Chapter 3: The Golden Lady

The tavern owner let out a rare sigh, as the heavy rain blurred the distinction between day and night. However, he possessed a magical pendant that once belonged to a wizard, which divided each day into twenty-four parts. The surface of the pendant featured an equal number of intricately carved small compartments, each containing a tiny yet high-quality starry blue gemstone that would emit a faint glow at its designated moment

The guard beside him sheathed the trident sword, and their master walked towards the bar, sitting next to the traveler with black eyes. The tavern owner served him a glass of absinthe and placed a small dish of olives with sea salt in the middle of the two glasses.

The storm will soon pass, and the captain will summon his crew to secure the mast, adjust the rigging, scrub the deck, organize the sails, tidy up the ropes, apply varnish to the scuppers on both sides of the deck, pour some tar into the hatch, inspect the cargo, and maintain the weapons. This unavoidable work may last an entire day, but there will certainly be ships eager to set sail that very night, and the owner of the Blunt Head Tavern is fully confident of this.

He had noticed the stranger's cloak long ago. The cloak appeared unremarkable at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one could appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship, the delicate and soft leather, and the elegant patterns embroidered along the hem with thread of the same color. The brooch used to fasten the cloak was adorned with a smooth striped agate, about the size of a sparrow's head, with black, gray, and pale reddish-purple stripes that were as clear as if painted. Even those unfamiliar with fine goods would recognize its considerable value.

I am in the business of silk, wool, and fur," Captain Drake said, "I must say, you are truly a fortunate person. Not every merchant ship is willing to take on extra passengers, but I am different. I am always willing to help anyone in need, as far as I am able. Even if I encounter a poor soul at sea clinging to a piece of wood, with not a scrap of cloth on him, I would pull him up, give him wine and bread, and take him to wherever he wishes to go, of course." He smiled and shook his wine glass, "There are no single cabins."

Many people say so. "Drake shamelessly admitted, "This is not without its benefits; I have made many friends because of it." He took a large sip of absinthe, "I have a feeling," he said, "we will also become friends, very friendly and close friends."

He humbly tilted his body slightly in a manner that would not provoke retaliation or anger. After receiving permission from the newcomer, the thug removed his dirty wide-brimmed hat, took a step back, and respectfully bowed to him, seizing the opportunity to escape the control of the sword's edge. He then returned to the crowd of onlookers with an air of composure.

The patrons waited with great interest to see who would be the first to step forward and provoke.

Then it can be said that you are truly a good person

Some well-informed thieves learned accurate information from a small goblin; this person would soon depart and would not linger in Sharpjaw Harbor to affect anyone's position. His sword had already tasted the blood of a half-ogre, a halfling, and a human. They had no need to provoke him, and the owner of the Blunt Head Tavern had already struck a deal with him, as evidenced by the precious anise liquor placed before him, a drink that could not easily be purchased in Sharpjaw Harbor even with wealth.

They all noticed the unfamiliar face sitting in front of the stone bar. The person seemed out of place in the Dull Head Tavern and even in the entire Sharp Jaw Harbor. He sat upright, dressed neatly, with refined taste. There were no scars on his face or hands, his skin was fair, and his black, glossy hair fell smoothly down his back. A gray leather cloak elegantly draped over his left shoulder, and a silver-headed travel cane leaned diagonally against his thigh

When they exited the Dull Head Tavern, night had already fallen. Captain Drake's guests looked up at the sky, where a magical river of stars, visible only to spellcasters, spanned the dark slate-blue dome, parallel to the surface of the sea, its dazzling brilliance unimaginable without witnessing it firsthand

A bug with bristles and sharp claws crawled across his back, and he hesitated, wanting to retreat without leaving a trace. This time, however, no one was willing to give way for him. This once-relevant pitiful creature knew that if he did not continue with this matter, starting tomorrow, he might not even have the qualification to enter the Blunt Head Tavern.

No," the man said in a gentle tone, "I am simply amazed that the night sky over Sharp Jaw Harbor can be so beautifully picturesque.

