"We're closed," said the stout middle-aged baker with flour-dusted hair and a rugged face.
He wore a simple apron stained with dough and flour over his plain tunic. He sensed Adam and Rowan approach his shop as he was tidying up.
"Marlow, it's me," Rowan suddenly called out as he hurried to the baker.
The baker kept down the chairs that he was planning to take inside the store. Then, he glanced at the man with a surprised look. "Oh, Rowan? What is it? I'm afraid I don't have any leftover bread left."
He pointed at the dirtied bread Rowan was holding with a slight frown. "That was the last of it."
"Err…" Rowan was deeply embarrassed. He secretly glanced at Adam who was approaching the bakery, wondering if he had overheard it.
He's a magus, of course, he heard it! The man thought to himself.
Adam approached the bakery and glanced at the items displayed. Then he looked at the baker and ordered, "I'll take two sweet bun rolls."
The baker first glanced at Adam. Although the youth was wearing a simple tunic and trousers, it was far cleaner than what most people would usually wear in this neighborhood.
Despite that, he asked with some lingering doubt, "You can pay, right?"
Adam scoffed and tossed two silver coins at the man. The baker caught them in the air with a happy smile.
Then, he went around the counter and grabbed two sweet bun rolls, wrapped them in paper, and gave them to the youth. "Here you go, young man."
Adam grumpily grabbed the food before giving one to Rowan. He looked at the baker and stated, "Give me a fresh loaf while you're at it."
"It's not entirely fresh. I made them this morning." The baker once again went behind the counter and packed the long loaf of bread.
He handed it to Adam. "That's going to be another 2 silver."
"Alright, thanks." Adam gave the man the money before walking away. Suddenly he stopped, turned around, and glanced at Rowan. "The hell are you waiting for? Follow me. I don't have all night."
"Y-Yes!" Rowan hurriedly followed after him.
As the two made their way out of the neighborhood, Adam munched on the bun roll. "Mm, not bad."
Meanwhile, Rowan put away the dessert inside his pocket, not willing to eat it yet.
Adam astutely noticed this and asked, "You really got kids at home?"
"That's right, my lord," said Rowan, his lips turning into a gentle smile. "A boy and a girl."
"You're not lying, right?" Adam asked with narrowed eyes.
"I dare not!" Rowan hurriedly waved his hands in panic.
Adam deeply looked at him for a few moments before harrumphing, "Why have two kids when you can't even afford to raise one?"
Rowan lowered his head in embarrassment. "I-It just happened, my lord. I, uh, couldn't help it."
Hearing his reply, Adam rolled his eyes. The pair continued to walk through the cobblestoned streets of the Corvid Quarter. It was close to midnight and there were barely any people present.
Finally, they arrived at Dundee Harbor after a few minutes walk. This port was still active as ever. It didn't matter whether it was day or night, the dockworkers would tirelessly work as they offloaded goods from the ships.
They arrived at a secluded pier and glimpsed at the Dell River reflecting the splendor of the twin moons, Selene and Luna.
Adam took in this enchanted scene for a few moments as he finished his sweet bun roll. Wiping his lips with a napkin, he turned around and carefully observed the man behind him, who seemed to be very nervous.
Rowan had a rugged and weathered appearance, reflecting the harshness of the slums that he lived in. Despite only being in his thirties, the man's face was lined with deep wrinkles.
His skin was tan and rough, and his hair was prematurely graying. A scruffy beard covered his jawline, adding to his rough appearance.
His eyes were brown, reflecting traces of sadness and defiance. The dark circles underneath his eyes told a story of weariness and resilience.
Adam sighed, thinking to himself, He's really had it tough.
"So what can you do for me?" he asked.
"My lord, I can do anything!" Rowan, who was feeling greatly pressured by being stared at by the youth for so long, suddenly lifted his head and spoke eagerly.
"I'm a learned man, I won't take long to get a hang of things—"
Adam cut him off, "What is a learned man like you doing in the slums in the first place?"
"That, uh…" Rowan once again lowered his head. He didn't feel comfortable sharing his past with a stranger, even if the other person was a magus.
Adam's eyes narrowed. "What're you hiding?"
"I promise you, my lord, it is nothing nefarious. I am no criminal!" Rowan stated sincerely.
Adam could tell the man wasn't lying. Seeing that Rowan wasn't comfortable sharing his story, he didn't press him further.
"If you're educated, how come you don't have a job already? Finding a job shouldn't be that difficult for a man such as yourself."
"Most of the jobs in this district require me to work eighteen hours a day with bare minimum wages," Rowan began. "I also have a family to look after, my lord."
"Your wife can look after them, can she not?" Adam asked curiously. "Or perhaps…"
"No, no, my wife is alive, my lord," said Rowan hurriedly. "She's very sick and can't move around much. Most days she's bedridden and I have to look after her as well."
There was grief in his voice as he spoke about his wife and kids.
"You could have become a thief or joined any criminal enterprises. Corvid seems to be a breeding ground for such organizations. Why didn't you join them?"
Rowan smiled wryly, "This is certainly the easy way out, but… I don't have it in me to do such things."
"Even when your wife is dying and your kids are starving?" Adam sneered. "What good are your principles when everyone you hold dear is suffering as a result of it."
Rowan clenched his fists tightly. The morals and values that had been instilled in him as a child had deeply taken root in his heart. He would never stoop so low to do such unlawful activities.
"I just can't…" he said weakly.
"Heh, then you're a fool," Adam smirked. "As you already know, the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. You have to fight for your life by hook or by crook."
He paused for a moment, his eyes flashing with approval. "But I admire fools like you."
Rowan's eyes widened and he looked at Adam with surprise. "My lord, does that mean…
"Rowan, how about you work as my informant?"