Chapter 186: Causing Trouble!
Before the other six could even react, the Tavern Door opened with a bang again, and a figure rushed in like a whirlwind, muttered something at the bar counter, and then rushed out just as quickly, leaving the six people completely stunned.
Returning to the Mage Guild, the backdrop of swirling yellow sand had been removed. I couldn't find Kashya anywhere, so I grabbed a Young Mage at random and asked. Only then did I learn that their money-making performance was limited to the morning each day. After all, both of them were Elders and had many other matters to attend to.
I quickly searched the places where Kashya frequently appeared and finally found her near the Paladin Training Camp in the North District.
That Old Drunkard was taking advantage of her busy schedule to lean against a Large Tree, gulping from her Wine Pot. Damn, if I were the boss, I'd be the first to get rid of such a company parasite.
"Oh, my dear Lady Kashya, why aren't you at the Mage Guild taking care of those poor babies? What are you doing here drinking?"
I sneered.
"Pfft," hearing my cold voice, Kashya, feeling guilty, spat out the wine she had half-swallowed in her Throat. She almost dropped her beloved Wine Pot.
"Haha, isn't this our Elder Wu Fan? Why did you suddenly have the interest to come to such a boring place? Hahaha—"
Covering her panic with exaggerated laughter, Kashya rubbed her hands together and said to me fawningly.
"Nothing, I just suddenly wanted to drink. I didn't expect to just happen to run into you here."
I suddenly changed my stern face and grinned. The huge change made Kashya freeze on the spot, but then her eyes lit up as she looked at the item I took out, almost drooling and pouncing over.
"This... isn't this the Shop's Treasure from the Rogue Bar Owner, known for being stingy and petty, the one they call a non-sale item—the 0-year-old Fruit Wine? How... how did you get your hands on it?"
Kashya asked stammering, drooling.
"Hehe. Money makes the world go 'round, let alone a barrel of wine?"
I raised my eyebrows high. But this barrel of wine really wasn't cheap. It cost me a full 00 Gold Coin. For Adventurers who had to count their fingers before buying an Identify Scroll, it was indeed an unattainable price.
"Hey."
Just as I was about to put down the Small Barrel, about half a meter tall, in my hand, Kashya quickly flashed over, extending her hands and receiving it as devoutly as if it were a holy relic.
"Is that how you put things down?"
Kashya, who had completely entered Drunkard mode, glared at me. Then she stroked the wine barrel as if holding her own baby. She gently brought her Nose closer.
"Mmm, it's this Sandalwood scent. You can't smell the wine from the outside at all. Only this kind of wood can seal and preserve it for 0 years... It seems that Stingy Guy Owner really didn't rip you off."
Kashya put on the air of an expert and muttered to herself in a professional manner. However, the craftsmanship of this barrel of Fruit Wine, touted as the Shop's Treasure, was indeed exquisite. Just looking at the exterior, it was less like a barrel of wine and more like a piece of artwork. When the Tavern Owner took it out with a look of heartache, I was quite startled.
"Um, do we really have to drink it?"
After giving a lengthy commentary, Kashya suddenly looked up at me. She hugged the wine barrel tightly like a child and said reluctantly.
"Of course. If you don't want it, I can drink it all myself."
I narrowed the smile in my eyes.
"How can you do that? You probably can't finish it alone. Besides, drinking alone is so boring."
Kashya quickly advised. Fine, seeing her pitiful look, I won't expose her explanation which was full of weaknesses.
"Hoo—hoo—"
She carefully took out two exquisite small white porcelain Cups, wiped them carefully a few times, then looked at this priceless Fine Wine with lingering Gaze for a while before gritting her teeth and fumbling along the Edge of the wine barrel. Suddenly, she pulled out a small wooden stopper.
Instantly, a refined wine aroma assailed my Nose. The fruity fragrance was rich and mellow, lingering for a long time. Even I, who usually had little interest in wine, couldn't help but lean closer.
Subsequently, the golden Liquid was carefully poured out, forming a string of pearl-like crystal clear brilliance between the opening and the Cup in Mid-air.
"Snap—" After filling both Cups, Kashya immediately plugged the stopper back in with lightning speed.