This rendered the smoke-filled tavern unusually quiet, with everyone feeling bored and hoping for some commotion to provide them with a spectacle

"Is there a problem?" Captain Drake asked cautiously

Subsequently, the intense work drained their remaining energy, and many were unwilling to move once they sat down. The target for throwing daggers was completely empty, playing cards and dice were neglected, and no one had the desire to dance, sing, or engage in flirtation.

It is indeed a simple matter to send a customer willing to pay three times the price onto the ship. Although according to established customs, without a trustworthy introducer, the good owner of Sharp Jaw Harbor should not rashly engage with a stranger of unknown background, he has overspent during the Flor Festival and is eager to restore the fullness of his purse.

However, there are always some foolish and greedy individuals in every place. A man moved his heavy body and stood up from his position. He had once been the most formidable thug in the Dull Head Tavern, until another stronger and younger man defeated him. In that fight, he lost four fingers and his courage. He no longer dared to provoke other villains and could only maintain his dwindling reputation by troubling women and the weak.

A distinctive gold-plated triangular sword rested on the shoulders of the ruffian, causing him to come to an immediate halt, his heart swelling with an indescribable sense of gratitude and relief.

Replaced in the spot where the rogue stood was a figure who could almost rival the outsiders, possessing a dignified appearance. He wore a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers and the emblem of Woking, and his brown tailcoat was beautifully trimmed, with the ends slightly curling upwards. His eyes were bright, and his lips were not chapped or cracked from the sea breeze and excessive drinking. He was dressed in a black silk shirt with gold-edged shell buttons, and two shiny belts crossed over his chest. A dagger and a longsword were concealed beneath a short purple fine wool coat and a coarse scarlet cloak, giving him an air of refinement and approachability.

There are three squares until the next day

He had no choice but to continue moving forward. The closer he got, the more anxious and unsettled he became. He saw the person who had previously defeated him sitting in a concealed and comfortable position, surrounded by subordinates and women, wearing a smug and wicked smile, just as he had done before. He had watched countless others willingly or forcibly walk down the path to death. It was an intriguing spectacle, one that never grew tiresome, and now it was his turn.

merchant ship

I am Captain Drake of the Golden Lady. He introduced himself first, gracefully raising the brim of his hat with his jeweled ringed index and middle fingers: "Thank you for your trust, I have arranged the cabin you require." He continued, "A single room, with a window, the bedding is clean and soft, and there will be wine and fresh fruit every day. We will set sail tonight, arriving at Tail Bay in four days, heading west along the Brass Coast, rounding Ruby Cape, and we will reach Emerald Bastion in twenty days." He scanned the corner with his light blue eyes, adding a touch of appropriate concern to his voice, "Additionally, esteemed sir, if you wish, you may rest on my ship for the next few hours. The sharp-beaked harbor tonight has too many rascals who enjoy causing trouble, and I would not want those foolish fellows to disturb my esteemed guest"

After the gem had shone twelve times, the first crew member stepped into the Blunt Head Tavern, followed by more crew members along with their captain, merchants, smugglers, rascals, as well as thieves and bullies, all somewhat dull and absent-minded. Yesterday, a total of fifty priests from Frol arrived at Sharp Beak Port, accompanied by ten times that number of prostitutes. To express their respect for Frol, they charged only one silver coin each, a price that even a clever beggar could afford, making it utterly impossible to refuse such temptation. Yesterday, a total of fifty priests from Frol arrived at Sharp Beak Port, accompanied by ten times that number of prostitutes. To express their respect for Frol, they charged only one silver coin each, a price that even a clever beggar could afford, making it utterly impossible to refuse such temptation

People made way for him, and the new customer sitting at the bar calmly turned to meet his gaze. The thug noticed that his eyes were also black, devoid of any emotion, as barren and desolate as the deepest part of the ocean

In the port of Sharp Jaw, there are naturally more than one tavern, but only he allows the crew to owe him a glass of blood-red wine or Bordeaux. He is a good man, never ruthless in collecting debts, and often helps them resolve minor difficulties, such as acquiring items of dubious origin or introducing a theft or assassination job or two. Other tavern owners do the same, but he swears that the commission he takes is the fairest in the entire port of Sharp Jaw.