Harvest Tavern, a gathering place for some of the Lone Wolves among the players.
During the interval before entering the next dungeon world, Lone Wolves traded the spoils they had obtained from the previous dungeon world here. Most of the time, these were scattered transactions, but when premium goods occasionally appeared, large-scale trading would take place.
Of course, the appearance of Le Mei the "Alchemist" was an exception.
However, that alcohol-loving "Alchemist" did not appear today.
Lawless, who was often holed up in the tavern, was absent as well. After casually sending Lawless a private message, Qin Ran swept his gaze over the sparsely populated tavern.
The proprietress, Rachel, stood behind the bar carefully polishing a wineglass. Her golden hair gleamed beneath the spotlights, complementing her purple overalls and white shirt, making her look exceptionally alert, capable, and charming in her own way.
Yet the Lone Wolves who frequented this place all knew the proprietor's true nature. Not one of them dared to look at her twice. They all lowered their heads and went about their own business.
Thus, they failed to notice Rachel's momentary distraction after Qin Ran entered.
"Crow..."
A murmur as soft as a mosquito's buzz sounded.
Rachel stared blankly at Qin Ran.
The black figure, the fire crow on his left shoulder, began to overlap and merge with the figure she had never forgotten.
"Hey, Rachel!"
Qin Ran raised a hand in greeting.
"Mm!"
Rachel answered, then lowered her head without another word. She appeared to be polishing the glass, but the white cloth had stopped moving entirely.
Then Rachel turned around, presenting her back to Qin Ran.
Drops of moisture appeared on the white cloth.
Qin Ran rubbed the tip of his nose, slightly embarrassed.
It was different from the unrestrained ease he had when