A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale

Chapter 277: Culinary Recruitment.

Y-You want to hire me?!

Flabbergasted and astonished. Those were the only emotions you could see on the faces of the young katzune woman and the middle-aged human man sitting across from me. Not only did I already surprise them by coming back to their eatery, but by suddenly asking them to talk, I scared them.

Sadly for them, there was no stopping this train. Choo-choo, I was out to recruit people for the restaurant.

Yes, that is correct, I confirmed Haatis, the katzunes, question. I dont know if you know about the street eatery we operate

Yes, I do! I just went there with my friends to eat the noodle dish five days ago. Uhm, what was the name again? Haati scrambled her brain as she interrupted me, trying to remember the name of one of the new dishes.

Spaghetti Bolognese. Thankfully, coming to her rescue was Tamae, whom I brought with me since these recruitments concerned her the most.

Yes, thats exactly

Haati! But before Haati could speak, the person next to her shouted at her her boss. I dont know if you forgot about this, but you are sitting before a princess and champion of the Goddess. Could you, please, act properly?

I could see the mans wrinkles growing with how Haati was speaking to me. With how she interrupted me. If I were any normal aristocrat, being so rude could come back to bite Haatis tail, and I guess her boss was trying to remind her of that. He didnt know I was nowhere close to being an ordinary princess.

Oh, its fine. There is no need to worry, Mister Braym, I told the agitated eatery owner. I dont really care about etiquette in general, and this isnt exactly formal. I mean, Im trying to poach one of your employees right in front of you. If you ask me, Im being infinitely ruder.

Of course, that alone wasnt exactly enough to calm down a common citizen since they were taught in Artorias to stay away from nobles. One mistake with a less amicable noble and you could lose your head just like that. And since the aristocracy controls the laws, nobles can get away with things pretty easily if they have friends.

As such, it took a while for Braym to come around to the idea I wasn't like the nobles he was taught to avoid. Princess or not, Im just Hestia at the end of the day. I wasnt a fan of abusing my power.

After I managed to calm everyone down, Braym and Haati asked me to explain the situation better. They were confused about why I suddenly wanted to talk to them and why I brought up hiring Haati. She was, according to them, just a normal single woman, trying to make due with her situation. She didnt have any special skills, in other words.

Well, since you already know about the eatery we serve, this is not only the chef but also the main proprietress of the eatery. Technically, its part of our adventurer company, but small stuff, really. I patted Tamae on her shoulder. And, we are soon planning on turning the eatery into a restaurant.

Restaurant? Braym looked confused at this English word. The word restaurant didnt exist in this world yet, as eatery was the general term used for anywhere you could go to get food. Street eatery, instead of food cart, and so on.

Tamae nodded. Yes. A restaurant is similar to an eatery as it serves food to customers, but the difference between the two is that restaurants are more formal. The main demographics will be nobles and wealthy commoners. Thats how it worked where we came from.

Came from? Oh, do you mean Loatryx? Kargryx? I think you mentioned your country the first time we met. Haati twitched a bit when she mentioned first time, probably since it was when she was still a slave. The slave mark on her might be gone, but I could only imagine that the pain from the her bothers' deaths and her time as a slave was still there.

I see. On the other hand, Braym didnt show any reaction. I wondered if Haati had told her new boss anything about her past. But, the gal doesnt exactly have the manners or know-how on how to deal with nobles, though. Isnt hiring her for that job a bit too much?

Oh no, dont worry, Tamae replied. I already have the staff for the restaurant ready and trained. However, for the street eatery Ive been holding for a while now, Ive recently lost my helpers for it. Although the restaurant will bring in more profit, I presume, I still wish to keep serving food to the lower city or any other commoner on our travels. As such, I need new employees willing to work with me on the eatery.

Travels? The two of them asked.

To them, the restaurant hasnt been going anywhere despite Tamae and The Magical Biscuit members teleporting from Griffonpeak to Ullistar and then to Gleisvale. Since I didnt tell them goodbye, they didnt know we had been away from Griffonpeak for three weeks now.

