Chapter Start
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"Hey, Marie..."

Aww, she looks so adorable...

"Marie..."

That's weird... I gotta take that off my head...

"Wake up, Marie."

Why is this woman...? Fine...

"MARIE!"

I shook the girl by the arm, waking her up from that slumber of hers.

A really deep one at that.

"H-huh...?" Marie let out while looking at her surroundings with a hint of confusion.

"We're here, I managed to get both of us here ahead of time. It's still noon." I explained the situation to her.

"O-oh, okay then. What will you be doing?" She asked, getting up from her seat and rubbing her eyes a little.

I scratched the back of my head, what will I do today...? I snapped my fingers and pointed at her.

"Ah! That's right. I need to go to a Guild house, assuming you guys have one here?" I asked.

"Of course, it's just right around that corner with the sign." Marie pointed outback.

"Thanks, will I see you again though?" I questioned since she's the first person I am comfortable with asking for help.

"I don't know, I'm only here to deliver these goods." She said, grabbing the leads next to her.

Bummer.

"So, is this goodbye?" I asked.

She giggled, it sprung my chest a bit.

"Of course not, silly! You'll get to see me again whenever an order comes!"
She playfully hits my arm.

She then proceeds to gently whip her leads, making the horse move on.

"Alright, be safe. Thanks for the lift!" I shouted.

"You too, Take. Don't be a stranger the next time we meet!" She said back.

We both waved each other farewell, I guess I'll be winging everything from here.

Not that it's my first time doing it...

I took a deep breath and continued on, assuming that I'll get answers from the Guildhall. And would you look at that! I'm here!

I stare at the sign above the door.

"Devil's Pantry..." It
read.

Fuuuu... You got this...

I grabbed the handle of the door, slightly nervous about what kind of people are inhabiting such a place.

Just... Take another deep breath and...

A loud thud opened the door, followed by the eerie creaking of the door.

Wow... It looks much better than I anticipated. A lot cleaner and less crowded too.

Searching for the front desk, the few people that occupied at least two tables looking at me.

The cause is probably my uniform...

And there it is, the counter with tons of paper stacked on one side.

Not minding the attention, ( since it bothers me each second I think about it ) I made my way towards the front desk.

Surely enough when I got there, I heard moving from behind the counter. I look over to see the backside of a woman.

Short skirt and all that.

"Plump..." I mutter.

"Hmm? Pardon?" Then came from the girl underneath the counter.

W-What the...?!

"I apologize for the wait, had to prepare the room lists for tonight's customers." She said, getting out the counter's compartment with a mug in hand.

"Anything I could help you with, handsome?" She gave me a warm smile, it instantly made my protective instincts go away.

I'll ask about the tavern's adventurer system.

*GROWL*

I grew embarrassed.

The girl giggled. "I think I know just exactly what you need, sugar!~"

"Why don't you sit on one of the tables and wait for your meal, okay?" She sits the cup inside the cupboard behind her.

"But I don't... Have any money..." I replied with fear.

I really don't. I checked my pockets beforehand.

"Hmm? Well, that's fine! Just help me with the dishes, handsome! I could use an extra hand or two~"

I guess that's a fair trade...?

"Just you wait, guy. I'll whip up something good for ya'!"

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1+ C H A R I SM A
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Shut the hell up...

"Sure." I nod.

I pull up a seat and sat there, waiting for the girl.

I slightly tapped the table, making small beats here and there.

Then I wondered.

Hmm... How am I going to fight that Demon Lord without any weapons?

Based on the 11th-century fix of this world, there are probably smithing shops where they make weapons.

But I don't have any money... Not like it's not obvious...

Maybe I already have one?

"Hmm... Should I think about a weapon? Maybe a blade of sorts..."

Then, a loud thud snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Here you go, sweetie~!" The girl from before said, setting a plate in front of me.

I think I'm in heaven...

"You eastern folks often visit here so it's natural to learn some of your dishes. Did you like it, hun?" She said, leaning on her forearm.

"I love it!" I screamed with joy. It's been a while since I've eaten a hot meal.

I started to chow down. I could hear her giggling as I ate.

"My my~ I never thought my cooking was that good." She said with another warm smile.

"It's so good..!" I said between slurp and bite.

"What's your name, handsome?" She asked.

"I'm Take, how about yours?" I stopped blowing on the hot piece of noodles.

"I'm Christa, the owner of this fine establishment called Devil's Pantry. It's both a guildhall and an inn!" She exclaimed with a happy tone.

"You own this all by yourself?" I questioned.

"Not at all, I'm only helping my grandmother run this place. She set off on a trip last week and is probably going home tomorrow."

Ah, so she's the good-hearted kind?

"Well, would you look at the time~ I'll be right back, I just need to open up the shop more for tonight. Call me when you're done, sugar~!"

I nod, waving as she did the same. What a nice lady.

Wait... What time is it?

I look at my wrist and breathed in relief that I still have my watch.

It's half past seven already? Time flies when you're having a good time, huh?

Minutes passed...

I finished eating. I felt like a kid again. It has been a while since I've had my stomach stuffed.

Most of the people here earlier were also gone. I look up the ceiling, contemplating.

I hope Marie got home safely.

I turn my head to the direction Christa disappeared.

"Christa? I'm finished. Should I help you with the dishes now?"

I called out.

No one answered back...

The moment I stood up from my seat, people already swarmed in. Those who are in armor, light guards and weapons ranging from swords to bows.

These must be the adventurers, I gotta stay clear away from these guys for now...

I grab my plate and made my way towards the kitchen.

Huh...?

"She's not here..." I mutter.

Placing the plate down on the sink, I decided to look around.

Then I heard it. Soft whimpers coming from what seemed like a storage space.

It sounded like a cry.

It had a dangerous aura to it. Something that made me flinch.

The movement made inside could also be distinguished from outside.

Oh please, God... Don't tell me...

I thought.

No, whatever it is. It's probably not good. Be careful.

I steeled myself as I approach the closet door.

Fuuuuuu...

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Skill Activated!

[ Vital Strike ]

A skill that is used to find the weak point of a target. Whether it be living or non-living.

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Chapter End