The Cherub’s Chug, Part 2

The demigod and the angel downed their drinks in one go again, and many a Rascal were convinced they were hallucinating. How else could they explain such a sight?

“Phew! For such a picturesque place, they sure have good ale in here,” said Urielle.

“I think the right word is miserable. Judging by the taste, I’d bet my sword these drinks are stolen.”

“Oh Galardos. If these people could hear you, they’d be so offended.”

“What? Do you think they actually paid for any of this?”

“Well, no. By all means, I should smite them before leaving, but I shall spare them this one time.”

“My oh my, are you in a good mood tonight.”

“Of course I am! Here, pour me another.”

“At once, Your Highness. Just don’t get too drunk on me, ‘cause I’m not dragging you out of here.”

“Hah. I’m immune to this, and so are you.”

“Well yeah, but that’s besides the point.”

And just like that, the tension between them was gone like dust in the wind. They went so far as to drop the barrier, order dinner, and lose themselves for a while in small talk.

An hour later, with their bellies full and their flagons empty, Urielle stared at Galardos with a pleasant smile.

“Don’t you fall in love with me — I’m taken,” said the demigod, making her laugh.

“Oh, I wish I could! I haven’t shared the warmth of another in ages.”

“Well. My brother is single, if you’re interested.”

“I’m afraid he won’t do. Not with the gift I have in store for you.”

“And what might that be?” Galardos wondered. He didn’t expect something ludicrous from the angel, but maybe all the alcohol did get to her head.

What she did next, however… completely blew him away.

With a graceful motion, she plucked a feather from one of her wings — the very conduits that allowed her to cast magic.

The demigod gasped as he realized what she was about to say.

“Let’s make a pact, Galardos. Let me be your Guardian Angel.”

He was floored.

The Rascals were floored.

Even the rats, watching the scene from a hole were floored.

Archangel Urielle, a proud warrior of Heaven, had pledged her service to the rogue demigod in front of everyone.

“U- Urielle, I- I can’t! That’s too much! Far too much, even for — ”

“It isn’t. The light of the Goddess shines within you. You’re a key part of her plan.”

“But to make a pact like this… I haven’t even told you anything!”

“There’s no need. You’ve shown yourself to me, and that’s more than enough. I want to be your blade, that I may serve the Lady by your side.”

The demigod hesitated to take the offer.

Such covenants were rare, but not unheard of — an angel binding themselves to another, becoming their very own personal guard.

If Galardos accepted the contract, Urielle would relinquish the Zarian Order and stay by his side for the rest of their lives. And given that both were immortals...

“You’re still in duty to your Order. I can’t take you from them.”

“That doesn’t matter. You’re a worthy patron, and there are times when service to the Lady is done best outside her ranks. Whatever mission she entrusted you, I’d like to see it for myself until the end. If you would have me, of course.”

When he first entered the tavern, Galardos had come looking for copper.

But against all odds and reason, he had struck gold instead.

Having Urielle as a comrade was unimaginable. She was one of the strongest opponents he had ever fought, and she was an active member of the Zarian Order.

If it came down to it, she could be a mediator to avoid conflict, but…

On the other hand, the archangel didn’t seem to know the full picture.

Even now, she hadn’t made mention about a missing Seraph, let alone a dead one.

So if she wasn’t appraised of the situation, she couldn’t possibly make an informed decision to join him. If Galardos took the offer, he would trample over her trust.

“I’m flattered, Urielle. No, I’m more than flattered — I’m honored by this. But I can’t accept it. Not until everything has become clear.”

“I don’t mind. I believe in you, no matter what.”

“And I can’t live up to that trust. Not yet.”

The angel looked at him with a serene expression. He expected her to be offended, or at least displeased in some way. But for some reason, she looked satisfied.

“You’re a good man, Galardos. I have no doubts about it, but if your heart is troubled by my proposal, then I shall retract it.”

“I’m sorry, Urielle. I truly am. It’s just… I can’t impose on you like that.”

“So be it. I’ll take my leave for tonight, but if you ever reconsider… summon me. Use this feather as a catalyst, and I shall answer.”

And so she offered a compromise.

The archangel wouldn’t become his subordinate, but she’d give him a ticket to call her whenever he liked.

“Thank you. If the day comes that I truly need your blade, I will call you.”

“Until then,” she gave him a solemn nod, then walked outside the tavern.

The Rascals stared at the demigod as he was left alone, and they looked at him so damn hard it made even him uncomfortable. He couldn’t bear it for more than a few seconds, until he swiftly teleported away.

And with that fateful meeting, the Raucous Rascal was no more.

The legendary encounter was so memorable that the immortal tavern was reborn, by unanimous decision of everyone present.

From that night henceforth, the place was known as The Cherub’s Chug.