"Ha. This is the first time I've smelled such a delicious aroma. Wow—"
Kashya picked up a Cup. She gently brought it to her Nose, and a look of intoxication appeared on her face. Seeing her silly Appearance, while amused, my heart couldn't help but feel a little sore.
In that world, even officials as small as sesame seeds could eat and drink on public funds. Things that walked on mountains, swam in water, flew in the air—what hadn't they eaten? But here and now, Kashya, an Elder, felt happy just being able to have a drink of wine.
"Kid, didn't you donate all your Money? Where did you get the Money?"
After a few Cups, Kashya became more talkative.
"Hmph, you underestimate me too much. I am a man praised by the entire Sanctuary as a 'Good man who manages the household well'. How could I not have a backup plan?"
I brushed the flowing bangs off my Forehead and narrowed my eyes smugly. Fortunately, I had foresight.
"So there are still supplies in your Stash? Hmph—is that kind of peasant mentality worth showing off?"
Kashya didn't hesitate to hit my sore spot.
"Better than being a poor wretch."
I touched my injured and bleeding little heart and glared at Kashya hatefully. That's right, I stored my Money in the Stash. I entrusted my Money to Sarah and Velas for safekeeping. I'm a Farmer, so what? Got a problem with that?
"Forget it, let's not talk about this. What did you come to find me for? Don't tell me it's some nonsense about specifically coming to bring me wine?"
For the sake of the barrel of wine before her, Kashya decided to temporarily change the subject. She'd teach this kid a good lesson after drinking.
"Tch, you wish. I just wanted to ask where Sister Sharna lives."
I said disdainfully. Speaking of which, it was embarrassing. I'd been hanging around the Rogue Encampment for so long, yet I didn't even know where Older Sister was staying.
"Oh!!!? What's wrong? Finally figured it out? Made up your mind to launch a night raid on that little girl? I'm telling you, don't look at that little girl having a bad temper, but her Figure is really something. Big chest and perky butt, nice face, and good Skin. If she were matched with someone like you, it would be more than enough for 100 of you. But as an elder, I don't suggest a night raid. It's too dangerous. Just openly and honestly take her down. If it's you, I estimate she should have an 80%... Uh, no, at least a 60% Chance of not resisting..."
As soon as this topic came up, Kashya's face immediately turned red with excitement. She was foaming at the mouth like a Matchmaker eager to introduce an old daughter who couldn't get married.
"..."
What do you mean "night raid"? What do you mean "someone like you"? Do you really have the "awareness of being an elder"? How did you get that probability? What's the basis for suddenly lowering it?
There were simply too many things to complain about, leaving me momentarily dumbfounded.
"Stop talking nonsense."
Veins popped on my Forehead. If I hadn't considered that the enemy was strong and I was weak, I would have picked up my Staff and fought it out with her long ago.
"Sigh. Is that not it?"
Kashya sighed in disappointment.
"The Equipment Andariel dropped is still with me. I want to take it to her."
To prevent Kashya from saying anything explosive again, I quickly explained. After killing Andariel last time, Older Sister even forgot the Equipment that dropped. I was the one who helped her collect it.
"Oh, so your relationship has already reached the Degree of 'no distinction between us' where you help each other gather Equipment? It seems I worried for nothing. Hahahaha—"
Kashya's annoying laughter rang out again. I'll tolerate you!
Sister Sharna's residence seemed to be in the North District, because Kashya's current Direction was towards the further north.
Following behind her, we passed through the noisy Arena and the Assassin Training Camp. Further ahead were the residences of the Adventurers. The Adventurers who stayed here were generally Battle Maniacs.
Why? Because for them, this place was closest to the Training Ground.
The Tents here were sparse. Most people seemed to have gone out. The Surroundings were very quiet, with only the occasional Patrol Soldier walking back and forth with neat and strong Footsteps, patrolling with a thump-thump sound.
"Ah, right. At this time. That girl probably won't be in her Tent. It's very likely she's at the Archery Range."
Kashya, walking ahead, suddenly remembered something and turned back to say.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?"
I almost fainted and fell to the ground. Didn't we just walk all this way for nothing?
"You just asked me where her residence is, you didn't ask me where she is right now? However, since we're here, let's make ourselves at home. If she knew that you, as the Younger Brother, don't even know where she lives, that little girl would be sad."
