Chapter 684: Volume Nineteen: Lost Horizon - Thirteen: Bard
"Uh, I am a bard, and my homeland is in Gutenberg of the Kingdom of Nicosia. I’ve also been to the Kingdom of Bohemia. I’ve visited Piraeus and Oubeia before and really loved the scenery there, so I plan to go back for another look," Komer said, placing a hand over his heart and bowing to the dwarfs to express his heartfelt thanks for their warm hospitality. This was a sincere gratitude, for dwarfs are always enthusiastic towards outsiders, although they might not know the specifics of his background. The simple and straightforward dwarfs often see the world in a very naive way.
"Oh, so you’re a friend from the north. You’ve been to Piraeus and Oubeia; it seems you’ve traveled quite a bit. I wonder if you’ve been to Sparta?" A few dwarfs got excited when they heard that Komer had been to Piraeus and Oubeia, places not far from their destination.
"Sparta? I heard it’s a place one could never forget. Hmm, I once passed through Patre, but only spent a night there," Komer replied apologetically. Patre is the only seaport city of Sparta, not very large, but it is Sparta’s only port on the Aegean Bay. The Akmon River flows into the Aegean Bay there, and it is also a pivotal water hub connecting the bay with Sparta’s inland regions.
"Oh, that’s a pity. We plan to go to Sparta to broaden our horizons. I heard they really need forging craftsmen there, and I think me and my mates would fit in well with the lifestyle. Plus, it’s not too far from our homeland," the dwarf named Shinions said with a wide grin: "I heard the honey wine there is quite famous."
"Hmm, Sparta is a fine place, though honey wine seems more suited for women to taste. However, as long as you have money, every bar on the Aegean Bay can serve you exquisite drinks from all over the Continent. I’m sure Patre is no exception—gin, rum, or Red Maoshao, even tequila from the Mang Continent won’t be missing. Everything’s available," Komer could well understand the dwarfs’ mindset; to them, good drink was always a priority no matter where they were.
Komer’s words made the dwarfs gulp down their saliva uncontrollably, the gurgling sounds from their throats were clearly audible, and Komer could even feel the vigorous trembling at their Adam’s apples.
"Friend, are you serious? I heard tequila has a strong, majestic flavor, unparalleled; I wonder if that’s true?" Perhaps attracted by Komer’s extensive travel experiences, the dwarfs naturally shifted their attention to what intrigued them most.
"Hmm, tequila is indeed potent and packs a punch. If it’s accompanied by dried lemons from Corinth, the taste is even more indescribably delightful," Komer couldn’t help but lick his lips as if savoring the bold flavor. "But for my dwarf friends, perhaps Wedga or whiskey would inspire more creativity, the sensation of being half-asleep and half-awake could spark the creation of even more exceptional artworks, right?"
Komer’s subtle flattery immediately made the dwarfs beam with joy. They became much more affectionate towards him. For dwarfs, the most welcome title was that of a master artist. Whether they were engaged in building, forging, smelting, or mining, they always believed their talent in these areas was incomparable. The buildings they erected, the metals with unique properties they smelted, the unusual ores they mined, the weapons or tools they forged—all could proudly outshine any other race on the Continent. Naturally, to stand out among their kin was to possess the demeanor of a master.
Without much effort, Komer had successfully integrated into this newly formed dwarf circle. Their straightforward and simple nature also allowed Komer to feel their open-hearted generosity and their go-with-the-flow attitude, and soon he was enthusiastically conversing with them.