Chapitre 19: Shoutout
"...and that's how he managed to dodge that crazy rogue and his boomerang of doom," ZeroVeil chuckled, leaning slightly closer to the streamstone before him. "Honestly, I don't even know how people think of weapons like that. I mean, it's a boomerang, but it also explodes? Who designs this stuff?"
The chat exploded with laughter and comments:
BoomerDOOM69: "Sounds like my kind of weapon. XD"
ManaMaster21: "Next stream idea: ZeroVeil dodging random boomerangs in the streets!"
HungryDwarf89: "How do they even survive out there, man?"
ZeroVeil grinned, clearly enjoying the chaos in his chat. But then, out of nowhere, he leaned back in his chair and clapped his hands together.
"By the way," he said, his voice adopting a more casual tone, "I've been wandering around Thimoria the last few days. You know, just... exploring."
The sudden change in topic sent the chat into a frenzy of messages.
FanaticFury: "WHAT?! YOU WERE OUTSIDE?"
MysticFan333: "Are you saying you're real? Like, physically walking around Thimoria?!"
ShadyShadow: "What are you hiding from us, streamer?"
ZeroVeil waved his hand at the people like he was brushing off the comments. "Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. But seriously, this world... it's amazing. Ever since I arrived here, I've been totally fascinated by it. The people, the food, the architecture—it's all so different from what I'm used to."
The chat instantly picked up on his phrasing.
MageMaven7: "Wait. Arrived? You're not from Thimoria??"
CuriousCat23: "Streamer's from another world confirmed!!"
Sssexyprincipal: "Are you a god sent to guide us??"
ZeroVeil laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, let's slow down. No, I'm not a god. I'm just a regular guy—well, sort of. And yeah, I'm not originally from this world. I came here from a... let's call it a different place."
The chat went wild.
WorldBuilder12: "What kind of place? Is it magical?"
BookishBee: "Is it true that other worlds exist?!"
DreamyDeity: "Can you take us there?"
ZeroVeil leaned forward, his expression teasing. "I'll explain everything one day. But not today. Don't want to spoil the mystery, you know?"
TeaseMaster45: "NOOOO TELL US NOW!"
Ssexyprinicpal: "Come on, just a little hint!"
He chuckled. "Patience, chat. Patience. Besides, I've got to keep you coming back for more, right?"
The chat erupted with emojis and jokes, but then the tone shifted as people started asking more specific questions.
Observer54: "So where exactly have you been wandering around?"
CuriousCrow: "Did you visit my shop?!"
LadyLuxe88: "Where do you live? Let us come meet you!"
ZeroVeil's face stiffened slightly, and he held up a finger. "Now, hold on. Let's not get too personal here. I'm not about to reveal myself. Meeting a crowd of you all at once sounds... let's just say, overwhelming."
He grinned, softening the mood. "But I'll tell you this: I had a blast exploring the city. There are some amazing places out there. Like this one tavern I found... What was it called? Oh, right—Cali's Tavern."
The chat buzzed with interest.
HungryHobbit77: "TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE TAVERN."
FoodieFan99: "Wait, is it actually good, or are you being nice?"
KnightErrant: "Best ale in Thimoria, or just decent?"
ZeroVeil nodded enthusiastically. "I'm serious, guys. Cali's Tavern is hands down one of the best places I've eaten at. The food? Delicious. The atmosphere? Cozy. And the people? Super welcoming. I highly recommend it if you're ever in need of good food."
In the library of the academy, Cali was pacing anxiously. She'd been looking for Dilhan, who had mysteriously disappeared, but when she heard ZeroVeil mention the tavern, she froze.
"Did he just...?" she whispered, leaning closer to the window.
Her face paled as she listened to him praise the tavern. Her heart raced. She clutched the edge of the table for support.
"No way. This... this can't be real," she murmured, her voice trembling.
The chat was in an uproar.
TavernSeeker: "WE'RE GOING TO CALI'S TAVERN!"
CityExplorer77: "Someone drop the location ASAP!"
FoodieCraze: "Can we meet you there, streamer??"
Cali stared at the sky through the window, unable to process what was happening. She had always admired ZeroVeil's streams, and now, out of nowhere, he had just given her tavern a shoutout to what felt like half the district.
"This is going to change everything," she whispered, her voice shaking.
ZeroVeil continued, oblivious to the chaos he'd just set into motion.
"Seriously, if you're in Thimoria, you have to check it out. Support local businesses, you know? And hey, maybe you'll get to meet some cool people while you're there."
The chat was relentless.
FanaticFury: "CALIIII, WE'RE COMING!"
WanderlustWolf: "ROAD TRIP TO CALI'S TAVERN!"
BardLover: "I would like sing my latest ballad there."
Cali, meanwhile, was still frozen in place, her mind racing with possibilities—and fears. "What if too many people come? What if they're disappointed? What if..."
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. It was none other than Principal Eldra, looking like she was about to devour the poor Cali.
"Cali, why are you just standing there?" she asked.
Cali turned to Eldra, her voice barely above a whisper. "Principal Eldra, this is..."
"Let me have a bite, I want what streamer had." Eldra suddenly said, as she entered into one of her students room without realizing she wasn't acting as the usual proper and mindful principal.
Back on the stream, ZeroVeil leaned back, smiling as he read the chat.
"Well, that's it for today, folks. Hope you enjoyed this little session. Don't forget to check out Cali's Tavern and all the other shops. let me know what you think. And remember, stay safe out there. The world's a wild place, but you've got me to keep you entertained."
