Their sweet, bell-like voices didn't evoke any feeling from Cyril aside from annoyance.
A part of him wanted to leave this place already, but he endured for the sake of the Black Tulip.
He glanced at Gethyn nearby, hoping he would take away their attention, then his expectations were quickly betrayed.
This tall and well-built man was sitting with his usual stoic expression on his face, however, it might've been a little bit too stoic.
He sat completely unresponsive to any voices around him. Even when one of the women tried asking him about his hobbies, his face still showed no emotion or thought.
There is no way...
Finding this situation ridiculous, Cyril focused on his hearing. Sure enough, a loud drum was heard right next to him.
Gethyn's heart threatened to jump out at any second. He was simply too nervous to speak or do anything at the moment.
Making a quiet tsk sound, Cyril finally responded to one of the workers, "I am a student, this guy works at a bar."
With some progress being made, the women secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This was just as awkward for them.
Like finding a tiny thread to follow, they all jumped on his words, "Oh, that's impressive! You are in one of those academies that teach magic, right? That's so cool!"
Cyril nodded his head in agreement. He also thought it was cool.
Another tried her shot with Gethyn: "Working at a bar is so stylish! I really admire people like that!"
Finally there was a response. Gehyn's face reddened noticeably, and he foolishly laughed for a bit, "Th-Thank you! It's nothing special, just doing my job, you know?"
Now the situation was slowly stabilizing, and the conversation flowed a little better.
The workers here occasionally encountered shy people like Gethyn and knew somewhat what they should do in such cases.
Two women, finding that to be an easier target, focused on talking to him, showering him with praises, and showing fake interest in his hobbies.
"How about we drink something! Two great gentlemen like yourselves simply must also have a great taste in alcohol, I bet!" One of them exclaimed with enthusiasm.
Gethyn, like a fish on a hook, bought the most expensive liquor on the menu.
"Do you have anything non-alcoholic?" With a frown, said Cyril.
He didn't want to drink in such circumstances.
The woman sitting opposite him froze, her smile almost disappearing. In her mind she was complaining, why did this guy even come here in the first place?
But her mouth spoke a different story: "Oh, you don't drink? That's very respectable. Yes, there are some soft drinks here—"
"I'll take it then," Cyril quickly said with his usual voice and continued. "...I would like something for the butterfly too. She can drink it, don't worry about it."
The woman could only call for the waiter with a forced smile. What can you do? Occasionally one would get some unlucky customers...
...
Cyril spent this time mostly talking with Rhamn, only occasionally replying to the hostess opposite him with a word or two.
Over time the woman completely gave up and instead paid attention to Gethyn, who was a much better customer.
By now he had managed to get quite drunk, or so the shade of red on his face and the clumsy movements of his arms implied.
Rhamn found the sight of this man getting fleeced for all his money rather entertaining.
All the hostess did was show proper excitement whenever Gethyn described his favorite singer, and he would order more and more drinks on their suggestion.
Cyril only confirmed that their tabs will be separate and didn't interfere with the women trying to honestly earn some money.
After some time there was finally a change, though not from the communication crystal in Cyril's pocket.
"How are my dear customers doing?" A refined but rough voice greeted the group.
The women who were excitedly coercing Gethyn into buying the most expensive bottle of wine to show his love for his favorite singer immediately became much more restrained.
Noting their reaction, Cyril took a good look at this intruder.
It was a man wearing an expensive purple suit with slicked-back black hair. Even through his outfit, one can see his thick, explosive build.
In a relaxed and pushy manner, he walked in front of the table and motioned with his head at the hostesses, "Girls, why don't you take a rest for now?" Don't worry, you'll still be paid accordingly."
Eagerly the three left the table as swift as the wind, leaving Gethyn, who looked all around in helpless confusion. This man was clearly not of any help right now.
The man in a suit sat down in a freed-up space and fully relaxed, staring at the two customers with slightly challenging eyes.
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Sam, a captain of the Power Society." He proudly announced with a loud voice.
Soon a waiter came by and professionally put a bottle of alcohol on the table, along with three glasses.
Cyril wasn't perturbed, instead asking calmly, "I've heard of Power Society before, so you are their boss?"
His words caused the man to laugh, "Haha! Of course not, I am only a... squad leader, if you will. I am not that high on the pecking order."
Sam sent away the waiter, grabbed the bottle himself, and poured some out in the three glasses.
"Come, let's drink together, my treat!" He smiled, his words appearing almost threatening.
Cyril didn't touch the glass and asked while staring the huge man in the eyes, "What warranted such honor? We are only here to relax a bit, no need for formalities"
The man smiled even wider, his teeth peeking through, like a wild beast showing his fangs. "Oh, it's nothing big. Just trying to figure out why you messed up a deal some of our boys conducted."
Cyril tensed up and prepared for combat, Morpho on his shoulder folded her wings, as if preparing for a dash.
However, the man didn't do anything else for now. He still sat in a relaxed and open manner.
"Come on, don't be so boring. We can beat the crap out of each other later. Drink up, I need to know what kind of man you are first." Sam shook his head and grabbed the glass.
Then he raised it, as if expecting a toast.
Cyril could only curse Jack in his mind again. Blaming this situation on his jinx.
During this whole time, Gethyn simply stared foolishly back and forth between the two with confused eyes.