Kain still couldn't believe what had just happened. In a matter of minutes, Lazu had managed to get free food without spending any money or effort.
But even though his mouth was full of bread and warm soup, his basic instincts were starting to warn him.
Why did the atmosphere suddenly become heavier?
He stole a glance around the shop. Several customers who had been chatting casually had now fallen silent, stealing glances at them with different expressions—not admiration, but suspicion.
However, the most striking were the three armored men sitting in the corner of the room.
They had a different aura from ordinary villagers. Strong bodies, rough hands that showed signs of hard training, and sharp gazes like eagles watching their prey.
Kain swallowed.
"Uh… Lazu, we're being watched."
Lazu was still casually enjoying his wine. "Huh? Of course. I'm handsome."
Kain almost choked. "That's not what I meant!"
Before Kain could explain further, one of the armored men stood up and walked over. His steps were heavy, and the sound of his shoes hitting the wooden floor could be heard clearly in the quiet tavern.
After arriving in front of their table, the man stared at Lazu with sharp eyes full of pressure.
Lazu, without the slightest fear, just looked up and yawned.
The man narrowed his eyes. "You're from outside the village."
Lazu nodded casually. "Yes. And then?"
The man folded his arms across his chest. "I am Gregor, the captain of this village's guards."
Kain stiffened.
The captain of the village guards? Did they break the rules without realizing it?
Gregor stared at Lazu sharply. "I overheard your conversation with the tavern owner. You said you know a secret recipe from a distant kingdom?"
Lazu just raised an eyebrow. "Yes, and then?"
Gregor narrowed his eyes. "What a coincidence. I've served in several kingdoms, but I've never heard of food like the one you mentioned."
Kain began to sweat. He knew!
However, Lazu remained relaxed.
"I'm sure you've never heard of it," Lazu said in a flat tone. "Because this is not a common food that can be found everywhere. It is only available among the highest nobility."
Gregor was silent for a moment.
"Then I want you to prove it," he said. "If you can make this dish in front of me, I will believe you."
Kain stiffened. It was a trap. If Lazu couldn't prove it, they could be considered liars or cheaters.
But then again, Lazu didn't seem to panic.
He just smiled casually.
"Why should I prove something to you?" he said lightly.
Gregor frowned. "What?"
Lazu rested his chin on his hand and smiled lopsidedly. "Who are you? I came here to eat, not to take the village guard's exam."
Gregor's eyes narrowed, his aura growing heavier. "So you admit it? That you were just lying?"
Lazu chuckled. "Lie? I never said I would cook the food myself. I only said I knew about it."
Kain almost gaped.
That was right.
Lazu never promised that he would cook himself. He only offered information.
Lazu continued in a casual tone, "If you're really curious, why don't you just ask the shopkeeper? I've already told him the recipe. If you want to try it, wait until he's done cooking it."
Gregor stared at the shopkeeper, who looked confused.
In the end, he just snorted and turned away. "Hmph. I'll make sure this shop doesn't serve poisoned food."
Once Gregor was gone, Kain let out a long sigh.
"…I thought we were going to get arrested."
Lazu chuckled. "See? All problems can be solved with talk, not with brawn."
Kain stared at him, beginning to realize something.
If Lazu could defeat a village guard captain with just words… how far could he go in the game of the gods?
However, before they could enjoy their small victory, an old man in a robe approached them.
His gaze was sharp, different from that of a regular villager.
"I saw what you did just now," he said in a low voice. "You have a slippery tongue and a sharp mind."
Lazu tilted his head. "And who are you?"
The old man smiled.
"My name is Eldrin. And I have come not to test you, but to offer you something."
The shop was still filled with the sound of people whispering, discussing the incident just now. However, to Lazu, all of that was just a passing wind.
He was more interested in the old man in a robe who was now standing in front of him with a mysterious smile.
His name was Eldrin.
And judging from his aura, he was no ordinary person.
Lazu raised an eyebrow. "An offer, huh?"
Eldrin pulled out a chair in front of them and sat down casually. His eyes scanned Lazu and Kain with a sharp gaze, as if he was assessing something.
"I'm not one to mince words," Eldrin said. "I saw the way you handled Gregor earlier, and that was enough to prove that you're no ordinary person."
Lazu smiled casually. "I'm not ordinary. I'm extraordinary."
Kain almost choked. This god was truly shameless.
However, Eldrin did not seem bothered by Lazu's confidence. On the contrary, he seemed even more interested.
"I'm the head of the magic academy in this area," he continued. "And I came to this village to look for talented individuals."
Kain stiffened. A magic academy?
An academy was where talented mages were trained to become stronger. Usually, only nobles or people of high status could enter.
Lazu remained casual. "So you think I want to enter your academy?"
Eldrin chuckled. "Of course not. I'm not talking about you, but about your student."
Kain's eyes widened. "M-Me?"
Eldrin stared at Kain intently. "I don't know who you are, but if a master manipulator like you is willing to follow him, there must be something special about you."
Lazu grinned. "You're quite observant, Grandfather."
Eldrin continued, "I can give him a place in my academy. With the right training, he could become much stronger."
Kain stiffened. Entering a magic academy? To him, it was like an impossible dream come true.
However, before he could answer, Lazu raised his hand and said in a casual tone,
"Not interested."
The atmosphere immediately fell silent.
Eldrin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why?"
Kain looked at Lazu in confusion. "W-Wait! Why did you refuse?"
Lazu leaned back in her chair. "If you enter the magic academy, you'll just learn the same way as everyone else. Which is more interesting? Becoming strong by following the established path, or finding your own way to surpass your limits?"
Kain fell silent.
Eldrin looked at Lazu more seriously. "You speak as if you already have your own plan."
Lazu just smiled. "I always have a plan."
Eldrin stared at her for a moment before finally smiling faintly. "Interesting. Very interesting."
He stood up from his chair. "Alright. I won't force you. But remember, my offer is always open."
After saying that, Eldrin turned around and left the shop.
Kain looked at Lazu with a confused and slightly frustrated expression. "Why did you refuse?! It was a great opportunity!"
Lazu chuckled. "A great opportunity? For whom? For them, yes. But for us?"
He looked at Kain with a sly smile.
"I have a much better plan than just entering a magic academy."
Kain swallowed. He didn't know what was going on in Lazu's head yet, but one thing was for sure…
This was just the beginning.