## Chapter 268: The "New" Rogue Tavern
Unexpectedly, these three scoundrels were so popular in the Rogue Encampment. After stepping out of the Waypoint Plaza, a large portion of the Adventurers refused to disperse, following behind in a mighty throng, laughing and cursing all the way. Uninformed Civilians, thinking it was a collective protest by Adventurers, were scared out of their wits and hid far away.
It wasn't until they were almost at the Lar Family doorstep that these Adventurers gradually dispersed. Seeing Home in sight, Lars's excited Expression became even more obvious. Aunt Shali, who had already received the News, came out to greet him, watching from a distance. How delighted he felt! A virtuous Wife, filial children, a successful career – wasn't this what Life was all about?
This 'Harassment' package strode forward, just about to strike a few dominant Pose to reassert his Husband's Authority, so that Shali would know how formidable her Husband was. He imagined her rushing towards him in tears, throwing herself into his arms in a trance, offering a fragrant kiss in front of everyone, and constantly repenting her previous strict and overbearing words and actions, vowing to turn over a new leaf and promising to be obedient and compliant, absolutely not daring to go east if he told her to go west.
Lost in extreme daydreaming, Lars's Brain seemed to have been kicked by a Dragon. He wore a lewd and idiotic Smile, almost drooling. His utterly foolish Appearance immediately made the few of us beside him retreat repeatedly, not daring to approach within a ten-meter Radius centered on him. As Doug put it: "Everyone, give him some space, foolishness is contagious."
Soon, Lars, who had finished his daydreaming, snapped back to reality. He wiped the corner of his mouth, closed his Eyes, and put on a profound Expression. At this moment, Aunt Shali opposite him was also silent. The two stood facing each other from afar, looking somewhat like peerless Expert confronting each other, filled with desolate malevolent energy. After a long while, Lars took a deep breath. Opening his Eyes, he gave Aunt Shali Ouyang Feng's electric Gaze, then his Gaze sharpened, assuming a compassionate Appearance, slowly raised his right foot, put his left hand on his hip, held up his "Sword" with his right hand, and tilted his Head precisely 38.5 degrees upwards.
Oh, oh, the crowd erupted! This Pose, this Expression, this Demeanor, could it be the classic Pose after Dragon Slaying from the Novel "The Biography of Aysidelu, the Dragon-Slaying Golden Paladin (Illustrated Edition)"?
Although Aysidelu stepped on a Black Dragon Head and Lars stepped on a Dung Heap, although Aysidelu wore Akaini's Glory, a Dragon Race's Flash draped over his shoulders, a Jester's Crown on his Head, and held Arioc's Needle in his hand, while Lars wore a tattered blue Chain Mail, a Canvas Cloak full of holes letting in the Wind, a Skull Helmet like an Iron Pot, and held only a Plain Long Sword, it did not affect the Temperament and Demeanor he displayed at this moment in the slightest. That flawless Pose was simply completely overlapped with Aysidelu's Figure. His melancholic and Vicissitudes-filled Gaze showed no trace of the Joy of Victory, just like the invincible Solitary Aysidelu displayed after Dragon Slaying. One look and you knew this could only be achieved after countless hours of practice. The surrounding crowd gave enthusiastic applause and said that if Aysidelu knew underground, he would also send heartfelt congratulatory messages.
A boundless malevolent energy suddenly stopped the crowd's applause in astonishment. Even Lars, who had completely immersed himself in the Dragon Slaying role, felt his calves trembling as he stood on the Dung Heap. Aunt Shali extended her fair index finger and lightly hooked it towards our Dragon Slaying Warrior, Lord Lars. Its Power was comparable to Buddha's Flower-Picking Finger. Lars smiled, but it was a fawning, obsequious Smile. The Dragon Slaying Warrior instantly turned into a Pug (Figurative). He obediently followed Aunt Shali into the House.
"Big Sister-in-law, what's wrong with your Big Sister-in-law again? I am the Head of the Family, do I have to report everything I want to do to her?" After the Door closed, everyone exchanged glances, unable to hold back their laughter. At this moment, Doug pinched his nose and strangely imitated Lars's Accent, which was like a fuse, igniting the laughter everyone had been holding in.
