Chapter 22: Hidden Talent
..
"Omnipotent Hands, Tier 5 ability."
Matthew's eyelids twitched.
This meant that the elegant gentleman in front of him had at least level 17 in his profession.
Furthermore, it was the Rogue profession that was extremely difficult to master.
No wonder he could appear behind him without warning the last time they met.
At that time, Matthew thought it was that Beanna's confession had distracted him.
"What's wrong?"
When he walked out of the association building, Richard seemed to notice Matthew's absent-minded expression.
Matthew shook his head.
He looked at the celebratory crowd that was squeezing in from the neighboring district.
In the crowd.
There was a young man dressed exaggeratedly, walking on stills.
He kept swaying left and right, greeting the pedestrians on both sides.
His movements were extremely clumsy, as if he could fall at any moment.
"Nothing, I'm just a little emotional. Rolling Stone Town is really full of hidden talents."
Matthew said as he looked at the young man who was standing on his legs.
"Isn't that so?"
Richard smiled and made way for the two playing children.
Then, he turned around and glanced at Matthew.
"After all, a bone dragon is not something an ordinary person can control."
..
Green Vine Bar.
In a booth near the corner of the back door.
The young bartender happily served the drinks.
"Hello, two cups of 'Pig Eating Wine.' Today is the Spring Festival. Old Barry will give everyone a cup of sparkling sweet water for free."
Richard elegantly took a sip of the light green wine.
Then, he said to Matthew, "I still remember the first time I came here. I didn't know what a wonderful alcoholic drink, 'pig eating wine', was. When Old Bill recommended it to me, I thought he was teasing a foreigner like me."
Matthew also raised his wooden cup and took a sip.
This was a specialty of Rolling Stone Town. The origin of its name was unknown, but the taste was spicy and memorable.
This was because a type of seasonal weed was needed to make pig wine.
Therefore, it could only be tasted around the Spring Festival every year.
Matthew did not reply to Richard.
He was still thinking about Richard's intentions. 'It was fully by chance that I went to the Craftsmen Protection Association to find a thief, so Richard couldn't have predicted that.
'So, was this just a coincidence?
'Or did he plan to get in touch with me, so he just took advantage of the situation?'
No matter what the situation was.
It was not a good thing to be targeted by a Tier 5 Bandit.
Fortunately, Richard did not show any hostility.
Matthew also believed that he was doing the right thing.
There should be nothing to be afraid of.
..
The two of them chatted for a while.
Perhaps a portion of the people from the market and the celebration had scattered over.
The tavern gradually became lively.
Richard suddenly asked Matthew with interest, "That girl, did she write to you after she went to Jade Court?"
Beanna?
The tense Matthew instantly recalled the girl who confessed to him at his door that day.
"No."
Matthew shook his head.
He thought for a moment and added, "It has only been half a month. She might have just arrived at Jade Court and hasn't settled down yet."
Richard smiled. "You don't have to defend her. I'm just curious about your attitude toward her. As far as I know, you're very popular with female students, but why do I feel that you don't like them very much?"
Matthew denied, "No, the girls are all very energetic and cute."
Richard asked curiously, "Then why do you always reject their confessions? I heard Beanna wasn't the first."
Matthew explained seriously, "Just like I told Beanna, they don't know the real me.
"They are still a group of children. They might like me because my identity as a teacher gives me the opportunity to gain their admiration easily.
"It could also be because having an older boyfriend would make her feel vain among her peers.
"It might even be because the taboo relationship between teachers and students had stimulated their rebellious hearts.
"In short, there could be many factors behind their confessions.
"However, it could not be because of love."
"And I've always treated them equally. They were my students, a group of innocent children who were still growing up. That was all."
..
Richard suddenly asked, "Including Sif?"
Matthew answered without hesitation, "Including Sif!"
"Alright, chatting with you is really boring!" Richard looked helpless. "Hey, Matthew, your popularity with the girls would be something to brag about.
"If it were anyone else, they would have told the whole town. But you're actually seriously explaining to me why you didn't accept those girls' confessions?"
Matthew said seriously, "I thought this was something very serious that I needed to clarify."
"Of course, it's important. At least our lord should be able to sleep well tonight. I'll pass on your words to Rhaegar."
Richard yawned.
Matthew was suddenly enlightened.
"So you're the lord's…"
Richard shook its head. "No, it was just a coincidence. Your spellbook reminded me of some of my experiences when I was young, and then I couldn't help myself.
"Of course, Rhaegar has also talked to me about it, but I have already retired for many years. I am not interested in you or your bone dragon!
"Today is the Spring Festival. Let's have another drink. It's on me!"
Richard seemed to have lost the mood to talk.
But this time, Matthew took the initiative to say, "So that night, when Sif was kidnapped, you would have solved the problem even if I didn't do anything?"