Dusk chased the withered yellow pine needles as they fell on the small town enveloped in cooking smoke, while sleek, dark-feathered birds lined up on the orange rooftops, watching the adventurers who were returning from the labyrinth and heading towards the market.

As usual, "Silver Pine Path" was packed, and the sound of the wind chimes at the entrance had not stopped since the sun had set.

Moreover, what was different from yesterday was that today, the tavern had the rare presence of a minstrel.

It was the idea of the tavern owner.

He had noticed that when people had stories to accompany their drinks, the sales of beer and roast sausages would surge significantly above the norm.

If an illiterate old farmer telling tales could heat up the atmosphere to this extent, wouldn't a professional be able to sell out even the sobering horse piss?

For this purpose, he had specially invited the Tulip Band, who had once performed for the Duke of the Campbell family's birthday.

Those professionals, cradling their lyres, setting up their drums, and playing cheerful bagpipes, spread the legendary tales of the seventh Duke of the Campbell family with their passionate voices—infusing the melodies with the power of magic.

However, for some reason.

Although people were clapping and whistling their approval, the sales of beer just wouldn't rise.

As the number of customers in the tavern grew, the minstrels were soon pushed aside, and only the penniless locals who couldn't afford to drink seemed interested, albeit most of their interest was focused on the pretty female bagpiper.

Yet this bunch of local paupers didn't spend a dime; they even brought their pine nuts to nibble on, which was really infuriating.

Watching those hard-working minstrels, the tavern owner felt pained for them and for his own wallet.

Once a piece was over, he pulled the band leader aside and started speaking tactfully.

"Do you have any other stories?"

The minstrel looked at the tavern owner with dissatisfaction.

"Are you questioning my professionalism?"

He had noticed the guests' boredom, but he didn't think it was his fault. It was because these country bumpkins couldn't appreciate it!

Honestly, if not for the irresistible price the tavern owner offered, he wouldn't have come to perform in this backwater, let alone stay for three whole days!

"No, no, Mr. Andy, I didn't mean that! Of course, you are the most professional..."

The already-paid owner did not dare offend the man, so he could only try to appease him with a strained smile.

"...I just mean, the people here have grown up listening to the Duke of Campbell's story; they already know how great and incredible the nobleman is. Maybe you could try some stories they haven't heard of."

"Alright then, I'll go with the story of 'Emperor William's Victory Over the Isaac Heretics'; you surely haven't heard it since childhood," said the minstrel named Andy bitterly, venting his frustration on the tavern owner.

"No problem..."

Although it was the same old tune, this time it seemed to carry a different air.

The tavern owner finally breathed a sigh of relief, all the while cursing the guy who suggested inviting the damn Tulip Band.

It was nothing but a waste of money!

Abel, sitting at the bar, was still waiting for someone to buy him a drink, but unfortunately, he wasn't the protagonist today, and he didn't get to see any of the nice folks from the militia.

At that moment, a man with a large sword on his back strode in from outside and went straight to the bar, ordering a large beer.

Someone recognized the familiar face, let out a whistle, and said with a laugh,

"Yo, Barnett, didn't you leave? Why are you back again?"

Another adventurer added with a chuckle,

"I remember you said just yesterday that you were fed up with dealing with Lizardmen and were off to find a worthy maze to explore in the desert to the east!"

After taking a big gulp of the fragrant beer to calm his nerves, Barnett wiped the foam from his mouth before he spoke.

"I've decided not to go!"

The adventurer laughed again and said,

"You must've gotten seasick, eh?"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Laughter erupted among them.

It was clear they were bored out of their minds.

Ignoring the bunch, Barnett took another big swig of beer, slammed his arm on the table, and, fueled by the alcohol, gushed triumphantly,

"You lot don't understand a thing!"

Another adventurer let out a whistle.

"Then enlighten us, what exactly made you change your mind?"

"A dragon!" Barnett blurted out, "This morning! In the southwest of Silver Pine Forest, I saw a dragon!"

The tavern fell silent for a moment.

Even Andy, who was singing his verses, involuntarily stopped his drawn-out tune and turned his gaze toward the man with the large sword.

However, the quiet atmosphere didn't last long; as a snicker broke the silence, roaring laughter soon overwhelmed him.

Some people laughed so hard they pounded the tables, spilling beer, and one accidentally slapped the behind of a middle-aged waitress.

"A dragon?"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

"Are you serious?!"

"I've been here for over a decade, and this is the first I've heard of any such thing as dragons south of Shattered Rock Peak in Thunder County."

"Great, Silver Pine Town first encounters a Witch Demon, now discovers a dragon; next, somebody will probably end up fighting the Demon King."

"At least he didn't end up like that shoe-thrower, losing his great sword."

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