Tales of Astora: Legacy

Chapter 107: Outbreak

Chapter 107: Outbreak

A wooden door opened and hit the small bell hung above, signalling that a customer has just come. Inside this well yet dim lighted place, the smell of bitter alcohol along with the sweet aroma of a peculiar white flower filled the small room. The floor consisted of shiny amber tiles that have been so well polished they actually looked like mirrors with some white veins to add a natural side to the stones. Except for a few small tables and chairs, the bar only had a high counter with more seats in front of it. At the back of the counter, multitudes of expensive looking bottles ranging from the most common type to the highest quality of wine gathered from every corner of the world lined up on the old glass shelf.

But aside from the obvious purpose of drinking of this place, there was one thing that would catch the attention of anyone coming in: aside from the only wine shelf behind the counter, stacks of books could be seen arranged in a very meticulous and organized manner, showing the personality of the one in charge of this place. Either on other shelves in this small room or being displayed like trophies behind some glass walls, these books were very well taken care of without any sign of deterioration or even tiny scratches on their covers despite their age. Even more, each of these tomes were emitting a strange aura. Approaching them and you could hear whispers ringing inside your head as if they were talking to you directly, to tell you of the hidden tales written in them. Secrets, legends, myths, love, vengeance...everything they could tell you.

However, as interesting as they were, the two customers who have just walked in had no interest in them. They came here for a drink, not to read or listen to some tales written in some decrepit books. Moving toward the counter, they each took a seat on the soft furniture. The moment they sat down, as their eyes closed down for an instant before opened up again, a figure was already standing behind the counter, holding a white towel, cleaning an empty glass.

Wearing a strange ivory mask on with nothing on the surface, not even a single gap to show what lied underneath that mysterious face, the person seemed to be a man considering his silhouette. Short silver haired, his wrinkled hands, although not so much to be called an old man, seemed to indicate that he was somewhere between forty and fifty. That was it if you compared to the physics of a normal human. As for his clothing, it was a small red bow on top of a modern black suit belonging to that of a butler or a high class bartender. His odd appearance already begged some questions. How could he even see with that mask on his face? There was no gap even for the mouth or eyes. Perhaps he had no need to see at all and the mask's only role was to keep his identity a secret.

And yet facing this strange man who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, the two customers were not even fazed by the performance and simply jumped to the reason why they were here.

"Hello Master! Can you get something for us to drink please?" Wearing a long grey rain coat and a cap, the male customer asked.

"....." Without saying a word, the man referred to as simply 'Master' pointed toward the small sign attached on the wall.

"What would you like?"

"One Martini please for the lady and a vodka shot for me!" the man said.

Suddenly, the sign changed to a new sentence.

"Right away!"

In an eye flash, the drinks have been prepared and manifested themselves before the couple. Meanwhile, the bartender has not moved an inch from his spot or even reached out to anything: he simply continued wiping his glass.

"Hum...." The lady, long hair dyed in a light red colour that was closer to orange and wearing a fur coat and expensive looking red dress, sipped her glass with a satisfied expression. "Exquisite! The drink is impeccable and the place looks really nice. The service is so fast too. Though, I would appreciate some small talks from the owner themselves. It's a bit quiet here, too quiet for my taste." She commented.