop.

Actually, we run almost everything in town.”

”I had heard it was a small Guild.” The old man pondered.

Meisje nodded. ”Yes. Weʼre small by most standards. Only a few hundred members, including children. Compared to the larger Clans with their tens of thousands, we are tiny. But we also only moved here a few months ago. So, our presence is small too.

Would you like to shop while I call over the Clan Leader? He will be able to sort out your weapon needs, and Mistress Rae will be happy to clothe your apprentice in something lovely.

There are many fine gentlemen in town today, perhaps she might find a suitor?”

That made the old man laugh. ”I donʼt think sheʼs old enough for that.”

Meisje shrugged. The girl was clearly eighteen or twenty years old. Old enough to understand the concept anyhow. Plus, she was human, not an Elf or Dragon who grew up slowly.

Rae appeared at the top of the stairs, so she didnʼt startle anyone.

”If you would like to commission an item, I can take your order. I can be considered an Elder of the Darklight Host. My name is Rae, and this is my clothing shop.”

The Elder froze as he felt the aura of a Blood Destruction spider coming from her, then relaxed a little as she explained that she ran this shop. If she was civilized enough to be running a clothing store openly within a Guild compound, she was an oddity for a spider, and probably safe to be around.

”My student has a need for a specific sort of wand. She has an extreme lightning affinity, and most wands or other weapons break when she casts a full output spell.”

That made Rae smile.

”Oh, this will be wonderful, a challenge! We love challenges. Come in and let me see you. A bit dusty from the road, but sheʼs got potential. Now, letʼs find her something suitable to wear.”

Meisje smiled as Rae swept them up in her pace.

They might have come for a weapon, but they would be leaving better dressed than they entered.