The Innkeeper

Chapter 1815: The answer

Those powerful enough to question the Innkeepers motives did not really need to. Once one reached such a level, unless they were beholden to an organization, they were really free to do as they pleased. The universe was a large place, so it could accommodate them all more or less.

Those not powerful enough weren’t really qualified to comment on what the Innkeeper did. So, as unusual as it was to see a Dao Lord dance in a public competition, nobody questioned it.

What did happen, though, was that the fame of the Midnight Inn spread even farther within the Origin realm. There were still many who were unaware of the Inn for various reasons. Either they were cut off from the rest of the realm, or they roamed in circles where news of it had not spread. Some were just so involved in their own lives, busy with the struggle of trying to survive during such chaotic times, that they hadn’t kept up to date with the latest news.

Regardless, using the platform built by the Cold Brood Empire, the fame of the Midnight Inn spread even farther. Those who performed in the dances, especially, became overnight sensations.

And the Innkeeper… well, was there anything that needed to be said about him that hadn’t already been said? Though he danced free style, every move, every step was pure elegance and class, suiting perfectly his gentlemanly persona that he had created. Nothing was rushed, and he was perfectly at ease during his performance, making perfection look effortless.

When his segment ended, all the viewers felt regret. Deep, profound regret because it was unlikely that any of them would ever get a chance to witness something like that ever again.

The golden ripples finally faded away, yet a hint of gold remained in the sky, painting the horizon in the distance, and giving a new meaning to a golden dawn.

“I think it may be a little early to say this,” said Lex as he placed a hand on KD’s shoulder. “But I’m pretty sure you owe me an explanation now.”

The Komodo Dragon did not argue. Even now, he kept a neutral expression and kept his thoughts hidden, which was commendable in a way. Unfortunately for it, Lex was adept at reading people so he could tell that KD was not as disappointed as one might expect. It was almost as if… he anticipated his own failure.

“I will return once the official results have been announced,” KD finally said, his voice somber. “You need not be worried about me reneging on my end of our bargain. Agreeing to the Dance Off initiates a Karmic Contract. Even I cannot avoid the consequences if I don’t do as agreed.”

Lex gave KD an amused smile as he raised his eyebrow.

“Do I really look worried about whether you’ll keep your word or not?”

KD stared at Lex, and then turned to the stage where the Innkeeper, who had unfolded his sleeves and put his coat back on, bowed to the audience before fading back into the shadows.

From start to finish, the Innkeeper had not said a word, yet this was destined to be one of his most memorable public appearances yet.

“So, I suppose not,” KD muttered, and then teleported out of the Inn.

Lex only chuckled, and then teleported away himself as well.

During the course of the Dance Off, another 30% of the security hired from the mercenaries had disappeared, yet no one was causing any problems at the Inn. Even so, Lex spent the next few hours paying close attention to make sure that nothing occurred.

After a short delay, the auction started back up, and to no surprise to anyone, the Midnight Inn won the last round with 98% of the votes. The lacking 2% of the votes, Lex theorized, came from the Cold Brood Empire itself, or those it controlled.

Regardless, it was an easy win for the Inn, and just as promised, KD reappeared at the Inn when the announcement was made.

There was a whole award ceremony taking place, being streamed across the two realms, but Lex and KD weren’t present there. Instead, they sat face to face in a private room.

Considering that he had just challenged them to a dance off, KD didn’t seem like a very relaxed guy. Though he did his best to keep his thoughts hidden from Lex, it was apparent at a single glance that he was actually under a lot of stress.

The two of them looked at each other in silence for a while, but eventually Lex spoke first.

“Would you like some tea before we begin, or do you just want to start?” he asked, though Lex summoned a couple of cups of tea in front of them nonetheless.

KD closed his eyes, and sighed.

“Before we begin, I would like to apologise for any trouble my actions may have caused. Although it is no excuse, please know that I had my own obligations which forced me to act as such.”

Lex merely nodded.

“It’s not a big deal to be honest. But if you don’t mind, I’ll wait till I hear everything before deciding on whether to accept that apology or not.”

Lex was not usually so forceful with his guests, but considering that KD had sent four system users to his Inn, and possessed another while being a system user himself, he had sort of lost the benefit of doubt with Lex.

KD hummed, collecting his thoughts for a few seconds, before he spoke.

“Since you… know about systems, it will make it easier to explain everything. The truth is, despite my actions at the Midnight Inn, my target was never the Inn. At most, our purpose at the Inn was for intel collection and to cause a distraction.”

Lex chuckled.

“Oh? Causing a disturbance at the Inn was not targeted towards the Inn? How so?”

Although Lex asked the question sarcastically, the very moment he asked the question, he himself realized the answer. A moment later, KD answered him, confirming his suspicions.

“We were actually targeting the Reaving Dread mercenaries.”