277 Wang Castle Walk "Tavern" (1/2)
--A place in King's Landing, a tavern.
The tavern is located in a narrow alleyway, off the main street of King's Landing, close to the outer wall of the city.
The street is so dirty and narrow that two people can barely pass each other, and not even a carriage can pass. Therefore, people of the middle and upper classes do not visit this place.
Unlike the taverna, it serves mainly drinks and only a few snacks. The walls are covered with requests for day jobs, and if you talk to the owner, you can take on illegal jobs, such is the social scene of the underground world.
The ramp hanging over the alley is small, and the dirty wooden door opens to a noisy and dismal place.
Tonight, too, the roughnecks who have just finished their work for the day gather here, lukewarm drinks in hand.
The owner of the bar is supposed to be shouting at them, and there should be complaints from the people around, but surprisingly, the owner is letting them do as they please.
Why is that?
Because the number of people stopping by the store on their way home from work had increased, and the store was now reasonably prosperous. At least, there was a big difference compared to a year ago.
This was probably due to the series of events that had taken place since the start of the Spectacula construction project. The ingenuity of the people who gather here, such as the guests, is getting jobs without interruption.
And the increase in cheap housing was a blessing for the poor of King's Landing.
They work hard from morning till night, turning the day's earnings into alcohol and sleeping soundly every day.
Recently, for some reason, there has been a project to build a railroad track through the city.
Anyway, the government's public works projects are their lifeline, and although they don't know it, they are good publicity material.
In short.
”They were involved in the construction of the Spectacula, and the sword was no stranger to them.
Single men with their friends. Those with families, with their families. A circle of like-minded people connected by the chain of fighting swords naturally spread through words.
As a result, the various spectacles held in these taverns became a common language, and the owners of the taverns showed interest in them because they were talked about so much.
As long as the publicity is carefully disseminated, it can become a solid business if the products are ”real”.
The owner of the tavern came to like the spectacle, and in the end, everyone in the place saw the main game, which made things exciting.
If it was just a fight, I would have yelled and screamed, but if it was a topic I could join in on, it was just a fun world.
As such, this tavern has become a place of relaxation for those who have devised ways to enjoy themselves, and it has even taken on the appearance of a sports bar where you can enjoy sword fighting.
Some ”diner” is similar to this, but there are already many such places in this city.
It was only natural, considering the population of King's Landing. Also, in the sense that it is well known to all classes of people, the spectacle show may indeed have taken root in the capital.
Well.
I've been talking more about Pasta-chan than sword fighting in this tavern lately, but in the end, the people who gather here are all roughnecks.
They are happy that the mascot of the arena has become popular, but the world of battle where swordsmen clash is the main event for them, and the news of the second martial arts tournament is the good news they have been waiting for.
”It's finally here, the second tournament!
A man sitting on a keg of alcohol shouts.
You don't need to call it a martial arts tournament to know it's here.
Any change from last time?
”Well, I don't know.
There's no official word on the format yet.
But it's a martial arts tournament, it's what we do. Who's going to qualify?
Me, me, me!
I'm in! I'm not sure I'll make it to the finals.
I want to be a part of this!
There were nearly thirty of them in this small store, yelling and yelling.
The owner of the restaurant was in a good mood as he served them drinks, not feeling tired from work.
So, what's your prediction for the winner?
”Hmmm...not good.
It's fun to imagine what will happen,” he said.
Some fold their thick arms and ponder. Some are thinking about it, others are looking up at the ceiling, but all of them are thinking about the sword fight.
”Well, the final card is Futa and Izuna. That's fair.
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
I don't know, His Highness had a chance too.
I'm not sure.
It's a lot more serious than work.
It's no different in any world, everyone gets serious about what they enjoy.
”Let's wrap it up, Futa, you're aiming for another championship. And Izuna, the one who was the most insistent...
Objection!
Shut up! For all intents and purposes, game four of the finals was practically the finals!
What the hell?
A brawl breaks out.
They don't even think about stopping the fight, they just continue talking on their own.
I'm sorry for being so wordy, but...
The strong female carpenter shook her head in disbelief.
”I guess that's the point. The most likely winners are Futa, Izuna, His Highness, Aylin, and Richter, who would have won if he hadn't been so polite.
”You haven't learned anything either!
You're not learning anything either! It's only Richter-sama who prevented the Requiem!
The second brawl broke out.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it's a good idea.
You guys don't get it, do you?
And then there's one more guy who brings in an unnecessary spark.
”Didn't you see the first round of the finals? I'm sure you're not the only one. Are you Arcadia King Gorilla?
”That's a cheap shot. ”The first battle? A little girl in a store just got beaten up by Lord Arawn.
I don't know. I'm sure you're not the only one.
What? What? Did you do it?
I did it. I was watching you. I'm pretty sure my prim tan took one from Aylin. I could see from the front that the referee just couldn't see it from the angle.