Then I cant! Haati rejected our offer. When I asked her for her reasons, it became clear that we had a misunderstanding. Well, since my brothers died, Im the only child left that my parents have. They were one of the people who got injured during the attack, but, thankfully, High Bishop Theodore granted them the white grace without a fee. May the Goddess bless his kind soul. Still, while they can work again, I think age is catching on and theyve been feeling more fatigued than usual. I cant leave the city, since I need to help with the household money.

Quite a lot of people were either hurt or even killed during the demonkins invasion of the city. Griffonpeak seemed to have recovered quite a bit, and even the hole connecting Griffonpeak to Shaturein was closed up. However, it seemed the effects it had on people hasnt ended yet.

Oh yeah, that attack. Ive lost my two previous waitresses cuz of it. Good gals. Also quite a bunch of my regulars got hurt, but, thank the Goddess, they still got their lives. Better results than a bunch of other people, really. Braym let out a deep sigh, scratching his throat while his eyes looked around. He stopped once his eyes returned to us.

Yes, Haati nodded. That is why I must decline, Lady Hestia. I cant leave my parents alone, right now.

Hmm, I see. Parents come first, I can understand that. However, I think youre misunderstanding us a bit, Haati. You would be traveling, but you could easily still live inside Griffonpeak, if that's what you want. Haati tilted her head as I brought that revelation to her, causing me to smile. Magic is pretty extraordinary, dont you two think? Well, I wont bore you two with the finer details of the spell, but let me just say that we can serve food to people from any country at the same time, even if the restaurant is here in Griffonpeak.

??? Now even Braym was tilting his head and was looking at me as if he understood not even a word Id said.

Explaining this concept to people has been pretty easy when I did it to other mages. If they had an inkling of knowledge on space-time magic, they would be able to grasp the concept somewhat. But this time, if I suddenly explained the finer details on the [Room] runes to them, I probably wont get through to them. Seeing was better.

However, I couldnt just bring out my [Room] runes now. It was just the evening after I brought up hiring new people to Tamae, and after I brought up that idea, we went straight to Griffonpeak. Brayms eatery was gonna go into the night, so it was still pretty full. His wife and children were currently managing the front while we talked about Haatis hiring in the back.

Showing them the nexus would be the best way to explain it, but I couldnt do it here, where there was the danger of somebody I couldnt trust seeing the runes. Im okay with people knowing I could teleport, but not with how I could do it. The method had to stay a secret. After the invasion, I really had to be more careful.

I know its confusing, but thats how Im here right now. Just for your information, I left the capital three weeks ago to go to Ullistar to perform one of my concerts. Currently, I was in Ullistar, working on some stuff there. The restaurant we were opening? Well, it will serve not only Artorian nobility and merchants, but also invite the merchants of Gleisvale.

?????

Well, I kinda expected that reaction.

Uhm, okay I wont say I understood anything you just said, Lady Hestia. What is teleportation anyways? Haati seemed like she lost all hope in what I said. However, the summary of what you meant to say is that I can work for your restaurant, but I didnt have to leave the city?

Correct. I nodded. She was smart enough to understand the gist of it. You have two options you can either stay in our quarters or you may stay at House Helvass mansion as one of our employees. Dont worry, the latter option is alright since I have a strong relationship with them. They will treat you pretty well.

I cant stay with my parents?

You could, but I wouldnt advise it. You see, the whole teleportation method requires you to enter through a specific entry point, and the only ones, outside of myself, who have one are Arcanuess Helvas and another person I cannot disclose. Thats why I recommend you staying in House Helvass mansion, since you dont have to go from and out of the noble district all the time.

The other person was King Drangleic, but there was no need to reveal that.

Haati, still taken aback, didnt answer immediately. I guess it would be hard to make such a decision like now, and I didnt know how much we would pay her since I had no idea about it. Tamae, also, wasnt versed in how to pay people since she only had a surface-level idea about the money of this world. She could use it and she had an idea of what was worth how much, but she didn't know enough about how much eateries paid people.

