Gala didn't explain further than that, simply saying Arthur needed to be ready when the time comes. Knowing that they had very little time before the battle breaks, Arthur decided to push the matter to the back of his mind.
Arthur knew that his arm would be hard to restore, even if he had his original arm. Not to mention, his soul realignment was also taking a toll on him. After Gala asked him what a human arm is for, he began to consider the other possibilities with more seriousness.
"We'll be arriving at Greva in a day or two," Rinzo said as he sharpened his sword. The image of a civilized butler has disappeared completely. What was left was a lizardman Knight with unquestionable loyalty.
"Did you choose a branch of the Raygok family?" Gala asked while sitting on the ice platform, a relaxed tone to her voice. Seeing her, one would think they were on vacation, not fleeing from a kingdom of legendary half-dragons and half-creatures.
Dia, their vehicle, seemed discontent with her roles as she huffed. She was the one who would use her Ice Phoenix's powers to carry them through the skies. The Little Spirit worked as well to conceal them.
"I'll give you another elixir if you need one," Arthur said to her quietly, but she didn't answer. After a few moments, he heard her mumble.
"Another dish..."
He smiled. As of late, he gave Gala and Dia dishes from his ring once a day. They were both incredibly delicious and nourishing, allowing them to be frugal with the food. They had one luxurious meal a day and two regular meals.
"I received intel that there's a secret branch of the Raygok family that is hidden from the public. The branch handles the family's private affairs and is led by their youngest son, the Lustful Rouge." Rinzo glanced at Arthur and Dia, seeming resentful.
Arthur knew the reason for that is his unwillingness to share the high-quality food with the lizardman. He didn't care what Rinzo felt because, in the end, only Dia and Gala were the ones following him.
"Isn't that a huge responsibility for someone with such a title?" Arthur asked, drawing his impression of this Lustful Rogue. "Or is it a simple matter of hiding a tree in the middle of a forest?"
"You use some strange metaphors sometimes." Gala furrowed her brows. "But yes, it's exactly like that. I also heard about this in the duke's mansion."
'Well, I guess some metaphors aren't the same in both worlds.' Arthur thought to himself. After spending over a month here in this world, he got used to the different species and customs, even though he still felt like an outsider.
"I think we should use the youngest son to get the information on the branch before we sneak in. That's why we'll need one of us to disguise themselves."
The three of them turned toward Arthur. He furrowed his brows, not understanding their reasoning. Seeing his expression, Gala began explaining.
"It's easier to add things than to hide them." She explained. "We can try disguising you as a Demi-human with a robe to cover your arm. No one would suspect that you're the Seika."
"Wouldn't you be a greater fit?"
"A beautiful woman attracts more attention; I'm sure there are countless posters of us everywhere."
"What about him?" Arthur looked at Rinzo.
"I've already met the Raygok Family before when they visited the duke last year." Rinzo shook his head. "The Lustful Rogue is bound to recognize me since we drank together at that time."
"Can we even disguise me as a Demi?" Arthur was curious. "I think I will be found out nonetheless."
"In Greva, where thousands of traders arrive each day, the security is a lot laxer than other cities. Plus, the kingdom would never think you'll be going to Greva." Rinzo explained.
"As for the disguise, leave that to me." Gala smiled as she began taking countless things from her bag. Arthur hoped he was mistaken, but it felt like she was enjoying herself a bit.
***
"Next!" The guard shouted at the city's gate. Arthur walked over slowly and took out the Traders Badge that Gala gave him. "Show your face." The guard ordered.
Arthur took down his hood to reveal Gala's handiwork. She had fused a pair of horns and a few scales to his skin. Instead of being glued, she had connected them to his skin. Gala said the effect of her powers would wear off after a few hours, so he needed to make it quick.
"Hmm, where are you coming from? What are you selling?"
"I've been in Herav, luckily left before the attack. I'm selling high-quality food prepared by the top chefs in Alva!" Arthur said the line he had with Alvan Language.
"High-quality food?" The guard seemed suspicious. Before he said anything, Arthur took out a plate from his ring. The aroma made the guard's drool leave his mouth. "I'll need to taste it to make sure you're not poisoning anyone."
He said with a greedy face. Arthur smiled and handed over the plate, which the guard snatched instantly. As he devoured the meat in a single mouthful, he let out a satisfied moan.
"Very well, tell me where you are selling this at!" The guard demanded. Arthur has also seen this coming, so he told him the tavern's name that the Lustful Rouge frequented.
The guard then granted him entry, and Arthur walked alone in the streets of Greva. As soon as he went past the walls and defenses, vendors and shops appeared. It was night right now, but merchants sold and bought with great spirit.
He walked through the streets according to the map that Gala drew for him. After half an hour of looking, he reached the Late Bloom tavern, an establishment in the city center.
"Welcome, what can I serve you?"
As he found a table and sat down, a waiter came over to ask him. She wore a maid outfit and had cat ears, both things that Arthur thought were ruthless to the weak-willed.
"A bottle of every drink you have!"
Arthur shouted before slamming the table with one gold coin. The maid smiled in joy and took the coin before jumping to grab him several bottles of high-grade wine.
Meanwhile, Arthur studied the surrounding. He saw many Demis and very few humans. His eyes landed on a man with wolf-like features and a pair of glasses.
'Bingo.' Arthur found his target. The man looked nothing like a rogue but a librarian. With his clear eyes and pair of golden glasses, the man had an aura of class.
His two wolf ears perked up, and he looked in Arthur's direction. Before the Rogue saw him, Arthur began gulping down the wine that the maid brought.
"Disgusting!" Arthur shouted before smashing the bottle on the table after taking a single gulp. He went to the next bottle under the fearful eyes of the maid and the curious eyes of the Rogue.
"Did you make this out of horse's piss?" Arthur shouted again before slamming another bottle, breaking it. The table was dripping with alcohol now, but Arthur kept going. Angrily, Arthur smashed a bottle after a bottle until the tavern's owner, a colossal bear-man, arrived to kick Arthur out.
"Please leave if you don't like what we serve!" The giant man scowled at Arthur for insulting his drinks. After all, they were all high-quality drinks that people couldn't find elsewhere.
"I couldn't even drink it, not to mention like it!" Arthur didn't back away and inwardly smiled when he saw the Rogue stand up.
"Easy there, Galman." The Lustful Rogue stood beside the bear-man and spoke. "This guest seems to be from afar. Are you the one I heard about? The one selling high-quality food?"
"That is I." Arthur nodded with a dignified expression. "I thought this place deserves my attention, but I was too hopeful." Arthur stood up to leave.
"Maybe you don't know me, but I'm the son of the Raygok family." The Rogue said without shame. "If you have anything better to offer, then this is your chance." He smiled.
"Hmm," Arthur went into deep thoughts before turning to Galman. "Is what he says true?"
"As true as me breaking your skull if you dare disrespect him again!" Galman blathered.
"Barbaric." Arthur spat before taking out a bottle from his ring. "This is true wine!" He said as he opened the bottle. The moment that he did, a mesmerizing aroma spread in the surrounding.
All eyes snapped their way, intoxicated. Even Arthur, who had eaten an herb that negated alcohol, felt dizzy after smelling it. The Rogue's eyes snapped open in shock as his nose sniffed the aroma.
"Truly, heavenly." The Rogue said and looked at Arthur in a new light. "It seems you spoke nothing but truths. Would you have a drink with me as we discuss this further? Of course, I'm paying you for this wine."
'He took the bait.' Arthur smiled and nodded. There only five bottles in his ring, but it was worth it to coax this Rogue.
