I'm a Immortal Tavernkeeper, But My S-Rank Daughter Doesn't Know That!

Chapter 218: Stepbrothers

A tavern was a cozy refuge, a stark contrast to the intensity of the arena. The dark wooden walls and soft candlelight created an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.

The tables were full of patrons, some still chatting animatedly about the battle they had just witnessed. In the corner of the tavern, Aluella sat at a table with Victor and Trawerr.

"You fought well, my son," Aluella said, placing her hand on Trawerr’s. "I’m so proud of how much you’ve grown."

"Thank you, Mother," Trawerr replied with a slightly shy smile. "I still have a lot to learn, but there are many strong monsters in the outskirts of the capital, and I’m improving."

They sat down at the table and a waitress quickly came to take their orders. After they selected their drinks and food, the waitress walked away, leaving them free to talk.

"That was an intense fight," Aluella commented, looking at Victor and Trawerr with an expression of admiration. "I could see the determination in both your eyes."

Trawerr nodded, his eyes bright with excitement. "I was determined to test him and push him to the limit." freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"You succeeded," Victor admitted. "But remember, the real battle is within. It takes discipline and patience to evolve."

The waitress returned with their drinks, and they toasted the successful battle. As they drank, the conversation flowed naturally, the tension of the arena replaced by warm companionship. Victor told stories of his own battles and the challenges he faced to become the swordsman he was today. Trawerr listened intently, absorbing every word like a sponge.

"So, Father," Trawerr said after a moment of thoughtful silence, "how did you learn to control your movements with such precision? You seemed to know exactly where and when to strike."

Victor took a sip of his drink before answering, his eyes locked with Trawerr’s. "It was through many years of rigorous training and, more importantly, understanding the art of combat. It’s not just about strength or speed, it’s about anticipating your opponent’s movements, reading their stance and their eyes. It’s a game of chess, where every move has to be calculated precisely.

Aluella smiled, remembering Victor’s early days of training. "I remember when we first started training together," she said. "Victor had a natural ability, but he was lazy and that’s why he usually lost. I think it was his dedication and willingness to learn that really set him apart. In this world, talent isn’t enough.

Trawerr looked at his parents with a newfound respect. "I want to be like that. I want to be able to read my opponent’s movements and react with the same precision."

"You will succeed, but before you do, there will be times when you feel defeated or surrounded. It’s in those moments that you must get up and keep fighting."

The waitress returned with their plates, and the delicious aroma of food filled the air. They began to eat, and the conversation turned to lighter subjects. Trawerr told funny stories of his recent adventures, which made Victor and Aluella laugh. The atmosphere in the tavern was cozy, and for a moment, all the challenges and worries seemed far away.

After a while, Aluella looked at Trawerr with a serious but loving expression. "Son, there’s something we need to talk to you about." Trawerr looked confused.

Trawerr looked confused. "What?"

Victor took a deep breath and looked at Aluella before continuing. "You have a sister, Trawerr."

The revelation hung in the air like quiet thunder. Trawerr’s eyes widened and he was speechless for a moment. His mind raced to process the unexpected information. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, struggling to find the right words. When he finally spoke, his voice was charged with a mixture of emotions.

"A sister?" he repeated in disbelief. "But how is that possible? Mama, you never mentioned anything about that!"

Aluella remained calm, her hand still on Trawerr’s. "She’s not my biological daughter, Trawerr."

Trawerr’s confusion turned to something deeper. He turned to Victor, his expression hardening. "Father, did you have a daughter with another woman? After all my mother went through waiting for you to return?"

Victor shook his head quickly, his expression urgent. "No, Trawerr. It’s nothing like that. Let me explain."

Trawerr leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. There was irritation in his eyes, but he remained silent, allowing Victor to continue.

"She was adopted," Victor said in a softer voice. "When I was exiled to a village near the Dark Continent, I found her. She had lost everything. I couldn’t just leave her behind, so I adopted her as my own daughter. Her name is Wanda Stillwind."

Trawerr’s irritation began to fade, replaced by renewed curiosity. "Adopted?" he asked, his voice less tense. "Why didn’t you tell me this before?"

"Because I was waiting for the right moment," Victor replied. "You only accepted me a few hours ago, but I couldn’t wait days to tell you either."

Aluella interrupted, her voice soft. "We decided together that this was the right time. Wanda is part of our family and you need to meet her."

Trawerr nodded slowly, still processing the information. "Wanda Stillwind..." he repeated, and then his eyes widened in recognition. "I’ve heard of her. They say she’s a formidable warrior with incredible fighting skills."

Victor smiled, a gleam of pride in his eyes. "Yes, she is. Wanda has trained hard since she was a child. She has a strength and determination I’ve rarely seen in someone so young."

Trawerr looked at his parents, his expression softening. "I want to meet her," he said, a new determination in his voice. "If she’s going to be part of our family, I want her to know she’s welcome."

Aluella smiled, a look of relief and happiness on her face. "She’ll be happy to hear that, Trawerr, won’t you, Victor?"

Victor nodded, his eyes fixed on his son. "I’m proud of you, Trawerr. The way you handle things shows your maturity and your heart. Your mother has raised you well."

The waitress returned to collect the empty plates, and the conversation returned to lighter topics. They laughed and shared more stories, and the earlier tension completely dissipated. Trawerr, now aware of Wanda’s existence, felt a growing excitement about the future. He knew there would be challenges, but he also looked forward to getting to know his sister and learning from her.

Trawerr was silent for a few moments, contemplating the revelation as the waitress cleared the table. The aroma of food still hung in the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the tavern’s other patrons. He felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The idea of having a sister, and one as formidable as Wanda Stillwind, was both intriguing and unsettling.

Aluella noticed the tension on her son’s face and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It’s okay, Trawerr. I know it’s a lot to take in."

Trawerr nodded, his eyes fixed on the table. "I just... it’s a lot to take in all at once." He looked at Victor, who was obviously relieved to have finally shared the secret. "Where is she now?"

"She’s at the hotel, in the room next to ours," Victor replied. "I wanted you to meet her tonight, when you’re ready."

Trawerr took a deep breath and nodded. "I am ready. Let’s go meet her."

The atmosphere in the tavern calmed down, and some of the customers were already getting ready to leave. The waitress, realizing that the family was about to leave, brought the bill. Victor paid it quickly, leaving a generous tip.

"Let’s go," he said, getting up and holding out his hand to Aluella, who took it with a smile. Trawerr followed them, growing increasingly nervous as they left the tavern and walked through the cobbled streets toward the hotel.

The night was cool, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves on the trees. The stars twinkled in the sky, and the light from the gas lamps cast a warm glow over the streets. The distant sounds of laughter and folk music echoed through the alleys, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

They arrived at the hotel, an old but well-preserved building with a wooden facade and windows decorated with floral curtains. Victor opened the door and they entered the lobby lit by crystal chandeliers. The receptionist greeted them with a friendly nod as they climbed the stairs to their rooms.

In the hallway on the second floor, Victor stopped in front of a door and looked at Trawerr. "She’s in here. Ready?"

Trawerr nodded, feeling his heart quicken. Victor tapped lightly on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal a young woman with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Trawerr, this is Wanda," Victor said, his voice full of pride and affection.

Wanda smiled shyly and stepped forward. "Hi, Trawerr. I’ve heard a lot about you."

Trawerr smiled back, though he was still a little dazed. "Hi, Wanda. It’s nice to finally meet you."

She held out her hand, and he shook it, feeling the strength of her grip. There was no doubt that she was a warrior.