IETSTSMLARA | The Ambitious Vampire Prince | 87
The mithril or secret gold refined by alchemists are of extremely high value. However, even the best alchemists find it incredibly difficult to refine such exquisite aluminum artifacts. Alchemists capable of refining aluminum are regarded as national treasures.
"I'm very sorry, sir. We didn't recognize your status earlier and misunderstood. We'll report your matter to His Majesty the King immediately," the guard said, bowing.
The guards at the gate couldn't directly enter the depths of the castle, but news of an alchemist coming to sell aluminum artifacts reached the king's ears through the aluminum items. Andra was not a wealthy nation, and top-tier alchemists wouldn't visit such a slightly impoverished country. This left the king unable to possess a piece of aluminum artifact that would prove his highly esteemed status, often feeling frustrated when compared to other kings.
But now, an alchemist had delivered aluminum artifacts right to his door!
The king stood up from his throne and said, "Is it true? Did the alchemist really say that? Did he say that only I am worthy of such noble vessels?"
"It's true, Your Majesty," the guard replied, also very happy. "It's said that these are two very exquisite aluminum artifacts, which other kingdoms don't have."
"My lord, he must have seen the sincerity of his most loyal subject and sent this gentleman to bring me these noble aluminum artifacts. Go and invite him in quickly," the king said excitedly.
"Alright, please wait a moment," the guard said, preparing to greet the guest, but then he heard the king say from behind, "No, to show respect to the alchemist, I should personally go and greet him."
The guard stopped. After tidying up his clothes in front of a mirror, the king stepped out of the palace.
Lin Su waited at the gate, the box already retied with a beautiful ribbon that looked like a flower. Passersby occasionally glanced at them, puzzled by their actions but continued on their way without stopping.
Until the castle gate opened and the procession came out, a middle-aged man in royal attire saw Lin Su standing at the gate with the box in his hand and excitedly approached, "Hello, sir. Are you the distinguished alchemist?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lin Su replied naturally, giving a gentleman's bow.
"As the King of Andra, I welcome your arrival," the King replied, bowing in return. "Please follow me."
He gestured for Lin Su to follow, and without hesitation, Lin Su stepped inside. The box was placed on the table, and the ribbon was once again untied by the King himself.
He stared at the two vessels in amazement and said, "This truly is a gift from God. I have never seen such exquisite vessels."
"Indeed, it is a gift from the Lord. I originally intended to present them to you directly, but giving them without any exchange might make the Lord think His gift is of no value. Please, Your Majesty, give me the wealth you consider of equal value," Lin Su said politely.
In this theological age, recklessly deceiving the Lord could result in one's soul being taken by the devil.
God indeed exists, but not in this world; there is only the power humans have discovered through their own efforts.
However, Lin Su didn't mind using the name of God to achieve his own goals. Otherwise, this seemingly not-so-wealthy King would likely try to swindle him. The King wouldn't keep praising the vessels without mentioning their price otherwise.
The King paused and said, "Alchemist, what wealth on this earth could compare to the Lord's gift?"
System 06 also began to suspect that the King intended to renege on the deal. However, there was no one in the world who could swindle his host.
"You are right, but if the Lord has given you such noble vessels, and you show no sincerity, He will eventually take back everything He has given you," Lin Su said, bowing again. "I trust that with your noble character, you would not do such a thing."
The King hesitated. These two exquisite aluminum vessels were clearly very valuable. To pay for them would require a significant amount of gold, which would further deplete his already meager resources. Yet he truly wanted them. If he missed this opportunity, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
Lin Su finished his bow and turned to leave. The King quickly reached out to stop him. "Sir, where are you going?"
"Your character needs to be tested by the Lord. I know I won't be able to retrieve those aluminum vessels, but I wish you good luck," Lin Su said, looking at him. "Such noble vessels might be a gift from the Lord or they might be the scythe of the soul collector."
His words carried an eerie undertone, increasing the King's original anxiety tenfold. "It's not that I don't want to give you gold coins, but the amount I can offer might not satisfy you. How about you propose another condition?"
