Chapter 10: Art Thou Upset, Brother?
Stepping inside of the mayor's mansion felt like being transported to an entirely different place. The building's construction, for one, boasted far more artistic flourishes and decorative trims than it had any right to. Its opulent lacquered furniture and gilded wall hangings were an even further cry from the comparably austere fixtures and simple workmanship found elsewhere in Habersville. Marcus couldn't help but appreciate the expense, even if it was rather tacky and in poor taste.
Not for the first time, he found himself wondering where the money to afford such luxuries had come from. He doubted the town's budget could cover the lavish decorations and art lining the walls. He'd seen simpler rooms in palaces back in the capital—though even those were more tasteful than this monstrosity. But perhaps this explained the seeming lack of funds dedicated toward defenses and general town upkeep.
Heading down the hall, Marcus wondered how much longer they'd keep calling this place "the mayor's mansion." The mayor technically still lived here, but no one bothered pretending he actually ran the place anymore. According to Marcus's [Appraisal], he still held the class, but he'd wager that most of its functionality had been stripped when Tiberius and the Legion took over. At least, that would explain no small part of the man's fervent protestations at the time.
Marcus paused at the kitchen's entrance, debating whether to grab something to eat before heading upstairs. He didn't particularly need to eat yet. Then again, he recalled the rather cute serving maid who'd dropped off his breakfast that morning.
Spinning his hat on his finger, he sauntered into the kitchen, humming a merry tune. His mood soured instantly, however, at the sight of the pudgy man sitting at the table and chewing with his mouth open.
The mayor looked up and met Marcus's gaze, a flash of recognition crossing his face. His expression immediately twisted into one of pure rage.
"You!" The mayor sputtered, bits of food spraying across the table as he pointed a sausage-like finger at Marcus.
The bard couldn't help but wince at the display. Still, it seemed more than a little excessive. By this point, the mayor had seen him several times and even been there when he'd introduced himself to Tiberius. At no point had he ever had this visceral of a reaction to his presence. Why now?
"Mayor Blaufort," Marcus replied affably, running through his memories to see if he might've done something to personally offend the man. "I don't believe I've had the chance to personally introduce myself?"