A Crazy Man (3)

Moments later, inside the warm and cozy bakery, Aris found solace from the biting cold outside. The scent of freshly baked bread and pastries enveloped her, comforting her senses. The walls were adorned with shelves of various bread loaves, cakes, and cookies, their golden-brown hues inviting her to indulge. Soft, ambient lighting bathed the interior, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the chilly world beyond the bakery's doors. Aris couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and belonging in this welcoming space, surrounded by the aroma of baked goods and the friendly chatter of customers.

As Aris sat at a small wooden table in the bakery, she eagerly sampled the warm, flaky pastries and soft, freshly baked bread that the kind baker had offered her. With each bite, she savored the delicious flavors that filled her mouth—a symphony of buttery richness, subtle sweetness, and comforting warmth. The pastries were filled with creamy custards, fruity jams, and indulgent chocolate, while the bread boasted a crisp crust and a soft, pillowy interior. Each bite was a moment of bliss, a fleeting escape from the harsh realities of the outside world, as Aris lost herself in the simple pleasure of good food and warm company.

"That is delicious!" Aris couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over her. With each bite of the warm pastries and freshly baked bread, her spirits lifted, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"I'm delighted that you enjoyed it. My wife is the real talent in the kitchen; it's just the two of us running this place." The kindly, plump man beamed with pride. "Now that you've had your fill, could you tell me if you're lost? Where are your parents, Aris?"

Aris hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal to this kind-hearted stranger. She toyed with her fingers nervously, glancing down at the table before meeting the man's gaze with a mixture of sadness and determination.

"I... I don't have any parents," she confessed softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I lost them... in an accident." The memories of her tragic past weighed heavily on her heart, but she knew she had to be strong, especially in front of someone who had shown her such kindness.

"I've been... on my own for a while now," she continued, not lying but not entirely telling the truth either, her words faltering slightly. "I'm looking for someone... a man named Alden Reece. Do you know him?"

The man's heart ached as he observed the child's demeanor, recognizing the weight of hardship in her young eyes. He couldn't begin to fathom the depth of her struggles, yet a flicker of compassion stirred within him. Just as he contemplated offering assistance, Aris uttered the name of the man she sought. In that moment, a pallor washed over his face, fleeting hints of fear betraying his composure for a brief instant. His gaze darted nervously, as if searching for an escape from the conversation. However, after a moment's hesitation, he composed himself and offered a reassuring smile, though it lacked the warmth of his previous expressions.

The man leaned in closer to Aris, his voice dropping to a hushed tone to evade the prying ears of the bakery's patrons who were now casting curious glances their way. "Listen, kid," he began slowly, his words weighted with caution. "I'm not sure why you're looking for that... man, but I can't help you with that. It's best for you to leave this place, now..."

Aris furrowed her brows, puzzled by the man's sudden change in demeanor. The air around them felt heavy with an unspoken tension. She studied his face, searching for any sign that might explain his reluctance. The warmth of the bakery seemed to diminish as a chill of uncertainty settled over her. 

"Why?" Aris questioned, her eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion. "I can't just leave," she replied softly but firmly. "I have to find him."

"Kid…" The man's voice lowered even more, turning into almost inaudible whispers. His small eyes darted from left to right, looking at the now silent customers. "The man you are looking for is-"

*BANG!*

As the door swung open with a forceful kick, Aris's heart skipped a beat. Three imposing figures filled the entrance, their presence immediately casting a shadow over the bakery. The atmosphere shifted palpably, tension crackling in the air like electricity. The other patrons fell silent, their eyes darting nervously between the newcomers and the chubby man. In the midst of this unsettling scene, the leader of the trio, a rugged man with a menacing scar etched across his cheek, stepped forward with an aura of menace that sent a chill down Aris's spine.

"Who's asking for our Boss, huh?" The burly man growled, his knuckles popping ominously as he stepped forward. "Boss wants to see her, said to bring her in gently…"

"Yeah, that's what he said," chimed in the second thug, a wiry man with a high-pitched voice.

The chubby bakery owner attempted to diffuse the situation, his voice quivering. "Look, we don't want any trouble here. Just take whatever you want and go, alright?"

Aris sat frozen in her seat, her heart racing as she stared at the menacing men. She clutched the edge of the table tightly, unsure of how to respond. Doubts filled her mind, could it be that this type of man really worked for Alden Reece? Could she have mistaken the name her father said?

Despite her best efforts to blend in, Aris couldn't help but stand out. Not only was she the only child in the establishment, but her ragged clothes and silver hair made her impossible to miss. 

"Ah, there you are," the burly man growled with a menacing smile. "Time to come with us to see the Boss." With two swift steps, he reached out with his massive hands and hoisted Aris up by the shoulders, effortlessly lifting her from her seat. Silence fell over the bakery as no one dared to utter a word, frozen in fear of the thugs presence.

Alarmed, Aris felt her legs dangle freely with no place to find footing. As she gazed into the man's cold, predatory eyes, memories of the fierce wolves she faced the day before flooded her mind. Yet, instead of instilling fear, they stoked a fiery rage within her.

"Get the hell off me!" Aris shouted, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and fury. With a surge of Qi coursing through her veins, she unleashed a powerful kick towards the thug's abdomen.

"Hehe-" The thugs' laugh was interrupted as the unexpected force of the kick sent him hurtling towards the door. He had no time to scream as he crashed into his comrades, blood spilling from his wounds as he fell unconscious amidst the chaos.

The two remaining thugs were stunned for a moment, their eyes widening in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. Quickly recovering, they exchanged glances filled with a mix of anger and determination. 

"Dammit, let's get her together!" Immediately afterwards, they lunged towards Aris with renewed aggression, their fists clenched and ready to strike.

"STOP!" The authoritative voice thundered through the bakery, halting the impending clash. The thugs, contrary to everyone's expectations, froze in their tracks as if someone had hit the pause button on a chaotic scene. "Oi... Oi, what the hell is happening here?"

Contrary to what Aris had anticipated from the authoritative voice, the man who entered the bakery was anything but imposing. The eccentric figure who now stood in the doorway, was a stark contrast to the powerful presence she had envisioned. 

He was of average height, with a slight build that seemed almost fragile compared to the thugs he confronted. His appearance was unconventional, to say the least, with a peculiar mustache that curled at the ends and a noticeable golden tooth that glinted in the dim light of the bakery. A large scar marred the side of his head, evidence of a past encounter that had left its mark. Despite his unassuming appearance, there was a distinct air of authority about him, as if he wielded power in ways that defied physical stature.

"Boss!?" the two thugs exclaimed in unisson.

So that was their boss, the man Aris was looking for, the man the bakery owner called crazy, the one the citizens feared: Alden Reece!

The man in question took a step forward, his gaze piercing and intense, like that of an eagle assessing its prey. He cast a quick glance around the bakery, his expression unreadable. Alden Reece walked forward and lightly kicked the unconscious thug, soon noticing he would not get an answer he nodded. After a moment of silence, a flash of realization crossed his face, and he nodded once again as if coming to a sudden understanding. "Oh, I see, I see..."