Lin Su looked at him for a long moment, sighed, and said, "Alright, I want to enter the country of Bird and become a Holy Son in the Church."
"Uh..." The King was visibly taken aback. He rolled his eyes thoughtfully. Although ordinary citizens didn't know what being a Holy Son entailed, as a ruler, he did.
Nominally, recruiting Holy Sons was about appeasing those demons from the night. The requirement was sweet blood and a handsome appearance. Each country had a quota every year, but failing to meet the standards was seen as desecration of the Church, which would displease His Holiness the Pope.
Lin Su asked, "Is that not possible?"
"Oh, my esteemed alchemist, it's not that I don't want to grant your request, but the Church's Holy Sons must meet the Lord's standards. They are said to house the souls of angels and possess the appearance of angels," the King said, swallowing hard. "If you don't mind, I could recommend you to the Church as an alchemist. That's the closest place to the Lord, where you could fully utilize your talents."
In simpler terms, the King thought Lin Su was too ugly for the role.
System 06 pounded on his chest with assurance: 【Host, I assure you the shell I picked for you is indeed good-looking.】
The recovery potion's effects were somewhat slow, but it was already remarkable that someone so emaciated could recover to this state in just a few days. It was unrealistic to expect a rapid transformation.
Lin Su was aware of his current appearance. His real goal was to enter the central Church, for which he needed sufficient travel funds, the King's letter of recommendation, and convincing abilities. Otherwise, given his current state, it would be quite difficult.
"Alright, in that case, thank you. However, my journey as an alchemist is not safe. Could I request your guards for protection?" Lin Su conceded.
Seeing Lin Su compromise, the King visibly relaxed. "Of course, protecting the Lord's messenger is our duty. I'll arrange for the carriage, travel expenses, and everything else until you reach the central Church safely."
"Thank you," Lin Su said, bowing once more.
Lin Su didn't stay long in Andra. After spending a night in the castle, he set off the next day in the carriage prepared by the King of Andra, accompanied by guards, heading towards the Bird Empire. This was the most prosperous country in the world and the residence of the Pope. People living there were considered to be closest to the Lord, making it the safest and most desirable place to live.
Apart from those born there, living in the Bird Empire required a significant amount of gold and passing the Lord's test. Lin Su didn't yet know what the Lord's test entailed, but as he felt his digestion had improved, he began his plan to gain weight and muscle.
Being too skinny or too fat was undesirable; a well-defined, muscular physique with eight-pack abs was the ultimate goal for men.
During the journey, Lin Su consumed a lot of food. In this era of strange powers and supernatural beings, learning martial arts was essential, as was mastering the spiritual power permitted in this world.
The recovery potion continued to take effect. Even though Lin Su spent most of his time in the carriage, he visibly transformed day by day. His previously frizzy blonde hair regained a smooth shine, his once hollow cheeks became chiseled, and his deep blue eyes, like the sunlit sea, radiated a gentle, mesmerizing glow.
The soldiers escorting him, if not for being with him every day, would have thought he had been replaced. But since they were almost always together, they could only watch as the man who initially looked like a research fanatic turned into a gentleman capable of captivating countless women. The entire process felt like a dream.
"Sir Lin, how did you achieve this?" the soldiers asked, genuinely curious.
Lin Su put down the item he was carving and said, "I suppose it's because I was too engrossed in research before and forgot to eat. Now that I have more free time, I've made up for it."
The soldiers listening to him gasped in surprise.
"You really look like a noble. If you were to compete for the position of Holy Son with your current appearance, you would undoubtedly come out on top," one soldier praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, and you as well," Lin Su replied with a smile.
Given their mutual ignorance about the duties of a Holy Son, this was indeed a high compliment.
The soldier scratched his head and laughed, "You really know how to talk."
Initially, the soldiers were respectful towards Lin Su, but they didn't particularly enjoy his company. However, as Lin Su transformed from a research fanatic into a gentleman, their conversations with him increased noticeably.
After all, a research fanatic might have various quirks, while a gentleman exudes the elegance of high society in every move.
