Chapter 144.2 - A Bar That Does Not Match (2/2)
“Could it be? Did he get himself involved in some suspicious job and ended up being dealt with afterwards?” [Eyewitness 1]
“You’re thinking too much. At most, I’m sure he got into an accident because he loaded too much cargo.” [Old Man]
They’re all just voicing their suspicions, but I think the mountain pass to Kereban is suspicious. The people that went to Kereban today say that they didn’t see anything, so I’ll probably have to search away from the main path. I could search the forest too.
“Grumbling about this and that… It’s noisy, darn it!” [???]
“?” [Ryouma]
Suddenly, it became noisy behind me.
When I turned around, all the people that had suddenly lowered their voices were looking at a beet-red man seated by the counter.
“I’m talking about you! Yeah you, you little twerp!” [Drunk]
The man’s seat tumbled to the ground, and he violently waded through the sea of seats and customers toward me.
“Since when did this place turn into a playground for children? Huh!?” [Drunk]
“I’m sorry, I’m just looking for a missing person—” [Ryouma]
“Well, he’s not here!” [Drunk]
Well, that’s true.
“Scampering about here and there, it’s annoying! If you don’t want something bad to happen, you better get out this instant!” [Drunk]
“I’ll leave as soon I’m done with my business.” [Ryouma]
I bowed a little, but that probably wasn’t the answer he was looking for. He clicked his tongue and sent his fist flying at me. This may be a different world, but it’s a given that drunks can’t be reasoned with.
“Wait!” [Other Customer 1]
“That’s going too far—” [Other Customer 2]
The people around started panicking at the man quick to resort to violence, but they were too late to stop him. But the fist the man had sent flying was stopped from the front by me with one hand.
“Ah?” [Drunk]
He probably didn’t expect to have his fist stopped, as he cried out in disarray. When he saw his fist held being tightly held by me, he tried to get it free in surprise.
But if I let his hand go, he’ll probably try to hit me again.
I know I’m not supposed to be here. I acknowledge that much. That’s why I bowed my head to him and said I will leave as soon as I’m done. But I don’t want to get hit.
“Mm!? Nua!? Funnu!!?” [Drunk]
I planted myself firmly on the ground and resisted as the man tried everything he could to get his hands free. There’s a pillar nearby I can rely on for my legs, and I won’t lose as long as he’s pulling his hand horizontally. It might be a different story if he pulled his hand up or down, though… Ah, he’s starting to get worked up.
At times like these in my past life… The first thing to mind is poise. Second, tolerance. Three and four can be left out. But fifth is patience. Not resisting when punched will lead to the least troublesome outcome later. But there’s no need for that in this world. Life is so convenient here.
…Still, it’s not like I know how to deal with the situation other than not resisting.
So, now what? The people about to help me awhile ago already went back to their seats after realizing that I didn’t need help. And now, they’re watching us like we’re some kind of show… This person doesn’t look like he’s planning to give up.
“NUoOOOOOO!!! What’s wrong with this kid!? Let go! Or I’ll kill you!” [Drunk]
“Ah.” [Ryouma]
Speaking of killing… That reminds me of that match the other day. I wonder if I can use that.
“Oniisan, aren’t you a bit too drunk?” [Ryouma]
“!?” [Ryouma]
As I caused the man’s body to shake, I started to feel the power quickly leaving the man’s fist.
“Let’s calm down first, alright?” [Ryouma]
I let go of his hand and showed him that I meant no harm.
“Eek, eeKKKKKK!!!!!”
“Huh!? Ah, wait!?” [Ryouma]
…Well, at least that was the plan.
“Oww!” [Other Customer 3]
“Hey, watch it!!” [Other Customer 4]
“That was full of liquor!!” [Other Customer 5]
The man ran off. He didn’t care about the seats or the other customers, he just ran for the entrance as fast as he could.
“…Did I overdo it?” [Ryouma]
I got told I was scary in the match a few days ago. I thought if I could make him feel like the others did on that day, he might leave me alone, but… Ah.
The other male customers behind are all looking away from me. They’re either looking at the wrong direction or acting like they’re sleeping after having drank too much. Either way, they’re clearly trying to avoid my gaze. I guess I overdid it. Wait a moment. That guy didn’t pay his bill, did he?
“Ah…” [Ryouma]
I was conspicuous from the start, but now I stand out even more. …For the meantime, I decided to go to the counter.
“Excuse me. Will this be enough to cover the bill of that customer?” [Ryouma]
I took out three silver coins and lined them up in front of the expressionless bartender.
“…That’s too much.” [Bartender]
“Use the rest to treat everyone else to some drink. Especially, that person whose drink was spilled and the people I was talking with just now.” [Ryouma]
“Oh!? Are you treating us, Boy!?” [Other Customer 6]
Before the bartender could say anything, a customer yelled.
“Yes. Sorry for intruding on your happy time.” [Ryouma]
“Alright!” [Other Customer 7]
“It’s free liquor!!” [Other Customer 8]
“Bottoms up!!” [Other Customer 9]
In the next moment, the whole place returned to its previously lively atmosphere.
That’s quick! …Well, this way is easier on me, so whatever.
“It seems I caused a ruckus.” [Ryouma]
“Ohh, you’re back.” [Asshimo]
I went back to the seat of the couriers, thanked them for the information they gave, and told them that it was about time for me to go.
“I’m very sorry for causing trouble.” [Ryouma]
“This is a bar. Fighting is just another item on the menu.” [Asshimo]
“Yeah! Yeah! And you can handle yourself pretty well too.” [Eyewitness 1]
“I’m an adventurer, after all.” [Ryouma]
“But it would probably be safer if you went back earlier.” [Old Man]
“Thanks for the liquor!” [Asshimo]
“Thank you too for giving me your time.” [Ryouma]
After that I left the bar.
Various things happened, but at the very least, I was able to find out that Pedro-san was indeed in this town. That’s one step forward. That proves that there was indeed meaning in come here.
Although it was the drunk who started it, I still did something wrong. I need to reflect.
Still, that sure was effective… In Berk and the others’ case, it was just a little scary, but when I used it on the drunk, he went flying through the bar. Maybe he was actually a huge coward despite his size.
While I was thinking that to myself, I glanced at my status board.
“…” [Ryouma]
‘Intimidate Lv3’
A skill I hadn’t seen before was there.
“…Why is it starting from level 3?” [Ryouma]