Again, the gang opted to ask another town local, and they were directed to the Jewelry store's specified location somewhere in the north-western corner of the district. 

In a short while, the gang arrived at the store. The place is undoubtedly also an attraction, especially to jewelry connoisseurs or other people who just simply adore the exceptional quality of ornamental accessories. Of course, some customers, most notably Enchanters, purchased this grandiloquent item as a medium for their Enchanting trade, offering both grandeur display and powerful effects in their a.r.s.enal.

Overall, The Velvet Box is a shop who the rich and n.o.bility would frequent in this part of the Trade Town, indulging themselves in the eloquent world of the wealthy. Speaking of the shop's physical appearance, the establishment seemed quite welcoming at first glance, where people, mostly the rich-looking, are seen entering and exiting the place. 

Although it was mentioned that the rich and n.o.bility are the usual patrons of the shop, all people with different backgrounds and ways of life are welcomed here, and the shopkeeper himself would never deny a person's right, as long as he or she possessed the gold of course. In the long run, coin only matters.

The gang entered the shop so they can get this over with and depart themselves full of gold in their purse. Of course, that really meant metaphorically since the gold will actually be stored in Gray's Inventory instead.

 ***

Thankfully, things have gone according to plan for the gang, and they were able to garner exactly 11,868 gold from the box of jewelry that they presented to the dealer.

Speaking of the dealer, the proprietor of The Velvet Box, a male Dwarf, was undoubtedly in awe when he peered the jewelry inside the box that the gang has shown to him. He was more than happy to receive and add it to his growing merchandise, discerning some of the most beautiful gemstones, rings, and necklaces that he has ever seen. When the Dwarf asked where did Gray get his jewelry collection from, the elf simply weaved an unreal tale that it was given to him by a wealthy n.o.ble friend of his from Chadena as a favor that he rendered some time ago.

Of course, Gray could have told the Dwarf that it came from the good Lady Stephania, but he doesn't want to risk anyone finding out anything about his involvement in rescuing the Lady. If the mastermind is investigating, he or she may be able to find out about the jewelry reward from the Dwarf. If the mastermind is smart enough and was capable of putting the pieces of the mystery puzzle together, it may ultimately lead to Gray's potential demise. As a result, it would be entirely wise that the elf will be remaining cautious in his every dealings here at Flocaster, where a kidnapping wh.o.r.eson of a Mage is still on the loose. Overall, Gray just did not want to risk it and opted for this particular safety measure that he thought of, denying his involvement in the kidnapping incident.

After thanking the Dwarf for his remarkable service, the gang now set their further plans into motion, making their way to the Devil's Hub district, the part of the town where the recreation establishments are located. It's the district that's mostly occupied at night, where the citizens, n.o.ble or common-folk, without prejudice or exception to the social hierarchy, would luxuriate in an evening of revelry and excitement, that is, if they have the coin to do so.

The Devil's Hub accommodated people of Flocaster with fun and entertainment, a den of carousing, and merrymaking as they say. The district consisted mainly of gambling sites, taverns, inns, brothels, and anything to satisfy a person's worldly desire. As per the Devil name of the district itself, it's definitely a place of sin that an individual can't help but be tempted by the many luscious and desirable things that the site has to offer and marvel. It's no surprise that gambling, drinking, and prost.i.tution is always rampant around these parts, where lonely n.o.blemen would mostly seek the services of a wench to turn their world upside-down in a night of vigorous fornication with screams that appeal to a Divine deity.

Thankfully, the afternoon is still young, meaning the streets are not crowded and is a peaceful scenario when the gang eventually step foot at the place. There are also the usual Bards and other performers playing around their proximity.

Additionally and as tipped to them by the Dwarven Jewelry dealer a while ago while on their small chat together during the transaction of sale, there are… Flower Girls roaming around the district where the townsfolk refer kindly to the wenches in search of a willing client to satisfy s.e.xually for gold. True to the women's known alias, they each carry a basket of flowers while wearing alluring dresses that show a fair amount of skin to entice any men or even women to sin. The flowers, they sell it as a form of side business from the local Florist who at the same time is the esteemed madam who also oversaw every Flower Girl and provided each of them with protection and rights as a legitimate business approved by the Count. 

And right now, one of the women, a red-haired human beauty wearing a black sleeveless dress with a white hooded cowl, approached the gang with an angelic smile.

"Hail to you, my lord." The redhead greeted Gray and his companions. "Should I interest you with some flowers in my basket? Or perhaps… do you prefer the flower that's underneath my lower garment, hehe."

The last statement, the Flower Girl, said it seductively without any shred of shame, acting all too beguiling in an attempt to entice the elf to purchase her for a night of carnal services.