Another reason was that people generally prefer attractive individuals; they are pleasing to the eye.
Lin Su didn't respond further but glanced out at the forest. The road was spacious, but the forest was unnaturally quiet, with only the sound of the carriage wheels turning and no bird calls typical of a forest.
"What's wrong?" a soldier asked, but Lin Su gestured for silence. The next moment, the speeding carriage suddenly jolted as if something had struck it.
The soldiers grabbed their weapons, and the carriage door, untouched by anyone, suddenly swung open.
Everyone inside was startled, but the next moment they were shocked by the sudden spray of blood from the front.
The coachman's corpse fell at high speed, his neck grotesquely twisted, causing one soldier to scream, "It's a demon! A demon from the night! What do we do? Can we go back?"
"The kind that sucks blood?!" Other soldiers were also panicking.
They weren't afraid of humans, but these demons, which only the Church could combat, terrified them.
The coachman was dead, and the scent of blood filled the air. The carriage became unsteady, and the occupants were thrown into chaos.
Suddenly, a figure dangled upside down from the top of the carriage. Without using his arms, he hung precariously over the side of the speeding vehicle using only the strength of his lower body.
"I was wondering why I smelled something delicious while sleeping. Turns out, a bunch of rabbits passed by," the upside-down figure grinned, revealing fangs stained with blood, looking especially terrifying.
With his fangs exposed, the people in the carriage grew even more panicked, but with the carriage still moving, they couldn't escape.
"Spare me! Don't kill me!" One soldier dropped his weapon and begged for mercy, while another picked up his weapon and stabbed at the vampire.
The weapon struck the vampire's chest but didn't penetrate.
The vampire chuckled darkly, "Heh, heh heh, I like your courage."
He grabbed the sword embedded in his chest and twisted it, breaking the blade. Then, he flipped into the carriage and grabbed the neck of the soldier who had dared to stab him, opening his mouth wide to bite.
But as he tried to bite, he found himself restrained by an unseen force. Turning his head, he saw the man who had been sitting quietly at the back of the carriage the entire time.
The man was exceptionally handsome, rivaling the vampires in appearance, but clearly human. His skin was very pale, and the hand gripping the vampire's collar was strong. The warm scent of blood was tantalizingly close, making the vampire's teeth itch.
The soldiers were stunned by Lin Su's sudden action, while the vampire, enraged, threw aside the soldier he had grabbed and lunged at Lin Su, saying, "What a high-quality rabbit."
"What a filthy vampire," Lin Su's eyes were cold. In that moment, his gaze conveyed a sense of aristocratic disdain and contempt that made the vampire feel as though he were being looked down upon, like he would never measure up to the true nobility of the blood race, only ever being a lowly vampire.
"Ah!!!" The vampire's face twisted with rage and madness from the insult.
But just as he was about to reach Lin Su, he suddenly froze. He looked down at the small silver cross in Lin Su's hand, which had pierced straight through his chest.
The vampire's blood, cold as it was, began to trickle out, staining Lin Su's fingers, adding a touch of color to his otherwise pale hand.
The scene in the carriage was tense and silent as the soldiers processed the sudden and violent encounter with the vampire. The formerly fearsome creature now lay lifeless and desiccated, resembling a dried stingray more than a once-terrifying demon.
System 06's observation about the vampire's appearance drew a raised eyebrow from Lin Su, who found it quite apt.
As Lin Su cleaned the blood from his hands and the small silver cross, the soldiers watched him with a mix of awe and fear. The previously meek research fanatic had transformed into their savior, turning the protector-protected dynamic on its head.
A soldier, Joe, who had been saved by Lin Su, broke the silence. "Mr. Lin, there's water in the canteen if you need to clean your hands."
Lin Su looked up and nodded. "Thank you." He accepted the offer, and another soldier eagerly steadied the horses while the rest, still shaken, stole glances at Lin Su.
"Mr. Lin has the power to kill demons. He really is a messenger of the Lord."
"Look at his godlike golden hair; it must be a blessing from the Lord."
