Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 16: Neven Everhart

"Ah, the South, what a lively place it is. Your white feather cloak is truly extraordinary; these rare feathers are not found everywhere," the bartender said in a low voice, his eyes showing a hint of curiosity. "Though Longhorn Town is small, I still know some things that others don't. Your cloak, it's from the demi-gods, made of the feathers of a white phoenix. So, what brings you to Longhorn Town?"

Aria shrugged. "I'm here to find someone. Once I find him, I'll leave."

"Well, you've found the right person," the bartender said smugly. "Tell me, who are you looking for?"

"His name is Neven Everhart. Do you know him?"

"Ah, yes, you're looking for him. He's known by everyone in town," he said, rolling his eyes. "How can I describe him... he's simply incorrigible. Always causing trouble wherever he goes, truly a nuisance."

"Where can I find him?" Aria asked excitedly, surprised to find her target so quickly.

"I'll tell you for thirty silver coins, otherwise, no deal," the bartender said.

"I just want to know where he is. You're quite greedy," Aria said indignantly.

"He owes me a lot of money for drinks. I'm a businessman, not a charity. He hasn't paid his tab for a long time, actually, he's never paid," the bartender said, crossing his arms and bargaining. "Thirty silver coins, not a coin less."

"Well, I'm out of luck..." Aria rummaged through the pouch Lucius had given her, finding plenty of coins. Regardless of whether she knew Neven or not, she had to settle the tab. Aria grabbed a handful of glittering gold coins and tossed them onto the table, causing them to clatter loudly.

"Oh, my lady, you shouldn't flaunt them like that. Aren't you afraid of attracting attention?" the bartender said, eyes gleaming. He picked up one coin, examined it under the candlelight, then revealed a greedy smile. "Coins crafted by demi-gods, look at these exquisite patterns, truly art..."

"Tell me where he is," Aria urged.

"Don't rush, I'll tell you everything," the bartender said, using an empty glass to cover all the coins on the table. "Consider these... a deposit."

Aria gripped her glass, expressing her dissatisfaction, "You said he only owed thirty silver coins, but these definitely amount to more than thirty silver coins."

"He'll just keep running a tab," the bartender replied, squinting, his tone sour. "Don't you want to see him? If you don't hand over the coins, Neven Everhart won't set foot in this tavern again, ever."

Reluctantly, Aria released her grip. Greedy people were always hard to deal with. "You said he'll come here to drink, right?"

"Of course, with the coins, he can keep drinking, as long as you keep footing the bill." He gestured towards an empty table in the corner. "You can wait for him over there. He might show up tonight."

With her large glass in hand, Aria walked over and hung her white feathered cloak on the chair back. It was a cozy corner, right next to the fireplace, providing warmth. It seemed her coins weren't wasted after all, as the bartender brought over a plate of smoked meat and fruit preserves. He also told Aria that she could stay in the inn as long as she liked, and even reserved the best room upstairs for her.

This brought some relief to Aria in the unfamiliar town. She devoured her food eagerly; nothing compared to having a warm meal in the cold winter. She vowed that the smoked meat was the most delicious she had ever tasted, along with the full-bodied hot wine. Suddenly, she set down her glass.Because a man sitting at a nearby table walked over to her.