142 - 24 Hearts

**The Twenty-Four Hearts – Chapter 142: The Country of Indulgence and Culture, Uroon** The restaurant Roxin mentioned seemed to be quite the hit in Uroon, given it was a large establishment bustling with patrons. Though a line of people queued at its entrance, the inflow and outflow of customers were so efficiently managed that the line diminished swiftly. By some stroke of luck, as we joined the line, it quickly swelled with people forming a zigzag behind us. While aristocrats are typically unaccustomed to waiting, they stood composedly with arms crossed, seemingly well-acquainted with the practice. "See that?" Roxin pointed behind us triumphantly with a nod. But we were already observing it together. Watching the crowd, it was becoming clearer why people flocked to this restaurant so early in the morning. "…Is it because of hangovers?" While I couldn't recall if there was scientific evidence, it seemed plausible people sought out the warm broth here to soothe their alcohol-riddled stomachs after a night of heavy drinking. "Exactly! You sure seem to know your stuff. Are you really only fifteen?" "I am fifteen." "I trust you're not lying." If only there were an ID card, I would have shown it, but unfortunately, this world didn't have such a concept. A guild adventurer badge only bore my name without indicating my age. "Since you say the gomguk soup works wonders on hangovers, I'll try it." "What will you have?" "I have a conscience, so the cheapest pork soup." If he had a conscience, he wouldn’t expect a newly adult kid to treat him. I chuckled at him and glanced at the menu. Just as he said, there were options like pork soup, gomguk, and boiled meat. Despite its elegant appearance, the restaurant was reasonably priced. As he suggested, I decided on gomguk. Our turn came quickly, and we were ushered inside. The space was neat, and once seated, I glanced around. Patrons were either animatedly discussing last night's events or silently engrossed in their meals. Roxin, evidently a regular, raised his hand to order before the server even approached. Shortly after, a variety of side dishes like kimchi and chives were placed on our table. A wave of nostalgia washed over me at the sight. 'Wow, it's been ages since I've seen this.' The kimchi and chives were vividly red with pepper powder. The gomguk and pork soup arrived in traditional earthenware, which I hadn't seen for a while. As I gazed down at the gomguk with delight, Roxin laughed, pointing his spoon at me. "Never tried it, have you? Let me introduce you to a new world. Try this first—" "No, it's fine. I know how to eat it. Let's just enjoy our meal." "Huh?" I skillfully picked up a piece of kimchi with my chopsticks, savoring it, then deftly separated the meat from the bones in my soup. Once the bones were discarded, I reversed the rice bowl into the hot soup, sprinkled salt generously, and added a large quantity of chopped green onions. "Wait… have you been here before?" Roxin was taken aback by my proficiency. He hadn’t expected such familiarity. While blowing on a spoonful to cool it, I shook my head gently. "No, it's my first visit." "You're not from Baekje, are you?" "No, I'm not." Roxin seemed puzzled by how nonchalantly I ate the kimchi. Picking up a piece with his chopsticks, he found it spicy and quickly sipped some water. "This is strange… are you sure you're really fifteen?" "I am." "Wow, it's hard to believe. Just what are you? You said you were an adventurer, right? Could you show me your mercenary badge?" Feigning disinterest, I pretended to search my pockets before producing a silver badge from my Bag. Roxin, having expected a bronze one, was visibly stunned by the shiny silver. Gazing at the badge in disbelief, he inspected both sides. "Unbelievable, you're a silver-ranked at fifteen?" "Yes." I took the badge back from him and resumed focusing on my gomguk. Coming all the way from the Baekje Empire to Uroon to open a restaurant was a testament to his skill. The clean flavor was already filling me up nicely. Roxin, on the other hand, struggled to pay attention to his pork soup, too busy observing me. "Are you secretly a prince from somewhere? How else could you own a silver badge at fifteen?" Adventurer guilds don't promote bronze-ranked adventurers without cause. A silver rank is granted only for exceptional skill or promising potential, often requiring significant achievements or completed missions to justify it. Thus, holding a silver badge at fifteen implied guaranteed capability. "Where did you say you were from?" "I wouldn't know of any noble lineage, but the Serenia Fortress is where I'm from, as far as I recall." "Oh, that place? I'm aware. The Pearson family settled there, claiming they'd clear the monster-infested lands. They've produced generations of spirit sword bearers, so it's