Chapter 5: A Suspicious Proposal (1)

The atmosphere inside the bar chilled as if ice water had been poured over it.

Only Ossian, the sole party involved in the incident, was calmly enjoying the food laid out before him.

He was eating so deliciously that even those who had ordered the same dish wondered if it had really tasted that good.

However, they soon had to discard such trivial thoughts.

A fight broke out.

Fights were common in the bar, but this place was not an ordinary bar.

It was a place where back-alley fixers and mercenaries came to buy and sell information.

Naturally, there were rules in this underworld.

Fights were forbidden inside; if you wanted to fight, you had to go outside.

Of course, sometimes people would still throw punches, and such incidents were often tolerated to a certain extent.

However, it was difficult to be lenient when a knight who had suddenly appeared knocked out three people.

There was no precedent for it.

While the Dutree triplets had started the trouble, Ossian was the one who had thrown the first punch.

The people inside the bar quickly processed this.

According to the rules, Ossian could be attacked by everyone here without any justification.

Even if he had come here unknowingly, it would make no difference.

In this industry, ignorance was not an excuse; ignorance meant death.

However, the mercenaries hesitated.

It was because of the unbelievable prowess Ossian had just displayed.

‘I didn’t even see him draw his sword.’

When Ossian had thrown the eldest Dutree and then dealt with the second and third, he had already swung his sword before they could draw their guns.

No one saw when he had grabbed the sword or when he had swung it.

All they saw was the shotgun that had been cut in half.

‘He threw the eldest Dutree like a doll.’

‘What kind of physical abilities does he have?’

It was Ossian’s unbelievable physical prowess that made everyone hesitate.

He seemed like a strange person with a peculiar mind, but his skills were real.

Naturally, the people inside the bar shared a common thought.

‘Is this guy a mutant with enhanced physical abilities?’

‘If he’s a mutant, he’s dangerous. But if we let this slide, it would mean breaking the rules.’

As the customers deliberated, some seemed to have made up their minds and slowly placed their hands on their waists.

They thought that if they approached from a distance and fired their guns, it might be possible.

At that moment, Ossian, who had finished tearing apart the lamb and gulping down the soup, put down his plate and spoke.

“I advise you not to draw your guns.”

The mercenaries who were about to reach for their guns flinched at his words.

Even though Ossian did not turn to look at them, he spoke as if he knew their intentions.

“I knocked out those three because they insulted me and started the trouble. I gave them a chance with just my fists. But if anyone here draws a weapon again, I won’t show any mercy with my sword.”

His warning, while it might seem like bravado, was not taken lightly due to the unique pressure in his voice.

Swallow.

The mercenaries swallowed hard and rolled their eyes, gauging each other’s reactions.

Should they do it or not?

They were debating whether someone would fire the first shot or if everyone would let it go as if nothing had happened.

However, the conclusion began to lean towards enforcing the rules of this place.

Ossian sighed as the hostility began to rise like bubbles from the depths.

He had just enjoyed a delicious meal, but it seemed he would have to see blood again.

But running away would not be in line with his [chivalry].

Ossian prepared to draw his sword.

Just as the tension reached its peak,

“I personally recommend not drawing your guns.”

The sudden voice drew everyone’s attention to one side.

In a corner of the bar, a young man was quietly sipping wine.

The half-closed-eyed man smiled gently at the numerous gazes directed at him.

Unlike the rough and dirty patrons of the bar, the half-closed-eyed young man was dressed in a clean, wrinkle-free suit.

He looked far from someone who would use violence.

The young man took a gentle sip of wine and placed the glass on the table.

“Even if all of you draw your guns, you won’t be able to touch a single hair on his head.”

At first glance, his words seemed to be enough to offend the mercenaries' pride, but no one was angry.

Some even seemed genuinely surprised and took his words seriously.

‘Hmm.’

Ossian also felt curious as he looked at the half-closed-eyed young man.

The other mercenaries were listening to him seriously, despite his appearance being far from that of a violent person.

‘He must be someone with skills.’

At the very least, he was clearly a well-known figure in this industry.

“Ronan Roland.”

One of the mercenaries, who had been listening quietly, spoke.

Ronan Roland. The half-closed-eyed young man smiled and replied.

“Yes, Mr. James.”

“Is what you said true? To be honest, it’s hard to believe. Of course, we don’t take your words lightly. But...”

“I understand. You’re wondering if what I said is credible.”

Ronan’s words made James nod.

Everyone’s attention naturally shifted from Ossian to Ronan.

“I just heard some interesting news.”

“What news?”

“Do you know about the recent labor strike in District 43?”

James showed that he was unaware, but some of the mercenaries who had heard the story responded.

“The cotton factory strike.”