"Roar!!! Doug, you remember this... Ah, my Little Shali, be gentle..." Lars's roar came from inside the House, but halfway through, it turned into a pleading Wail.
"Haha..." The laughter of the crowd echoed throughout the Rogue Encampment. Poor Lars, let's hope this embarrassing incident doesn't spread to Lut Gholein.
However, the faint, choked angry curses from Aunt Shali that followed from inside the House made the remaining Adventurers, especially those who were not yet married, feel a lot. Their mockery also carried a hint of envy. Even Doug and Gus, these two Old Geezers (Slang), muttered about whether it would be better to find a companion. Having a Wife to manage them seemed pretty good too.
"Big Brother~~"
Little Sarah, whose Body hadn't grown much but whose mind was becoming increasingly mature, also leaned against me sentimentally, gazing intently at me with her crystal-clear crimson Eyes: "If Big Brother ever lies like Papa, Sarah will also worry and cry."
"How could that happen? Besides that idiot Lars, who else in the world could bear to lie to our most beautiful and adorable Little Sarah?" I held her small, delicate Body in my arms, comforting her with strokes and coaxing. After thinking for a moment, I added with hopeful Eyes.
"But, Sarah also can't be as fierce to Big Brother as Mama Shali is."
"Sarah will be very obedient and listen to Big Brother in the future." The Little Angel nodded obediently, responding with an innocent and serious Expression. Her tender finger gently stroked my face, then she leaned her pink little Head over and lightly pecked me with her cherry lips.
Sob~~, absolutely adorable! I love you so much, my Little Angel, my Little Loli! Let's go Home and spread out... No, I mean take a bath. Oh, don't misunderstand either. My meaning is that Little Sarah was just hugged by the smelly Lars, so she needs a good bath. Neither the fleeting thought just now nor the current explanation has any deeper Meaning.
After watching Little Sarah and me leave affectionately with jealous looks, Doug and Gus also lazily yawned. They had fought Andariel all day and were extremely tired. This time, they needed a good three days and three nights of sleep.
"Brothers, please look forward to the exciting live commentary of 'The Great Barbarian Warrior Doug and His Two Supporting Teammates' Unspeakable Battle Against Andariel' in a few days. Your Brother here is going to catch up on sleep now. See you later." Saying this, he waved at the crowd and left.
The other Adventurers cheered understandingly – which Adventurer doesn't need a long sleep after returning? Especially after a great battle with Andariel. They were also full of Expectation for the battle commentary by Doug, the Rogue's Number One master boaster. Some Adventure Teams that were planning to go out in the next couple of days even decided to postpone their departure.
In the following days, Gill seemed to still be pondering my words, striving for a sudden "Epiphany." Even when I took Little Sarah away, he only offered a small comment. The most conspicuous figures in the entire Rogue Encampment, besides the three who had just returned, were Little Sarah and I, riding Little Snow and wandering around. The Gossip about "Lord Fan and His Little Wife" spread throughout the Rogue Encampment again. Guided by "those with an agenda," Little Sarah and I were virtually recognized as a couple by the entire Rogue Encampment. Now, surely no one would dare to 'Harassment' Little Sarah, unless they felt good enough about themselves to withstand my Wrath.
Apart from that, the Rogue Encampment was exceptionally quiet. Doug and Gus were sleeping like dead Pigs. I visited them at the Inn a few times. Even the Focus Ignition Technique I learned from the TV show "The Two Brothers Who Can Travel the World in Underwear" couldn't wake them up. Seeing Doug snoring even while his Body was on Fire, I couldn't help but admire him from the bottom of my heart for the first time. As for Lars, the poor guy was holed up at Home every day, racking his Brains to comfort Aunt Shali, who was still angry. I sympathize with him.
On the fourth day, passing by the Tavern, I occasionally saw the lively scene inside. Little Sarah sweetly suggested going in to take a look. I figured it wasn't a big deal, so I took her into the Tavern. I really miss... No, it should be more sadness. Every single piece of Wood here was paid for by me!!
Beside the Tavern Door we entered, a Sign was hung high: "New" Rogue Tavern.
