A middle-aged man known as "Big Brother Marven" walked in. He was tall, with light brown skin, and dark eyes that were as deep as pools, with a hint of sadness. If it weren't for the scar that spanned half of his face, the gray hair tied at the back of his head and the faint wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, he might have been regarded as a young man under forty.

Marven stared at Xavier.

Xavier also stared at Marven.

Maxi looked left and right, pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Xavier, breaking the silence: "What kind of atmosphere is this?" Come, speak lightly. ”

Perhaps it was Maxi's interruption that prevented the seriousness that continued to spread between the two. Marven also sat down, he still looked at Xavier, "Tell me, what's the matter?" - If it is a hunting commission, it will be exempted. ”

It seemed that the other party didn't have much leisure to talk about it, so Xavier chose to get straight to the point and directly threw out the topic: "About your daughter Rosa." ”

Marven's eyes became solemn, and he crossed his hands on the table and glanced at Maxi.

The latter stood up and walked out the door.

“… Who sent you? There aren't many 'well-wishers' these days. Marven was obviously very vigilant - perhaps because it had something to do with the local stewardship and aristocrats, and the difference in strength between the two sides made him have to be careful.

Dealing with this situation, and saying that you are an ordinary adventurer, is obviously not suitable... Xavier secretly thought that he would just pull the tiger skin and launch the clock tavern - this was indeed one of Aloy Heck's commissions anyway.

"Don't overthink it, friend."

"The person who entrusted me to come here is... Hmm, a tavernkeeper. Xavier tapped his fingers on the table and looked at Marven, "That may not be clear, so I'll add another description." That 'hidden' tavern. ”

Xavier was already aware of the comings and goings of these days. The location of the Clock Tavern is quite secretive, and ordinary people may not be able to find its doors even if they enter the alley where the tavern is located.

This vague statement made Marven breathe a sigh of relief, "... It's over there. What do you want to ask? Anything that can help Rosa, I'll do my best to answer. ”

"Time is precious, so I won't talk nonsense." Xavier also breathed a sigh of relief, thanks to the Tiger Skin Envoy of the Clock Tavern—though he didn't know why, he continued, "What do you know about the Legros family, and the Baron's situation?" ”

"Legros has always had a good reputation in the past. Baron Legros himself was also awarded this fief in Darkwood and its surroundings because of his meritorious deeds..."Marven replied without much thought. But his tone was obviously a little uncertain, "It is also because I know such news that I am willing to let Rosa go in to work." But...... Alas. ”

"It's a good review," Xavier raised an eyebrow, "but you also said that it was 'before.'" How has Legros been doing lately, like the Baron himself? ”

"Baron Legros hasn't shown up for a long time. The last time I saw him was a few months ago, and I thought..."Marven struggled to recall, frowning slightly, "At that time, his physical condition was not ideal. ”

“…… I'm not in good health. So, what did his heir do? Xavier stopped tapping his fingers on the table.

"Are you trying to say, is this all family infighting?" Marven directly pointed out one of Xavier's thoughts, "I don't know, those things should be done behind closed doors." On the bright side, Legros's eldest son, Yolanda, doesn't have any special moves, and the second son, Leslie...... Still spending a lot of time. ”

"And... I've heard that Baron Legros also has an illegitimate child. He added, as if remembering something.

Ah, of course I know this, I solved it with my own hands... Xavier sighed inwardly, "Let's turn the conversation back to Rosa." What did she say to you when she entered the Legros House? ”

"We had the occasional correspondence, and Legros was not a harsh host. Judging by Rosa's letters, she was doing well, and I wasn't so worried. Marven said, but his tone was a little remorseful, he clenched his fist, "...... But then, I didn't hear anything from her for weeks. ”

“… Did she say anything before she lost contact? ”

"I remember very well that in the last letter I received, she said... Baron Legros took a fancy to her and promoted her to head maid - but it took some time to train. ”

"I haven't heard from her since then, and I can't get an answer when I go to the mansion to ask - I should have been alert then, I should have ...... earlier" Marven opened his fist and clenched it, as if he wanted to punch the table.

"I would venture to ask," Xavier jotted down what he said, interrupting Marven's remorseful remarks, "I've heard that young spellcasters have been missing in Darkwoods lately. What is Rosa's talent? ”

“… This! Marven's drooping head immediately lifted, and he looked at Xavier with a certain meaning in his eyes, "—you mean, Rosa is missing as well?" She inherited Lana, a gifted mage... But why is this happening? ”

"I can't give you a definite answer either, friend." Xavier waved his hand, "Relax, I'll do my best to investigate what happened to the Legros family, and I'll find out what happened to Rosa." ”

- But whether I can get Rosa back or not, I'm not sure... He added inwardly.

"I don't expect anything to repay you, only Rosa for peace." Marven nodded heavily, his tone quite grateful, "I believe that with your means, you will definitely be able to find out the truth."

Xavier, who was just about to stand up and say the closing remarks, paused again, and he looked at Marven with some surprise, "You actually believe in us so much...?" Then I'm going to be moved. ”

“… Of course......" Marven nodded again, as if he took this sentence as something else. He took a deep breath, "Whew, the name 'Clock Tavern' was already heard by me when I was an adventurer before I settled here. It was a surprise to find it this time - I believe in you. ”

Xavier nodded politely and accepted Marven's expectations—though he knew it was much more than that... And as far as his words are concerned, the Clock Tavern is far more difficult than the current thing. Obviously, the plan I had set before needed to be changed again.

"That's it for now, I'll investigate." Xavier drank the cold tea, "One last little question, what happened to the demonic beasts in the forest recently?" Listening to Ms. Merry, they were surprisingly calm. ”

Marven nodded and replied absentmindedly, "The location where Maxi and I often go hunting is indeed the case, and the monsters seem to be frightened by something, and the probability of haunting has decreased." But the overall situation, I don't know, you can ask other hunters. ”

"Okay, thanks for your answer, friend." Xavier said, saying goodbye to him and stepping out of the door.

It's time to ask the other hunters again.