425 Patisserie
A middle-aged man with premature graying hair and brown eyes that sparkled with hope walked through the muddy cobblestoned streets of Bosky Neighborhood in Corvid Quarter.
He wore a simple white tunic that had become tattered at the edges from repeated use. Along with that, he wore plain trousers and shoes of the same color.
Around his shoulder, he hung a satchel that was stitched up from different colored fabrics. Clearly, it had been torn several times, yet the man used it nonetheless.
Although this middle-aged man wore old and torn clothing, his face was cleanly shaved and he looked neat and clean. His shoulders were broad and his back was straight, and he walked with confident footsteps.
If it weren't for the man's clothing, others would definitely feel that this man wasn't someone who belonged to the slums.
Rowan's brown eyes sparkled with anticipation as he made his way toward Dundee Harbor.
It's already been a week since I met Lord Constantine. I hope my findings will satisfy him!
Over the last week, Rowan had taken his job as an informant very seriously. He would go to places he would earlier never visit and look for anything that might catch his eyes.
He would even visit taverns and pubs several times every day, although he would never buy any drinks and food—he couldn't afford to, anyway.
The only reason he went to such places was so that he could gather information.
Today was the last day of the week and it was time for him to report to Adam. He was feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
He didn't know if the information he had collected would be up to the youth's liking. At the same time, he was thrilled about the prospect of earning 20 silvers every week.
When he thought about the remuneration that he would be receiving from Adam, he couldn't help but smile brightly.
I only need to work diligently and very soon… those bad days will be soon behind me!
Amidst the clamor of the dockworkers, Rowan slowly made his way toward the pier where he had last spoken to Adam.
A mix of small fishing boats and sailboats greeted his vision, their masts and sails swaying gently with the rhythm of the waves.
The waters of the Dell River were deep blue, reflecting the sky above. Occasionally, small fish would dart near the surface, creating ripples that shimmered in the sunlight.
Hearing the sound of the waves gently crashing against the pier, Rowan felt himself involuntarily relaxed. He heard the cries of the seagulls overhead mingling with the murmurs of sailors and fishermen around him.
The air was filled with the scent of salt and seaweed, something he found fresh and invigorating compared to the stench of the slums.
He couldn't help but think to himself with a slight smile, Haa… I should come here more often.
Suddenly, a gentle voice called him out from right beside him. "You seem happy today."
Rowan was greatly taken aback. He immediately retreated a few steps to the other side. But when he saw who it was, he calmed down.
He placed his hand on his chest and politely bowed. "Greetings, my lord!" He then stood back up and answered awkwardly, "No, it's just the atmosphere here is surprisingly refreshing. I never realized this before."
Adam was not in his magus robes currently. Instead, he wore a simple tunic and pants. He glanced at Rowand and nodded with a faint smile. "The rivers and the seas possess a unique and mystical ability to calm our minds and soothe our souls."
"That is indeed true, my lord." Rowan nodded.
"Anyway," Adam continued. "Have you had lunch yet?"
"Err… not yet," Rowan replied awkwardly.
"Alright then." Adam walked past the middle-aged man. "Let's grab some food. You can talk to me about your findings over lunch."
…
Linlin's Patisserie, 14th Rowanda Street, Harbor Quarter.
This bakery was a famous establishment that was run by a kind and amiable old elf. Adam came to know about this place after Daneli had brought him here.
Bella Lin, the owner of this bakery was a Rank 1 magus. However, her only interest was cooking and she became renowned in the city for her culinary talents.
In fact, her cooking was so famous that many of the wealthy nobles of the city preferred to have her cakes for special occasions instead of relying on their own kitchen staff.
It was even rumored that Lin regularly baked extra batches of cakes and delivered them to the poorer parts of Ravenfell.
Thanks to her reputation and cooking skills, Linlin's Patisserie was one of the more popular places to visit in the city.
"Aunty Lin, you really didn't have to personally come and greet me," said Adam with a defeated expression. "I know just how busy you are."
"Oh, don't say that. You're going to hurt this poor old woman's feelings." Lin shook her head jokingly as she grabbed Adam by the arm and gently pulled him inside the building.
"You're Daneli's friend, are you not?" She spoke with a kind smile, "Then that means you're my friend as well."
Lin's deep, sparkling green eyes shone with warmth. They were framed by fine lines that crinkled when she smiled, speaking of a life filled with laughter and joy.
Her long and silver hair flowed down her back. They were interwoven with delicate braids, some adorned with tiny beads and bells that jingled melodiously when she moved.
She turned around and glanced at Rowan warmly, "And who is this friend of yours?"
Rowan was greatly taken aback when he saw no hint of disdain or ridicule in the old elf's eyes. Despite the ragged clothes he was wearing, Lin treated him no differently than she would any other customer.
"T-This humble one's name is Rowan, my lady." He pressed his hand against his chest and deeply bowed.
"Alright, humble one, follow me in," Lin chuckled as she led the pair to the second floor of the building.
After Lin had guided them to a window side table, she looked at Adam and smiled, "Alright, child, I'll have someone send a little of everything to your table in a few minutes. Don't forget to meet me before you leave. I'll pack something delicious for you to take away."
Adam smiled warmly, "I appreciate it, Aunty Lin."
"No problem!" With that said, she turned around and briskly made her way to the kitchen.
Adam turned his head and saw Rowan gazing at the old elf's departing back in a daze. Seeing this, he couldn't help but chuckle, "She's quite the bubbly one, isn't she?"
Rowan snapped out of his daze and nodded with a smile, "Yes, she… she's very kind."
"That she is." Adam nodded.
A few moments later, his expression turned solemn and he asked, "So have you found anything substantial in the past week?"freewebnøvel.coɱ
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