Seeing out his employees, Hyeonju bid them farewell and locked up the Vega Gem behind them. He let out a weary sigh and turned to make his way back to his apartment. There was no way he’d waltz into The Yelling Secret dressed as vibrantly as he was. It didn’t take long, just replacing his garments for more subdued colors of browns, blacks, and deeply dyed blues, accented ever so slightly with gold threading. He refrained from wearing his usual glittering jewels, knowing it would tempt a few struggling low rankers and he had no desire to kill any poor souls who thought him easy prey. No, tonight he would be dressed modestly because he was not there to galavant about and create a spectacular scene.
He was there to meet Dust and get the latest gossip. Both his longest-partnered informant and most amusing, Hyeonju looked forward to seeing the man again. Dust had attitude and it made for quite the company. But more importantly, Dust knew anything and everything and had no qualms sharing his information—for the right price, of course. And the Ten of Heart was more than willing to pay. Hyeonju pocketed a bag of coins set aside for resistance business, grabbed one of his bladed fans, and set out to meet the tavern owner.
Hyeonju walked through the doors of the The Yelling Secrets and while some eyed him in an attempt to deduce his value, most hardly spared a glance. Another reason he enjoyed visiting this informant more than most—most patrons knew to mind their own business.
Sliding into a seat at the bar counter, Hyeonju waved a hand at the familiar figure that was standing behind it, smiling slyly like the fox he was. “Dust, I see you’re doing well despite the water shortage. Seems everyone needs a heavy drink to get through this corruption—dehydration be damned.” He lowered his voice even as he pushed back his sleeves unconsciously, the tavern warmer than the chill of outside. “I’ll take your best whiskey…and your most entertaining news.” He wondered what Dust would have for him today. Hopefully something fun.
