Chapter 262 - 260 - Undercover (2)
The tavern doors slammed open, and a wave of laughter, shouting, and music spilled out onto the street.
The Broken Helm was one of the rougher drinking holes in Rome—a place where mercenaries and off-duty legionaires mixed with workers and petty criminals.
He stepped inside and was immediately met with the scent of sweat, spilled ale, and cheap tobacco.
A group of young men were arm wrestling at a corner table, while a bard in the back played a lively tune on his lute.
Julius made his way to the bar and leaned against the worn wooden counter.
The bartender, a thick-armed man with a scar across his chin, gave him a once-over.
"What’ll it be?"
His gruff voice simply requesting the customers desire.
"Ale. Something strong."
Julius’s reply came without hesitation, showing he was like everyone else, here with a purpose, a purpose to drink.
The man grunted and filled a heavy clay mug, sliding it across the counter alcohol was still underdeveloped for the time being, mainly because Romanus has only existed for as long as it had, which mean most of the alcohol was imported from other kingdoms, or the swill produced in southern Lunan before its territory was annexed, that or the spoils of war sent back to the homeland by the victorious legions.
Julius took a sip, wincing slightly at the bitterness.