well-known. An adventurer from the Serenia Fortress, a silver badge holder at fifteen. Impressive… tempting." He paused his meal to stroke his chin. Tempting? Squinting slightly, I put down my spoon and finished off the soup. Savoring the last drop, I leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "What does that mean?" "It means I'm interested in you." Roxin was candid. Was this a suggestion to join the Shadow Kingdom? I hadn't anticipated such directness, yet being part of the Shadow Kingdom didn't appeal much to me. Since he hadn't yet identified himself with it, I feigned ignorance, keeping my composure. "Though I'm young, I understand plenty. Is that your preference by any chance?" "No, you fool!" "Then what is it? I doubt you could take me somewhere just because you're interested." "Ugh..." Despite Yuda's cheeky remark, Roxin seemed to flinch, perhaps reminded of his current state. Indeed, in his present condition, it was difficult to imagine anyone taking him seriously if he tried to recruit someone. "If you knew who I was, you'd probably be surprised." "And who might that be? You did mention that power in Uroon hinges more on luck than lineage." "That’s true. Still, are you interested? In belonging somewhere, I mean." Yuda shook his head firmly. "Not at all." "That's a pity." Roxin then fell silent, focusing on finishing his soup. Deep in thought and saying nothing, Yuda patiently waited. Once Roxin had finished his meal, he exhaled a satisfied breath. They both stood and exited the restaurant. Despite its upscale appearance, the meal cost only two silver coins. Roxin stretched, unbuttoning his jacket with a relaxed gesture. "Alright, I enjoyed a good meal, met someone interesting in Uroon for the first time in a while… Let’s meet again if fate allows. Remember the name Roxin." With that parting remark, he waved and walked away. Watching his retreating figure after sharing a meal, Yuda noticed a holographic window appear. 'Great, the "Treat Him to a Meal" quest is complete. Next, the gambling den?' Though he'd never gambled or visited a casino before, the next scheduled meeting was at a gambling den, so he had no choice but to go. Perhaps... he would rest for today and prepare some funds to head there tomorrow. With nothing further to do in the area, Yuda returned to Count Jaenwer's mansion, spending a leisurely day with Jeanne, Arhil, and Sarah as if nothing had happened. Days in Uroon passed pleasantly and quickly. It was truly enjoyable. Sleeping in until the sun was high in the sky, Yuda rested at the Count's mansion. Near sunset, he finally set out. "This place feels like home. I'm becoming attached." Planning for the eventual confrontation with Count Jaenwer, Yuda found humor in his own sentimentality as he left the mansion. He had already asked Count Jaenwer about the gambling den's location. While Uroon was home to many famous establishments, the largest and wealthiest venue was unmistakable. It was surely where Roxin, as a Shadow Kingdom officer, would be found. Strolling at leisure and taking in the scenery, Yuda arrived at a street bustling with nobles and merchants, all dressed in luxurious attire. Despite nightfall, the buildings were brightly lit as if it were day. "This must be the place." Avalon. The name, meaning paradise, seemed extravagant for a gambling den. But for those dreaming of striking it rich with little money, this place lived up to its name. The only problem was needing a confirmed status and position to enter. "Well then, let's test this beginner's luck." A brief indulgence seemed fitting before meeting Roxin. Using Count Lava's name, Yuda entered the gambling den, hands in his coat pockets. Women in elegant gowns and men in suits or intricate clothing adorned with frills reveled in their desires, placing bets with fervor. Starting with a light heart. He exchanged about 100 gold coins for chips. Offered an attendant to carry his chips, Yuda didn't refuse. Glancing at the porter quietly trailing behind with his chips, Yuda stepped further inside. A warm, lively atmosphere enveloped him the moment he stood at the entrance. --- Author's Afterword --- 1) Writing about a late-night meal may have influenced my dream, where I found myself in an idyllic place with crystal-clear water and clean air. In the dream, a renowned restaurant was perched on a cliff-like pinnacle, requiring a treacherous journey to dine there. The narrow steps along the cliff and the shaky bridge, missing one safety rail, demanded courage. The poorly constructed bridge collapsed, leading to my death. Specifically, while trying to save a girl I had accompanied, I fell, resulting in my demise. There was a "Game Over" sound from somewhere. What a ridiculous dream. 2) Wow, Gundam Orphans is thrilling; even setting aside the story, the clashes of metal are quite entertaining.