The swinging double doors of the tavern creaked open, and the patrons of the tavern slightly turned their necks to see who was entering.

Aren moved his gaze across the tavern.

The lanterns flickered dimly, casting eerie shadows on the wooden tables and empty mugs scattered around.

He tapped his forehead about five times and saw that there were no Blessed Ones present in the tavern.

'…I feel like a clown in a circus. Have these people never met an Earthling before? Or maybe they are just astonished by my handsomeness.'

Aren thought sarcastically, and sat on the bar stool.

"What may I get you?"

Ned asked while cleaning a mug.

With him being the owner of the only tavern in the town, he had become the richest person in the Brackenford Cross.

If the members of the Hauwnted family didn't count.

However, since Brackenford Cross was under the control of the Hauwnted family, he still had to pay plenty of taxes.

"Ashwake Rum."

Aren said.

It was dark, aged rum that looked like deep copper with smoky gray streaks that swirled like embers in molten metal.

Ned poured him a large glass. Its foam danced and fizzed like tiny fireflies.

With a lift of the glass, Aren took a quick sip and already felt a warm sensation spreading through his body.

'Am I a lightweight? I honestly just chose a random drink on the menu. I have zero idea what Ashwake Rum or what it's made of, but it sure is strong.'

Aren thought.

However, with the help of his Outlaw abilities, he kept his mind clear and body upright.

"Why've you come here to this small town of ours, stranger? Brackenford Cross is not a place where you go while passing by.

"You can only come here if you intend to do so."

Ned asked curiously.

"…I am looking for a wife. Any suggestions?"

Aren asked with a chuckle.

"Aren't we all? Although I suppose this is not the best place to find one."

Ned said.

"…You guys don't fancy strangers, I take it? The looks your patrons give me are decidedly unfriendly."

Aren said.

"It's a dangerous world. People are naturally cautious.

"Brackenford Cross, and Lanternford Market were created as deep into human territory as possible. This is the last place that one should expect Rav'akari to come.

"That's why we very much intend to be low-key and out of harm's way, and thus, strangers bring unfamiliarity that people here don't appreciate."

Ned said.

"…I get that."

Aren said, and then he saw some alcohol barrels piled on top of some cart wheels. It looked like he arrived before Ned had time to unload them.

"Expecting some guests? Or are you just planning on having one big party?"

Aren asked curiously.

"I'd suggest you leave before the sun goes hiding. We do have guests visiting us tonight, and they do not fancy strangers, even less than people of this fine town."

Ned said.

"What a shame. I started to like this place, but I will heed your warning and be on my way."

Aren said, took one last sip of the Ashwake Rum, and then paid for the drink before heading out of the tavern.

When he left the tavern, he heard the rest of the patrons finally start talking. They stayed quiet like mimes when he was inside.

'…Today I will make my move.'

He thought and touched the Human Flesh Mask in his pocket. It was time to make yet another appearance and start pretending.

…

Late on Monday, Brackenford Cross, Ned's Tavern.

Music played. People laughed and drank. It was a very festive atmosphere.

The entirety of Brackenford Cross had either gathered in the tavern or outside for the party. There were several wagons parked at the side.

The guards of the Hauwnted family had also arrived and were currently drinking with the other townspeople.

At the stage inside the tavern, a musician ran his fingers down the strings of the guitar and ripped into a sharp and lively tone.

"Shattered halls and broken thrones, rage runs deeper than bone. Inferno heart, I burn, I bleed. Wrath unchained, I feed the need!

"No crown, no king can quell this flame; I rise from ashes, they'll fear my name!"

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Boots stomped the floor. Mugs stomped the tables, ale spilling over the edges, and shouts filled the room.

In that moment, outside the tavern, a beautiful young woman with red lips moved down the street, attracting everyone's attention.

"…Who is that?"

"How beautiful…"

"A stranger? Here? With the Hauwnted guards right here…"

Some of the townspeople were scared for the young woman. They didn't dare to warn her. And then they saw her head straight to the tavern.

Faces turned pale as they realized where she was going.

She was wearing a simple but well-fitted cream-colored blouse with sleeves rolled just above the elbows, tucked neatly into a dark leather corset that curved around her waist.

The skirt, knee-length and a deep forest green, swayed with every step, brushing just above her sturdy boots as she made her way to the tavern.

Her auburn hair, reaching her lower back, danced behind her like a wildfire.

With a sweet smile on her fair face, she pushed open the doors of the tavern, and when she entered, the sound of guitar playing stopped for a moment.

The guitarist happened to see the beautiful woman and was frozen for a moment, but then shook back awake and continued playing.

The tavern people, Ned the owner, and the Hauwnted guards all saw her. They were first amazed at her beauty.

Then they realized that she was a stranger who shouldn't be here.

"…Who the hell is she?"

"She is beautiful…"

"Should we… you know… take her to the Hunt?"

"Isn't it such a shame to get her killed like that? There could be other uses for a woman as beautiful as her."

"She is even more beautiful than Athena."

"Athena is always looking for more servants."

The red-lipped woman walked to the bar. The people around her made way. She then leaned on the bar and asked.

"May I get something light?"

Her voice was sweet and angelic.

"…Sure."

Ned said with a serious look on his face, and poured her a drink—a light beer.

"Mmh~ It's nice."

She took a sip and smiled at him gratefully, which earned a blush from Ned, but at that moment, his eyes turned serious.

One of the guardsmen approached the bar, his eyes firmly fixed on the beautiful young woman.