"We are truly blessed to be traveling with someone like him."
After washing his hands, Lin Su noticed a soldier's gaze and asked, "Mr. Lin, what should we do with it?"
"Vampires fear sunlight. Just carry him out into the sunlight," Lin Su responded, relying on common knowledge from other worlds, such as silver and crosses being effective against vampires, and their vulnerability at the heart.
"Understood." The soldiers, though hesitant about handling the desiccated corpse, wrapped it up and placed it in the sunlight.
The dried-up corpse, upon contact with sunlight, transformed from a solid form into something resembling a sandcastle losing its moisture, turning into a pile of fragments.
The soldiers were astounded, having never witnessed such a bizarre phenomenon before. One soldier, clutching his chest, remarked, "It seems that not traveling at night is indeed wise."
Earlier, the carriage had passed through a shaded area, where the dense foliage blocked out most of the sunlight. It was no wonder the vampire dared to appear.
With the soldiers' help, the bloodstains on the carriage were cleaned up. Despite their lingering fear from the encounter with the vampire, they managed to bury the coachman. One of the soldiers took the reins and drove the carriage away from the area.
"How does Mr. Lin know so much? Have you truly served the Lord before?" a soldier inquired.
"No, I just understand vampire habits and possess some basic knowledge," Lin Su replied. He did not hesitate to share what he knew, for in such chaotic times, it was hard to expect others to act a certain way.
However, saving more lives was never a bad thing. "They fear garlic, they fear crosses, and their weak spot is the heart. The stronger the vampire, the more agile they are, so don’t think about capturing them lightly..."
"Is that kind of demon called a vampire?" another soldier asked. "It fits well, but Mr. Lin didn't seem to find it difficult to deal with him."
"That was just a vampire. There might be bloodlines in this world, and if you encounter them, preserving your life is the top priority." Lin Su smiled and left it at that.
Whether anyone took his words to heart or wanted to try their luck, it would no longer concern him after this journey ended.
Along the way, they encountered another vampire, and later on, some highwaymen attempted to rob them. This time, Lin Su didn’t even need to leave the carriage; the soldiers were able to drive those people away on their own.
Andera’s territory was somewhat desolate, while the Bird Empire's territory was noticeably more prosperous. The faces of people on the streets showed none of the numbness seen elsewhere; instead, they wore smiles. Children played and laughed, their joyous sounds filling the air.
As Lin Su's carriage passed, it attracted some attention. However, since it was clearly a noble's carriage, no one dared to cause any trouble.
"It seems to bear the mark of Andera. Are they guests from there?" passersby speculated.
"It looks like they’re headed to the Church. Could they be this year's candidate for the Saint Child from Andera?" a woman speculated.
"Andera always sends theirs late each year. Maybe they found a good candidate this time and sent them early," a passing man replied. "Being able to serve God, it’s only natural to be eager."
The woman laughed, "Indeed, it's a status we can only envy."
The Central Church was far more magnificent than Andera’s palace. The architecture was predominantly white, with fountains reflecting exquisitely carved cherubs, making the place appear bathed in holy light, radiating purity.
Worshippers leaving the front entrance wore well-fitting garments and were seen off by a black-robed bishop, boarding luxurious carriages.
When Lin Su's carriage arrived, it did not cause much commotion. However, the bishop who had just sent people off glanced over, and a few nuns walked over gracefully. “Are you guests?” they asked.
The nuns were quite beautiful, complementing the grandeur of the church. The soldiers, in their presence, tempered their usual boisterousness, dismounted, and saluted. “Yes, esteemed ladies, we are guests from Andera.”
“Welcome,” the nuns replied, returning the salute. “Please have your guests disembark.”
The carriage door opened, and the soldiers stepped out first, making way. The person who emerged next first extended a long leg, then the rest of his figure came into view.
His golden hair seemed even more dazzling than the church’s dome under the sunlight. His blue eyes smiled gently, causing the usually composed nuns to blush slightly.