"Big Brother, why is everyone not talking anymore?" The Tavern, which had been noisy just a moment ago, fell silent as if a Mute Magic had been cast the moment I stepped through the Door. Some Barbarians who were dancing exaggeratedly froze their movements in Mid-air, their Eyes wide as they stared over here, their mouths open wide enough to swallow a Cup. Seeing this strange situation, the adorable Little Angel couldn't help but feel a little nervous and scared. She leaned her little Head close to my ear and timidly whispered.
"This... I guess everyone is welcoming us in this way." I was also quite puzzled. What the hell, why does everyone look so despairing? I haven't done anything heinous, have I?
"Bartender, I'll have a Cup of Ale and a Cup of Fruit Juice." After finding a quiet spot to sit down, I called out. Although I don't like to Drink Alcohol and wanted Fruit Juice, in front of Little Sarah, I had to act a bit more manly, right?
This made the Atmosphere in the entire Tavern even stranger. Some Adventurers even quietly stood up, looking as if they were about to flee. As the Waiter, trembling, carried the Plate towards us, I seemed to feel the terrified Gaze from almost the entire Tavern. I turned my Head back alertly, only to find everyone sitting upright, looking like "I wasn't looking at you, Lord." Eh? Nothing seems wrong. Where did those Gaze come from just now? Was it my Illusion?
The Waiter, with a "Smile" on his face, finally placed the Ale and Fruit Juice on the Table. Eh, eh, look at your stiff Expression, are you new here? The Quality of Young Persons these days, I shook my Head.
The moment the two Cup were set down, the Waiter had a flash of inspiration, an Epiphany comparable to the moment the apple hit Newton's Head. It sent a shiver through him. Subconsciously, he swapped the positions of the Ale and the Fruit Juice, moving the Ale to Little Sarah's side and the Fruit Juice in front of me.
Roar~~ Good job, Waiter!! I love you!!!
In an instant, the Adventurers behind me seemed to erupt with an intensely indescribable "Soul" of meaning. Feeling inexplicably annoyed, I widened my Eyes and turned my Head back sharply, only to find the Adventurers had resumed their lively chatter and laughter, as if everything that had just happened was an Illusion. Was I being overly suspicious again?
Turning my Head back in doubt, I saw Little Sarah's small hand tightly gripping the Ale Cup, looking at me with a Gaze mixed with fear and hope.
"You can only drink a little bit, okay?" I said with a helpless Smile. Children tasting alcohol for the first time probably show this kind of Expression to adults. Only after drinking will they know it's bitter, Hmph, anyway, this Ale doesn't have a high alcohol content, so letting her drink a little bit should be fine.
"So this is what a Tavern is like." The Little Angel secretly looked around, occasionally startled by the roughhousing Adventurers, lightly sticking out her pink little tongue. Like a Kitten drinking water, she curiously licked the Ale foam, immediately furrowing her little brows. A blush appeared on her face, and her Expression was extremely charming.
After staying in the Tavern for a while, perhaps because she drank alcohol or because the Air inside was too stuffy, Little Sarah's pretty face was rosy, her Eyes were a little misty, and her little Head swayed back and forth. Her Smile had a touch of slow-witted cuteness. Just as I was about to take her out of here, there was a sudden commotion outside the Tavern, then the Door opened, and a dense crowd followed a tall Figure into the Tavern.
So it was Doug, that Old Geezer (Slang). I took a quick look, and this was strange. I had just used the "Focus Ignition Technique" and set half of his Body on fire, and he didn't wake up. How is he full of vigor now? But I guess he's also quite puzzled why his bed and clothes were all burned after just a "short" nap. Even his beloved little pigtail behind seems to be a bit shorter.
The Adventurers following Doug also filed in, like adding a large scoop of coal to a slightly warm Stove. It instantly ignited the entire Tavern. The Air seemed to rise by dozens of degrees in an instant, and even breathing felt slightly burning.
"Doug, give us a show, Doug, give us a show." Doug had just sat down when a few impatient Barbarians couldn't help but roar. Taking a sip of the Ale the Waiter brought, Doug glared at them: "What's the rush?"