The Innkeeper

Chapter 2017: Mother of the Acorn Realm

"You honor me by thinking so highly of me," the Governor said eventually. "At the end of the day, I still admire you for taking a step I am not yet ready to take."

The Innkeeper turned his gaze back towards the Governor, his warm, approachable aura making even him feel at ease. Of course, as a Dao Lord, his actions and decisions would not be influenced by external factors, such as feeling at ease. It was still an admirable quality of the Innkeeper.

"Everyone is on their own journey," the Innkeeper said. "What is right for some may not be right for others. Having said that, the reason I invited you here was to discuss what you requested in your previous visit. I have some ideas to facilitate your requests, though I would love to hear your thoughts directly first."

The Governor was originally not in such a rush to broach the topic of the meeting since he wanted to enjoy his conversation with the Innkeeper first, however since the topic had been touched upon, there was no need to shy away from it either.

"It’s very simple, really," the Governor began. "As I’m sure you’re aware, the universe has fallen into chaos. New wars are erupting everyday, and there is a great degree of uncertainty in the air. If the wars don’t end soon, it will trigger certain contingencies. The longer they drag on, the more significant our reaction will need to be. In this critical time, it is extremely crucial that alliances be made, decisions be finalized, and we know how we will react in each given situation.

"While the Henali, as a whole, of course already know our stance, the more preparation we can do, the better. In that case, I need to consider not only things as a Henali, but as a Governor of the Origin realm. The successful growth of the realm is critical not just to the Henali, but the universe as a whole, and the amount of pressure we face is actually tremendous.

"In fact, if the invading forces were ever to direct their attention away from already mature realms, the Origin realm would be their first target. As such, not only do I need to make thorough preparations, I am also under constant scrutiny from the universal forces.

"At such a time, it is natural that I try to explore all options. It was then that I was reminded of your incredible teleportation capabilities, not to mention the seriousness with which you tend your Inn. Although my request seems slightly unusual, I have to make it regardless.

"Would it be possible for you to allow me to host a private meeting among fellow Dao Lords? I was thinking that, to ensure the confidentiality of the meeting, it would be best if the venue was also separate from the Midnight Inn. Or else, if our enemies knew where I might be congregating with allies, not only could they try to influence the meeting through various ways, they may even attack the venue directly!"

The Innkeeper listened seriously, though no matter what the Governor said, it seemed to be unable to affect his expression at all. It was as if he was talking about planning a birthday party rather than a covert meeting of Dao Lords that might be targeted by potential enemies from across the universe.

"I have a couple of questions," said the Innkeeper once the Governor was done. "Just for clarification, is it important that the venue be secret, or the occurrence of the meeting entirely? Following up on that, will it be enough to simply provide you with a safe space where you can have your meeting, content that no one will try to interfere or spy? For if the safety of the meeting can be assured, then I feel like you could possibly even use the very knowledge of the meeting itself to your benefit."

The Governor seemed slightly surprised by the line of questioning, because it seemed to insinuate that the Innkeeper had his own ideas regarding the meeting, and some very specific ones at that.

"Truthfully, the knowledge of the meeting itself need not be a secret. Actually, I think it will almost be impossible to keep knowledge of the meeting secret, even if you manage it on your end. Since I am constantly under scrutiny, so are many others. It would not be easy for so many of us to make a move without alerting somebody.

"That is why, in fact, that I was recommending some hidden location. Not only will it prevent your Inn from getting caught up in a possible attack, it will also provide us with the necessary safety in which we may conduct our meeting. If you can fulfill our requirements through some other means, then I have no issues."

The Innkeeper simply nodded, as if the Governor’s words were within his expectations.

"The truth is, Governor, that you are not the only one who has requested something like this. Although it is not in keeping with my preference to host guests anywhere other than inside my own facilities, due to some special circumstances, I am making a one-time exception to this rule.

"While keeping in mind the current situation of the universe, the needs of many of my guests, and the excessive attention my own Inn has been getting lately, I decided to host a modest tea party. The goal would be so that I may meet with all those who wish to properly introduce themselves to me, as well as allow my guests to take advantage of the unique venue and setting I am arranging to not only broaden their horizons, but also to network, as well as conduct any and all private meetings."

The Governor seemed taken aback, not only by the Innkeepers words, but by his goals. He seemed to want to achieve many things all at once, but no matter how he looked at it, by telling him to have his meeting at a tea party of Dao Lords, he was only increasing the risk to his meeting, not decreasing it.

"Now, as you previously stated, since the Henali and the Inn have such a... rich history, I decided to share the venue of the tea party with you, though I will be avoiding doing so for others. I trust you will not disclose it to others."

Just as he was done speaking, the Innkeeper picked up the letter he was writing, and handed it to the Governor.

"This is the letter I was writing to the owner of the venue for my tea party. Please take a look and let me know if it will fulfil your needs."

The Governor took the letter and glanced at the words before freezing.

’Dear Eclipse,

I wanted to thank you for inviting me to the Primordial Garden...’

The Governor did not read anymore. He could not read anymore. Instead, he stared at the Innkeeper in surprise, barely holding back his horror!

The Innkeeper had been invited by the Mistress of the Eternal Web,Mother of the Acorn Realm into the Garden of Nightmares?!?!

Suddenly, the Governor got goosebumps as he imagined a terrifying, horrifying scenario! Was the tea party a front... for an engagement party between the two?!?!?!?