[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-bear-school-astartes":3,"chapter-bear-school-astartes-bear-school-astartes-chapter-1017":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Bear School Astartes",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1620756,2087,"Chapter 1017 - 999: An Unexpected Encounter","bear-school-astartes-chapter-1017",1017,"\u003Cp>Lann and Triss walked out of the area where the poor resided, and the stone pavement reappeared, with less mud and dirty puddles on the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving the Rotting Forest, they walked a bit further, and the smell of fish and the sounds of hawking became more pronounced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a fish market in Novigrad, a city rich in diverse fish catch, situated by both the sea and the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A human merchant wearing an olive green fabric cap held up a live eel, boasting loudly about how fresh today’s catch was to those around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was chattering non-stop, confident in demeanor, as if anyone walking away empty-handed from his stall would be at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it’s called a ’fish market,’ it actually sells everything, albeit with more fish stalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The marketplace was crowded, walking through felt like strolling through dense shrubs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Demon Hunter’s cloak was constantly tugged from all directions by various people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann stood in front of Triss, parting the crowd like the bow of a ship splitting waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little rascal, momentarily released by their mother, tried to wipe their nose on his cloak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spy from the city’s watchtower wore a cloak just like him but was swept away by the crowd just as they tried to pull him aside for questioning, only grabbing a corner of his garment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wandering merchant selling invisibility potions, aphrodisiacs, and erotic carvings on cedar boards also tried to tug him to pitch some goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the cloak, Lann’s previously calm and composed face twisted quickly, his mouth twitching, although, at least he hadn’t started cursing yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began to shove the crowd in front but controlled his strength to that of an ordinary person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Contrary to the quick frown Lann wore, Triss followed behind him with a broad smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, if I were being squeezed this way, I’d have rushed out already.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Female Warlock shouted behind Lann, enjoying the spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you want to see blood here then? My, how terrifying your intentions are, Triss... Wait, why are you laughing? Are you laughing at me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, never.\" Triss denied flatly, but the arc of her smile and the bell-like clear laughter betrayed her. \"Of course not. I just saw something cute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann pouted, only seeing a big barrel of herring beside him now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding something cute at a fish market, that was simply...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lann finished his mental rant, melodious lute music came from not too far away, followed by familiar, laughter akin to babbling water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sounds came from a vendor’s stall adorned with a storybook-like vibe. A wooden sign hung over the booth read: Selling Miracles, Protective Talismans, Hooks, and Bait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, Priscilla, has anyone ever told you you are incredibly beautiful?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dandelion stood atop stacks of crates at the stall, cheerfully tapping his leg, singing to the crowd before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, no one? That can’t be true! Unless they’re all blind, blinded with lard over their hearts!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann and Triss noted that Dandelion was asking these questions to a girl in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl wore clothes in blue and red, a striking color combination usually fit for performers like minstrels as they needed to catch the audience’s eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when Dandelion focused a large crowd’s attention on her, she showed no unease and held a calm demeanor, seemingly waiting eagerly for the minstrel’s performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, everyone! Who wants to hear a love song?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dandelion beckoned as he strummed his lute smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To touch your heart, find fulfillment, just throw a coin into my hat... What? What did you toss in here? A copper coin? Keep it for the beggars! Don’t insult art with copper coins! I might forgive you, but art cannot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dandelion!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann turned in the crowd and approached the stall where the minstrel was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you should be in the room with Geralt drafting a play script, yet you’re starting a concert here? Singing like an old beggar in the marketplace, why, don’t feel embarrassed now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to the crowd’s squeeze, Lann’s tone carried a hint of impatience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Embarrassed?\" Dandelion spoke in surprise, \"What’s important is who sings, not where they sing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared a bit flustered, even causing a jarring note amidst the lute’s originally fluid melody.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingerwork on the lute went erratic... but how could that be? Dandelion was more skilled at playing the lute than flirting with girls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still haven’t answered my question, Dandelion. Is your script finished? Didn’t you say it would take at least a day?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann frowned slightly under his hood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Script?\" The minstrel blinked his eyes, \"...Oh! Yes! The script!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But my good friend, you should know playwrights must eat too, I’m hungry. And this kind vendor offered to treat me to a meal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But my good friend.\" At this moment, Triss behind Lann chimed in jokingly, repeating Dandelion’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember I rented you a room at the Kingfisher Inn where meals are provided... If you’re truly pursuing the lovely lady, just say so, honestly, I know you can’t stay put.