Chapter 142
Chapter 142
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 142
Chapter Title: Chapter 4. The Land of Entertainment and Culture, Uruun.
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The shop Roxen mentioned seemed to be doing quite well in Uruun, as it was running a fairly large restaurant. There was a line of people at the entrance, but they were entering and exiting so quickly that the line was shrinking fast. Fortunately, just as Judah lined up, a massive zigzag line of people suddenly formed behind him. Waiting in line wasn't something nobles like them were used to, but they stood there quietly with their arms crossed, apparently accustomed to it.
"See?"
Roxen pointed his chin back with a smug expression. But Judah was already looking. Just watching quietly, he could guess why customers were flocking to the restaurant from morning.
"...Hangover remedy?"
Warm soup dishes were said to cure hangovers—though he couldn't recall if there was scientific proof—but it seemed people who had been drinking all night came here to soothe their raw stomachs.
"That's right! You get it. Are you really fifteen? I'm seriously doubting it."
"I'm fifteen."
"I'll believe you're not lying."
If there had been an ID, he would have shown it, but sadly, this world had no such thing. Adventurer plates proved identity but didn't list age—just the name.
"The beef bone soup here is great for hangovers. Try it."
"What are you having, sir?"
"Out of conscience, the cheapest pork rice soup."
If he had any conscience, he wouldn't be freeloading off a kid who just turned adult. Judah chuckled at him and checked the signboard. As he said, it listed pork rice soup, beef bone soup, and boiled pork. It looked like a fancy place, but the prices were reasonable and cheap. Maybe he should go with the beef bone soup after all.
Their turn came quickly, and they entered. The empty seats were spotless. Sitting down, Judah looked around—customers were chatting about last night's exploits or quietly focused on their food.
Roxen, clearly a regular, raised his hand to order before the server even approached. Soon, side dishes like kimchi and chives arrived on the table. The sight made Judah smile nostalgically.
'Wow, how long has it been since I've seen these?'
The kimchi and chives were coated in red chili powder, proudly displaying their vibrant color. The beef bone soup and pork rice soup came in familiar earthenware pots. Staring fondly at the long-lost sight, Roxen laughed "huhu" and pointed at him with a spoon.
"Never had this before? Today, I'll introduce you to a new world. Start with this."
"No, it's fine. I know how to eat it. Let's eat first."
"Huh?"
Judah picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of kimchi, chewed it, and deboned the meat in the soup. After removing all the bones, he upended a hot rice bowl into the pot, sprinkled salt, and piled on finely chopped green onions.
"Ah... Have you been here before?"
Roxen was flustered by the skillful display. He hadn't expected this at all. Judah had seemed like a first-timer. Judah scooped a big spoonful, blew on it, and shook his head.
"No, first time."
"Not from Baekje?"
"Nope."
Seeing him eat kimchi so casually, Roxen clumsily picked some up with chopsticks and ate it. Spicy. He drank some water and picked up his spoon.
"Weird. Hey, you really fifteen?"
"I told you yes."
"Man, unbelievable. What do you do? Adventurer, right? Can I see your plate?"
Judah pretended to reach into his pocket, opened <Bag>, and pulled out his silver plate. Roxen, expecting bronze, doubted his eyes at the shining silver. Mouth agape in shock, he took it and checked both sides. Genuine.
"Crazy, silver plate at fifteen?"
"Yeah."
Judah took it back, pocketed it, and focused on his soup. He had the skills to come from the Baekje Empire to Uruun and open a shop. The clean taste already filled his stomach satisfyingly. Watching Judah eat nonchalantly, Roxen barely touched his pork soup while observing him.
"You're secretly some prince, right? How else do you get a silver plate at fifteen?"
Adventurer guilds didn't promote bronze plates to silver without reason. Only for exceptional skill or promising talent, and even then, only after proven achievements or missions. A silver plate at fifteen guaranteed real ability.
"Where'd you say you're from?"
"I don't know about noble lineage, but from what I remember, Serenia Castle."
"Ahh—that place? I know it. The land overrun by monsters that the Pierchen family settled. They produce Spirit Sword wielders generation after generation, so I'm familiar. Adventurer from Serenia Castle, silver plate owner at fifteen. Impressive... Tempting."
He stopped eating his pork soup and stroked his chin.
Tempting? Judah narrowed his eyes, set down his spoon, and downed the broth in one go. Drinking every drop, he leaned back with a satisfied fullness.
"What's tempting?"
"You."
Roxen said it outright. He wanted to scout him for the Shadow Kingdom. Judah hadn't expected it so direct, but joining the Shadow Kingdom didn't appeal. He played dumb. After all, Roxen hadn't mentioned "Shadow Kingdom" yet.
"I'm young, but I know things. Is that your taste?"
"No, idiot!"
"Then what? Even if you want me, you can't just take me anywhere, right?"
"Urgh..."
Even at Judah's cheeky finger-point, he flinched, recalling his current state. No surprise—he didn't look trustworthy enough to recruit anyone.
"You'd be shocked if you knew who I am."
"Who are you? You said in Uruun, it's luck, not family power."
"True, but anyway—interested in joining somewhere?"
Judah shook his head firmly.
"Not at all."
"Shame."
He shut up and focused on his pork soup. Seeming lost in thought, Judah waited quietly. After finishing, he sighed and stood. They left the restaurant. It had looked upscale, but cost just two silver coins. He stretched, unbuttoned his suit.
"Alright, good free meal... Met a likable kid in Uruun after ages... If fate brings us together again, see you then. Name's Roxen—don't forget."
With a wave, he left after the free meal. Watching his back, a hologram window floated before Judah's eyes.
'Alright, feeding quest done. Next, gambling house?'
He'd never gambled or been to a casino. But to meet Roxen next, he had to go. Probably rest today, gather capital tomorrow, then head there. With nothing left here, Judah returned to Count Jenur's mansion. He spent the day leisurely with Jeanne, Arhil, and Sara as if nothing happened.
Days in Uruun flew by. And they were that enjoyable.
Sleeping in at the mansion until the sun was high, Judah left as dusk fell.
"Feels like the count's place is my home now. Getting attached."
Thinking of dealing with Count Jenur later, Judah smiled wryly and departed. He'd asked the count about the gambling house location. Uruun had many famous ones, but only one was the largest with the biggest stakes. Roxen, a Shadow Kingdom executive, would surely be there.
Strolling leisurely, enjoying the sights, Judah reached a street teeming with nobles and merchants in fine clothes. Even in the darkening night, buildings blazed like daytime.
"Here it is."
Avalon.
The name meaning paradise seemed too grand for a casino. But you could dream of striking it rich with little money, so it fit. The problem: entry required solid status and rank.
"Well then. Let's see beginner's luck."
A little fun before meeting Roxen wouldn't hurt.
Using the Raba Count family name, Judah entered, hands in coat pockets. Beautiful women in dresses, men in suits or frilly outfits. People in diverse national attire spewed desires, betting chips and gambling.
Start light.
He exchanged 100 gold for chips. They offered a porter, which he accepted. Glancing at the silent porter following with the chips, Judah headed inside. Heat blasted him at the door.