The Paladin in the Abyss

"Yes," Lancelot nodded simply, "I have described the specific situation to the corrupt cultivators in detail, you can learn from them."

"Who wants to meet that bunch of old antiques who wrap themselves up tight?" Akama pulled the shoulder straps of her gown onto her arms, "For instance, you, would you like to see me wear more, or less?"

"Your dress looks very fitting," Lancelot answered noncommittally, "Moreover, I am certain Mr. Pakos is equally well-informed about the death of Satugura."

"Hehe, that's for sure, after all, the news that you killed that fox came out from the Tears of Azaka first." The succubus glanced at the halfling smiling beside her, "Why don't we go have a drink at his place tonight, maybe you can tell me the story of how you retrieved that Divine Artifact... just the two of us."

"Not possible, I don't welcome you," Pakos turned his face faster than flipping a book, "You two find somewhere else for your date."

"Oh? Weren't you just inviting me to sit in your little shop?" Akama made a woeful expression, "Do men change their hearts this quickly..."

"We both know very well that what I asked just now was whether you had any designs on my territory," the false smile returned to the halfling innkeeper's face, while Lancelot's companions also came to his side.

"Lancelot, are you alright?"

The one who spoke first was Elothysia, and although the succubus was talking to him, her eyes were fixed on the scantily clad female demon, whose expression suddenly darkened, and she coldly said:

"I know who you are, Succubus, and I also know he's not your man. For your own sake, I would advise you to leave as soon as possible, there are many in this city who are uncomfortable with your presence."

"We will leave immediately after resting for a night," Lancelot said, "I think this short period of time should be acceptable, right?"

"Of course, you can stay as long as you want," Pakos immediately responded, gesturing to Lancelot towards the crowd of spectators, "After all, the citizens of this city have started to take a liking to you."
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Lancelot turned his head, helplessly looking at the demons who were loudly cheering his name. The feeling was very strange, after all, they were some of the most evil, brutal, and bloodthirsty creatures in the entire Multiverse.

"Lancelot! Lancelot! 'Horn Breaker' Lancelot!"

These fellows had actually given him such a nickname. Lancelot shook his head, waved his hand slightly to the audience, and the demons responded with even more enthusiastic cheers. The drama that unfolded today included power, blood, killing, conspiracy, and betrayal, topped off with the death of an annoying Lord of Withering. What could be better than that?

"Alright, alright! Nothing more to see here, disperse!" Pakos shooed away the onlookers like flies, but after witnessing what just happened, no one dared ignore the halfling's short arms. He turned around, looked up at Lancelot, "So, I hear you want to check my food tonight too?"

"If you're willing to entertain."

"Tears of Lazaka always welcomes the great 'Hornbreaker,'" Pakos said with an exaggerated smile on his face, but his expression quickly darkened as he coldly told Akama, "But that doesn't include you, lady. And I assure you, with last time's lesson, I will have guards thoroughly stationed at every entrance."

"Tsk, as if I'm keen on your dump," the voluptuous demoness said, squeezing her own chest as she spoke to Lancelot, "If you want to have some fun with me, just come looking for me at Blood Abyss anytime, you'll find my place much more luxurious than that shabby halfling's inn."

"I don't think I'll bother you in the near future."

"Well, you never can be too sure, he he he he..."

The 'Shapeshifter' Ms. Akama left with a low, charming chuckle, swaying her hips. Lancelot noticed that her attendants smartly stayed to her left and right, not blocking the view from directly behind her, and he couldn't help but laugh to himself.

"Whew~ That flirt is finally gone. You can't imagine the pain of cleaning the rooms she stayed in. Many times, I'd rather just... set the whole room ablaze," the halfling exaggerated loudly, then turned to Lancelot, "A grand victory feast, how does that sound? Abyss chicken, Blood Lake fish, Shendilawei beef and mutton, guaranteed to be the most lavish meal you've ever seen, with an unlimited supply of ale, of course–and the price is very reasonable..."

"Oh! Sounds fantastic! Let's go with that!" Bruto, hearing the last part, leapt up immediately.

"...For just five thousand Gold Coins."

"Damn it!! That expensive!?" The dwarf immediately came to a halt, looking as though doused with a bucket of cold water, "Why don't you just rob me, five thousand Gold Coins could buy your entire building."

"You think I haven't robbed before? But long ago I discovered that was too inefficient, and it definitely isn't sustainable—after all, it's hard to rob the same victim twice. Besides, I assure you, in the Spray Plains, 5,000 Gold Coins won't even buy you a cellar," Pakos showed Bruto his neat and tidy halfling teeth, "By the way, you were saying that you're heading down to the depths of Mogrondale, looking for a certain lower-level Portal, right?"

"What if we are?"

"That's just perfect!" Pakos clapped his hands, "Let me guess, you're aiming for the 600th layer of the Endless Labyrinth, seeking some powerful Divine Artifact lost there? Or are you eyeing the 422nd layer of Yenogu's Domain, perhaps eager for the wealth stolen from countless worlds by the Werewolf Lord? No matter your destination, spending all your money now would be the best decision. Because you'll either return alive, with your bags filled with more gold and treasures, or die there, leaving all your riches for the first person who stumbles upon your corpse..."

"You truly are an excellent salesman," Lancelot sighed with resignation, "Skip the feast, just a suite and an ordinary dinner will do, plus enough ale for this dwarf to take a bath in, alright?"

"No, no, come on, you've just recovered a lost Divine Artifact, earned the title of Lord of Withering, and even eliminated an annoying colleague—such a grand adventure surely deserves a celebration, doesn't it?" the halfling blinked up at Lancelot, "So what if it's a bit pricey? Don't you consider the service I'm offering? How about taking care of poor innkeeper's business for a change, after all I've done for you?"

"Now the whole of Mogrondale knows it was I who took down Satugura," Lancelot responded with implied meaning, but after seeing the expressions of his companions, he eventually nodded, "But you do have a point, who knows what lies ahead for us?"