Han Liang and the Second Commander woke early after the events of the previous night. They went down to the inn for breakfast. Both were extremely hungry and ate with quiet focus.
Yet neither the sword nor the blond man had left their minds.
They could not let this opportunity slip away.
Every detail mattered.
"I hope the blond man is still here," Han Liang said quietly. "And the sword… we need to find out what happened to it."
The Second Commander nodded.
"We observe first. Then decide."
That morning, they moved through the town, stopping at a few stalls and asking carefully about the blond man. After a short search, several merchants pointed them toward another inn farther ahead.
Hope stirred.
He was still in town.
They made their way there without delay.
The inn stood three stories tall, built around a courtyard with a pool filled with large red fish. Its structure was refined, meant for wealthy guests. Yet the atmosphere was calm, almost too quiet.
A few well-dressed merchants sat together, drinking in low voices.
Han Liang and the commander climbed to the upper balcony.
They saw him immediately.
The blond man sat openly among a group of women, speaking the local language with ease, as if he belonged there. He had not taken a private room. There was no caution in his posture—only confidence.
Tall. Striking.
Too visible.
He laughed easily, speaking with the women, occasionally letting his hand rest against one of them. The women leaned closer, competing for his attention.
Several empty glasses lined the table.
He had been drinking.
One of the women giggled.
"Young Master Simon, when will you leave? We've missed you."
"My business here is done," Simon replied lightly.
Han Liang exchanged a brief glance with the Second Commander.
Had he already sold the sword?
"I will leave soon," Simon added, his gaze drifting briefly across the room.
Casual.
Han Liang remained still, watching every movement.
"This isn't just a man drinking," he murmured. "There's something else."
Before the silence could settle again, Simon raised his glass—and looked directly at Han Liang.
"Your drinks haven't arrived yet," he called. "Join me."
They hid their surprise.
"Of course," the commander replied.
They moved toward the table. The women poured drinks for Han Liang and the commander. Han Liang noticed the blond man's necklace was missing and wondered where it had gone.
Simon laughed.
"All these drinks are on me. Today, I leave here comfortably. I made good money this week."
He continued to joke, his hands still resting carelessly on the women beside him. Han Liang and the commander exchanged another glance. Han Liang spoke politely.
"Thank you for your generosity, young master. I hope your earnings continue to grow. Are you a merchant?"
Simon nodded.
"Yes. Last night, I sold some excellent material at a very good price. I won't be coming back to town for a while."
Han Liang thought, astonished.
Did he sell the sword?
A pang of disappointment struck him—he had planned to purchase it himself.
Then he asked carefully,
"What kind of items do you trade in?"
Simon smiled.
"Swords and weapons. Would you be interested?"
Han Liang and the Second Commander, their eyes fixed on the blond man with curiosity and alertness, answered together,
"Of course."