However, that was why we brought somebody with us who knew about the whole money thing.

If its your wage, we can discuss it right away. It wasnt Saori or Ellaine who spoke for us, it was Yorshka. Your primary employer will be Hestia, but you will work under Tamae as she will be the proprietress for the eatery. As such, you will be receiving money appropriate for the person you are serving. In this case, the youngest princess of the Dragon Empire, Kargryx. We arent here to scam you, and are willing to compensate you for your work.

Even if Yorshka acted lax sometimes, she was still an adult.

No, thats not it. I didnt think Lady Hestia was here to trick me at all. Waving her hands in a fluster, Haati cleared up the situation for us. No, the reason why Im not sure what to answer is because I still owe Braym for allowing me to work here. I dont want to suddenly leave him just cause a better option is available.

That was understandable. Loyalty was good. It reinforced my wish to hire her even more.

Still, this will be tricky. I have to persuade her somehow, so it might be best to

However, before I could say anything, Braym made his move first.

Haati, I think you should accept the job.

Huh, Braym?! Haatis eyes widened while I raised a brow at this development. W-Wait, hold on! D-Did I do something that you didnt like. I didnt break anything, nor did I give a wrong order to any of the customers ever since my first day working! W-Why are you trying to get rid of me?!

L-Lass?! Haati! Stop shaking me! Ark! Your claws!

Haati suddenly shot up from her seat and grabbed Brayms shoulders, shaking him wildly as she frantically bombarded him with questions. Yorshka went to help Braym out by pulling Haati back onto her seat, but she reacted too late as the katzune's claws protracted and bit into him slightly.

I healed him with [Major Heal], but I dont think you could hide the holes or bits of blood on his shirt. Looking over at Haati, she was breathing heavily and clutched her chest as if she was having a heart attack. Her eyes were wide like a scared cat and her shivering hands caused her claws to scratch herself.

Cant believe this happened again Barym said after we finally managed to calm Haati down. Confused at his comment, I prodded him to elaborate on it. Well Lady Hestia. Uhm the thing is that this happened once before when she first began working here. She suddenly had a panic attack when she brought the wrong dish to a customer, dropped it and began scratching herself on her chest. My sons managed to calm her down, though.

Hearing this, before I used [Major Heal] to heal the wounds she inflicted on herself just now, I looked through the opening at the chest area of her light dress. There I saw some fresh scars. Considering some of them still had scabs, too, she probably hurt herself recently.

Wasnt this where I saw her slave mark? Shit.

Its okay. They arent here anymore. They are all gone, Haati. I soothed her as I sent my [White Flames] to heal her wounds and, hopefully, some of her old ones.

As we all sat back down, Barym apologized to us for what happened. He thought Haati had had it under control, as it never happened in the eatery again, but it seemed he touched a sore spot. I could agree. A very sore spot.

When Braym asked Haati what the hell happened just now, Haati just looked at the table meekly, unwilling to answer. However, seeing as it seemed to gnaw at her, I encouraged Haati to tell her secret if she thinks Barym is trustworthy. Holding it in wasnt good.

Anxious, she told us she wasnt willing to share it, as she was scared Braym would judge her for it. However, having PTSD from your experince as a slave wouldnt help anybody if she kept it boiling inside her, releasing it in a burst whenever she was triggered. I had to make her aware that Braym was worried for her.

But, he wants to get rid of me, Haati argued, only for her boss to scoff at her.

When did I say that, you idiot?! Braym exclaimed. Im just saying that youll be better off with Lady Hestia and her job offer than with me. I can always just hire another waitress, but you have the golden opportunity to work with a noble here! Doesnt your family need money after your brothers died? Idiot, take it! I like your loyalty, Haati, but you gotta take care of yourself here. Im not telling you to leave cuz youre a bad worker, Im telling you to go since you need the money.

