Time slowly moved into February.
Hunter Bar.
Aaron was in a good mood. Good news had come from Halsey—he had found a trader with genuine interest.
Of course, more detailed information would require a meeting in the Black Queen District tonight.
For transactions of this level, even with a reliable intermediary, several rounds of contact were the norm.
Morning sunlight spilled in through the windows, and there were hardly any customers in the bar.
Clearly, Aaron's scheme to renovate the bar during the daytime and turn it into a coffeehouse for profit had failed rather shamefully...
William, who had been wiping down tables, raised his head absentmindedly.
Last night... Isabet had been absent.
It was simply unbelievable.
'Isabet's been acting very strangely lately... often dazed and distracted. Is it because of me?'
'But I clearly felt that she liked me. Was that just an illusion?'
'But surely she wouldn't quit this job over something like that?'
William was deeply worried. This was not the way Lower City residents behaved.
'Perhaps... Isabet was suddenly injured or gravely ill. I should go see her... Huh? Isabet never told me which number on Mary Street she lives at...'
William glanced at Aaron, who was leisurely reading the newspaper, then went behind the bar.
Before long, he approached Aaron carrying a tray laden with pastries and fruit. "Boss... would you like another cup of coffee?"
"Oh?"
Aaron swept William a glance, a mocking smile on his face. "Haven't you always treated divination as arduous coursework? Why are you so eager today? Who do you want to divine for? Isabet? Oh, right, she didn't come last night. Should I fire her?"
"Boss... Isabet told me she was sick and wanted to take leave. I forgot to tell you last night."
In his panic, William began