Investigation

The taverns were much livelier than other places, especially the one in the Old Town called 'Pig and Whistle.' Stephan hesitated before following Harf into the tavern; even standing at the door, he could smell the intoxicating aroma. The liquor had completely permeated the wood. Besides, the tavern was filled with the shouts of the Dwarf. Separated from the Old Town by only a river, the Dwarven District, once dusk fell, would see its heavy-drinking Dwarf swarm here like bees returning to their hive.

Stephan and Harf went inside at the same time, only to find that what they saw was far worse than Stephen had imagined. Empty glasses, completely emptied, lay scattered about; wooden benches were overturned, and Dwarf lay sprawled on the floor. Stephan couldn't help but wonder how the tavern owner could tolerate these troublemakers.

"Come in quickly, Stephan, or you'll have to buy me a drink." Harf walked ahead, seemingly excited to be there.

Stephan felt a little uncomfortable. He had been in Stormwind City for three months, but this was his first time in Old Town tavern. "We should go back to where we rest," he said, bumping into a staggering, flushed Dwarf.

The other person held out a hand to him, "Come on, have a drink with me, young lady!"

Stephan easily dodged it. The Dwarf bumped into the chair, then fell to the ground and passed out.

"This is the perfect place to rest. Otherwise, why would all these Dwarf who have been busy all day come here?" Harf went to the bar and found a seat at random.

"The rest I meant was a place to sleep," Stephan said, looking at his friend helplessly.

"Nighttime isn't just for sleeping, young man. My taverns are famous throughout Stormwind City." The speaker was a middle-aged man with gray hair. He appeared to be the owner of the tavern.

"This is the hotel owner, Rhys Langston."

'Well, he certainly knows this place well.'

Stephan nodded and smiled politely at Rhys.

"Outsider?"

"Yes," he replied, "But I've been here for three months now."

"But you're probably not familiar with this place." Rhys had started chatting with Stephan without realizing it. "The Old Town, this is the most unique place in Stormwind City, even more special than the Mage District."

"It's incredibly noisy," Stephan said, glancing at the Dwarf playing rock-paper-scissors.

"Isn't this the case in every tavern?" Rhys wiped a glass several times. Stephan thought he just wanted to talk to him and them. "This is a paradise for thieves and gangsters, you know?"

Stephan instinctively touched his clothes to make sure his purse was still there. He thought Rhys was just joking, but the tavern owner's gaze seemed so serious.

"It sounds like this place is dangerous."

"Besides the two types of people mentioned above, this place is also a paradise for talented and extraordinary individuals. Whether you are here for fame or for profit, there is no better place than this."

"Rhys, fill my... full glass, and I want strong liquor!"

The tavern owner immediately complied, casually pocketing the copper coins left on the bar.

"Sorry, business is a bit busy." Rhys gave an awkward smile, then continued, "But you have to be careful in the Old Town, or you'll get your wallet stolen and your throat slit as soon as you enter. The law may not work here."

Rhys gave Stephan a thoughtful smile at the end. Another group of guests arrived, and he had to go and greet them.

"Is this a warning?" Stephan looked at Harf. The other man simply shrugged.

The initial confusion was quickly dispelled by the aromas of Dwarf spirits and Dalaran grape wine. Gradually, Stephan felt his consciousness begin to blur; he really wasn't good at drinking. Yet, he lingered in the tavern longer than the others. The atmosphere grew increasingly quiet...

"Give him a strong drink."

He heard someone say that beside him, and there was no doubt that "he" was himself. But the voice offering him a drink didn't come from Harf. Stephan slightly opened his drowsy eyes and saw that his friend was already fast asleep.

"Thank you, friend. But right now I can probably only drink juice."

"Sometimes, alcohol can help you regain your sobriety and keep you calm."

Stephan laughed, fueled by his drunkenness. He looked at the man who had spoken to him. Though his vision was blurry, he could still make out the man's deep brown eyes, the same color as his hair. From the first glance, Stephan felt this man was no ordinary person. This reminded him of what Rhys Langston had said—be careful in the Old Town, or you'll get your wallet stolen and your throat slit. He could already see two sharp daggers at the man's waist.

The beer had been placed in front of Stephan, a strong beer that he didn't like.

"Thank you, friend. But why did you offer me this drink?" Stephan took a sip; he didn't intend to drink any more. This small sip was just to show he didn't want to disappoint the other person's kindness.

The man held the same bottle of wine as him. "Stephan Marius, just the son of Jonathan Marius the candy merchant, and the brother of Nathanos Marius. You joined Lady Jaina's Alliance Expedition and were among the first humans to go to Kalimdor."

Stephan became alert; the numbing effect of the alcohol had worn off considerably.

How do you know so much about me?

"I don't know much about you, but I know your cousin, and you have a good relationship with him."

"You know Nathanos?" Stephan broke out in a cold sweat.

"Just a brief encounter." The man gulped down half a glass of wine and wiped the corner of his beard. "I've investigated him, and you too."

Stephan was completely bewildered. Before figuring out the other party's purpose, he told himself he couldn't panic. "You investigated me and my cousin? Then why are you telling me?"

"Because we need to have a serious talk, and you also have to talk to me."

"I'm afraid I can't do as you wish," Stephan sneered. "This drink isn't worth the hours I've spent chatting with you." He was surprised because the glass was empty; a few words from the other man had made him unknowingly finish a shot of liquor. More importantly, he was sober!

"Then let's have a few more drinks, but we'd better go somewhere else. I have a lot of fine wines in my collection, I'm sure you'll get completely drunk."

The man's eyes were full of warning, as if to say: If you don't come with me, you'll be bleeding on the spot.

Who exactly are you?

"My name is Shaw, Mathias Shaw!"