Published at 28th of October 2026 8:06 am

Chapter 2145: The Tavern Owner

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The Rabbit Hole was bustling as ever.

The tavern was packed with adventurers, mercenaries, Magi, and Paladins. The mixed scent of roasted meat, spilled ale, and sweat mingled in the air. Laughter and arguments filled the hall.

The staff moved tirelessly between tables, carrying trays of food and drinks while shouting orders over the din.

And in the middle of it all stood the massive opening that gave the tavern its name.

The Hole.

One adventurer after another was lowered into its depths, secured by sturdy ropes and operated by a group of experienced staff. Every so often, adventurers emerged from the Hole, carrying their spoils or nursing fresh wounds.

It was the same cycle day after day.

The Rabbit Hole was always booming, its lively atmosphere fueled by the endless stream of adventurers seeking fortune, fame, and the thrill of exploring the unknown.

Hannibal stood at his usual spot—behind the bar counter—cleaning mugs and serving drinks.

Just as he put down a mug and picked up another to wipe, the deluge of sound around him abruptly vanished. And at the counter, a figure suddenly appeared and took a seat.

The strange thing was that no one could see this figure at all.

He appeared middle-aged. Long silver hair tied in a ponytail flowed over his shoulders and reached his waist. He wore simple white robes. His eyes were silver, just like his hair.

Yet there was something predatory about those eyes. Black vertical slits occupied their centers, lending his gaze the air of a beast watching its prey.

He looked regal and noble, like a celestial who had come to visit the mortal world.

Hannibal did not address him. Instead, he first retrieved a vintage wine bottle from his private stash and poured wine into two glasses. He offered one to the mysterious guest and took one for himself.

The two silently drank wine. Hannibal filled the glasses again.

At last, the silver-haired figure spoke, "Ad-Umaroi?"

Hannibal smiled faintly. "Twelve thousand years old."

The figure nodded in appreciation. "Very good wine."

"So." Hannibal’s smile vanished. "What brings the Dragon of Davos to my humble tavern?"

Ajax did not reply immediately. He swirled the wine in the glass and savored the flavor.

"Your student has been snooping around in the wrong places, my friend."

"Is that so?" Hannibal asked. "Where, may I ask?"

"Fortune’s End," Ajax replied. "He went there to meet Leto Morgan."

Hannibal was silent. He poured himself and his fellow Unknown Lord another glass.

Ajax continued, "I do not know how, but he has somehow figured out where to look."

The silver dragon looked at his friend and said in a solemn voice:

"Hannibal, if he continues his path and somehow manages to uncover the truth, the arrangement with the Somnia Clan will be void. The fact that we enlisted outside help to depose Norwood and install Damon as the Known Lord will come to light."

Hannibal remained silent.

Ajax studied him for a moment before continuing, "Will you stop him from poking his nose into matters that do not concern him?"

"That do not concern him?" Hannibal chuckled lightly. "But they do concern him, do they not?"

Ajax did not reply. He knew exactly how involved Adam was.

"Will you please divert his attention elsewhere?" he asked after a few moments.

"No."

Ajax’s eyes narrowed.

Hannibal continued, "I already compromised once when my friend was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. I will not clean up after your mess again, Ajax."

Ajax fell silent for a few seconds before replying. "There are many powerful factions involved in this clutter left behind by Norwood. It would be unwise for your student to get involved. Hannibal, please reconsider."

"No."

Ajax sighed. "Why? He’s just a kid."

"I won’t fight his battles for him," Hannibal said. "That is not what a teacher is supposed to do."

He glanced at the silver dragon. "My responsibility is to teach him how to fight, how to survive, and how to make his own decisions. What he chooses to do with those lessons is up to him."

Ajax frowned. "Even if he uncovers the truth?"

"One day, he eventually will." Hannibal smiled. "I have already dishonored myself by keeping it a secret from him. I will not dishonor myself further by preventing him from discovering the truth."

Ajax looked deeply at his old friend. In the end, he sighed helplessly. "I will do what is right for Davos."

"Do what you must," Hannibal said. "But do not cross the line, Ajax. There is only so much I am willing to overlook."

Ajax rose to his feet. "Thanks for the wine."

With that, he disappeared.

The sounds came roaring back into Hannibal’s ears. The others sitting at the bar counter never even noticed that a dragon in humanoid form had just been there. No one realized. No one except Hannibal.

He suddenly turned his head and looked beneath the counter. A couple of seconds later, a little snake tore through space and appeared with a letter nestled in its mouth. Hannibal accepted the letter and watched it return to the spirit world.

A minute later, he destroyed the letter after reading its contents.

Hannibal called one of the bouncers guarding the entrance and gave him instructions. A few minutes later, another familiar face entered the tavern.

"Been a while, lass." Hannibal smiled fondly. "How have you been?"

Genevieve graced him with a dazzling smile. "I’m great! It is so nice to see you again!"

"Something to eat?"

"Yes, please." Genevieve took a seat at the counter. "For two."

Suddenly, she noticed something amiss. She turned around and saw her handmaid standing frozen near the tavern’s entrance. Genevieve couldn’t help but frown.

"Moonie?" she called out. "What’s the matter?"

Moonie snapped out of her shock, arrived beside Genevieve, and took a seat. She kept casting nervous glances at Hannibal. It was as if she couldn’t even hear her lady speak. Such was the nervousness coursing through her veins.

Genevieve observed her quietly, her gaze shifting between Moonie and Hannibal. She could sense her immense nervousness, but also the utmost respect and admiration in her eyes.

Hannibal arrived before the pair again, bringing with him two glasses and a bottle of wine. He poured wine for Genevieve and Moonie. The latter looked extremely uncomfortable.

"Here, I’m just a tavern owner," Hannibal said to Moonie. "No one else."

"Yes, sir!" Moonie replied respectfully, almost shooting to her feet.

Hannibal sighed helplessly before moving on to tend to other customers.

"What’s the matter?" Genevieve leaned sideways and asked. "How do you know Hannibal?"

Moonie hesitated, torn between her duty to her lady and the Imperium. At last, she said with an apologetic bow:

"I’m so sorry, my lady. The tavern owner doesn’t wish to reveal his identity. I must respect his wishes. Please. I hope you can understand."

Genevieve was startled. Although she did not mind at all, she was clearly surprised by Moonie’s response.

"It’s all right," she said. "No need to apologize."

"Thank you, my lady." Moonie sighed in relief.

Genevieve’s gaze shifted to Hannibal.

She couldn’t help but become curious about his true identity.

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