Published: August 2, 2025
Today, five chapters are posted simultaneously.
This is chapter 4.
"So this is the place."
The tavern I was aiming for was located down a narrow alley branching off from the main street.
There were many flashy shops on the main street, but this one had a plain exterior. The building looked old, giving a somewhat rundown impression, but from inside the tavern came constant laughter from men, so it seemed to be quite popular.
I pushed open the swing door reminiscent of a western movie... but there was no need to push it open—I could simply walk under it.
...I guess it's because I'm a kid's body... or maybe the swing door was set high? The height was somewhat awkward.
Inside, the tavern was larger than expected, with considerable depth. The seating felt a bit cramped, but there were easily over 30 seats.
"Huh? A kid here... hic... in a place like this?"
"Here to pick someone up?"
"Hey! Is someone’s wife mad or something?"
I had come without paying attention, but in a body like this, coming to such a tavern made me stand out...
The drunken men looked at me, their slurred mouths moving.
There were pure curious stares, amused looks, and looks of disgust.
Various gazes were rudely directed at me.
The smell of alcohol, and even cigarette-like stench, was terrible. I needed to finish my inquiry quickly and leave.
But with so many people, I couldn’t tell who the person I was looking for was.
Judging by the location and the atmosphere, this seemed to be a tavern mostly for locals and regulars, so maybe I could ask the staff?
"...This is a tavern. There's nothing here that children can drink."
Just as I approached the counter, the only staff member implicitly made it clear to "go away."
I wasn’t here to drink, so that was fine... but just in case, I showed my status board.
"...Blessing of the god of liquor, huh."
"I'm looking for someone named Assimo. Has he come here?"
The man nodded toward a corner of the tavern.
"Thank you."
I left a medium copper coin on the counter and headed to the table he indicated. There, eight men occupied seats combined for four. They were likely all couriers. Their races and ages varied, but all shared well-developed muscles.
"Sorry to interrupt your chat, but I heard Assimo is here."
"Whaddya want from me?"
When I called out, a man sitting closest turned around. He was a human in his early twenties, and seemed quite cheerful—probably because he was pretty drunk. This was convenient. I quickly introduced myself and explained.
"You wanna hear about Pedro, huh?"
"Yes, could you at least tell me when you last saw him?"
"Oh, sure, sure... but maybe there’s a better way to ask."
His gaze flicked to an empty beer mug.
"Would you like some ale?"
"Oh, thank you!"
"You idiot!"
"Ouch..."
The man sitting next to him smacked him hard, and the joyful voice changed into a pained one.
"Master...!"
"Don’t mooch off a kid like that. You’re drinking too much, geez."
"Sorry... Hey kid, I saw Pedro two days ago."
"In this town?"
"Yeah, two mornings ago. I went out for breakfast, and by chance ran into him at a spot I popped into... We talked, and I’m sure it was him."
"Do you know what happened after that?"
"He was the first one in the place, and also the first to leave. After that, I don’t know. But he said he was heading to Kerevan as usual."
"So he definitely took this route... Any idea why he hasn't arrived in Kerevan even today?"
"None at all, kid."
Another man spoke up. He was older, maybe over fifty.
"I know Pedro too. He’s used this road since he was a kid, even back when his dad was around. He knows all the dangerous spots and how to handle horses. Hey Assimo, you said you saw him in the morning, right?"
"Yeah. Early morning, but the sun was already up."
"Then it’s unlikely he had an accident on a dark road. Anyone back from Kerevan today?"
"I got back today."
"Anyone stuck along the way?"
"I saw some people resting, but Pedro wasn’t among them. I know him, and I’d remember if I saw him."
"I passed through too, but didn’t see him."
There were sightings in town, but none beyond it... The possibility that something happened was growing stronger.