「A few days later.」
It was evening.
Lately, the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce had been in a state of internal managerial turmoil, with other forces eyeing it covetously. As a member of the Chamber, Susan was run ragged. Her skin had also grown rough from neglect, and her spirits were even lower.
CREAK...
When she pushed open the wooden door of the tavern's private room, a rich aroma of alcohol assailed her.
Lamplight flickered. A blond man sat alone at a wooden table, his hair like a flowing river of gold. Conni held a glass of dark red wine, his eyes closed, seemingly savoring its rich bouquet. A smile played at the corner of his mouth, mysterious and profound in Susan's eyes. The hustle and bustle outside seemed to have no connection to the man in the room, a man who always managed to stir one's heart.
"You're here."
Conni opened his eyes, stood, and bowed politely like a nobleman. "Beautiful lady," he said, "I'm honored to have you join me for dinner."
