Bab 41: 40 . The power of money and a strange man
POV : MIKAEL
Renny put the wooden mug that was still on his lips down on the table and Mikael could see how he relaxed on the wooden chair he was sited on . That must have been the sign that everything was well as he finally heard that distinct loud laugh he was waiting for over the singing and dancing . It looked like he had come to his own conclusions once again and Mikael was not one to complain .
Mikael could notice how Renny was not heavily influenced by the ale he was drinking but the small smile on his face showed he was barely intoxicated .
" Alright boys , let's talk about the title you are going to get today . One that involves everything you can find in this establishment but we will talk about only one . Drunkard . a title you acquire by drinking ten cups of alcohol in a continuous session without stop . Easy right . . . Wrong !!! Not easy at all . "
He took a sip from his mug , enjoying every gulp and Mikael did not disappoint the man . He played the game by showing his obvious impatience . Leaning over the table in waiting and tapping his fingers eagerly and it looked Renny was satisfied enough to continue with his explanation . That is after he took one more long gulp of what he was drinking .
" To acquire the title , a sort of process has to take place . An event if you would . Where you have to challenge someone to a drinking competition . If you win , you get the title . But if you lose , that would be your only chance to acquire the title . But , I will give you a warning . If you physique stat is low , don't even think about trying . "
There was something Renny was not saying . As if he was hiding a valuable piece of information for some odd reason which Mikael did not know . Was this act malicious , he did not know . It probably was . Or was this another one of his test , most likely . Mikael did not know what he had done or said that made Renny behave this way . It probably started when they talked about his worth and became clearer when Mikael had taken over the negotiations for the horses with Old Henry .
" How much is a cup " He asked still not backing out . If there was something he was confident in , it was his physique . It was one of his highest stat to date and it had failed to disappoint him yet . He could have backed up due to not knowing what Renny was trying to prove here but potentially not acquiring a title would be a foolish choice
" 3 pennies " Renny said while still looking at them in patience but Mikael could notice the hidden humor in his eyes . What was so funny , only he knew .
" Renny , I would like to request for my part from the mission money . " This was a feature the system would provide for such missions which Renny had explained . The captain would be given a certain amount of money if the mission called for it which they had even used earlier to acquire the horses . Mikael was simply asking for his part from Renny . which he should have asked for earlier but did not due to him having no use for it .
' Thud '
Renny was quick to throw a brown sack bag on the table filled with the clanking metal
" 5 pounds " Renny said and Mikael quickly doing the math translated that to being 1200 pennies . More than enough to fulfill the quota .
He gave a nod to Renny and stood from his sit . Zen had made no move to ask for the money so Mikael reasoned he did not want the title or maybe he lacked the qualifications for it . Zen moved aside giving him space to move out and Mikael quickly left the two a plan being cooked in his mind .
He easily noted where Von was as he passed by to head directly at the counter , among a group of other drunkards enjoying away the night but Mikael noticed how his eyes slightly twitched as he passed and how he turned to look in Renny's direction . He snorted to himself at the pretense but showed no outward displeasure . For now , patience was his best ally . Patience and his own brilliance that is .
Despite this , he was also noting the different groups in the tavern and how they behaved . Which were more jubilant and which looked more gullible . Which looked like criminals and which were perverts . All this had to be noted for later .
Once again , to his growing confusion , his eyes once again met a pair of eyes he had met earlier . Was it by coincidence ? Mikael this time maintained eye contact with the man , studying his features . Trying to find something un natural . But there was none . Or was he just being paranoid . Mikael was not one to believe in such coincidences , something was off about the man . The fact that Renny and Von had not noticed him proved his thought further .
The man once again smiled slightly . Exposing his one golden tooth before his eyes moved away . Addressing the person sitted next to him .
'Hmmm ' Mikael hummed at the event but did not think much of it . Was this person of any danger , he did not know , he felt no malicious intent from the guy . And there was nothing he could do for now . He had something of more importance to do and the man was insignificant when compared to acquiring a title . No matter how mysterious he was .
He easily approached old Henry weaving by the crowd and settled at the counter .
For now , a role had to be played . And he was the actor .
Mikael smiled charmingly already pushing forward the already prepared coin . This action attracted Old Henry easily , who quickly approached also smiling while pocketing the coin .
" " Aha young'in ! wha' can old Henry da far yaa ? " Old Henry smiled very widely , showcasing his otherwise imperfect teeth . And why not , he just felt the guy he was talking to was like a long lost friend and also . . . he was very generous as all friends of his should be !!!
" I see you Old Henry as a friend of mine and , I like to keep my friends rich . That's why I came up with something that will Make Old Henry , richer . " Mikael said , seeing his eyes widen but he quickly shushed the man before he could speak and Mikael started looking around suspiciously , drawing in Old Henry's curiosity .
Mikael had noticed his earlier statement concerning money had already drawn in Old Henry and why not . For a humble shop owner such as himself , earning more money was a good thing . The more money , the better !!
" The walls have ears . " He said silently and motioned for Old Henry to look around him and when Mikael saw the man tense and his eyes bulging with a hidden threat , he almost felt like laughing .
He noticed he had fully attracted Old Henry's attention . And his expression said he would beat up anyone who would prevent him from earning big as his good friend had told him .
Mikael moved forward leaned in close and motioned for Old Henry to also approach like a conspiracy was being hatched between the two of them . It just screamed suspicious !!
They both finally separated from their whispering and were smiling very brightly . Yes , they would both get what they wanted . Old Henry would be getting more money and Mikael would acquire a new title . It was a win win scenario !!
. .. .
A/N
END OF CHAPTER .
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