Night.
The bustling bar was as lively as ever, but with one less waitress, Balkin seemed rather rushed and flustered.
Aaron glanced over the counter and called to Balkin, who was busy beyond measure. "Bring me a lemonade."
"Yes, boss."
Balkin replied, immediately bringing Aaron a glass filled with water, with a slice of lime tucked onto its rim.
Aaron casually took a sip, glanced around, and said, "Pretty busy tonight. We are two hands short, after all... How has William been lately?"
That kid had volunteered to explore the church last time and nearly thrown his life away! If he had not arranged for Carl to rescue him beforehand, he might never have seen the kid again. Even so, William had been badly hurt when he returned, with three broken ribs.
"With your medicine, boss, he is almost recovered. But he seems a little dispirited. He is working down in the wine cellar right now."
Balkin answered.
"Ah, young people always have to get hurt in love. That is youth..."
Aaron sighed. Then his eyes shifted as he thought for a moment. "After Isabet, the bar needs to hire again. Go find another two waitresses."
"Certainly. I have wanted to suggest that for a while. What are the requirements?" Balkin asked.
"Requirements?" A faint smile touched Aaron's lips as he thought of certain preferences of William's. He said solemnly, "Naturally, they must be young and pretty, beautiful and charming. And they need to be well-endowed, especially with prominent curves..."
"I understand, boss..."
The night grew deeper, and the bar's front door was suddenly thrown open, letting the freezing wind outside rush in.
Quite a few drunks looked up toward the entrance and saw a young man walk in.
He wore a pitch-black cloak that concealed both his chest