Haati, widened her eyes again, but this time it was to release the tears now flowing down her face. Braym was surprised to see her cry, trying to calm her down as he had no idea what he said to make her so distraught. But, Haati looked grateful as she smiled at him.

She then went on to reveal her time as a slave and how she lost her brothers when she was kidnapped. She stayed as a slave for a good chunk of time, working mostly as a maid for Hamils guild, serving the gang members. The reason for Haatis outburst was due to how they treated her whenever she made a mistake.

The slave tattoo was placed on my chest. I-I can still sometimes feel the pain. That burning needle poking into my skin, marking me as theirs. I couldnt go against them. If I made a mistake, the tattoo would heat up and burn my chest. Then, those scum would start kicking me as I fell onto the ground from the pain. It was a nightmare

Nearly two weeks of being a slave, and that mental scar has persisted in her mind until now. The phantom pain she felt whenever she made a mistake or when she thought Braym was kicking her out cause she was inadequate, caused her heart to start beating faster and faster. She feared the burning sensation from coming back again.

Once again, I knew it, slavery shouldnt exist in this world. I honestly would have liked it if Saori had busted that slave auction she saw in Gleisvale. Maybe I should pay those bastards a visit. Culture be damned.

After Haati was done retelling her story, to the point where she was released and had to tell her parents about everything that happened, Braym nodded firmly at her story and thanked her. That makes me want to go with Lady Hestia even more, lass. Shes not only your savior but she wants to give you a job. If you ask me, this must be the Goddesss will. Her champion wishes to give you a chance for a better life, so I think you shouldnt let it go at any cost.

But, Im not anything special. I cant cook that well enough to serve it nor am I that good of a waitress. I cant provide much to help them, Haati argued, but Tamae interjected herself to clarify.

The reason why Hestia recommended you to me was because you can be trusted. As you know, I only serve food nobody knows about in Artorias. Im planning to continue doing that; sharing the recipes inside my head by using the ingredients around me is a dream come true. But, since the recipes are trade secrets, I cant hire people who could risk that secrecy.

And I trust you, Haati. It also helps that youre a fan of my music, hiehie, but, ahem, I also think you won't squander the goodwill I gave you. And thats the most important, I added. Youre competent enough. I saw you work the last time I was here. You can only go up from here, and I think youre up for the challenge. As such, will you help me, Haati?

Haatis eyes widened as I extended my arm. She then looked over at Braym, to which he nodded to push her further over the finish line. Seeing this, she smiled before looking back at me.

I will make sure not to disappoint you, Lady Hestia!

[Katzune, Haati] has received the title [Hestias Retainer]>

Hold on, what?

Huh?! Lady Hestia, I just

Abababa! We can talk about it later, Haati! Hehehe, yeah, lets talk about it later. I frantically stopped her from talking. Ahem, well, there will be a lot to do now that you gave me the okay, so well make arrangements for you depending on where you want to stay. Either at House Helvas, or with us, in our company wagon. We have enough space to give you an entire room for yourself with the latter option.

I can still visit my parents with either one, right?

Yes, that teleportation magic I told you about will work for either case.

Then I would like to join your wagon. I would rather stay with people I know, at least.

Got it. I nodded in satisfaction Well pick you up tomorrow or however long you need to inform people.

I can get ready tonight. My parents cant work properly, but they can still take care of themselves well enough. Besides, I had been living away from them before I was enslaved. Ill make them let me go.

With Haati recruited and her accommodations decided, it was time for us to say goodbye to Haati and Braym, telling the former well see each other later on. After that, we went to House Helvass mansion and entered the subspace, only to teleport ourselves to Firwood. Our next target was a chef to help Tamae out, and we had an ideal candidate for it.

We only needed Yorshka to do it properly.

Mom?! It was Priscilla, Farrons and Yorshkas only daughter. A-And, Hestia?! Tamae, too?!

Oh! She remembered me!

