He suddenly stopped, stood firmly, and his demeanor shifted dramatically, speaking like a true gentleman: "Distinguished guests who have traveled from afar, might you be here to seek the scholar Victor?"
"It seems that's him, no doubt about it."
Noticing the shift in Victor, the so-called drunken scholar, as well as his words, Ethan was certain.
Ethan approached, stopping a couple of steps away from Victor.
He lifted the bottle of liquor in his hand, saying, "I am indeed here to see you. I have questions, and if you can provide useful answers, this bottle is yours. Moreover, if your answers are satisfactory, I might even gift you a distillery."
"Is that true?" Victor asked eagerly.
"Of course! Ethan never bluffs," Veronica interjected, coming forward.
Victor glanced at Veronica, recognition flashing in his eyes.
He seemed surprised as he said, "Miss, I've seen you in Stone Rock Harbor before."