313 Sworn Brotherhood (1/2)
In tandem, the two stepped toward the Wandering Dream Inn and barged in with fanfare. A receptionist awaited them at the entrance and led them toward an unoccupied table. Else, Zamira and Astarte who stood several steps away soon joined them.
Their orders were quickly taken, and the receptionist departed to prepare them.
”Since you now have my name, don't you think you should reciprocate by giving me yours?”
Qehreman asked. And who could blame him? Even now, Konrad kept his cloak on, preventing anyone from peeping at his real appearance. Although one was entitled to their secrets, no good friendship was ever built on deceit.
”Indeed. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Darnok, at your service.”
Konrad declared, causing Else to bite her lower lip to avoid betraying the play with a burst of laughter.
”Darnok? Never heard of that one. However, it matters not. Since you decided to embrace the righteous path and turn over a new leaf, you should also take on a new, matching name. However, Darnok is the name you received from your parents; filial piety prevents us from abandoning it!
But since as Darnok you lived in evil, we can simply reverse it to give you your name of righteousness. Darnok in reverse…from Darnok, you will now be…Konrad!”
Qehreman exclaimed with overflowing passion and zeal. In that instant, he couldn't help but feel quite proud of his genius.
*COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH*
The words caused Konrad to choke on his saliva, and cough without restraints. Else bit her lower lip harder, preventing the laughter she suppressed to erupt at full volume.
”Konrad, are you ok?”
Asked Qehreman, startled by the sudden cough.
”No big deal, no big deal. I was just…overwhelmed by emotions.”
Konrad replied, holding onto his chest while Else tapped his back.
The talks then resumed, and as the duo exchanged, a waiter brought forth sumptuous silver plates of food. The establishment's trademark ”Wandering Dream” wine came soon afterward.
Each was served one glass before the bottle was laid on the table for them to consume throughout the remainder of their meal.
”To be perfectly honest, with your faces cloaked as they are, although I have good feelings regarding you, I can't bring myself to fully trust you. Upright men have nothing to hide, and no need to conceal themselves in the shadows of a cloak.”
Qehreman declared while gulping his wine in a crude but candid manner.
”Is that the reason why you don't wear one?”
Astarte straightforwardly asked, thinking that this crude wannabe hero was too far ahead of himself. How dared he criticize her master?
However, the words failed to trigger any reaction from Qehreman, who merely raised his glass.
”My chest is broad, my heart of gold, my shoulders light, my conduct upright, and my hands without sin. That being the case, why need I hide myself? If my looks repulse them, it is others that should hide from me, not the other way around.”
Qehreman replied with his candor undamaged. His words struck Astarte speechless, and she no longer knew what to say.
”I will drink to that! Come, let's have a toast!”
Konrad proclaimed before butting his glass against Qehreman's and gulping his liquor.
”Truth be told, we're trying to avoid troubles. With looks like ours, wherever we go, problems ensue. If we didn't wear cloaks, to say nothing of having a peaceful discussion, it would be a miracle if state troops weren't trying to enslave us.”
Konrad stated in a grave tone that pulled a scoff from Qehreman's lips.
”Aren't you exaggerating a little bit?”
”Not one bit.”
The direct answer took Qehreman aback, but then he wondered if, perhaps, he wasn't being too pedantic, and no longer pursued the issue.
But Konrad didn't let it go and motioned for the waiter to arrive, which he did in mere seconds.