Hehe hey, honey. Uhm, let me just get your father for a moment, actually, lets just go upstairs.

It was just after Priscillas shift as one of the chefs responsible for the kitchen in the hunters guild of Firwood and the inn next to it. If I remembered correctly, she became a chef to help her father, since the latter was still injured from his crystalized lungs.

Hmm? Kiddo? Cooking gal? Dear? Why are you all here? It has been several months since I last met Farron, and the guy hasnt changed one bit ever since I met him.

Now that I looked at the family with all of them here, I could really see the similarities Priscilla shared with her father and mother. The beautiful snow-white hair from Yorshka, and the blazing-red eyes she got from Farron. She was still in her human form right now, but from the sweet smell coming from her, I could tell she was a dragonewt.

After we sat down and made small talk to catch up on the time we havent met each other, Tamae and Yorshka began explaining the reason why we came here today, expressing that the Tamae could really use another chef in the kitchen since it always got so busy that she had to call in Saori or Asaka to help her. She had her improved Strength and Agility to help her, but that only got her so far; stats weren't a replacement for cooking the food properly.

Although, Hestia, isnt it a bit weird for us to hire her? Isnt Priscilla only twelve, Dame Yorshka? Tamae asked, only for Priscilla to point out she just had her birthday.

I actually became 13 two months ago.

And, there is no child-working law in Artorias, as you know. It probably doesnt exist anywhere in Peolynca, I presume, Farron rebuked Tamaes question. I dont know how Earth does it, but thats what Yorshka told me. Here, the moment you become eight, youre expected to work if youre a commoner. Mandatory schools do not exist, and most of the education is done at home.

Hmm, thats right. My precious Priscilla already knows how to do anything an adult is supposed to know. Yorshka then embraced Priscilla and hugged her like a teddy bear, similar to how Mother would do it to me. However, unlike me, Priscilla seemed to enjoy it far more. She can read and write well, she can do her calculations, and shes also interested in history so all my talk about our clan hasnt gone in one ear and out the other.

Mom, please, I know, I know, but youll squish me at this rate. Youre too strong! Priscilla eventually managed to slip out of Yorshkas arm. After recovering her breath, she prodded Tamae for more details. So, uhm, Tamae, first, thank you very much for showing me that onigiri dish last time and the other small snacks you could make with bread and rice. It really helped me a lot and Father also liked it!

Oh, thats good to hear, Priscilla. The culinary arts is an endless adventure, worth sharing with everybody you meet. I rarely had any chance to cook properly without rushing myself during all the traveling, so I was just glad that you allowed me in the guilds kitchen, Tamae expressed her gratitude. But, now that Im with Hestia and Aurora, Ive been able to really experiment with all the ingredients they bring in. Recreating a lot of Earths cuisine is important, but I also want to adapt them to Peolynca.

Our food bill has skyrocketed with how much Aurora has grown in size, especially my mother, the twins, and the virigresses having big appetites. Good thing we got somebody turning the ingredients into good meals, I praised Tamaes work in the kitchen. Sure, she didnt like fighting, but having somebody keep everybody fed and happy was also an important job.

Wow, that does sound pretty amazing. Priscillas eyes dazzled at everything we said, looking as if she wanted to directly pounce at us for more stories. Considering how curious Priscilla was about the outside world and Earth when we started becoming friends, I could imagine she wanted to learn more.

And as if she read my mind, she snapped her head directly to Farron. Using puppys eyes, she was already making a move to the latters chagrin.

You really want to leave, huh? Farron asked with disappointment, but Priscilla denied it.

No, of course not, I cant leave you while youre still sick, Father. However, with the teleportation nexus they have around, I can just treat the eatery as another job. If Hestia can give us a set, I can simply go to the eatery in the morning, cook your lunch, do my work time, and then I can meet you back at home, Priscilla argued, putting Farron at ease she understood how it worked. Also, Mom is finally around, Father! We can finally meet her all the time, whenever we want. We dont have to stay apart for months now, and I really want to spend more time with her! Also see what she saw instead of hearing her stories all the time!

