CHAPTER 57: TAVERN AND BARON

But Liam noticed Alanar’s expression now. He had known the royal family for a long time.

They carried the principles of authority, high social rank, and grace for women. Seeing Alanar enjoying simple games with children her age was a rare moment.

It proved that Alanar could adapt well, still unbound by the strict principles of royalty. If the Queen knew about this, she would surely be confused and shocked.

"If there’s nothing else, I should get back to work."

Gideon left Liam and returned to construction, helping the villagers build the wooden house. The foundation was already laid, the walls and roof half done.

In just one or two months, the house for Gideon’s team would be finished.

When that happened, Gideon and his team could finally move in and live there. Their logistics would be secured, and the comfort and privacy of the team would be guaranteed.

Liam had no more questions. Gideon had gone back to work, and it was not proper for him to keep disturbing them.

In simple terms, Liam had already grasped Gideon’s principle, but he still did not know the true purpose of Gideon’s team rescuing Princess Alanar.

To prove it, he would have to wait until Princess Alanar returned to the kingdom and see Gideon’s reaction when the King offered him a reward.

Day turned to night, and Alanar finished playing with her friends. She returned to the inn and talked at length with Lena. She already saw Lena as her own sister, the closest person to her in the village.

Gideon and the others chose not to interfere. Allowing Alanar the freedom to act without strict rules was one of the most effective ways for her to forget her fears and nightmares.

As long as Alanar stayed with Lena, there was nothing to worry about.

He went with Luke to the tavern and drank beer with the other workers. A warm and friendly atmosphere filled the place.

They still showed a certain respect toward Gideon, but it did not make things awkward.

Evenings at the tavern after work became moments for Gideon to get closer to the villagers. He was already known by the tavern keeper, respected by the people, even given freedom to do anything as long as it was good and useful for the village.

"There are so many kinds of alcohol to drink. If I had a portal to Earth, I’d bring them all here for you guys," Luke joked.

"Then we wouldn’t be able to work tomorrow, lying drunk all day," another man replied.

Gideon and Luke laughed, raising their wooden mugs and enjoying the lively tavern at night. On certain days, the tavern owner would host art shows.

There were dancers, musicians, magicians, even comedians. At least once a week, there was always a performance to entertain the villagers. The female dancers, of course, were always the men’s favorites.

This time, a magician came and showed tricks that amazed the audience. Gideon and Luke watched the man’s show while talking. He had been invited from a nearby village for only twenty to thirty copper coins a night.

The crowd applauded loudly, appreciating his act. He seemed to have plenty of tricks left to show.

While Gideon was watching, he quickly turned his head when a man entered the tavern roughly, slamming the door. The performance stopped. People froze in fear.

What the hell is this?

"Where is that whore Noelle?" the man demanded. He was fat, followed by two muscular guards.

He wore a noble’s outfit, though not as fine as Liam’s or Norton’s. Still, his presence alone made the tavern tense.

The men at Gideon’s table kept silent, not daring to speak, their eyes avoiding the fat man’s. That only raised Gideon’s and Luke’s suspicion.

"S-She’s at her house, Lord Baron," the tavern keeper stammered.

"Tch!"

The man stormed out, leaving the place slowly returning to life. Gideon leaned forward, wanting to know who that fat man was.

"Baron Nozel. He’s the lord of a southern village. Comes every three months to collect taxes."

"Baron? That’s the lowest noble rank," Luke said.

"Yes, but still higher than us," another villager replied.

"Forget that bastard, let’s drink more," another man said, pouring beer into Gideon’s and Luke’s mugs.

Seeing Nozel’s temper made Gideon worried about Noelle. He glanced at Luke, giving him a short gesture.

"I got it," Luke answered.

Gideon stood up, drained his drink, and set the mug on the table. He placed a silver coin down for his share of food and drink, surprising the men.

"You heading out?" one of them asked.

"Nozel’s arrival won’t mean anything good. Taxes should never be taken just to make one man richer. Taxes must be used to improve the village," Gideon said firmly.

"You don’t need to worry about us. Enjoy your food and drink. We have to go," Luke added.

The men looked at each other, then nodded. If Gideon said so, they would not argue.

Gideon and Luke left the tavern and walked toward Noelle’s house. From a distance, Gideon could already hear the fat man shouting at her, calling her a useless, wasteful whore.

KNOCK!

"Who the hell is that? Daring to disturb me?!" the fat man roared.

The door shook as Gideon knocked hard. One of Nozel’s guards opened it and saw Gideon and Luke standing outside, their eyes sharp.

Noelle smiled, as did Silva. Gideon and Luke’s arrival gave her hope. She could finally escape Nozel’s grasp forever.

"Who are you?" Nozel barked.

"Lower your voice, Sir. The children are trying to sleep."

"You dare order me? Do you not know who I am?!" Nozel snapped, rising and storming toward the door, jabbing a finger at Gideon.

"You’re only a baron. Why act so arrogant?" Gideon asked.

"I am a Baron! You’re a commoner! You don’t even deserve to breathe in front of me, bastard!" Nozel shouted.

"What if I told you your title could be stripped away in one day?" Gideon asked.

"Hahaha!"

"You threatening me? You want to kill me?!"

Both guards instantly stepped in front of Nozel, blocking Gideon and Luke. Gideon stayed still. They weren’t carrying their SIG M17s.

But for trash like Nozel, he didn’t need to waste his bullets anyway.

"Noelle? Do you know him?" Gideon asked.

"Nozel. Baron of the southern border district. Lives in Rockvalley Village. Owns plenty of sex slaves," Noelle said.

Nozel turned sharply toward Noelle, glaring at her for siding with Gideon instead of him.

Gideon laughed loudly. Typical rotten man, driven only by lust. A man like that had no place in society.

"Why are you laughing, bastard?! You mocking me?!" Nozel barked.

"Noelle doesn’t have money. Come back tomorrow," Gideon said.

"How do you know that?" Nozel asked, confused.

"You don’t need to know. Just go home and return tomorrow night. I’ll have a surprise for you."

"You’ll love it," Gideon added.

"I don’t need—"

"A beautiful woman. More beautiful than you can imagine. Big breasts, big hips, soft lips, smooth skin, and she moves like fire. You want her, don’t you?" Gideon asked.

To lure a man consumed by lust was easy for Gideon, especially one as greedy as Nozel. As expected, Nozel’s face turned red as Gideon spoke, unsure if it was the truth or a lie.

"Are you sure?" Nozel asked.

"Of course. She’ll outshine every slave you have. You’ll thank me for it," Gideon replied.

Nozel’s thoughts scrambled, his body betraying him as his lower half hardened. In the end, he agreed to Gideon’s words.

He would return tomorrow night, expecting Gideon to prepare the beautiful woman in the finest gown.

"I’ll do it."

Soon after, Nozel left Nemora Village, restoring calm. Gideon and Luke remained at Noelle’s door. Gideon asked Luke to call Earl Ashfield and Viscount Duncan.

"What are you planning?" Noelle asked, curious.

"Just a small matter between nobles. And tomorrow, Baron Nozel will learn how small he really is."