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dandelion stood on the crates with an awkward smile, his eyes darting about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at this time, the woman frequently engaged by the minstrel turned to face the two upon hearing Triss speak of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was indeed beautiful, even not losing out when compared to the Female Warlock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden hair cascaded from the cloth hat adorned with swan feathers, the face delicate, with slightly smoky eye makeup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke, her voice also delicate, and you could tell from her tone that she was a singer too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you also friends of Dandelion? He never mentioned it to me. Call me Priscilla.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, I’m Triss. As for him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female warlock stepped past Lann to shake Priscilla’s hand, while awkwardly gesturing at Lann’s cloak, indicating he was not easy to introduce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\" Priscilla didn’t dwell on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While returning a sweet smile to Dandelion, who was starting to play and sing on a wooden box, she leaned closer to Triss and Lann and spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Triss, could you... ask Dandelion not to cling to me for a while? He’s been a bit too enthusiastic these days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though I truly appreciate his poetry skills, if he... if he really wants to pursue me, or just maintain a brief relationship, he doesn’t need to be like this, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m also a poet and singer; I have my own career to care about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Priscilla’s words, Triss showed a look of sympathy and understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She too could understand the annoyance of men chasing after you like bees when you’re devoted to your career.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pretty women generally have this experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those men seem to think women should be ready for romance around the clock, always waiting for love’s caress, but in reality, they also focus on their careers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They may find overly sticky pursuits exhausting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait a minute!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lann suddenly interrupted from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you just say ’these days’?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lann emphasized ’these days’, Triss’s expression slowly turned as if she’d seen a ghost... her gaze flicked between Dandelion on the box and Priscilla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Priscilla, unaware of the situation, replied truthfully, slightly puzzled. \"He’s been clinging to me since I sang my first song at the Kingfisher Tavern.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, both Lann and Triss had their eyes fixed on the poet still playing on the wooden box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dandelion’s forehead started to sweat, and his fingering became increasingly chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the lute sound lost its tune and gradually stopped, Dandelion tried to manage a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he couldn’t form this smile, so finally he simply leapt backward, causing the piles of wooden boxes stacked there to scatter everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey! Are you out of your mind, idiot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stall owner immediately jumped up, cursing relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Priscilla was also dumbfounded, clearly unaware of this sudden madness from ’Dandelion’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lann and Triss knew that even though the situation had reached this absurd point... this ’Dandelion’ was certainly a Shapeshifter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likely it’s Dudu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Make way! Make way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann shouted while cautiously maneuvering through the crowd ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, Triss wasn’t following him anymore; the female warlock simply squeezed towards another direction, aiming to encircle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her demeanor now was much more brazen compared to when she stayed behind Lann.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her bell-like voice cursed unreservedly, pushing through the market crowd, much like those haggling old ladies by the vegetable stalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Lann came the noise of various items being knocked over, and the sound of complaints and cursing from the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leapt through the air effortlessly with agility far beyond normal folk, using his formidable core strength, twisting mid-jump over a child running around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground beneath, made slippery by fishmongers, caused his soles to slide slightly, knocking over a barrel of herrings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stall owner, wearing an olive green cloth hat, shouted angrily while smacking his back with a fresh, lively eel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eel was indeed fresh, full of vitality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dear one, block him from the other side!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Triss pointed forward and shouted from not far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her followed Priscilla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The female poet, though seemingly baffled, was unexpectedly excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s going on here? You’re friends, yet Dandelion is desperately dodging... was he under magic? A curse? Or faced with some anonymous yet dangerous threat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll help too, hurry and catch him! I’ve been inspired!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann looked at the excited female poet, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought he had encountered a female version of Dandelion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>```\u003C\u002Fp>",1580,"2026-06-06T10:40:38.499Z",1,"novelbin.me","dbf30c7015a6beffce0dee0115c9c0443d7c84a901382e8acd4b6e1df686dd81","bear-school-astartes-chapter-960","bear-school-astartes-chapter-959",1043,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbear-school-astartes-cover.jpg"]