My Home (Part Two)

Tales frowned, his expression darkening. "A girl?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Tampa looked him up and down, rolling his shoulders with an enlightened expression. "With such delicate features, sitting so stiffly with your legs tightly shut, if you didn't speak, I really would've thought you were a girl."

With mixed feelings, Tales managed a strained smile.

"He's new to the trade." Kuaishang coughed until his face flushed red, finally catching his breath. "We just rescued him from the desert... Please, go easy on him."

Tampa stared intently at Tales, making him rather uneasy.

A few seconds later, Tampa's brows relaxed.

He bent down again.

"Come on!"

"Since he's Kuaishang's gi... I mean, since he was introduced by him..." As Tampa straightened up, a mug filled with froth was slammed down in front of Tales. The Tavern Owner's voice was hearty and cheerful. "Your first drink. Genuine Western Wasteland old ale, on the house!"

Tales, who had just been mistaken for a girl, was instantly overwhelmed by the warm welcome.

"Thank you!"

Kuaishang's reputation was surprisingly useful.

The Prince politely pulled the mug toward himself. Watching Kuaishang smile in satisfaction, he wondered what kind of drink it was.

"I knew it. With so many people suddenly arriving at Bladefang Camp... nothing good could come of it." Tampa leaned over the bar and poured Kuaishang a second drink. "Ashmongers, was it? So this is another Desert War?"

Kuaishang's expression fell.

"No."

"Dean said it wasn't."

His expression stiff, he gulped down the second drink. This time, Kuaishang did not cough.

"Is that so?"

Tampa thoughtfully filled his mug again. "But at least..."

"The good news is that no one in your party ever deposited money with me, so I won't have to return any..."

Kuaishang's mug rose halfway before stopping in the