I Became a Side character in a BL novel

45- Korren

A network of narrow streets lined with buildings, flickering lanterns casting a warm, inviting glow on the cobblestones, illuminating the doorways where women, half-clad in vibrant dresses, beckon passersby with alluring smiles.

Such were the streets of Korren, a place where the respectable and the rogue meet.

The air is heavy with the scent of pipe smoke, ale, and cheap perfume, mingling with the faintest hint of something earthy and raw. The sound of laughter and flirtation echoes against the walls, punctuated by the occasional clink of coins exchanged.

And through the dimly lit narrow alleys, walks a young man, draped in a dark cloak, his figure almost swallowed by shadows. His hood is pulled low, casting his face in obscurity, with only a faint glimpse of his gorgeous features beneath.

He avoids the inviting gazes and the flirtatious calls, his eyes darting through the crowd, seeking but never lingering. Unseen by most, the young man navigated through the streets, like a shadow within a shadow.

And after what felt like forever, the young man's seeking eyes finally lit up.

At a corner of the street, sat a dark-skinned old man, in front of a wooden cart of an array of glass bottles and clay jars filled with colorful liquids and dried herbs. Each jar labeled with faded parchment tags that tell of their various remedies.

"Sir Saif...Long time no see" The young man speaks, in a low voice.

"Who...who is that?" The old man asks.

"Its me...Lorenzo" The man lifts his hood slightly, to reveal his handsome face underneath.

"Lorenzo!!? Is that really you?? What in the name of the heavens!?"

"I came here to meet you."

"My child, how have you been!? Where were you all this time?"

"I will tell you everything...But first, please, I need your help!!"

"What is it my child?"

"Silphium...I need the purest one. Don't worry I can pay the price, but I would need the one of highest quality"

"Silphium...Sure, why not? But it sounds strange! Are you purchasing it for someone by any chance? Have you got a wealthy mistress yet?"

The young man doesn't answer.

Noticing his silence, the old man decides not to ask further questions.

"15 silver...This is the purest one. You won't find it anywhere cheaper than this" says the old man.

"That's fine. I will take it, but are you sure of the quality?"

"My god is my witness...I don't sell lies, you know of it better than anyone else in Korren, right Lorenzo?" The older man looks above at the skies and replies. The old scar on his face was visible now.

"I know of it, Sir Saif...and hence I am here. But this medicine is for a very important person, Sir and so I don't want to compromise on the quality"

The old man narrows his eyes.

"Do not worry, my child. This is completely effective. Just ask your Mistress to consume it in the morning, for the next 2 weeks after her meal"

"Okay..." the young man replies, handing the older man 15 silver coins from his pouch.

The old man takes a closer look at the silver coin.

"This is real...? Where did you get this?"

"..."