Chapter 32: On the house
Ding ding ding!
The moment was broken by the sound of someone winning.
In that split second, the rabbit mask disappeared in a flash, and I was left to stare at the bartender, who raised a bottle of glowing red liquid.
The lighting by the bar gave him a nice appearance. His white blouse was matched with gartered pants.
Like the stage performers, he was exempt from wearing the mas. A single red rose was pinned on the upper right breast of his get-up.
The only thing lacking was a fedora, which would have ruined his neatly waxed hair.
I had to save myself from embarrassment and approached the bar. I sat on one of the wooden stools, drumming my fingers on the smooth ceramic table.
"Don't feel too bad," the bartender slid a fancy glass before me, pouring a good amount of the glowing liquid he was toying earlier into it. "Ysabel is not for everybody. She fancies only one man."
"I have been told," I agreed, grateful for the information the fan vendor had shared.
Everyone seemed to know about his relationship with Ysabel. I wonder why it was never heard of when Bronn claimed fame in his heroic deed.
"It's on the house," the bartender made finger guns. He then left to entertain another customer who sat on another stool.
I gave the glowing liquid a curious gaze, bringing the concoction to my nose. It smelled sweet, enticing, and didn't seem suspicious.
Tentatively, I took a sip. The cool liquid slid down my throat, allowing me a few minutes of paradise.
This was probably why my father never wanted me to start drinking. It could be addicting, especially when an exceptional bartender made your first liquor.
The elegant taste left my tongue wanting more. I wonder if the bartender would tell me what it was.
Maybe if I ask.
Readying to call for his attention, another gong resonated in the surroundings, halting my attempt. The lingering echoes of the vibration reminded me of the reason why I was there.
Reluctant as I was, I finished the drink, afraid I won't be able to leave any tip behind since I had no penny with me.
But the bartender sent a salute my way, dismissing my fears.
I hopped off the stool, returning to the abandoned seat by the spectators. Fifi joined me a few minutes later, her mask presented as a cat.
"Did you find her?" she whispered. I blew out a sigh.
"Yes and no."
"What does that mean?"
"I was following her, but then the sound of the lottery machine chased her away."
"Tch," Fifi murmured. I could no longer see her face now, and she had changed into her old clothes. I tried not to look, her angelic voice echoing in my head.
"I didn't know you could sing," I said, changing the subject.
"I don't," Fifi replied. "But it's part of the job as Nirvana's messenger."
"Ah, so you're part of the choir?"
Fifi shrugged. She then folded her arms under her big front.
I decided to follow her gaze.
The stage she had performed on only moments ago was no more. Instead, a round table was put in the middle. On opposite sides, there were two cushioned chairs ready.
A set of cards was displayed in the middle of the table.
Two bright lights illuminated the center set, and it just came to my notice how the rest of the gamblers had stopped what they were doing.
All eyes were on the stage once more.
"What's happening right now?"
Fifi didn't bother to face me.
"Bronn versus Dorax."
"Oh," the brief discussion I eavesdropped on at the market came back to me. "How… interesting. I thought it would be a fist fight."
"A game of cards is also a tough fight, you know," Fifi whispered. It got me curious about something.
Leaning close so no one could hear, I was tempted to remove the mask from my face. But it wasn't safe for anyone to see me.
It was easy to tell that I was underaged.
"Have you witnessed this before?" I asked. A giddy excitement suddenly piqued my interest. "Is that one of the things you get to do as Nirvana's messenger? You can see a person's life and everything that happened to them? Maybe you could tell me more about Bronn."
Fifi clicked her tongue. I heard her harrumph before the gong was hit for the third time tonight.
Its lingering effects made my skin crawl.
Then, the same lady who welcomed us walked toward the set table. She sat on the edge, eyeing the people around before testing the lapel microphone attached to the fabric by her chest. The gesture had me ogling and looking to the roof.
She probably did that on purpose, drawing the attention of the gamblers.
"Good evening, my lovely ladies and gentlemen," she spoke in her sweet voice, downplaying the burst of giggles as she eyed the audience, who were enchanted by her appeal. "Tonight!"
The beautiful lady emcee with fiery red hair hopped off the table and walked a little away from it.
A spotlight flashed, focusing on her as she gestured at the table.
"Tonight, we will be witnessing a one-on-one fight between our best of the best."
Ominous music blasted from the speakers, bringing out a smile from the lady host. She eyed the audience.
"The unbeatable Dorax playing against the rising challenger, Bronn!"
Thunderous applause echoed in the gambling den. People cheered, howled, and whistled. After the uproar, several people stomped their feet, and a chorus of Bronn's and Dorax's names rang inside.
It echoed and bounced in the closed walls, igniting the tension that continued to spike as the crowd anticipated the two figures to finally show.
Satisfied, the lady bowed at the raging audience and left the spotlight.
The colorful lights danced, and the sound effect of beating drums was played as everyone waited for Bronn and Dorax.
Not going to lie, but I was looking forward to seeing Bronn.
Despite the time difference, this would be the first time I would be able to see him up close.
His public addresses were usually broadcasted. If he ever left Harrith and visited other places, He was often heavily guarded, and only those who needed to interact with him were allowed to come close.
I could feel my heart thumping.
Soon, two silhouettes from opposite sides approached the table in the middle.
Two other individuals were with them, their petite bodies showing that their companion was a woman.
When they stepped into the light, I momentarily forgot what I was there for.
"Winter."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
ParadoxDreamer
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