It was two days before Paul saw Alexander again.
He had thought the guy might never show up again. To his surprise, Alexander not only appeared at the tavern out of the blue, but even came over to greet him.
He had also come specifically to say goodbye.
"I'm planning to leave, and I probably won't be back for a long time, so I wanted to let you know."
Alexander looked much the same as usual, though he had changed his clothes.
"I see. Guess it's time to say goodbye, then."
Paul nodded.
People came and went constantly in Ars City. Adventurers like Alexander generally stayed for a while because of a commission, then left soon after their business was done.
More often than not, people who met by chance would never see each other again.
"Let me buy you one last drink before you go," Paul offered.
"No, let me treat you instead. First, I owe you for all that advice you gave me. It really helped me out. Second, this is my last drink before I leave, and I don't want any of that cheap swill."
As Alexander spoke, he tossed a few Magic Crystals to the tavern keeper.
Those things were hard currency wherever you went.
Alexander traveled far and wide, and exchanging money all the time was too much trouble, so he generally paid with Magic Crystals.
"Quite the big spender."
Paul chuckled. He didn't really mind either way. With his current wealth, what kind of wine couldn't he afford? Sometimes, though, drinking something too fancy made it hard to fit in.
"Well, cheers?"
"Cheers."
Paul clinked his cup against Alexander's, then drained it in one gulp.
Setting down his empty cup, Paul slung an arm around Alexander's shoulders with easy familiarity and asked with a