IW-1 Apparition

Mmm... fine tea indeed, and a fine view.

First timers should stay somewhere nice. Get a good impression of Shangshu.

Xingyu Inn. An antique, elegant name.

Famous, but it only recently got into food service. The innkeeper has talent, and whatever he touches goes well.

It's grown to be a lot to handle, but still he...

Is that him there, busying about?

The very same.

Doesn't look like an owner at all. Very steady as he goes. You have to admire him.

If only I knew what my old schoolmate was up to... The Liang boy.

To borrow your words: steady as he goes.

Is he a good mandarin?

Ask any passerby, shoe-shiner, yam hawker, or taxi driver on the street. They'd all give him a thumbs-up.

Haha. Living his dream, then. Wish I could say that.

You haven't met Mr. Liang in over ten years?

Nope.

But he still chose you to deliver this item.

That it is.

Then your bond must deserve a thumbs-up as well.

I'm not experienced enough to say what this portends. I only know by Mr. Liang's expression that this is no laughing matter.

Hardly. I wouldn't dare flaunt any grand bond with your 'Mr. Liang.' But Liang Xun, the man? He's a friend.

A friend, you say?

And a good one.

A good friend is hard enough to find, much less one that will stay so after ten years apart.

What about you, Master Shen?

What about me?

With so many ferrymen at the docks, didn't it seem strange I chose you in particular?

No. I was briefed by Mr. Liang, so I assumed you were too. I have no need for the details.

I had to steal this thing right out of a smuggler's hands for old Mr. Liang. Took some effort.

I didn't ask. You must have been itching to speak.

I came all this way with no one to talk to. You bet I'm itchy.

I'm surprised you trust Liang, what with that cold look on his face. Most people don't.

Ah. You trust him because he's your friend. I do because he's the magistrate of Shangshu.

Do you know him well?

I do. Mr. Liang is good to us, so we return the favor.

How long have you been in this business, Master Shen?

Hard to say... Who counts out the passing years on their fingers? Twenty? Thirty?

Very admirable.

I'm only a boatman, what's there to admire? Lately they've been putting engines on the boats. Maybe I'll be out of a job in a few years.

They'll still need someone to navigate the route and keep watch on the sky. I figure as long as there are waterways and the years run long, boatmen and Catastrophe Messengers are in the same boat.

Catastrophes, you say.

You don't see one often, but when you do, you never forget.

Have you seen one before?

I have, but also things even more frightening. Not on the rivers, mind you—wait, what have you got me saying?

Hm.

What is it?

Strange. Two foreigners, it seems.

Alright, two guests?

Two guests.

So this is your 'reputation exceptional, dishes quintessential, service congenial, treatment all-equal' Xingyu Inn, then?

But of course, but of course. My master had nothing but praise for the 'Xingyu' name, so while I've never been graced with a chance to visit Shangshu, I just had to take you here, benefactor.

Ah, but...

But?

Heh, it shames me to admit, but my master praised only the name, not any particular amenity. So I am also ignorant as to its precise forte.

......

Here's your tea.

Just refreshments, or will you two be needing lodging too?

Wow, they've even got the standard line, huh?

Hey, listen here. Maybe we've only been open for a few years, but trace the name 'Xingyu' back and you'll see it's got a century's worth of fame.

Benefactor, we've been searching for lodging, the prices are suitable enough, and it's not far from the northern crossing we agreed to meet at. What say you?

I'm fine with whatever.

Then two rooms, please.

Allllright then. Anything to eat for now?

May I ask what you have?

Our recommended set meals are on the signs. We're currently on the afternoon menu. If you need anything, just shout.

Very well, let's see...

This one looks alright, mate. Lot of Yan flavor in that name.

The extra-spicy fowl blood curd set...? I'd recommend refraining for now.

Why? When in Londinium, right? Can't hurt to try.

In my experience, such dishes don't quite... mesh with the lunchtime sensibilities a Rim Billitonian such as yourself might be accustomed to.

That so? I think I'm pretty good with spice, myself.

......

What are you sneaking peeks at?

Look there, at the proprietor. The innkeeper, I wager.

What about him?

He's a force to be reckoned with.

A force how?

Of course, he has to be, with a business this grand. But there's something more than that...

Are those calluses on his hands?