Ooooh, Priscilla. My little treasure. Yorshka embraced her again. Seeee, Farron? I told you she took after me. Always wanting to learn more and travel. Not like a certain stubborn desk scribe.

Desk scribe? Last time I checked, being a desk scribe makes sure our household has a stable income source, unlike how you would wander around the continent, trying to find a job suitable for your rank. Farron didnt look too pleased at his wifes teasing.

Oh yeah? Who is the one getting the ingredients for your cure, hmm? We already have three of the five necessary stuff for the recipe, and I bought all three of them, Yorshka pointed out the potion to cure Farrons crystalized lungs. Also, from what I heard, youve been getting pretty rusty. Youre still good at home, but can you wield your spear on the training field~?

Yorshka suddenly let go of Priscilla and touched Farrons left leg with her fingers, moving them up slowly like a spider.

Oh? Is that a challenge? Farrons hand began stroking Yorshkas chin, causing her to smile and bite her lips. Ill show you how much this husband of yours hasnt changed when we last met a week ago. Lets see if your tail can keep up, my love. Then, Ill crush you one-on-one.

Priscilla and I couldnt help but cringe as they looked at each other lovey-dovey.

So thats why Dame Yorshka was so late that other time.

Before they could make-out and do some pretty PG18 stuff, I left two [Room] runes on Farrons desk before leaving his office with Tamae and Priscilla. We could leave Yorshka alone for now.

Uhm, well, I think it will work out in the end, so when do I start? Priscilla stated to our satisfaction. The guilds kitchen already was full enough, so losing Priscilla really wouldnt hurt them.

After informing Priscilla that we will start tomorrow, early in the morning, Priscilla nodded and told us good night for the day. Good night, Tamae! You too, Grandaunt Hestia!

Urk! I flinched.

Oh right, Yorshka is your niece, right? Tamae remembered. A one year old grandaunt huh? Although, with how age worked with dragons and dragonewts, youre probably Yorshkas great-great-and-so-on grandaunt, anyways.

Life was suffering.

However, while it was soon a good night for Priscilla, our trip wasnt over yet. We still had one more person to recruit, and thankfully, it was somebody also in Firwood.

Hmm, are you sure this is the correct place, Hesti-chan? Tamae asked me.

Probably. Ive only been here once, but if theyre at home right now, we can finish it off our list. Lets just hope.

In a neighborhood bordering the middle and slum district of the town, we found ourselves in front of an apartment. Walking up the dirty stairs, we stopped at a door on the second floor. Knocking on it, I smiled as a familiar voice came from behind it.

Whos there? A young mans voice could be heard.

Well, I dont know if you two can still remember me, but I can remember you two. Ruld? Lorena? Its been a long time!

Y-Yeah, thats our name, but wh Woah, Lorena?!

The door slammed up and a young woman with dark green hair appeared before. Her clothes looked quite patchwork, suggesting it was regularly mended by adding cloth to cover up holes on the dress. Dirt and some soup stock could be seen on her apron. Maybe she was cooking.

But the most surprising sight was the fact her belly wasnt as bloated anymore. It was slim.

Lady Hestia!

Hey, Lor Woah! Without letting me speak, Lorena jumped into my arms and embraced me. Giggling, I reciprocated her gesture. This woman was the first human friend I had in Peolynca. Its good to see you, again.

After she had enough of hugging me, she invited us inside her home, apologizing that this place wasnt suited for a noble like me. She was still the same as we first met, it seemed.

Ruld, also apologized, but mostly cause he couldnt remember my voice. I didnt think bad of him at all, since opening your door when it began getting dark wasnt advised. It was very dangerous to do so.

When Tamae and I sat down, we noticed the two bowls on the table, meaning they were just having dinner. Bad timing on us, but the two didnt take it too badly.

I see you guys are still together. Good for you! I congratulated Lorena and Ruld on their marriage.

