In truth, the shop had opened the previous day.
However, upon his arrival, the entire city was shuttered with skeletal archers and necromancers stationed at top the walls, suggesting an imminent battle.
Although the undead did not attack him, they barred his entry into the city.
After calling out several times to no avail, he returned to Plure City.
It was only today when the gates opened that he could finally inform Fong Hao.
Ah, yes, yesterday was indeed the grand opening, Fonggho recalled.
He had planned to organize some promotional activities to attract customers, but the assault by orcs and trolls had overshadowed those intentions.
By the way, were there many patrons? Fungho inquired again.
Yesterday, there were hardly any visitors.
Today, however, the manager has significantly reduced the prices of beverages, which has drawn in a few customers, the infantryman replied.
Very well, you may return now.
I shall visit Pluer City shortly.
Yes, my lord, the infantryman responded before turning to mount his steed and depart.
After enjoying breakfast, Fonho set out for Pluto City within Jia.
Having not visited for 2 days, he found the city unchanged, leaving the giant lizard outside the gates.
The two entered directly.
The tavern, which had been closed, had reopened, and now was the time for tidying up the establishment.
Upon reaching his shop, the sign emlazed with the words refreshing delights, stood out prominently.
The number of patrons inside far exceeded what the infantrymen had reported.
Each individual was drenched in sweat, wiping their brows while continuously shoveling food into their mouths.
They struggled with chopsticks, primarily lifting slices of meat and vegetables from the hot pot before consuming them.
"Master Shiaoai," standing behind the counter, beamed upon seeing Fong Hao, her fluffy tail wagging enthusiastically.
"There are quite a few customers," Fungha remarked.
"Indeed, yesterday saw a der of patrons, prompting a significant reduction in the prices of beverages today.
The primary allure, however, lies in the aromatic broth crafted by sister, whose enticing fragrance wafts through the entire street.
Xiaoa beams with joy, her expression radiant.
In this era, the common folk face a scarcity of food with little regard for gourmet delights.
For an ordinary household, a meal may consist of mere bread dipped in salt.
The emergence of hot pot cuisine is bound to garner immense popularity.
Moreover, as this culinary trend is still in its nent stage, other establishments will find it arduous to replicate, Fungha can rely on hot pot to generate substantial revenue for an extended period.
Well done, Fong Hao commended.
Thank you, master, Xiaoa replied, her face a glow with happiness as her tail wagged enthusiastically.
All right, you all get back to work.
I shall head to the tavern across the street to post a bounty, Fongghao announced.
understood.
Master Xiao by responded.
After bidding farewell to Xiaoa, Fongghao exited the shop and entered the tavern, pushing the door open.
At this hour, the tavern had yet to officially open for business.
Upon seeing Fong Ho enter, the proprietor shot him a piercing glare.
Yet her demeanor remained alluring.
"Young man, how could you be so inconsiderate, selling your drinks at such low prices? Has your sister mistreated you?" The proprie was brimming with frustration.
She had always treated Fong how well, sharing news with him.
Yet, he had turned out to be an ungrateful wretch, inadvertently jeopardizing her business by undercutting prices.
With her clientele dwindling, her long-standing establishment would face closure.
Fonggho interjected.
Who told you not to assist me? Isn't that rather inscrupulous? The proprietor, gritting her teeth, noticing her genuine fury, as if ready to eject him.
Fong Hao quickly clarified, "It's merely a promotional event for these couple of days, and the beverages are only light fruit wines, which won't encroach upon your customers.
Really, given our familiarity, would I truly attempt to steal your clientele? However, I fear that your patrons may dwindle slightly in the coming days.
After all, with lower prices, some will inevitably come to try.
" Fong how elucidated.
The impact on the tavern was certain, yet would not be insurmountable.
The automatically brewed beverages resembled fruit wines.
Suitable for all rather than catering to those seeking a drunken revalry.
"At least you possess a semblance of conscience," she remarked.
Fonhouse settled at the bar and the proprie beer.
"By the way, what is that delightful aroma wafting from your establishment?" She inquired curiously as the fragrance permeated the tavern.
The bartenders, too, were working while salivating.
It's hot hot.
You should try it sometime.
It's truly dectable.
Oof.
Given our rapport, you wouldn't dare charge me, would you? The proprie teased, playfully, tossing her hair.
I'll offer you a friend discount.
Fongghao replied with a smirk.
They exchanged light banter for a while before Fong Hao turned his attention back to the notice board.
Why is there nothing here? No new maps, no bounties, he remarked, pointing at the empty board.
What a situation.
The tavern has only just been permitted to reopen after a prolonged closure.
And had it not been for the capture of the Firewolf mercenary group, it might have remained shuttered indefinitely.
At this juncture, the proprietors cast a serious gaze upon Fong How? and inquired, "Was it you who captured the Firewolf?" "What? I lack such capabilities.
Was it not the city lord who apprehended them?" Fonha replied, leaning forward.
The proprietor whispered, "Nonsense.
If he could have captured them, he would have avenged his son by now.
You mentioned the firewolf to me previously.
It must have been you.
Funo shrugged.
It wasn't me.
Your wild imaginings are feudal.
Hymph.
I possess the keenest judgment.
Your attempts at denial are in vain.
Disinterested in further debate.
Fonhow produced five gold coins.
Please rewrite the bounty.
This is for the past 25 days.
Very well.
The proprie accepted the coins and proceeded to rewrite the information regarding the sword of mercy.
Each valid message would yield a reward of 100 gold coins.
Upon completion, Fong Hao, still unsatisfied, queried, "Is there truly no map or story for an adventure? I am eager to embark on a quest.
None whatsoever.
Must you, the wealthy Sion, be so restless? Why not enjoy your fortune instead of chasing after fanciful adventures? Have you indulged too much in nightly tales? In the territory of Dong Jiua, her realm thrived due to the exploration of ancient tombs.
The city walls were at level four, and she was amassing materials for level 5.
However, the prosperity of her expansive city had become a vulnerability.
The recent siege orchestrated by Zhao Chung Ming had cost her numerous soldiers, leaving her with fewer than 100.
With such a meager force, it was impossible to defend the vast expanse of the city walls.
The enemy, having dispersed, easily infiltrated the city and engaged in battle.
Faced with an adversary tenfold her numbers, even Dong Jiwa, despite her exceptional prowess, could only lead her remaining forces in a gradual retreat.
Ultimately taking refuge in the Lord's Manor for a final stand.
Outside the lord's manor, the enemy troops refrained from launching a direct assault and instead surrounded the premises.
The soldiers parted to allow two lords to approach.