…Judging by his triumphant attitude, he had no intention of leaving empty-handed. Even though it was my day off, I ended up bringing out a bowl of soup made with the leftover broth. Of course, I left out the special seasoning.
Lionel stared intently at the broth before slowly shifting his gaze to me.
“Come to think of it, I heard there’s a special new 'buff' available. What kind of alchemy is that?”
A buff? The only thing that came to mind was the "Love Spell."
I flashed a bright smile and said, “Ah, the Love Spell. It’s usually one silver, but shall I do it for free today?”
Lionel nodded obediently. With the sincere hope that Lionel would also become a frequent customer, I poured my heart into forming a hand heart and chanted the spell.
“Fill a bowl of soup with happiness, go for it, earthen pot! With the power of love, Kyung!”
“…….”
In an instant, Lionel’s golden eyes shook violently.
It was a look of sheer horror, as if he’d witnessed something unbelievable. I mean, sure… to his eyes, it probably looked like a full-grown adult acting cute for no reason. But hey, it’s a legitimate menu item, okay?
As I gave an awkward laugh, Lionel squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. After taking a deep breath as if to compose himself, he finally took a spoonful of the soup.
And then,
Clatter.
“Customer?”
The moment he took a bite, Lionel’s face froze into an expression of utmost gravity. I carefully examined his complexion as he dropped his spoon, but his face showed no signs of relaxing.
“…How?”
What? What is it this time?
Lionel muttered something incomprehensible under his breath and hurriedly stood up. Then, he slammed the payment for the soup onto the table and left without looking back.
His retreating figure looked like he was running away, or perhaps like he was urgently avoiding something. I watched him in bewilderment, but Lionel wasn't in any state to listen to me.
…Well, at least I got paid this time, so whatever.
***
The next day.
Before opening for business, I tied Happy to a pillar in front of the shop. This was because a customer had complained a couple of days ago that "fur was floating in the soup."
He ended up slamming his hand on the table and making a scene demanding a refund, so I had no choice but to give him his money back. However, even if I were to concede a hundred times, that wasn't my fault.
“First of all, his fur is dark red.”
And that customer’s hair was snow-white.
It’s so unfair. I grumbled while tying Happy to the pillar, and the creature stared at me blankly before sniffing the air. Then, he abruptly turned his head away and,
Thwack!
He kicked his food bowl with his paw.
Clatter, thud!
The bowl rolled away and stopped when it hit a stone. Looking up, I saw him still watching me with half-closed eyes, scanning me from head to toe before slowly wagging his tail.
…Basically, he was telling me to bring him food.
“Wait.”
With a sigh, I brought out a bowl of soup. Happy thrust his nose forward as if he’d been waiting. His ears perked up, sensing the delicious aroma.
He sat in front of the bowl, tucked his head down, and began to eat. Chap, chap, chap.
What a foul-tempered monster.
Shaking my head, I went back into the inn.
It had been a day since I posted the job opening, but naturally, there were no applicants. Well, of course. Even at Gilbert’s inn down in the village, part-timers were always running away, who would come to an inn on the Border?
In fact, if someone did apply, it would be even more suspicious. They might have dark intentions of murdering the owner and taking over the inn.
So, here I was again, doing everything from food prep to serving and cleaning all by myself. Eventually, a familiar adventurer struck up a conversation.
“Must be tough doing it all alone. You should hire someone.”
“I’ve already posted a notice, but no one’s applying. Well, I only put it up yesterday, though.”
At my words, the customer gave a hopeful reply saying someone would come soon, but the same thought lingered in both our eyes.
…As if anyone is actually coming. Out here on the Border.
“Phew, at times like this, I’d even take a dog’s help,” I let out a sigh while looking outside.
The customer followed my gaze toward the door. Reaching out toward Happy, who was visible through the gap, he said, “C’mere, little guy.”
However, Happy bared his sharp teeth and growled.
“Haha, the little guy’s got a fierce temper.”
“Hahaha……”
I laughed on the outside, but inside, the words ‘He’s actually a monster, you know’ were stuck in my throat. Happy, apparently annoyed, kicked his food bowl again.
As broth splashed and rice grains scattered across the floor, my patience scattered along with them. But what could I do? I’m definitely weaker than this monster. Though my insides were boiling, I scooped up another bowl of soup and held it out to appease him.
“Fine, let’s eat quietly this time.”
Happy turned his head slightly and glared at me, but eventually, he leaned in and began to eat. Chap, chap.
“Honestly… I really feel like I need to give you some table manner lessons.”
