Chapter 8.1

The largest inn in Haven, the Polly Inn, was frequented by wealthy merchants, high-ranking adventurers, and elite mercenaries.

In contrast, officials or knights visiting from the High Tower typically stayed at the homes of the market leader or the city’s affluent citizens.

“Balzac, you should have informed me if Her Highness the Grand Duke was coming…”

“If I had informed you in advance, how would that be a covert inspection?”

“Even so, isn’t it improper for Her Highness to stay at an inn like this? Please allow us to host her properly, even now.”

“An inn like this? Polly would feel insulted to hear that.”

A hushed conversation took place between Balzac, a high-ranking knight second only to Arina among the five knights, and Haven’s market leader.

“Of course, I acknowledge that the Polly Inn has spacious rooms and excellent facilities. But this place is frequented by adventurers, mercenaries, and merchants. There are too many prying eyes. And above all…”

The market leader lowered his voice conspicuously as he continued.

“This place sees many imperial adventurers.”

“In exchange, we can ensure that no one knows Her Highness is in Haven.”

“…!”

“It’s fine. We’ll only be in Haven for at most four days. Perhaps longer if there’s trouble with the Arad salt, but we won’t exceed five days.”

“But…”

“Don’t stress too much, leader. We’ve done this before, haven’t we?”

“W-We’ve done this before?!”

“Of course. Covert inspections must be conducted regularly and consistently.”

“…!”

“By the way, I must admit, I’m a bit disappointed.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“You should have reported the Arad salt immediately. You’re aware of the Empire’s recent disputes over spices, aren’t you?”

“Well… I-I was going to report it soon…”

“Oh, were you now?”

“Please believe me!”

“I’ll believe you if you tell the truth.”

“Well… to be honest, I planned to report it after Polly and the other chefs in Haven deciphered the Arad salt recipe. Once Her Highness hears of it, we might never taste Arad stew in Haven again.”

“If that’s your reasoning, I can understand. I’ll let it slide.”

“Thank you!”

The market leader, who narrowly escaped the crisis, wiped his cold sweat with a handkerchief and shifted the topic.

“So, what brings you here so discreetly this time?”

“I have some business in the Demon Realm.”

In truth, it was because of Polly’s letter. However, Balzac told a white lie, fearing it might strain the relationship between Polly and the market leader.

“Does Her Highness plan to hunt monsters? Or has a dungeon from the Golden Age been discovered in the Demon Realm?”

“Neither. And forgive me, but I can’t share the details yet.”

Since there was no concrete reason for the Demon Realm visit, Balzac genuinely had nothing to reveal.

“If Her Highness and you, Sir Balzac, are personally involved, it must be significant. Shouldn’t Haven prepare in advance?”

“Don’t worry. Haven won’t be affected. And as I said, we’ve done this before.”

“Hmm…”

“Truly, there’s no need to worry. Both I and Her Highness recognize your excellent management of Haven.”

“R-Really?”

“We’ve confirmed that you don’t impose tolls and keep the territorial tax below 20%. Beyond that… everything seems in order.”

“Phew…”

“That’s why it’s crucial to keep Her Highness’s presence here and my identity a secret.”

‘Since we’re here, I might as well suggest to Her Highness that we enjoy some time in the Demon Realm.’

Balzac entertained the thought while subtly reminding those present.

“If any rumors spread before we leave Haven, I’ll know it came from loose lips in this room.”

“Understood. We’ll keep this strictly confidential!”

“From now on, avoid using titles like ‘Her Highness.’ Address me as Dominic.”

“Yes, of course…”

Though they nodded, the market leader and Haven officials couldn’t fathom why someone as prominent as the Grand Duke would travel so covertly.

“By the way, what do you know about a man named Arad Jin? I heard he recently appeared in Haven.”

“I’ve spoken with Arad a few times over meals at Jack’s Inn. From what I gather, his ancestors fled to the Eastern Continent during the Age of Savagery to escape orcs.”

“I know that much. What I’m asking about is Arad’s life before he arrived in Haven.”

“They say he wandered the continent as an adventurer before coming here.”

“An adventurer? I’ve never heard of an adventurer named Arad Jin.”

“He was a mid-to-lower-ranked D-class adventurer.”

“D-class? Certainly not an imperial adventurer, then. But I hear he’s an excellent healer and an outstanding cook?”

“However, his combat skills were so poor that he mostly did menial tasks in adventurer groups. I heard he came to the North by chance.”

“Hmm…”

Balzac furrowed his brow.

‘Poor combat skills?’

He had watched Arad cooking at Jack’s Inn earlier. With such dexterous hands, if he had trained with a sword, he could have easily reached the level of a mid-tier knight.

“That’s suspicious.”

“Suspicious? Haven’s history is full of individuals with unusual pasts. Arad isn’t even remarkable in that regard.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Is that considered normal?”

“Yes. Arad salt makes him seem unique, but that’s about it.”

“True… Haven does have many adventurers from the Empire. Considering that…”

Their conversation was interrupted.

“Her Highness is arriving.”