Chapter 56 – Franco
Albert Street, North Borough.
Time: Around 9 A.M.
A young boy with messy blonde hair and deep blue eyes stopped before a tall, three-storied building called the Red Apple Inn. He pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside. His worn-out white shirt, black pants, and old white overcoat made him look like any other poor street kid. A monocle rested on his left eye, and a faded top hat sat crooked on his head.
'Why is everyone staring at me like that?' Raven wondered, feeling uneasy.
His appearance was the reason. Last night, when he sneaked into the North Borough, he had used Face Mimic, a bloodline spell, on a beggar sleeping by the roadside. The spell reshaped his facial muscles, changing his features completely.
[That's because you look like a beggar now. Though… it's not a bad disguise.]
Inside, the main hall buzzed with noise. Around twenty people sat at wooden tables, eating or chatting. The warm smell of bread and ale filled the air.
Before Raven could take another step, a young waiter blocked his path.
"What are you doing here, brat? This isn't a place for sewer rats."
The man was around twenty, tall and broad-shouldered, with short blond hair and sharp brown eyes. His harsh tone drew the attention of the other waiters.
"Hey, Palmer! Maybe he's a customer," one of them called.
Palmer sneered. "Customer? Look at his shoes! He can't afford a crust of bread, let alone a room."
"I'm here to stay for two days," Raven said calmly, pulling a silver coin from his pocket.
Palmer's eyes flashed. He grabbed Raven's wrist and snatched the coin. "Where'd you steal this from, huh?" He shoved Raven hard toward the door. "Get out before I throw you out."
"You can try," Raven muttered, clenching his fist.
Palmer's face twisted in anger. He swung a punch—fast and heavy.
To Raven, the attack looked almost slow. He raised his palm, blocked the strike, and stepped forward, landing a light punch to Palmer's stomach.
Thud!
Palmer staggered backward several steps, his eyes wide with shock. A moment later, his face turned pale. He clutched his stomach and vomited—not just his breakfast, but blood. The entire hall went silent.
"Y-You little—" Palmer started, but a strong hand gripped his shoulder from behind.
"Enough," a calm, heavy voice said.
Palmer froze. He turned and saw the Inn's owner.
"U-Uncle Franco! That brat—he attacked me—"
"Quiet, Palmer," Franco said coldly.
Raven's eyes narrowed. Franco?
He studied the man carefully. Franco was a tall, middle-aged man with olive skin, blue eyes, and a sharp mustache. His burgundy waistcoat and neat white shirt gave him an air of quiet authority. A felt hat shaded his gaze from the morning sun.
"You're not an ordinary street rat," Franco said. "Why cause trouble in my inn?"
"Ask him who started it," Raven replied, pointing at Palmer. "Anyway, I need a room for two days. Got any vacant ones?"
Franco held his gaze for a moment, then nodded. He walked to the counter and opened the ledger.
"Name?"
"Thomas."
Raven placed another silver coin on the counter.
"Payment's already covered," Franco said, pointing at the pale, panting Palmer.
A faint smile tugged at Raven's lips. "That was an advance payment—for information."
Franco paused mid-writing. "Oh? Who told you I deal in information?"
Raven leaned forward and whispered a single phrase. "Velvet Eclipse."
The calm in Franco's expression vanished. In an instant, a heavy pressure filled the air, pinning Raven in place.
If I say one wrong word, he'll kill me on the spot.
A blue screen flickered before Raven's eye.
…
[Status Information]
Name: Franco
Age: 68
Nationality: Zenith Empire (Arcane Mist Empire)
Affiliation: Red Apple Inn (Elite Member of Velvet Eclipse)
Title:Bloody Fist
Class: Radiant Knight (8th Circle)
Health: Normal
Attributes:
Strength – 74.5
Agility – 73.0
Vitality – 76.5
Luck – 10.0
Spirit – 189
Class Skills:
Titan's Grip, Lightning Strike, Swift Stride, Guardian's Defense, Aura of Fortitude
Additional Skills:
Intermediate Archery
Elemental Affinities:
Light – High
Lightning – Intermediate
…
He's stronger than Athena! Raven thought, his heartbeat quickening.
Then, he forced a steady tone. "I'm also a member of Velvet Eclipse."
He took a small badge from his inventory—a silver token shaped like a cockscomb flower—and placed it on the counter.
Franco eyed it. "So they're giving apprentices new badges now. Interesting." His pressure faded, and his voice softened. "Who told you about me? Your sponsor?"
"I can't say," Raven replied calmly.
Franco studied him for a moment, then nodded. "As long as you don't bring me trouble, we're fine. What information do you need? Be warned—confidential knowledge costs extra."
"I need everything you have on the Gold Thieves—their members, hideouts, and one man named Aron. His home address, too, if possible."
Franco blinked, surprised. "You've got guts, lad. Those people aren't mere thieves. They deal in kidnapping and trafficking."
Raven stayed silent.
Franco sighed. "How much can you pay?"
"Ten silver coins. That's all I have."
Franco snapped his fingers. "Magnus! Check him."
The slim waiter rushed over, searching Raven's pockets. He found ten silver coins in the left pocket and placed them on the counter.
"So, you weren't lying," Franco said, satisfied. "For that much, I can give you basic info."
He leaned back in his chair and began to speak.
"Three years ago, Aron was part of another gang—The Greedy Chargers. They controlled several streets through protection money. Then came the Gold Thieves. Unlike the Chargers, they acted like loan sharks. They lent large sums to desperate shopkeepers, ruined their businesses, and took over their shops through legal tricks. Within six months, they ruled half the district.
Aron betrayed his old gang and joined them. The Gold Thieves grew fast—extortion, kidnapping, blackmail, even contract killings. They're dangerous people, boy."
Franco leaned back, exhaling deeply. "That's all I can tell you for that price."
Raven nodded slowly. His eyes turned cold.
"Good enough."