The Innkeeper

Chapter 1694: I am also a Barrister

Longbeard’s beard began to tingle as Bob announced their arrival, and a deep apprehension gripped him. They were in danger just by being here, and Bob’s announcement had attracted the wrong kind of attention, making the situation worse.

Such a thing should not have happened. They were in the middle of the city, and the Artica race had proven itself when it came to upholding its rules, which meant that there should have been nothing within the city that could endanger them or their lives. Longbeard’s beard tingled still, hinting at something he could not yet grasp.

Tiny-Sparkles, too, suddenly felt an ominous sense of dread. Unicorns were especially in tune with the spiritual energy in the atmosphere, and as an Immortal that sense had translated into sensing the activity of the surrounding laws as well. That is why he could feel like he had stepped into the sight of a behemoth, while he himself was still a tiny pony of a unicorn.

The others, too, felt something amiss. Only Bob remained entirely indifferent, looking down at the masses with dismissive eyes. No matter what happened, it wasn’t as if he could ignore his teammates in danger. That would disappoint the captain.

The whole stadium, which was previously watching the performance in the center of the stadium, turned to look at their group. Only the crystal alligator, who was chained to a pillar and yet had to fight off a small group of ferocious apes, did not divert its attention. It could not afford to.

Predictably, none of the members of the crowd kneeled. Even if troublemakers came, the Artica race would uphold the law. If there was no trouble, then they’d at least see something interesting. Either way, the crew held the stadium’s attention for a brief moment.

Tiny-Sparkles was lamenting Bob’s existence, yet that was not the time to get into such things. He stepped forward as a member of the Jagged Stallions, the race that had been designated as peacekeeper of the realm by the Artica race, stepped forward towards their group.

“Can someone care to elaborate why my friend is chained up to a pillar, and putting on a show for a crowd with his life on the line?” Tiny-Sparkles asked, his deep voice booming and filled with clear aggression.

The stallion, whose frame was not only bigger than Tiny-Sparkles, but more muscular and bore a more daunting presence, approached the unicorn until he was looking down right at him.

“All participants in the stadium activities have signed a disclaimer stating that they volunteer to participate, and they take responsibility for all accidents and injuries. Worry not, we have great health insurance. As long as no one dies, we can help them recover.”

Though the stallion was a Celestial Immortal, as was obvious from his aura, none of the crew actually backed off from his intimidating aura. Instead, with stern expressions, they stepped forward, almost to the point of bumping into him.

“That alligator is from my crew, and I have doubts regarding the circumstances under which he signed your disclaimer,” Tiny-Sparkles said, maintaining eye contact with the steed towering above him. “Immediately remove him from the stadium and end this sham, or else things will not end so pleasantly. And keep your bravado in your pants – you’re a puppet to the law someone else wrote, you don’t scare anyone.”

The steed did not immediately respond, but it was evident to all who saw that he was… displeased. A Celestial Immortal displeased with an Earth Immortal anywhere in the universe would likely end in the total annihilation of the Earth Immortal. But here, not only did Tiny-Sparkles not flinch, he flagrantly challenged his ability to do anything to them at all.

“Your doubts are inconsequential,” the steed finally said. “A disclaimer has been signed, and the event is ongoing. Do not disturb it again, or you will be in violation of the code of conduct for public places. Have a nice day.”

Though his words were civil, his demeanor was not. It was clear that from the very getgo, the steed was not interested in helping them out, and their challenge of his authority merely cemented their antagonistic relationship. But how could such a matter come to an end so easily? It was not for nothing that Goldilocks looked so sleep deprived. Clearly, it had a basic understanding of the complexity of the situation.

Before Tiny-Sparkles could respond, and respond he was going to, Bob stepped forward, and placed a hand on the unicorn’s shoulder.

Please, let me handle this,” Bob said, displaying a level of coherence the group wasn’t used to. Taking their stunned silence as consent, the Drama-cat climbed up upon the unicorn’s back and looked at the steed, who was looking at him with disinterest.

Bob cleared his throat, and looked up at the Celestial Immortal with his most diplomatic expression.

“Do you know who I am?” Bob asked, his voice level, and the question asked with genuine curiosity.

“No, I do not,” the Jagged Stallion said, his tone dripping with derision. Why would he, a Celestial Immortal, bother himself with the identity of a mere Earth Immortal.

Bob gave the steed a knowing smirk, as if that was expected. And then he spoke.

“Before you stands Bob, the first of his name,” he said, his voice was like thunder roaring in the clouds, stunning and shocking all those in the vicinity. A pressure fell upon the land, as if a noble Deity had appeared before them, a plebeian crowd. “Do not take upon yourself the honor of addressing me and my companions. Summon your master, peasant, and inform him that his plot is most brown. He hides behind the laws of Artica as though it were a shield of iron. In truth it is more akin to silk – pliable, delicate, and easily tailored to suit a purpose in the right hands. Unfortunately for you, those hands are not yours. Continue to test me, fool, and you will discover that among my many titles, I also boast one of Barrister.“

Bob suddenly seemed to sport a magenta, velvet coat, and he could not help but to raise his hands and twirl his most magnificent moustache. He grew it just for the occasion.