Chapter 734: The VIP Room Verdict
Yann exploded from the tavern, the swing door slamming behind him with a hiss of protesting hinges. Two minutes. Adam couldn’t have gone far in two minutes. Couldn’t have ruined everything. At least, he hoped that wasn’t enough time to create irreparable troubles, or he could kiss his collaboration goodbye. No, it was much worse.
Adam’s parting threat echoed in his skull - they shared a name now. Shared consequences. And if the capital nobles caught wind... No fake name and bloodline would save him from that storm.
Jaw clenched, he grabbed a passerby by the collar, stunning him with a bark. "Did you see a hooded teenager pass by?"
Even now, he couldn’t understand Adam’s outburst. He could have negotiated with the minstrel if the price had dissatisfied him this much. Threats didn’t help, not in front of a curious spy. Fortunately, he doubted the flautist would risk investigating Adam after his power move unless offered a hefty commission and an official mission.
"What’s wrong with you, man?!" The passerby recovered, yet shuddered upon meeting Yann’s narrowed eyes and sensing the iron grip about to shred his shirt’s fabric.
His tone shifted from an outraged yell to a stuttered answer. "I-I don’t know. Teenagers are everywhere!" He glanced at the youths unloading merchandise alongside sailors or those apprenticed in shops or guilds. Then, he patted Yann’s hand in surrender. "Please let me go. Even if I saw him, I wouldn’t know he’s a teenager with his face hidden."
Inhaling deeply, Yann pushed the man back, who scrambled without a word.
Before he could ask another one, however, an aged lady standing behind bouquets of moon flowers, dew roses, or swamp violets, caught his eye with a wave. "A hooded man in a beautiful coat." She started, her wrinkled cheeks lifting in a warm smile that made her appear ten years younger. "I’ve seen him leave the bar."
He rushed to her, running a hand through his hair. "Your help is much appreciated, my lady. Would you mind telling me where that troublemaker went?" He gave her a noble bow that made the lady chuckle.
"Come now. He can’t be a troublemaker with his bearings." She cupped her tilted face with a hand. "I’ve seen everything Port Vaelora has to offer. But his gait is different. Determined, defiant, like a king surveying his conquest."