Chapter 415: Unfinished Business
They drank with enjoyment until Azrynn’s head slowly sank onto the table, her yellow eyes half-lidded and unfocused. A soft, contented sigh escaped her lips as she slumped forward, her cheek pressing against the wooden surface.
Adam blinked, setting down his mug with a puzzled frown. His voice carried a note of incredulous concern as he leaned closer to her.
"Hey, Az. Are you... drunk?"
Azrynn’s voice came out muffled against the table, carrying a note of slurred defiance.
"I’m not... drunk... I’m fine..."
Adam stared at her for a long moment, his expression caught between amusement and disbelief.
"You’re definitely drunk."
He rose from his chair, moving around to her side. With a careful, practiced motion, he scooped her up, one arm supporting her back and the other hooked beneath her knees. Azrynn let out a soft, contented murmur, her head lolling against his shoulder as he carried her out of the tavern.
The walk back to Selena’s headquarters was quiet, the streets of Myrta bathed in the pale silver light of the moon. Adam’s steps were steady, his grip secure as he carried the drowsy elf through the winding streets.
When they reached the door of the building, he shifted Azrynn’s weight slightly and pushed it open.
Ignis was already there, her golden eyes bright and eager as she bounced on her heels. Her voice carried a note of impatient excitement as she spotted Adam.
"Adam! Where’s my surprise?! You promised!"
Adam held up a hand, his voice carrying a note of weary patience.
"Wait, wait. Let me put her down first."
He carried Azrynn inside, crossing to the sofa and lowering her onto its cushions with careful, deliberate movements. Azrynn let out a soft sigh, curling into the fabric as she settled into a comfortable position.
Adam straightened, his voice carrying a note of quiet instruction as he glanced at the others.
"Someone take her to bed. She’s had a bit too much to drink."
Alice, sprawled across the bed with her eyes half-closed, let out a low, dismissive grunt.
"Mmm..."
Lilith, seated in an armchair with a book in her hands, glanced up briefly before returning her attention to the pages.
Isolde, who had been studying a scroll of spells in the corner, looked up with a faint smile.
"Seems like you two were having fun."
Adam’s voice carried a note of casual dismissal as he moved further into the room.
"We just went out for a drink. She tried beer for the first time." He paused, glancing around. "By the way, where’s Selena?"
Ignis’s voice cut through, bright and insistent.
"She was talking with a lot of people earlier! But I think she’s in her office now." She grabbed Adam’s sleeve, her golden eyes blazing with anticipation. "Now, Adam! My surprise! You promised!"
Adam let out a low, amused chuckle, gently prying her fingers from his sleeve.
"Alright, alright. I haven’t forgotten. Give me a minute to talk to Selena, then I’ll come find you."
Ignis’s face fell into a sharp pout.
"Fine... but don’t take too long!"
Isolde’s voice came from behind him, quiet and measured, her eyes studying his back with calm curiosity.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
Adam glanced back, a faint, dismissive smile tugging at his lips.
"No need. It’s just a small matter."
He turned and walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing softly in the corridor as he made his way toward Selena’s office.
The door was slightly ajar, and the low murmur of voices drifted through the gap. Adam paused, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the situation. Then he pushed the door open.
Selena sat behind her desk, calm and composed, her amber eyes steady on the man across from her. He was handsome, with sharp features and dark, neatly styled hair. A silver chain at his neck, a polished ring on his finger—small details that spoke of wealth and standing. Two subordinates flanked him, rigid and watchful, their eyes carrying a flicker of barely concealed hostility.
Adam’s voice was light, carrying a note of practiced nonchalance.
"Oh. Am I interrupting?"
The dark-haired man’s gaze snapped toward him, his eyes narrowing with obvious displeasure. His subordinates mirrored his reaction, their stares cold and unwelcoming.
Selena’s lips curved into a smooth, practiced smile, her amber eyes flickering with quiet amusement.
"Not at all. We were just finishing up."
She turned her gaze to the dark-haired man, her voice carrying a note of calm finality.
"I’ll consider our conversation closed. If there’s nothing else, you may take your leave."
The man’s jaw tightened, his voice carrying a note of stubborn insistence as he pressed forward.
"Lady Selena, if you would just reconsider—"
Selena raised a hand, cutting him off with a gesture that carried the weight of absolute authority. Her voice was still calm, but there was a cold edge beneath it.
"I said we’re done here."
One of Selena’s subordinates stepped forward, his hand moving to the hilt of his blade in a subtle, deliberate gesture. The dark-haired man’s eyes flickered to the weapon, and his protests died in his throat.
His subordinates fell into step behind him as he turned and strode toward the door. As he passed Adam, his gaze locked onto him with undisguised hostility.
Adam met his glare with calm, unbothered indifference, his expression carrying a note of mild confusion as the man stalked past. When the door clicked shut behind them, Adam turned back to Selena, a flicker of genuine curiosity crossing his face.
"Was that something I should be worried about?"
Selena let out a slow, measured breath, leaning back in her chair as she reached for a glass of water on her desk. Her voice was light, dismissive.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with. Just a minor political nuisance." She took a sip, then set the glass down with a soft clink. "So. What brings you here?"
Adam’s lips curved into a faint, easy smile.
"I have a list of materials I need for a blacksmith. I was hoping you might have connections."