Chapter 335: Secrets
A fist pounded against the door of the Devil’s Den like the thunder of crashing hooves. It split through the night incessantly, and it brought a small frown to Lillia’s lips. The inn was already at max capacity tonight. It was too late to keep cooking and the kitchen had been shut down; the common room was empty.
Everyone who had been waiting in the crowd had already been informed that they’d closed for the day. There shouldn’t have been anyone waiting around at this hour of the night. There were even signs that Reya had made a few days ago set up to inform any potential customers that they didn’t have any more room.
I just expanded, but I really need to expand again as soon as I can. I can’t keep up with capacity and we’re pulling in money by the shovelfuls. Still, I suppose I should go let whoever that is know that we’re closed for the day.
Lillia set the feather brush she’d been using to clean off the countertop down and wiped her hands off on her apron. She stepped around the countertop and made her way past neatly arranged tables, already tidied up and prepared for the night.
It was well into the evening hours and, even though she couldn’t see outside, she knew the moon hung high above Milten. Half the reason she was even still awake was because she was waiting for Arwin to finish up with Olive and Phoenix Circle. They’d all been in his smithy for the latter half of the day.
I can’t wait to find out how things have gone. There can’t be that much time left before the Secret Eye announce the tournament’s dates. I’m honestly surprised they haven’t done it already. There must be something holding them up for some reason.
Lillia shook her head and made her way across the common room to the door. Whoever was on the other side still hadn’t stopped knocking. She pulled it open, half expecting a hand to whistle through the air where the wood had been a moment before.
Instead, she found herself standing face to face with a hunched, dirt-covered man. His clothes were marred with stains and blood; hung from his body like the ragged scraps of a flag. Dark hair framed his face and his features were so sunken that he almost resembled a corpse.
Lillia might have taken him for a beggar at the pits of his luck if it hadn’t been for the look in his eyes. There was a darkness deep within them — a determination like that of a falling blade.