Your approach draws the man’s attention. His keen eye spots the fearless and valiant adventurer, and his radiant smile suggests that you have already accepted his dragon-hunting plan.

He suddenly freezes, staring at something behind you in astonishment. Following his gaze, you meet the eyes of your ally Anila, who also looks surprised.

“You?” exclaims the man, as a sharp tilt of his head throws back his hood, revealing his face.

He is a man in his twenties, with blond hair and blue eyes. His face is strikingly handsome, almost elven, although he is undoubtedly Human. A few women pause for a moment to admire his magnificence, while some brief, wary glances from the men suggest they are sizing him up. However, he no longer cares about being recognized.

“Gaspar?” replies Anila. “What are you doing here?”

“That would be more my question,” the man retorts. “You should be at the palace, with the rest of the Belliquard embassy!”

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“Yes. And my future husband, Prince Gaspar of Faraway, should have been there too, to welcome me. I thought you were such a coward, like this land of weaklings, that you were afraid to meet me…”

“I… Not in the least! And anyway… it’s no reason for a foreign princess to wander our lands without an official escort… You are just as much at fault as I am!”

“You just said it: you are at fault!”

“Tssk… Do you know, I have other matters to think about than a political marriage. I’m struggling to save my country from the threat that holds it in its scaly grasp!”

“Or perhaps, you seized that pretext because you were afraid to meet me…”

The prince’s face flushes a crimson that does not suit him, either from embarrassment or anger. The discussion between these two high-ranking nobles has drawn the attention of the entire tavern, much to the annoyance of the heir. He chooses to set aside his quarrel with his fiancée to speak with you about the future of his lands.

Suddenly servile, the tavern keeper and the patrons clear the main table and reserve it for your company. As you sit down, the waitresses hurriedly bring excellent wine and numerous treats, fine products from which you help yourself liberally during the ensuing discussion.

Your spirits lift, and you regain1 Endurancepoint. Snack while listening to the prince at 572.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com