The Innkeeper

Chapter 2046: Double payment

Lex was slightly curious about what guests Eclipse and Ventura were going to invite, though mostly he felt cautious. The last thing he wanted to do was start another universal scale war, and one would normally think that was easier said than done, but Lex was no longer sure.

But, since it was currently out of his hands, Lex put it behind him and instead focused on counting his ever increasing wealth. Ten little Dao materials... eleven little Dao materials... twelve little Dao materials and a bunch of extra gifts on the side...

Truly, Lex could genuinely appreciate the warmth of the Innkeeper felt from taking care of his guests. How could he not feel genuine pleasure from taking care of his guests when each one of them was paying such a price?

After a few unfamiliar faces, Lex finally saw some familiar faces. Ballom and the Governor had walked up together, alongside the lady who was hand-in-hand with Ballom. Behind them was a rather large group which probably constituted those who the Governor had originally wanted to have a secret meeting with.

Well, one thing was certain: while the contents of their individual meetings could still remain secret, there was no way this tea party itself would remain secret.

Before the Governor, or Ballom for that matter, could extend their greeting, the Innkeeper spoke first.

"Hiran, your payment for attending the party will be double," the Innkeeper said directly, and without the slightest bit of hesitation.

The Governor paused, unsure of what brought that about, and so was Ballom. This was the first time he’d seen the Innkeeper speak without his cordial tone. Was he upset that the Governor was spreading rumors about him?

"Don’t think I’m targeting you or anything," the Innkeeper clarified. "Your previous guest - quite a charming fellow by the way - left you with the tab. I believe the term for what he did is dine-and-dash. While I can excuse his attempts to start universal war, I cannot allow a precedent for guests skipping on their bills."

The Innkeeper was speaking firmly and seriously, making sure to get his message across. His seriousness over payment actually caused Eclipse to burst into laughter. Who could have guessed that the man who could casually walk up to Asho, face to face, and tell him to be polite or get lost, would get so worked up over a matter of payment.

"Yes, yes, of course," said Hiran, smiling awkwardly. "Please, do not be concerned. The Henali Empire will more than make up for any losses you suffered."

The Innkeeper shook his head.

"There is no need for excess payments. I am not lacking these few trinkets. It’s more a matter of principle. Everyone has paid in Dao materials to sip this lemonade, so how can someone get it for free? That would be tantamount to favoritism. For all the guests who you have brought to this tea party to discuss private matters, you need to demonstrate your integrity, or the very purpose of your congregation could be at risk."

The Governor tried to do his level best to remedy the situation, while also bearing the pressure of talking to the Primordial Queen’s possible fiance. Any other time, he would not have minded at all, but right in front of the Queen, he could only be at his best behavior.

Meanwhile, Ballom looked towards the simple, mortal drink known as lemonade, and judged it seriously. The Innkeeper was clearly telling them something important through the use of mortal sustenance. They just needed to decipher what it was!

While Ballom was observing the drink, Bridget was observing Eclipse. There was a saying among her friends. If a man can make a woman laugh, then she’s as good as his, and the Innkeeper was not just making her laugh, he was keeping the Primoridial Queen constantly engaged and entertained!

Her eyes started to sparkle as she saw the beautiful magic in their relationship. That was so precious - just like her and Ballom!

"You are right - please forgive me for this small misunderstanding. Rest assured, I will not renege on any dues," the Governor said. "We came here together, the three of us, to first pay our respects to our honoured hosts, and so that I may have the honor of introducing some of our guests to you."

The Innkeeper raised an eyebrow. He was expecting that Ballom and Bridget would take some time to talk to them, but instead the three of them stepped aside. Behind them stood two notable guests.

The first was a golden dragon. Unlike the golden dragon that Lex had seen inside the Primordial Garden, this dragon had an overbearing presence that made one’s breath freeze. The Midnight Inn neutralized all threats and dangers from passive auras, but that did not mean it erased the grandeur in them.

As someone who had been studying Dragons Might for a long time, Lex was especially sensitive to them. The dragon in front of him was... remarkable. There was no arrogance or pride in his eyes - though it was not because he lacked the arrogance of his race. Instead, it was inbred into his very being.

The epitome of arrogance was not haughty and boisterous, it was pure indifference. As the dragon stepped forward towards the Innkeeper, Eclipse and Ventura, there was no reverence or awe in his bearing. There was only simple etiquette, not because of who they were, but because that is how he chose to act.

It was strange - Lex was certain that Eclipse was stronger than the dragon. Actually, he knew she was stronger. But there was something about this dragon’s bearing that Lex could not help but admire. Maybe he was just partial to the race because of his origins.

Yet, beside the golden dragon, in equal measure of prestige and presence, was a Phantasm Leviathan - one of the former members of the Sage race.

"Lady Eclipse, it is my honor to meet you," said the Leviathan as it bowed its head, not to a stronger being, but to one it respected with all its heart. "All my life I have heard hymns sung in your praise. Now, I finally meet the benefactor of my race."