As a healthy man with a normal fascination for the female body, Gray was slightly caught off guard by the redhead's s.e.xual innuendo and blushed a bit. He had to admit, though, that was a good one, and he is more than tempted to take her offer. No doubt, the woman was gorgeous, and any sensible man with working hormones will be willing to spend the night with her. Although such was not Gray's business at this moment and is not a very good time, considering that he has a company behind him. The elf would be an absolute a.s.s for abandoning his companions in favor of indulging his libido. As a result, he politely rejected the redhead as how a n.o.ble gentleman should.

 [+1 GOOD] [+1 ORDER]

"I thank you for the offer, fair maiden." Gray smiled with a calm mind, suppressing his ardor. "But I have other things to do. Hmm, maybe I'll just purchase one of your goods instead."

"Very well." The redhead merely retained her sweet smile and presented the flowers to the gang. 

"Let's see." Gray thought for a moment before picking a flower. His attention was caught by the sight of a particular white daisy in the bouquet, which he's quite familiar, due to his alchemy lessons in the past. As a result, he opted to ask for confirmation. "Can you tell me what that flower is?"

"It appears that you possess a good sight, my lord." The redhead gave her praise. "This flower is known is the Dead Daisy. Legend said that it only grows where death is nearby, thus mostly found at graveyards and receives its nourishment from the deceased. If you're looking for its alchemical applications, you're in luck as it also serves as an effective numbing agent in the hands of an alchemist.

"Huh, then it appears that my hunch is correct, after all," Gray said with triumphant as he indeed recognized the flower of interest. As an alchemist, he's always in a lookout for ingredients that he can use for crafting potions or poisons, and flowers fall into that category. "Alright, I'll take that then."

"Splendid, that will be nine gold." The redhead was delighted. Even if it's only a small amount of coin, it's still better than nothing. After their transaction is over, the gang and the redhead all departed with satisfied terms.

As the gang continued their trek, more Flower Girls are seen around the area conducting their own trade. Some of them are even seen with the company of men, going on about with whatever mischief that they'll be performing should they find themselves a bedroom to spend the night.

Isamu, at best, ignored the women and thought of it as nothing big of a deal. In his opinion, none of them mattered, and Sarah is the only woman in his mind and heart. So the cat-folk steeled his resolve and pushed the temptations away from his mind. Sure when he was unattached and free of any romantic relations.h.i.+ps, the cat-folk would sometimes entertain himself in the services of a wenches together with some friends from the guild, but those days are long gone now and having Sarah in his life definitely did wonders to him, both spiritually and financially, ever since he fell stricken with love on her every being.

For Lily, she could not help but shook her head with a deep sigh at the prospect of women offering their bodies for gold. Not that she detested those kinds of individuals in any way or anything, but Lily simply thought that there are other ways to earn a profitable amount of income rather than falling to this kind of dirty work.

Selena, technically a child, still was in the dark about this kind of adult matters. Because of this, she decided to ask Gray about it should the opportunity presented itself at its earliest convenience, perhaps asking what type of flower that was referred underneath the redhead's lower garment as a start.

Walking further into the district and asking a local for the direction to the Musician's Pub, they eventually arrived at the said tavern that's located somewhere at one of the district's clear streets.

Speaking of the Musician's Pub, the tavern from the outside looked rustic and intimate while possessing a cozy ambiance that one can take comfort at. Hardwood logs make up most of the establishment's architectural design. It's slightly tricky to see through the gla.s.s windows, but the entertained chatters of the tavern patrons can be heard from where the gang stood.

Without wasting further time, the gang went inside the pub to get over with whatever business that they have. Hopefully, this Julian character is inside, so their ventures here are not wasted. 

That, and Gray's other quest too, to which his companions are also quite aware when he consulted with them. Selena and Lily merely agreed and stated their complete cooperation with whatever quest that this Emissary has in store for him. Although the ladies also warn him to be careful with his undertakings around a stranger. Isamu was having mixed feelings about the matter. As long as the quest does not involve murder or atrocity to the innocent, he too will cooperate. The cat-folk can be quite flexible in his morals, the same as the elf. Hopefully, Gray's personal quest from a dark ent.i.ty won't be entirely bad.

Entering the tavern, the four were greeted by the display of the people on their respective seats minding their own affairs, chatting and drinking with one another. Because the afternoon is still young, there really aren't a lot of customers here at this particular time of a typical workday. The tavern keeper, a cat-folk surprisingly, was seen behind the counter, wiping off the plates with a clean rag. Said cat-folk had brown fur and wore a simple white s.h.i.+rt with brown trousers and boots.

As they were about to go to the tavern-keeper's direction to ask if he saw a Bard named Julian here inside, the gang and every occupant of the tavern all heard a loud smash of the table followed by a man's enraged scream coming precisely from the lower left corner of the room.

"YOU MOTHERf.u.c.kER!!!"