Everyone hates me in this new world and they will pay for it

Shapira felt Arthur's hand and returned a warm look to the boy. A faint blush appeared on her face from the kind act, but it was quickly replaced by an expression of rage.

"You have to be kidding me. He's really in there," she said, pointing to the Saloon.

"That bastard…" she continued, clenching her fists, observing him with a terrifying gaze.

Arthur then turned his attention to the place. The bar was named "Rupert's Tavern" and it was a classic medieval bar, with wooden benches, various swords hanging on the wall, and a set of swinging saloon doors.

Inside, several men could be seen drinking and singing. One, in particular, caught the boy's eye: a short, bearded man with ragged clothes, a shaved head, and a large belly. He wore an enormous hat and was dancing and singing happily while holding his mug of beer.

"That's the guy?" the boy asked, curious, pointing to the drunkard.

"Unfortunately, yes. That idiot, drinking during work hours again," Shapira replied, covering her face with one hand in a gesture of pure indignation. "Come on, I'm going to get that loser," she exclaimed, walking towards the Saloon.

Arthur and Shapira walked to the bar and passed through the swinging doors.

When they entered, the strong smell of alcohol and the horrible stench of vomit and sweat filled their noses. It was not a pleasant environment at all. There was also a band playing medieval music, and even though they were drunk, they played very well. It was almost unbelievable how that was possible.

As they advanced a little, an unlucky man tried to hit on Shapira.

"Hey, gorgeous," the man said, holding a beer mug, barely able to stand.

Shapira just shoved the man, who fell to the floor, unconscious from being so drunk.

As she approached the short man, he finally noticed their presence.

"Shapira! And this kid I've never seen in my life! Long time no see, huh?" the man said, tipping his mug and spilling beer all over his own clothes.

Shapira made a disgusted face at the scene and replied:

"Drinking again, Zamir? During work hours, no less? You're hopeless!" she exclaimed, taking a step back to dodge another drunkard passing by.

"Hey, I choose my own work hours. After all, I'm the owner of that dump," he replied, smiling, visibly drunk.

"What did I tell you about drinking too much, huh? I'm not going to take care of you, you tubby oaf!" she said, anger in her eyes.

"You're not my mother! I'm perfectly fine with my friends here, right, everyone?"

The entire bar roared in agreement.

"That's right, folks! Bartender, another round! You and the kid can have one too," he said, raising his mug high.

Everyone celebrated, and the music played louder.

"This whole charade is over for you, Zamir. We're going outside to talk. I didn't even come here for this, my god!" she exclaimed, irritated with the situation.

"I'm not going! You can't make me work, you know!" he replied, crossing his arms and turning his head like a child.

Shapira gritted her teeth and approached Zamir.

"Are you challenging me, you drunken shorty? We are going outside, now!"

Zamir stood up. Even though he was much smaller than her, he looked her in the eye and said:

"I already said I'm not going," he smiled, proud and confident.

Shapira just smiled back and lifted Zamir by the collar of his shirt, like a cat holding its kitten. He tried to fight, grumbling and struggling with his whole body, but it was no use. Shapira carried him outside, throwing him on the ground behind the bar, near a well.

"Hey, I said I wasn't going!" Zamir grumbled, trying to get up but falling with each attempt.

Arthur and Shapira watched the ridiculous scene with an expression of pity. How could someone get into that state?

Shapira took the initiative, grabbed a bucket of water that was near the well, and threw it on the man.

"HEY!" he complained. "That's cold, you know? Geez!" he retorted, finally managing to get up while trying to wring the water from his clothes.

"Feeling better now?" Shapira asked, her tone ironic, with a cynical and satisfied smile.

"I am, thanks a lot, you hear?" he replied, also ironic and with a fake smile.

The man wiped the water from his face and leaned against the wall of the well, vomiting everything he had in his stomach. Arthur moved back a bit, disgusted by the scene, and thought to himself:

'How can someone let themselves get into this state? I actually feel sorry for him.'

Shapira looked at the boy and said:

"I know, it's a pathetic sight, isn't it?" she asked, looking at him.

Arthur was surprised.

"Y-yes, how did you guess?"

"It's written all over your face, kid. You're not very good at hiding your thoughts. And besides, look at him. Anyone would think the same thing," she replied, gesturing with her head towards Zamir.

Zamir was still vomiting, but a short time later, he caught his breath and turned to the duo who were waiting for his show to end.

"Need more water?" Shapira asked with an ironic smile, pointing to the bucket she had used.

"No, no, thank you for your kindness," Zamir replied, with an irritated, tired, and ironic expression. "What do you want?"

"I want to introduce you to the kid. His name is Arthur. He's the new Rank E adventurer in town and he's under my protection at my sister's request. He's going to sell some items to you, if you're ever in your shop, you bastard," she replied, leaning on Arthur.

"Pleasure to meet you, Zamir," Arthur said, even though he didn't respect the guy one bit.

"Whatever, kid. You already know who I am. And stop judging me, you hear? It may not seem like it, but I was a very strong adventurer at your age," he exclaimed, picking up his hat from the ground.

Arthur was surprised again. Apparently, Shapira wasn't lying when she said it was easy to read his thoughts.

Shapira added:

"Yeah, this shorty was tough as nails, kid. He was our archer, always giving us cover," she replied, nostalgic.

Arthur was a bit shocked. He had imagined this man fought with swords, but a bow? That was unexpected.

Zamir smiled and said:

"I could hit any target, regardless of its size. I once shot a fly that was buzzing over my cake!" he said, simulating a shot with an imaginary bow and arrow.

Shapira smiled.

"You and that fly story… Don't you ever get tired of repeating the same lie?" Shapira replied, rolling her eyes, indignant.

"IT'S TRUE! Why does no one ever believe me?" he exclaimed, irritated, huffing because no one believed his story.

"Maybe because it's absurd?" she retorted.

Zamir crossed his arms, still dripping water, and puffed out his chest as if he were truly offended.

"You'll see! One day I'll prove it! I'll shoot another fly right in front of you two. And then, you'll eat your words!" he said, pointing a finger at Shapira as if it were a great threat.

Shapira let out a sincere laugh and shook her head.

"Sure, sure. But until then, try to stay sober enough to actually see a fly first."

Arthur watched the two of them with a mixture of happiness and confusion. He would have never imagined that this strong, decisive woman had associated with someone like Zamir, let alone on a team. But, slowly, he was beginning to realize that the past of the adventurers he was meeting was much deeper than he had imagined.

"Whatever. Anyway, I'm going to show the kid the shop and give him a list of what I need at the moment," he said, spitting on the ground, covering his eyes from the sun that was bothering him.

Zamir began to walk towards his shop, gesturing for Arthur and Shapira to follow him.