He ended the stream with his new signature phrase: "Stay veiled, chat."
Somewhere in Thimoria, a quiet tavern was about to become the center of attention—and its owner had no idea just how much her life was about to change.
***
The morning sun had barely touched the cobbled streets of Thimoria, but Rani's tavern was already a hive of activity. Customers packed every available seat, with others spilling out the door, waiting for a spot. The once-quiet space buzzed with lively chatter.
Rani dashed between tables, her apron flapping, a tray balanced precariously on one hand. "Here's your stew! And... your ale," she said breathlessly, setting plates down with practiced efficiency.
"Miss, can I get more bread?" one customer asked, waving a hand.
"Another ale over here!"
"That mash you served earlier—do you have more?"
Rani spun in circles, her face a mix of confusion and panic. Her body and mind couldn't keep up, and she hadn't anticipated such an influx of people. She nearly stumbled as a customer complimented her.
"This mash is incredible, madam! You've outdone yourself."
"And this ale! The perfect pairing!"
Rani blinked at them, almost unable to respond. Compliments weren't rare, but this level of praise—and from so many people—was overwhelming. "Th-thank you," she stammered, her voice cracking slightly.
The hours flew by, a blur of orders, smiles, and frantic work. By the time she served the last plate, Rani slumped against the counter, staring at her coin box. It was filled to the brim, more money than she typically earned in an entire week. Her hands trembled as she counted it.
"I... I can't believe this," she whispered, her eyes glistening with tears.
One of her regulars, an older man with a kind smile, approached her. "Miss Rani, you should be proud. Your food brought all these people here."
"But... why today?" she asked, glancing at the crowd outside still clamoring for more.
"You don't know?" The man chuckled. "It's all because of that streamer fellow. He mentioned your tavern in his last stream. Said your food was the best in the city—especially your mash with cold ale."
Rani's jaw dropped. "Streamer... mentioned me?"
The man nodded. "Aye! Seems he has good taste. Your mash is legendary now."
Rani's mind spun. She couldn't wrap her head around it. The streamer—the enigmatic figure everyone in Thimoria had been obsessed with lately—had eaten her food and liked it enough to tell the world?
Her heart swelled with gratitude, but she also felt a pang of disbelief. "How do I even thank someone like that?" she murmured, staring at the empty tables now littered with empty plates and mugs.
The day ended with Rani closing the tavern early. For the first time, she had run out of ingredients. "Tomorrow, I'll make sure to cook double the amount," she said aloud, a rare smile gracing her lips.
As she bolted the door and prepared to leave, she heard footsteps approaching. The sound was deliberate, heavy, and authoritative.
Rani turned, and her breath caught in her throat. A tall woman with raven-black hair tied in an elegant braid walked toward her, flanked by two shadowy figures. The woman's sharp crimson eyes scanned the tavern with quiet intensity.
Rani's face turned pale. "L-Lady Melani Blackthorn..." she whispered, her voice shaking.
Melani, the feared leader of the Blackblood Syndicate, was known throughout Thimoria for her ruthlessness. Her presence alone could make even the bravest warriors falter. And now, she was standing in front of Rani's humble tavern.
For a moment, Melani said nothing. She tilted her head, her piercing gaze taking in Rani from head to toe. "You're the owner of this establishment?"
Rani nodded, her legs trembling. "Y-yes, my lady."
Melani's lips curled into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I've heard interesting things about you."
Rani's heart pounded. This is it. She's here because of the debt. She's going to kill me.
Desperate, Rani blurted out, "M-my lady, I-I know I owe the syndicate money, but I'm trying my best to pay it back! Please, I—"
Melani raised a hand, silencing her. "Relax, woman. I didn't come here to collect your debt."
Rani blinked, confused. "Y-you didn't?"
"No," Melani said, stepping closer. Her voice was calm but carried an edge that sent chills down Rani's spine. "I came here for your food."
"My... food?" Rani repeated, stunned.
Melani glanced around the tavern, then back at Rani. "Word has it that Lord ZeroVeil himself praised your cooking. Specifically, your mash and ale. If he found it exceptional, then I'd like to see if it lives up to the hype."
Rani's mouth opened and closed like a fish. She couldn't process the turn of events.
"But... my lady," she stammered, "I-I've run out of ingredients for today. I can't—"
Melani's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. "Then make sure you're ready tomorrow. I'll be back."
Rani swallowed hard, her nerves fraying. "Of course, my lady. I'll prepare the best meal I can."
As Melani turned to leave, Rani hesitated before speaking up again. "Lady Melani, may I ask... what about the debt? I thought... I thought you were here to... punish me."
Melani paused mid-step and looked over her shoulder, her expression one of mild confusion. She turned to one of her lackeys, a burly man standing nearby. "Didn't I make myself clear?"
The man stiffened. "Y-yes, my lady!"
Melani turned back to Rani, her tone as sharp as a blade. "This establishment is under my protection from now on. No one will bother you—especially not over some petty debt."
Rani's eyes widened in disbelief. "Under your... protection?"
"That's what I said," Melani replied, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Rani felt her knees weaken. Relief flooded her, but she also couldn't believe what she was hearing. The most feared woman in Thimoria, the leader of the Blackblood Syndicate, was not only sparing her but protecting her?
"Thank you, my lady," Rani said, bowing deeply.
Melani waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me yet. I'll be expecting that meal tomorrow. Don't disappoint me."
With that, she turned and strode away, her lackeys following close behind.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone