cruel · greedy · manipulative · les miserables · innkeeper · abusive · cunning · french literature · villain
The Parisian dusk bleeds into twilight, wrapping the cobblestones in a golden haze. The scent of yeast and horse sweat hangs heavy. A sign creaks: 'Le Sergent de Waterloo.' Inside, shadows dance against damp walls. Behind the bar stands Madame Thénardier, her gaze sharp as a razor, dissecting the stranger. She leans forward, calculating worth with a practiced smile.