He was not dressed in particularly luxurious clothing, but his attire was perfectly fitting and appropriate, making him appear like a deity descended from the heavens. One nun covered her mouth and asked, “Are you the guest from Andera?”
The black-robed bishop squinted, feeling somewhat blinded by the man's radiance. Such a countenance was indeed superior in quality; if he could send this person over, those blood-drinking beings might be satisfied. “Are you the Saint Child candidate sent by Andera?”
Lin Su noticed the bishop's gaze, his eyes briefly flashing coldly. Bishops held an esteemed position in the Church. While the nuns might not know what a Saint Child was for, the bishop certainly did.
If he went along with this assumption, he might be able to meet the target of his mission directly.
Lin Su was about to speak when the soldier beside him interjected, “No, this is a very accomplished alchemist, recommended by His Majesty the King. He even carries a letter of recommendation.”
Lin Su: "..."
System 06 advised: 【Host, calm down. Don't be upset. The road to victory for the protagonist is always filled with some hardships. This won't affect the outcome of your romantic endeavors.】
The system was quite dedicated to ensuring its host's love life.
Lin Su wasn't angry; he was simply revising his plan. 【No problem, gifts are better when earned, not went it sent directly at your door.】
"Oh?" The bishop's gaze toward Lin Su changed slightly. An alchemist was certainly a respectable profession, but an alchemist sent by Andera… "Every alchemist has their specialty. What is yours?"
"I can refine aluminum," Lin Su smiled. "I've also worked with mithril and orichalcum."
"Aluminum? That rare metal?" The bishop's eyes showed clear surprise. "Can you prove it?"
Lin Su removed a ring from his finger and handed it to him. "This is made from leftover material from an item I crafted for the King of Andera. Please have a look."
The ring gleamed brightly, its pattern simple yet elegant, making it look stunning when worn.
The bishop, somewhat rotund, could only wear the ring on his pinky despite Lin Su wearing it on his middle finger. But once it was on, the bishop was reluctant to take it off. "This is truly a gift from God."
In an era where law and theology were intertwined, and where laws often failed to curb certain behaviors, how could one rely on morals alone? The symbols of gentlemen and nobles were built on continuous plunder.
"What a beautiful ring, our guest is indeed an outstanding alchemist," one of the nuns said, examining the ring.
Women are often drawn to shiny, delicate items like this.
However, one nun looked at Lin Su with a hint of pity, knowing that anything Bishop Barth got his hands on was never returned.
An alchemist, though prestigious, was not above the bishop.
Lin Su didn't mind giving away an aluminum ring, just as he didn't care about the two aluminum cups. No matter how meticulously crafted, they were easily obtainable. This only reinforced his understanding of the world's shamelessness and darkness.
In this world, wealth was just a garnish. Only true, powerful strength could determine one's fate and prevent being bullied by shameless people.
Lin Su didn't see the need to create conflict over a small ring. Instead of waiting for someone to try and snatch it, he decided to offer it as a gesture of goodwill. He smiled and said, "If you like it, Bishop, consider it a gift."
"Oh, you are truly a generous alchemist. The Lord will bless you," Bishop Bart replied, initially scheming on how to take the ring but pleasantly surprised by Lin Su's straightforwardness.
Bart despised those who rigidly stuck to their sense of justice but appreciated those who could adapt.
Lin Su smiled. "I hope for your continued support in the future."
"Of course..." Bart began, a smile forming on his face.
"Still stealing from guests, Bishop?" a lazy voice interrupted. A man in armor, glinting in the sunlight, approached.
Bart's smile faltered as he turned. "Sir Knight-Captain, you’ve returned."
The tall, armored man removed his helmet, revealing messy brown hair and a slightly disheveled face, which, rather than detracting from his looks, added a rugged charm.
Lin Su subtly assessed him, identifying him as the Knight-Captain of the central church, not responsible for protecting the royal family but the church itself. More precisely, this man was a vampire hunter, a knight employed by the church.
The newcomer casually placed a hand on Bart's shoulder, grasping the hand with the ring. "This is indeed aluminum, a material even the Pope doesn't have. Yet, the Bishop is keeping it for himself."