At my offhand comment, Happy lifted his head. His eyes were strangely clear and bright. It was as if he were arguing, ‘Who exactly do you think is in a position to teach whom?’
Right, lessons my foot. I’m lucky if I don’t get cursed at.
For some reason, a mix of sorrow and lamentation made me let out a whining sound.
“I feel like it’s been even busier lately.”
“There’s a major subjugation coming up soon.”
Subjugations were a regular occurrence, weren't they? Yet, strangely, there was a sense of tension in everyone’s eyes. As I turned my head in wonder, another customer with a genial face added in a low voice.
“Signs of human habitation were found near the unidentified corpses.”
“Signs?”
“They haven't found anything specific yet, but there were clearly paved paths and traces of someone’s handiwork.”
“…….”
“So the talk about monsters raising humans like livestock is spreading like an established fact now.”
It’s finally starting.
Corpses are found, and traces of humans living nearby are discovered. This was the prelude to the original story, leading into the first journey of the Saintess and Theord.
I instinctively tightened my grip and nodded. …Is the real trouble finally about to begin?
Noticing my expression darken, one of the customers asked casually, “Why not ask the Knight Commander? He seems to visit often.”
“Oh, it’s an honor just to have such a noble person visit. How could I dare to ask him things like that?”
The customer nodded, saying, “I suppose that’s true.” But then he added with a subtle smile, “Still, since he actually smiles here, I thought you two were fairly close.”
I wasn't surprised they’d say that. After all, Theord wasn't nicknamed the "Cold-Blooded Swordsman" for nothing. He might smile occasionally these days, but wasn't he famous for being a man who never showed a single emotion? The fact that he smiled at all was a rare event.
Of course, having read the novel, I knew.
It was just because Theord was dead serious about food. Yeah, he’s just a "food-obsessed crazy guy."
It was frustrating being the only one who knew the truth, but I also felt a bit smug. Is this the privilege of a possessor?
So, I just gave a casual shrug.
“People usually smile when things taste good. It’s nothing special.”
Laughter burst out from the next table at my comment. I waited for them to stop laughing before asking cautiously.
“When is the subjugation?”
“Two days from now. Not that the high-ranking officials are moving directly, it’s just a bunch of drifters like us gathering to go.”
“To call yourselves drifters… your thighs are thicker than the pillars of my inn.”
The customer let out a pleasant laugh at my joking flattery.
Even in that moment, I was recalling the original plot in my head.
In the original work, mercenaries and adventurers drew the monsters' attention while Theord and the Saintess secretly entered the Monster Forest to investigate. The current story followed a similar flow.
Hoping to compare it further with the original, I threw out a few more questions. The customer glanced at me for a moment and then smirked.
“Why? Are you interested in the subjugation?”
“Not at all. I’m a coward.”
The customer snorted at my answer, acting as if he’d heard something hilarious.
“Isn’t it a bit funny to say you’re a coward while working here?”
“Hahaha….”
True. It was a funny thing to say.
Claiming to be a coward while staying in an inn closer to the Border than anyone else. I just gave an awkward laugh and hurried to another table as another customer called out.
The inn was bustling until late evening. Perhaps because of the upcoming subjugation, the place was filled with adventurers looking to fuel up or those simply enjoying the boisterous atmosphere.
The smell of steaming soup and the clinking of glasses mixed with the loud laughter of the crowd, making the ceiling ring with the noise.
However, as always, the commotion died down with the arrival of one man.
Ding,
It was Theord Vallen Hardt.
Perhaps because it was his first time visiting at night, his impression seemed even more cold. His silver hair seemed to catch the moonlight, glowing even in the dark, and as he stepped inside, it took on a sharp luster again under the dim lamps. I followed his footsteps and guided him to a seat.
“Welcome, customer!”
Our eyes met, and he gave a very faint smile. I brought a hot bowl of soup to his table and struck up a conversation.
“I heard there’s a major subjugation starting soon. I imagine you’ll be getting busy, too?”
I had heard the other customers say that ‘the high-ups aren't coming,’ and I knew from the original story that Theord wouldn't personally participate in this subjugation, but I asked as a probe.
In response to my nonchalant question, he blinked slowly once and answered in a low voice.
“…Yes.”
A short answer. That was all. He didn't say anything more.
I didn't press further either, simply nodding as I walked past. As the busy footsteps across the inn began to slow and the steam from the remaining earthen pots on the tables faded, only the scent of soup and the soft glow of the lights remained in the inn.
Comments Box