Your vision is as astounding as ever, benefactor!

And there's been two guests on the floor upstairs eyeing us ever since we walked in.

Hm?

What part of them's caught your eye?

Well... that Cautus seems oddly familiar...

......

Are you staying here today, boss? Not heading to check out the other side of the crossing?

No, I'm expecting someone. I must be here to attend to this guest.

Heh, you're offering personal service? Gotta be a big shot then. Are we open for business then? How much can we make?

There might not be money in it. No shortage of things to settle, though.

Is it about the business over there?

Yes and no.

What does THAT mean?

Less blabbering, more greeting the customers.

Pssh, penny-pincher.

Ai, welcome, guests, are you—

...Hmph.

Miss Du? What are you—

None of your business. Out of the way.

......

Hey!

Why—what a formidable greeting, young lady. Are you looking for me?

A sloppy man with glasses, a gaudy outfit, and the look of a swindler.

So it's gotta be you, right?

Er... I must say that appraisal is a little...

An enemy of yours?

No, they'd never go so far as to send a little girl to do their bidding...

Who's a little girl, huh?!

—!

(She kicked up an entire wooden chair—what leg technique!)

Hmph. You have quick reflexes, dodging without getting up.

Miss, Miss!

What? Can't you see I'm busy—

This guy's a Liberi, right? Didn't the letter say we were looking for a Lung?

......

......

Then it's the one upstairs. It's you, right, isn't it?!

Hey now, don't I deserve at least an apology?

Cool it, mate... Hm?

Personally, I thought my attire was just dandy.

Given her approach, I doubt she means well.

You stroll in and abuse an innocent chair, not to mention almost giving that man a concussion for no reason.

Give it up, your cover's blown. Now play nice and hand it over.

Hmph. I'll grant that it takes guts to sneak into the city in broad daylight though.

Miss Du, was it? I believe there might be a misunderstanding.

Did you come from Lungmen?

Er, yes.

Are you carrying an antique wine cup with you?

......

Then you have one minute to think up a good excuse. After that, you're handing it over and coming with me.

The young lady's not too keen on hearing people out... Really makes me miss those kids of mine back home. They'd know better.

Don't look at me. Mr. Liang explained that he specifically entrusted you with bringing that wine cup from Lungmen.

And if Mr. Liang says so, I believe it.

Well, Master Shen, thanks for the vote of confidence.

Odd though... This girl's bold enough to openly say she wants something that Mr. Liang requested?

*Sigh*.

One of our aunties plucked this right from a child smuggler's hands, so if you were expecting any legal formalities... haha.

Is the cup noteworthy?

I looked into it, there's only baseless legends. Rumors the smugglers heard from the locals.

*Sigh*. How did this become such a hassle?

(Nothing, mate, I've seen this in a movie before!)

(As have I! But they'd usually call the officers at this point. They'd never jump into a fight, right...?)

Hey, enough muttering! Got your excuse ready?

(The lady is certainly blessed with a loud voice... Might those two upstairs be suspects of a sort, then?)

......

(Benefactor?)

(Mate. I... I think that guy looks familiar.)

(What? The fellow with the remarkably similar get-up to mine?)

(No... It can't be... They work with Rhodes Island. Guess there's a little resemblance though?)

How about this, young lady? You've caught me, fair and square. Nowhere to run. Now, if you'd call the police...

Stalling for time, huh? Alright. I was wondering how long you could anyway.

Get up there!

Don't let him get away!

A moment, please!

What, you want to pay me back for earlier?

Stand down, let me finish my business, and I'll pay for two days of lodging, all expenses. Sound good?

Take a good, long look Benefactor. If we've not got the wrong person, then a wonderful opportunity has landed in our laps.

Mr. Lee...?

Ah...

Let's see... little blonde rabbit, ambiguously closed eyes... a Rhodes Island operator?

Miraculous. Of the taverns in Shangshu, in all of Yan, in all the world, to think you'd have the fortune to run into an old friend here.

So how about we not sour the mood on this miraculous reunion?

What the hell is going on?! You're all together?!

Surround them! Nobody leaves until they hand over the booty!

......!

What the... just now...

Benefactor, watch out!

They're all civvies. Keep a light touch.

Careful, that Liberi's from some martial school! Leave the Cautus to me—huh? Where'd she go?