Mentioning the Pope made Bart break into a cold sweat. "I was going to present this to His Holiness. What do you know?"
"But this clearly belongs to our guest," the Knight-Captain said, turning his gaze to Lin Su. His eyes lit up, and he let out a natural whistle. "Wow, what a beauty."
【Host, you've been flirted with,】System 06 remarked, surprised.
【Hmm, just flirt back,】 Lin Su replied with a smile.
This man was sizing him up rather than just flirting. According to the original timeline, the Knight-Captain of the central church was named Albert. His name appeared in the records because he led the attack that resulted in the death of the supporting male lead, Prince Celtic.
Humans and vampires were naturally opposed. Leading an attack on vampires was normal, as despite their beauty, they were still seen as monsters.
"You are quite a beauty yourself, Sir Knight-Captain," Lin Su replied with a polite smile.
Regardless of future events, his initial impression of the Knight-Captain was positive.
"Beauty, huh? Hahaha..." Albert laughed heartily, surprised by the compliment. "That's the first time anyone has called me that. What's your name? Interested in grabbing a drink tonight? I know some rather fiery ladies who would love to meet you."
The nuns blushed, and Bart's chest heaved with anger. "Albert, don't speak of such filth in the church. It will taint the ears of the Lord."
"Filth? If the Lord didn't do those things, how could there be divine offspring?" Albert muttered, deftly removing the ring from Bart's hand and tossing it back to Lin Su. "Keep your things safe, or this guy might pocket them."
"Thank you for your help, but I genuinely meant to gift it to Bishop Bart. It's not right to take back a gift once given," Lin Su said with a smile, taking Bart's hand and gently placing the ring back on his finger.
The nuns watched in a daze, mesmerized by his gentle demeanor and actions. Albert, who initially thought Lin Su was merely good-looking but perhaps a bit simple-minded, realized this guy had a charisma that could captivate even the fiercest women. If he took Lin Su to meet those fiery ladies, they might fall for him entirely.
After all, he was strikingly handsome. The nuns, who always seemed wary around Albert, were blushing around Lin Su. It wasn't just about his sometimes unorthodox comments—men understood each other. If Lin Su ever spoke as freely as Albert, he might be even more charming.
Everyone liked such well-mannered individuals. Damn it!
"You see, this is a gift from this gentleman. Don't always flaunt your sense of justice as if you're saving the world," Bart huffed. He turned to Lin Su, "Give me your recommendation letter. I'll take you to meet the Pope. With your exceptional skills and perfect demeanor, you'll surely find a place in the central church."
Lin Su nodded, bid farewell to Albert, and followed Bart. Albert scratched his messy hair and stopped a nun. "Isn't he a guest?"
"Yes, he is a guest, but he is also an alchemist capable of refining aluminum," the nun said, initially appearing somewhat wary of Albert, but now speaking of Lin Su with hands clasped under her chin. "An alchemist who can create weapons to destroy demons—he must be sent by the Lord."
An alchemist equaled wealth. One who could refine mithril and aluminum was a fortune in itself. Handsome, wealthy, and skilled, yet coming to work for the central church? Albert's resolve to keep this guy from wandering around strengthened, or else every woman in the entire Bird Empire might fall for him.
Lin Su's status alone was insufficient to meet the Pope, but having given Bart such a precious gift, Bart personally delivered his recommendation letter. Alchemists were rare resources, especially those who could refine mithril and aluminum. After reading the letter, the Pope said, "If it's true, we must keep him. But that's a minor issue. How is the selection of this year's Holy Sons from various nations?"
"Your Holiness, past Holy Sons disappear upon entering the church. While some believe it's the Lord's call to the divine temple, some parents come asking, which troubles the church," Bart replied, knowing Lin Su's matter was settled. Now, the critical task was selecting the Holy Sons.
"Then choose orphans. Ascending to the divine realm is a dream for many. For the sake of people's peace, they must consent," the Pope said, his serene face momentarily flashing a frightening gleam in his eyes.
"Yes," Bart acknowledged.
