Viktor

After our exhilarating adventure, we stepped foot in front of the Silver Serpent Tavern. I arguably looked overdressed for the situation, but I didn't care anymore. This journey with Valeria really helped me take a load off my mind.

The imposing iron gates that stood before us were the gates to the Silver Serpent Tavern, the biggest and most famous tavern here. It is known for its wide selection of beverages and food while still being relatively affordable, so it is a popular place for mercenaries, adventurers, and generally for people to socialize, relax, and take a load off their minds.

As we walked in, the first thing I noticed was that the roof of this building was very tall, and adorned on each massive pillar that supported this structure were statues of silver serpents curling around each one of them, giving the tavern an atmosphere of grandeur despite its affordability.

We made our way through the rows and rows of tables, and frankly, me and Valeria were head-turners just because of our outfits. We stood out so much from the crowd that a lot of people were just staring at me and gawking at Valeria. The thought of people around us doing that made my blood boil.

As I walked behind Valeria, I couldn't help but notice her gallant figure, walking with a prideful gait and not paying heed to any of the attention directed towards her.

We made our way onto the second floor, and the number of people decreased. This floor looked much more upscale than the one below, and even the customers looked much more regal and classy.

As we approached the center section of the floor, where a humongous table adorned with a bar was situated, Valeria stopped in her tracks and grabbed my hand tightly.

She slowly pointed her finger to an older, bearded gentleman seated at one of the bar stools, drinking away to his heart's content. He was built like an absolute unit and also had an enormous battle axe residing beside him. This is a guy I would NOT want to face in battle.

"According to him, you're not the prince of Heraklion." Valeria's tone was serious.

"Why not?" I inquired, confused by this statement.

"It's for your safety. If people learned that the prince of Heraklion came out to a tavern to drink, you would become an easy target for kidnappings or, worse, hate crimes against you. Your mother doesn't have the best reputation with a lot of people, especially adventurers."

I nodded in agreement.

The man glanced in our direction, then looked down, but then he looked back up, and his face lit up like someone recognizing an old friend, and he leaped out of his chair, dropping the mug of beer in his hands.

"Oh my god, Valeria! How have you been? You grew your hair out, and I didn't even recognize you! How long has it been? Five years!" The man made a beeline for us, taking giant strides.

"Four years." Valeria's voice was deadpan; she was not exactly happy to see this man.

"Damn, four years already. Time flies, huh, comrade? I heard last year that you had become vice commander of the Imperial Nexus! When are you going to take me on a tour around there? I want to see what the inside of the palace looks like!" He came in and bear-hugged Valeria. I didn't like the fact that this hulking monster was called Valeria, comrade.

He then glanced over to me and asked Valeria, "Who is this brat, Valerie?" and leaned in close. He reeked of cigarettes and alcohol. I took a step back because of the overwhelming stench.

Well, this is Mr. James. James is a very rich noble who is brilliant and is actually acting under the directive of the throne right now. The mission I called you over to talk about—he's part of it too."

She can lie as naturally as she can speak. I shot her a worried glance, and she just looked at me and winked.

That cocky bitch.

The man took a step back and then checked me out. He let out a sigh and extended his hand.

"The name's Viktor Balenko, my friend. Well known for being one of the best for-hire men on the continent. My track record will speak for itself. Nice to meet you, James. It's going to be fun working with you, I can tell!" He stood so close to me but spoke loud enough for the entire floor to hear.

I nervously returned his handshake. His hand was sturdy and felt so rough. I wonder what kind of battles it endured. "Nice to meet you, Viktor. I'm James, the owner of the James Trading Company. We sell and deal in exotic cargo. If you want anything rare or expensive found for you, look no further."

Valeria and I quickly exchanged glances. I will not lose in a battle of lies. Not to this girl wearing this ridiculous outfit that was now grabbing everyone's attention in the bar.

Viktor also seemed to notice eyes gathering on Valeria, and he also shifted his center of mass slightly, which indicated discomfort to me.

"Here, take a seat. Make yourselves comfortable. This is our pub, and all the boys are here, Valerie. They've been itching to see you ever since I broke the news to them that you were coming here."

Valeria had a defeated expression on her face, but she quickly recomposed herself and beamed back at Viktor with a smile. "Really??? I want to meet them too! It's been so long, and I wonder if they'll recognize me."

Viktor let out a smile and pulled out a cigar. Somehow, I felt safe and protected in his vicinity.

He then turned his attention back to me. "James, my friend, it's sweltering in here. How you manage to sport that tuxedo coat is beyond me. Allow me." Before I could politely decline, he had already draped his massive hand upon my shoulder, and I could swear my shoulders nearly creaked under the weight.

I immediately complied and started to remove my coat, and he took it from me gently and placed it on the bar stool behind me. He then pulled out a cigar from his pack and lit it while the one he had was still unfinished, and after lighting it using the bar top's common lighter, he handed it to me.

I reluctantly accepted the cigar. You don't say no when a man like this offers a cigar.

"Now, James, what brings me here? What business do we three have to discuss?" He took a leisurely puff, his gaze locked onto mine.