Why's it always punch first, ask questions later...?

Wh-When did she get on the second floor?!

No need to hurt anyone, Nothing, mate. Easy does it.

Over here, Mr. Lee.

*Sigh* So sorry to get you all caught up in this mess.

Not like we expected to run into you, Mr. Lee. Well, uh, let's get out of here first.

Hey—! Are you ignoring me on purpose?! You think you can just leave?!

Apologies, but you won't be passing.

And who're you to decide?!

A fan? That swindler... uh, no, that guest knows some rare kung fu, doesn't he?

......

Zheng? Sir? Shouldn't you step in before they ruin all the furniture on the ground floor?

*Sigh*...

Fan man's moves are probably meant to intimidate. He's being very slick about it. But the lady hasn't shown us everything yet either. If they work things out, we all come out richer and happier.

While she's still being cautious, at least.

Hey!

All you fine people!

He should be here by now.

Mm....

I do hope that things conclude smoothly.

...Cheh.

Hm? What's this pause for?

Don't tell me I was a little too heavy-handed, and hurt you in my carelessness, young lady?

Hmph. So you know some flowery kung fu. Happy?

Your buccaneer's already fled on us, so there's no sense tangling with you any longer, you—

—What's your name?

Nothing. The latter man of Tzu-hsu and Wu-yu.

Keh. What kind of conman gives his real name? That must be some stupid kung fu stage name.

Ah, how keen-witted you are.

So you're not going to let me past to chase them, right?

Hence why I compliment your keen wit.

Shut it with your flapping!

What are you waiting for?! Let's take him!

Miss! We'll help you out!

—Hold it!

Eep...

Ahem.

This is still an inn. I can't have you two making a mess of the restaurant and fools of us all. What will the passersby think?

...Cheh.

However, you two fought marvelously. In honor of your eye-opening display, I... won't ask you to cover the costs.

But for now, please rein it in. Call it a day. For my sake.

Hmph.

Do pardon us, good proprietor. We'll resolve this misunderstanding forthwith, then make amends at your door.

I'll let you go... this time. For the innkeep.

I don't know how you're involved with that guy, but I'd hand him over if I were you.

Cover for him and you're an accomplice. You're free to go for now, but Shangshu doesn't tolerate outlaws.

If this were simply a matter of outlawry, you could have called the police. What has you resorting to force, Miss Du?

Nothing is right. No matter the reason, a mere disagreement shouldn't bring you to fisticuffs.

Why you...!

Now, now, Miss.

Let's have your people leave.

M-Miss, do we just let him go...? We could grab him, then wait for the Lungmenite to take the bait—

Quiet.

We've already let the Lungmenite escape. Keeping this guy with us all night wouldn't be much use.

Besides, could you even restrain him? And you, you're still holding back some moves, aren't you?

Hardly. Friendship is wealth, now, friendship is wealth. If the young lady here is willing to take a step back, then I couldn't ask for anything more...

I won't forget this, Nothing.

Please, don't waste your memories on me. The esteemed have so much to forget.

(Carefully, carefully... Good, I'll get a decent head start from here.)

I'm only listening to Mr. Zheng—if you want to see how things play out outside, be my guest. I suggest you sit tight and listen to—

—Hey! Where'd he go?!

H-How did this happen?! What are you all DOING?!

Er... you weren't exactly clear on whether we were letting him go, Miss...

Don't just stand there! After him!

Y-Yes, Miss!

Hey, Miss Du, don't you think you're making too big of a mess?

Out of my way!

Ai, ai, don't—whatever, this isn't my problem anymore...

And Dad! Why were acting like this doesn't concern you? You even stopped me!

You were making trouble.

Trouble, my ass! You knew they'd go through Yingfeng Road, right? Isn't that why you were here waiting for them?!

We've got eyes in dozens of inns and eateries in this city! Catching some blind idiot of a thief's not hard—

Who's the blind idiot here?

......!

You don't know what that wine cup is, let alone what that Lungmenite might have up his sleeve.

Not to mention how capable those people were. If they were willing to cause a commotion, they'd have won, and come out looking reasonable too.

But––

But what? Do you know just how significant their mission is? Or who the anonymous client is?

You think you're all it takes to put hired escorts to shame?

