Chapter 228 - Smoking hot

"Excuse me kind lady, I'm looking for a man called Bear Claw." Approached Guard Commander Chan towards an elderly woman, faking to be kind just to squeeze some information out of her quickly instead of wasting nerves by beating the daylights out of her. Well the second option is less likely since this elderly is an ill.u.s.tratio, but still.

"Oh you mean Dilli Flury? She is a beautiful young lady, are you looking to marry her?" Well this is the sort of banter that can easily go around in a Kingdom holding only 1,500 people. Apart from the wars, this can be one of the secondary topics.

At such a reply Chan instantly thought. "Perhaps nicknames are less common here in Red Clay Kingdom. She seems to know who "she" is anyway, how do I keep forgetting that "she" is a Woman? I have to pay more attention." Although his thoughts roaming wild, the only few words he was able to reply with were. "No no, I'm not here for such business. I just need to talk to her."

He of course can't tell everyone along the way about who he is working for. Yes there are 10 Guards following him, but he could just be portrayed as a Merchant primarily. He isn't wearing any armour in public places like this. He didn't just travel 100 Kilometers through a forest branch and another 80 Kilometers through the clear lands just to have his progress held back by any passer by who decides to cause trouble.

"Oh of course dear. Head straight this way and find the Tavern at the circle, she works there for a few months." This nice lady was pointing at the opposite direction of what she meant, perhaps her orientation isn't as good as it used to be. But her information is enough, because one of the Guards was able to spot the circle.

"Sir Chan we have to go." Stated the Guard once direction was made certain.

Understanding what he meant and unwilling to play any ego games, he thanked the old lady with a small bag of Gold Coins and went on his way. The elderly woman was very thankfull, she started unleashing one good compliment after the other. "May our lord have mercy on you." or "May the god and his son clear your way." Etc Etc. Obviously an illas follower, but a good sight for Chan at least.

Once they walked away for a few meters, another Guard approached Chan and whispered. "Why did you give her Gold for something so simple? We will need all of that Gold, the trip is long and draining."

Having a soft spot for any elderlis due to his parents of which he lost over a decade ago, he just answered. "It was only 20 Gold Coins, she was barely standing on her feet."

Still puzzled of Chan's decision, the Guard didn't hesitate to ask. "How does her age concern us? She is supposed to tell us what we need to know regardless of age or pay." That's a common attitude found in Guards, its nothing Chan wouldn't have said before but it is still idiotic in some aspects. It is a misuse of Authority!

"She likely worked hard her entire life and contributed on shaping at least one spawn who aided the ill.u.s.tratian Alliance, 20 Gold Coins is nothing but a small pay for her work and effort." Such words uncommon here where the only pay would come from a salary and bonuses nonexistent, this is especially confusing since it came from someone like Chan. But this Guard has no authority over him, all he can do is recommend.

Reaching the Tavern, the first thing they managed to see and hear was a man being tossed through a solid wood window. such force would require a Guard of Elite level, especially after they saw that the woodwork is arm thick! "What the hell is going on here?" Shouted Chan as he took many steps back and hid behind a couple of Guards.

The situation was shed more light upon once a Ignite lady walked through the Tavern's door and grabbed the man who was tossed through the window. "Will you pay now?"

One of Chan's Guards approached her and slightly shouted. "What the hell is going on here? Who threw this man through the window? I demand an explanation!" There sure is a lot of questions to ask at a case like this. But one thing is clear, this ill.u.s.tratian man on the ground refused to pay for a reason. A petty price to fight about really, what did he prove but embarrassment with this little act?

Letting go of the 200 pound man she just lifted off the ground, dropping him down like a bag of wheat. She turned her attention towards the Guard who is bold enough to approach her with his Sword raised, a couple of inches far from her skin even.

Enough to scare the Guard to the core, smoke started blasting out of her nose! It surrounded both of them, and his Sword was heard dropping down. "Shit shit shit." Repeated the Guard in a loud whisper as he jumped around in panic, good enough he wasn't being burned alive. "Its hot hot hot!" It seems like the Sword became too hot to hold, he even pulled his chest Armour off which became a bit difficult since it was hot too. He was relieved from this pain once the Guards got a hold of him and removed his Armour using Cloth and Swords, good enough they did so without causing any life threatening damage.

Having forgotten BearClaw's actual name already, Chan asked from a distance. "You are Bear Claw right?"

"What's it to you? Child." Her attitude seems to match her height as well, definitely not someone you can easily start a conversation with. Or at least, not when she is this pissed off.

"Child? I'm likely older than you!" Chan's ego was hurt, but no way did he dare to approach her closer to do anything like demanding respect or obedience, it didn't end up well for the other Guard.

"I'm 27, so I doubt it. Aren't you like 16?" She does have a point here though, because apart from being short Chan also looks more youthful than he is supposed too.

"I'm 25. But I guess it is correct that you are older." Taking a quick glance at what they are here for and what they are talking about, what they are doing is nothing but a waste of time.

Luckily this lady who partially introduced herself as BearClaw, was able to cut to the case with a light smile. "What do you want with BearClaw?"

"Cooperation. Considering that you clearly have Demonic powers, you must be her. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to survive here without the King's blessing." This answer, gave out little pieces of information even though Chan wasn't being specific of his origin and employer.

Since she doesn't recognize who Chan is, she figured out right away that he doesn't speak for the King of Red Clay Kingdom. Speaking of Red clay, he was already sick of it. Its all over the place and it becomes troublesome to walk upon. Who would be dumb enough to start residence here instead of anywhere close by? The Continent isn't made of Red clay after all.

"Whose lap dog are you?" Her expressions indeed rough, but its not rough enough considering the approach Chan's Guard made. She is kind enough to not kill anyone with all this power on her hand.

"Eh, I don't recall sitting on anyone's lap yet but for such a topic we need to speak in private. Any recommended Locations for such a task?" His wordplay is indeed different, although idiotic in some aspects it still made her smile just a little bit more even though she refused to show any compliments.

"That was my last Costumer anyway." Looking down, she noticed that the man who refused to pay is already gone. Likely used the situation to do so! Noticing that fact, she just stomped on some wood work in anger and followed with several curses. Chan is 25 years old and he still felt like he isn't old enough to be exposed to such language. Lets not get into detail! Feeling that she showed the broken window who is the boss in these parts, she remembered what they were talking about and stated. "The boss is not here, come in alone and leave your little buddies outside."

"As you wish." Chan agreed once he understood that this is the only way to negotiate. This lady was even wearing a necklace that represents the illas religion, she is a follower. Odd enough, the religious flag contains of King Xakro ill.u.s.tratio l's head only. except it is green instead of black. The flag was carved in that necklace, this proves that she is a believer.

"Sir, I can not allow that!" Stated another Guard of the ten.

"She is a believer, I don't think we have anything to worry about!"