Gabriel, now changed into the elegant clothes Lowell had brought for him, descended the creaky wooden stairs of the inn with a composed grace.
Kaida, who reached just above his chest, walked beside him, his small frame exuding an unexpected laziness.
As they made their way down, the evening sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the inn's common area.
The lively chatter of the inn's patrons gradually died down as Gabriel appeared. One by one, heads turned, and conversations trailed off, mesmerized by his ethereal presence.
Gabriel's striking blue eyes and silver hair shimmered like moonlight, casting an almost magical aura that captivated everyone in the room.
Accustomed to being the center of attention but not to this extent, Gabriel felt a mix of self-consciousness and amusement. He took a deep breath and continued his descent, focusing on reaching the bottom of the stairs.
A young woman at a nearby table nudged her companion, whispering in awe. "Look at him! I've never seen anyone like that before."
Her companion nodded, equally captivated. "He's like something out of a legend."
Another young girl, flustered and unable to tear her eyes away, whispered to her friend, "Isn't he one of those rare types? What are they called?"
Her friend, equally flustered, replied, "I think they're called albinos. Oh my! I want to invite him to a dungeon with me."
Their thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Kaida's piercing green eyes, filled with disdain and disgust. The young child's stare seemed to warn them not to even consider it.
"Master," Lowell called out, bowing slightly as Gabriel approached.
The rest of the inn's patrons watched in awe as the guild master, known for his pride and stubbornness, bowed deeply to Gabriel.
This unexpected display of respect filled the onlookers with a sense of apprehension, realizing that this young man was no ordinary individual.
"Gabriel, Lowell, how have you been? Please forgive my absence that day when you returned. I was out dealing with some issues in another dungeon," the guild master said, his voice filled with genuine remorse.
Gabriel placed a reassuring hand on the guild master's shoulder. "No need to worry. It was surprising to be away for so long, but I'm fine. However, I do have some questions I'd appreciate your help with."
The guild master, lifting his head, looked puzzled but respectful. "Please, Gabriel, Lowell, sit down and let these servants attend to you while I answer your questions to the best of my knowledge."
He guided Gabriel to a quiet, simple room, away from the curious eyes of the inn's patrons. As they settled by a window on the second floor, the guild master ordered the attendants to bring an array of food.
Lowell and Kaida followed closely behind Gabriel and took their seats beside him.
"So, Gabriel, what is it that you need my help with?" the guild master asked, sitting down opposite them.
"Hmm, first, I would like to know about this empire and the other kingdoms," Gabriel said, patting Kaida gently as he spoke.
The guild master seemed taken aback by the question. "The empire and the kingdoms?"
"Yes, you see, I am just a who has traveled for most of my life and am not well-informed about the affairs of the kingdoms," Gabriel explained, careful not to arouse suspicion.
"Oh, I see. That makes sense. Well, Gabriel, Lowell, let me start by giving you a brief history of the main kingdoms," the guild master began, nodding in understanding.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. "Guild master, the food is here," a young servant announced, waiting for permission to enter.
"Come in! Come in and serve them well," the guild master called out hurriedly.
The servants brought in a variety of dishes, from fruits to seafood and other delicacies, catching the attention of Kaida and Lowell.
"Gabriel, Lowell, please eat to your heart's content. Make yourselves at home," the guild master encouraged them warmly.
Kaida looked at Gabriel, who nodded in approval. Satisfied, the guild master watched them dig in and then began his explanation to Gabriel.
"Okay, let me start with the Clan of Mikagetsu."