"The candidates must be of pure appearance, virgins, and must follow a strict vegetarian diet after joining the church," the Pope added.
"These have always been the rules and will not be changed lightly. However, it's a pity about today's alchemist. His appearance is exceptional," Bart commented.
"Mithril and aluminum are what the church needs. You mentioned Albert knows his purpose here. Let's not consider him for now," the Pope responded.
"Yes, as you command," Bart replied, bowing and withdrawing.
The central church was spacious, and Lin Su was not the only alchemist. His accommodations were luxurious and comfortable, including a private laboratory, indicating his high status and the church's recognition of his value.
The rules stated that apart from the monthly mithril and aluminum quotas provided to the church, Lin Su could dispose of the rest as he pleased, which was quite a lenient arrangement. As a temporary place to settle, it was quite acceptable.
After settling in, Lin Su bid farewell to the soldiers. Men didn't need emotional goodbyes; a good drinking session at the tavern was enough to satisfy these soldiers.
"Lin Sir is truly a generous man," the soldiers cheered up at the mention of drinking. "Let's go, no one can go home until we're drunk."
Clergy members of the church were prohibited from drinking and engaging in worldly pleasures, but alchemists had no such restrictions. Faced with such a hearty invitation, Lin Su naturally accepted.
The night was deep, and the strong scent of alcohol was noticeable even before they entered the tavern. The soldiers grew more excited. As they opened the door, the tavern owner, a woman who was wiping down tables, looked over. "New faces, here to drink?"
The tavern owner was attractive, with a good figure and striking features. Her bright red lips looked even more alluring in the dim lighting. Despite her revealing attire, the men drinking in the tavern only dared to glance at her or make a few jokes but didn't dare to take any liberties.
A group of burly men entering the tavern, likely to drink themselves into a stupor, and possibly cause trouble, made the owner visibly less enthusiastic.
The soldiers' eyes lit up. "Boss, what good drinks do you have here? Give us a recommendation."
Men liked to look at women, especially pretty ones, and the owner seemed eager to attract customers, not minding the attention. However, in the diverse and sometimes dangerous Bird Empire, a woman running a tavern so boldly likely had some strong backing.
Lin Su entered without making a fuss, observing the soldiers indulging in their harmless fun. It was unlikely they would get anywhere with her, but drinking was about enjoying the moment.
Despite remaining silent, Lin Su's demeanor and appearance, which seemed out of place in the rough tavern, brightened the dim establishment. The owner's sharp eyes noticed the last man entering, her eyes lighting up.
After seeing so many unappealing faces, it was a relief to see someone exceptional. She pushed through the crowd to greet him, "Are you here to drink as well, sir?"
"I'm with them," Lin Su gestured towards the puzzled soldiers.
"Oh, so that's it. What kind of wine would you like to drink? I have all kinds here," the bar owner smoothed her long hair and said.
"I didn't expect the boss to have this taste. Are you smitten?" a customer who had been sitting in the tavern joked.
The owner shot him a glance. "So what if I am? You dare scare away my customers, I'll make sure you regret it." She then turned to Lin Su with a gentle smile. "Come, sit over here. Don't mingle with those rough guys."
Lin Su sat down, and a few soldiers gathered around. The owner went to fetch the wine. As she left, she threw Lin Su a flirtatious glance, her expression changing as fast as flipping through a book, leaving the soldiers in awe.
"Hey, why do women all like gentlemen like Mr. Lin? Look at my sturdy muscles; clearly, this is what's impressive," one soldier sighed.
"Yours? That's nothing. Is my muscle worse than yours?" another soldier clenched his fist.
Men together often enjoyed chatting and joking. Lin Su didn't stop them but instead praised, "You've really trained well."
"Yeah, I'll teach you some tricks later," the soldier patted Lin Su on the shoulder. "You're pretty strong too."
Lin Su glanced at him. "Have you forgotten who saved you before?"
The soldiers fell silent.
They had forgotten that the one who seemed the least muscular among them was actually the most formidable.
Damn, reality is something else.
0 Comments
Post a Comment