Looks like no one's following.

Sorry everyone. I should've been leading the way, but here we are in this plight.

I never imagined something like this would await us in Shangshu City though...

Was it really alright to leave that young man alone? Have we abandoned him?

The innkeeper and the pushy woman seemed to know each other. I'm worried our rearguard hero might not slip away so easily.

Huh... how do you figure, Mr. Lee?

She was clearly mindful of him while making her move. That'd never fool me.

Get fooled in my line of work, and you're out business.

Oh...

Then we can only hope he's a fast runner. And honestly, I'd vouch for that.

Will he really be okay?

He'll be right as rain. The girl wouldn't dare to make a scene in broad daylight, right? It's a quiet street, but SOMEONE's gonna notice.

Phew... That's a relief. But fancy meeting you Rhodes Islanders here.

And what brings you to Shangshu, Mr. Lee? Commission at your office?

I suppose. Just a private matter entrusted to me by an old friend though.

Is it that box?

That it is.

But this truly is bizarre. Why would anyone in Shangshu dare to steal Mr. Liang's property?

It's not bizarre at all. If we could slip into Shangshu without a fuss, why would our Mr. Liang have bothered to seek me out?

Mr. Liang?

An old schoolmate... You can think of him as the Wei Yenwu of Shangshu.

Wow then... Mr. Wei, huh...

By the sound of it, you all know Lord Wei of Lungmen quite well?

Maybe the average man on the street wouldn't, but those of us sifting through Lungmen's scraps? Sure, we all do.

Recognizing Lord Wei and being recognized by him are very different things.

You're not wrong, but let's leave me and Wei Yenwu's somewhat rocky relationship out of this.

Ah. A shame I'll never meet anyone of Lord Wei's caliber.

Sure, he's extraordinary, but not THAT extraordinary.

You're kinda making it sound like Mr. Liang's no big deal by comparison.

Does he count as a big deal?

He does. Why wouldn't he?

Wait, do you mean Lord Wei of Lungmen doesn't, or Mr. Liang doesn't?

Then I suppose everyone's a big deal these days, tut-tut-tut. Back then, he was just a hothead who didn't even know the meaning of the word 'adapt'.

You're the same as ever, huh Mr. Lee?

Hah. What's it matter now, with me eking out my days in Lungmen while he officiates all of Shangshu? We haven't met in forever.

Look, there. It's that young man.

Nothing! Alright, mate?

Ow, ow, ow, ow! Hands off, I'm aching all over...

You may not realize this, but that young girl just now went utterly berserk! Merely warding her off tested every bone in me, and it was only by the proprietor's timely intervention that I had a gap through which to scurry—

With the way you came running over, you're obviously completely fine.

Fan tucked in hand and everything. So care to repeat that? Tested every bone?

Erk... There's no fooling you, benefactor... I will say, though, it's been far too long since I last used so many moves. The muscle ache alone is...

And this young man is?

Operator Mr. Nothing.

I may not have formally taken the post, but my devoted heart and tireless efforts have long since beaten to Rhodes Island's tune.

So you're a new operator friend. Good to meet you.

Well met, well met. I hear from my benefactor that you're also an ally to Rhodes Island? Ah, as expected of Rhodes Island, friend to all and beloved by the masses, that they'd strike an accord with a fine soul like yourself, er...

Just call me old Lee.

How kind of you, Brother Lee.

Well then, brother. You say you only got out once the innkeeper intervened?

Precisely so. What of it?

Hmm... seems things aren't as simple as I thought.

This isn't the place to stand and chat, too many ears. I'd never forgive myself for another setback.

Then we'll head straight for the Liang estate.

As for our friends...

I was only told to meet with you. Bringing any more could be a little...

Ah, never mind.

I doubt Mr. Liang's so small-minded. And you did both help us out, so we'll go together.

The Liang estate, huh... I'd really rather not bother anyone else...

It's fine, you're with me.

Decisive words, Brother Lee.

Good... if that's settled, then let's be quick. Come, this way.

......!

Brother Lee?

Hmm? Ah... I'll be right there.

......

Oh...

......

Ao?

What's this...? Are these strange pets the new trend in Shangshu?

Ao!

Brother Lee! Don't fall behind!

...I'm coming, I'm coming.

Ao...