Kashya blinked cunningly.
I always felt there was some element of Conspiracy in this, but what this Old Drunkard said also made sense. I could only helplessly and obediently be led by the nose and walk forward.
"Look, it's over there."
A few minutes later, Kashya pointed to a blue Small Tent at the Edge of the Forest in the distance.
Looking out, it was a very ordinary Small Tent. The cool tone of sea blue was very fitting for Older Sister's Temperament. The location of the Tent at the Edge of the Forest was even more quiet and refreshing, almost exactly the same as mine at the Mage Guild.
However, saying it was ordinary wasn't entirely appropriate. Looking around, besides Older Sister's Tent, there wasn't even a single other Tent within a few miles. It was like a Champion high above, looking down upon this Land with its cold color tone.
"When she first started, that little girl wasn't so high and unapproachable. It's just that she always wore a sour face, and her Strength/Power was also beyond the reach of her peers, so no one dared to Approach her. She became more and more solitary, and this vicious cycle led to the current Situation."
As if seeing my confusion, Kashya sighed slightly.
"That's your failure in teaching/guidance, isn't it?"
I glared at her.
"Perhaps you're right. Back then..."
Rarely, she didn't Refute, but muttered something to herself, lost in thought.
"It seems she really isn't here."
Arriving in front of the Tent, Kashya casually pushed open the Tent Door with one hand, then showed a disappointed Expression. If Older Sister had really been inside, she would very likely have picked up her Spear and thrust it at that thick face of hers.
Just as we were planning to turn around and leave, Kashya suddenly stopped.
"Wait, there seems to be some Voice over there."
She stared intently into the depths of the Forest.
"What Voice? It can't be just some Birds or insects chirping."
I pricked up my ears and listened carefully, but there was nothing except the rustling voice of the wind through the tree leaves. Damn, a Level seventy-eight Amazon's six senses are amazing.
"Doesn't sound like it. It sounds like a human Voice."
After saying that, Kashya ignored me and walked directly into the Forest with silent paces.
Sigh, weren't we here to find Sister Sharna? I let out a long sigh and followed her helplessly.
"It really does sound like a human Voice."
After walking several hundred meters, I indeed heard some intermittent voice echoing in my ears. Ordinary Birds and insects simply couldn't make this voice. My Curiosity was also piqued. Influenced by the Atmosphere, my Footsteps became increasingly careful.
"Shush!! It's a Song."
Kashya, walking ahead, suddenly turned back and made a silencing gesture towards me, almost speaking with lip-reading.
After walking a little further, the barely audible voice had already formed an intermittent rhythm, echoing leisurely in my ears. Besides being curious, I couldn't help but admire Kashya's six senses even more.
The wonderful rhythm became clearer and clearer. Finally, when we emerged from a small bush, our eyes suddenly brightened.
Gentle Breeze flying everywhere, a cloudless clear sky, Jade-green Grassland—what a beautiful Earthly Paradise where Elf Race reside.
In the center of the Grassland, on a slightly raised small slope, a Large Tree with roots was trying its best to spread its emerald green branches and leaves that covered the sky, guarding the graceful Back View beneath the tree, forming the most wonderful stroke in the Fairyland.
The figure leaned against the Large Tree, a head of dazzling hair flowing freely, dancing in Mid-air like a golden Milky Way, as if an Angel had descended to the mortal world. That faint and indistinct crisp Song seemed to be coming from her.
However, this beautiful and elegant Elf Race lady didn't seem to be good at singing. Although she had a moving Voice, she didn't have the Talent of a singer.
Even I, a layman, could hear it—the wonderful Song was severely off-key!!
However, none of that was the most important thing...
"Kashya, you bastard, you wouldn't be trying to get me killed, would you?"
That familiar Voice made my legs tremble involuntarily, and I almost knelt on the ground.
"I... How would I know this would happen? Nothing I say will help now. Let's leave quickly before she discovers us. This is no joke. With that girl's personality, we might really be killed..."
Kashya's Expression didn't seem fake, because her feet were also trembling.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Just as we turned around, tiptoeing and planning to leave this Fairyland that was very likely to immediately become a Bloody Hell once discovered, a cold voice so arrogant it was irresistible came from behind, freezing our actions on the spot.