“That makes it easier to explain. A worker at the factory was seriously injured, but the employer didn’t provide any compensation and fired him. So the workers went on strike.”

“What does that have to do with the current situation?”

“Just listen, and you’ll understand. The employer didn’t just sit and watch the strike. He hired some dangerous mercenaries, using money.”

“A gang.”

Someone muttered, and Ronan nodded in agreement.

“Yes. No less than 40 gang members attacked the workers at night. The workers tried to resist, but they were overwhelmed. Of course, the gang members had guns.”

“So, what does this have to do with the current situation...”

“But here’s the thing. Those 40 gang members were defeated by a single person who suddenly appeared.”

Ronan said this while looking at Ossian.

The people in the bar also turned their gazes to Ossian.

“This person, wearing armor and wielding a sword, displayed unbelievable martial prowess against over 40 gang members. He could cut bullets with his sword and dodge them with his eyes.”

“...!”

The people in the bar widened their eyes in shock.

The mercenaries knew better than anyone that Ronan would not lie about such things.

And the reliability of the information he brought was never low.

Everything Ronan had said was true.

Everyone’s gaze shifted from Ronan back to Ossian.

Ossian ignored their gazes and looked at Ronan.

“You’re well-informed.”

This was a confirmation of Ronan’s words.

Ossian was genuinely surprised, despite his calm demeanor.

While there might have been witnesses, it was impressive that Ronan had found out about the incident so quickly.

Ossian’s words made Ronan bow his head.

“Thank you for the compliment. A mediator who lives on information must be quick on their feet.”

Mediators were intermediaries who found jobs for mercenaries and fixers, taking a commission in the process.

Ronan looked around the bar and spoke.

“It’s a rare pleasant drinking session, and I don’t want a bloodbath. So, how about we let this go today?”

“That depends on how they react.”

“I see. What do you think, Mr. James?”

“Ronan. If you say it’s true, it must be. But look, three people were hurt. You know the rules of this place, right?”

James’s words made Ronan maintain his inscrutable smile.

“The Dutree triplets started the trouble.”

“But you were the first to use force.”

“However, no one died. The knight... Ah, what is your name, sir?”

“Ossian.”

“I see. Ossian used a sword, but only for self-defense. He only used his fists, and the only use of the sword was to cut the guns. I believe this bar tolerates fistfights.”

“There’s no precedent for this.”

“Then this will be the first case. I’ll leave it to Mr. James to set a good precedent.”

Ronan’s words naturally shifted the burden to James, who closed his mouth.

It would be difficult to argue that Ossian, an outsider, should be treated differently, given the knight’s formidable presence in the bar.

“...Damn.”

James sighed in frustration and removed his hand from his waist.

This action made everyone in the bar take their hands off their weapons and return to their meals.

The bar quickly returned to its usual noisy atmosphere.

Ossian watched this with great interest.

Then, Ronan, who had stood up, naturally sat down next to Ossian.

“May I sit?”

“You’re already sitting. I don’t have the right to kick you out.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Ronan smiled and ordered another drink from the bartender.

Ossian, who had not found this particularly noteworthy, glanced at the glass in front of him and then at Ronan.

“This is a gift for you, sir.”

“...Thank you.”

Ossian, who had been thinking about having a drink anyway, did not refuse.

However, he did not lower his guard against Ronan.

There was only one reason for this.

‘This guy has half-closed eyes.’

People with half-closed eyes were often hiding something.

They might be hiding their true identity or their hidden strength might suddenly manifest when they opened their eyes.

‘He’s likely a hidden powerhouse.’

However, no matter how much Ossian observed, he could not detect any hidden strength in Ronan.

Was it hidden so well that even Ossian couldn’t detect it, or did Ronan truly have no strength?

Ossian thought it was necessary to be cautious about Ronan.

Of course, he was genuinely grateful for the help.

But that’s one thing, and this is another.

“So, what do you want from me?”

“Oops. Was my intention that obvious?”

“A drink isn’t enough to make me overlook this.”

“Then I’ll have to order more.”

Ronan said this and signaled the bartender.

The bartender naturally placed a bottle in front of Ossian.

Ossian raised an eyebrow at Ronan’s overt action.

‘Is he trying to buy me with alcohol?’

What a ridiculous idea. Who in the world would be bought by alcohol?

Nevertheless, Ossian downed the drink in one go.

Showing that he would only drink the first glass.

“Good.”

But the words that came out of his mouth were the opposite.

The drink was too delicious.

Despite being a strong drink, the knight’s body accepted it so well.

In reality, he avoided drinking even soju, but this knight’s body could drink strong whiskey or rum like water.

Most importantly, this body loved alcohol.

Ossian naturally looked at the empty glass, then grabbed the bottle next to him and poured another drink.

“...Let’s hear what you have to say.”