And its all thanks to you, Lady Hestia. Honestly, I cannot thank you nor the Goddess for the honor of meeting you, Ruld bowed his head. We did hit some problems up until now, but I think weve been doing well. Our jobs are exhausting, but they're keeping us afloat.

Mhmm, thats great! My eyes then turned to Lorena, specifically, her belly. I see youve changed, Lorena. I guess from the lack of crying, you did choose to give up the baby to the orphanage, right?

However, unexpectedly, getting directly to the point of it seemed to have caused Lorena to frown. She looked grief-struck at the table, clutching her hands.

As I stared in shock at what happened, I turned to Ruld, only to see him have his eyes closed. Something had happened, and I just brought that memory up again.

Before I could ask, Lorena spoke, Maybe it was the Goddesss way of saying that I shouldnt have thought of the baby as such. That not being able to give him enough love meant he shouldn't have lived his life. I didnt want him, but he still deserved to live

And then it became clear.

We Lorena had a miscarriage, Lady Hestia, Ruld answered my fears. The baby might have come from Lorenas rapist, but in the light of the Goddess, the baby should have at least given the chance to live his life out.

Rapist?! Tamae exclaimed, reminding me that I forgot to tell her about it. I calmed her down and told her I would explain it once we left.

Lorena I tried to say something to soothe her, but I couldnt think of anything.

Its alright, Lady Hestia. I was already able to mourn for him. Even if the newborn came from a man I never want to remember ever again, it was still mine. I was still his mother, and I failed to give him the life he deserved. A warning to me that I should love my next child with Ruld, otherwise it might happen again

I should not tell her anything about Hamil.

I was planning on revealing everything I knew about Hamil to Lorena, but at this point, it might just be better to forget it entirely. Just leave it in the past so Lorena could heal from her time. Once again, I regretted my passiveness in the past. I should have killed Hamil for what he did to Lorena!

Seeing the situation at hand, I told Tamae it was better for us to leave and she agreed with me. However, when we stood back up, Lorena stopped us, telling me she hadnt seen me in months and wanted to talk and why I was in the city right now.

As such, I let Tamae tell her about the restaurant and our wish to hire Lorena as a waitress since we needed people we could trust. Lorena, listening to us talk for the entire time, nodded after we were done.

How much does it pay? Lorena asked bluntly.

We were planning on talking about pay tomorrow, when our treasurers talk about it, but you can expect a good price since Im hiring you, Lorena, I answered. The eatery is placed in a type of magic area. You will be visiting the hunters guild and talking to Farron, the guild leader there. He will then transport you to the area. Its better if you see it for yourself, so were planning on showing you it tomorrow. Or, the second option, you could join us and well make accommodations for you in this magical area.

I understand. She nodded before turning to Ruld. Dear, I think this might be a chance for us to get out of this neighborhood and get a new life.

Lorena?!

Think about it. Weve been having some trouble lately with those women starting to believe Im having an affair since I had that miscarriage. Its true but you know it came from that bastard, Lorena pleaded to her husband.

I know I know theyve been harassing you, but I also cant just leave my workshop. They brought me in, and I still owe the Master a great debt. I cant just up-go-and-leave like that.

You dont have to, I interjected. If you dont want to leave Firwood, Ill get you an apartment close to the hunters guilds master. Considering youre working for me, it would be better if you stuck around Farron for your safety, in case, I have any enemies in Firwood. And, dont worry, this magical area allows you to enter it and back to Firwood whenever you want. If you choose the second option, that is.

See? Lorena begged Ruld once again. Please, I just want to leave this area and the memories here We dont need to get out of Firwood, but just a new place to start anew. If I know its for Lady Hestia, I know I can work even harder to get us more money. Ill make sure I will love our children Ruld. I will make sure they will be born!

Of course, if its for your happiness, Ill do it, Lorena.

And that was how we got the last member for Tamaes eatery. Even with three more people, it probably will still be too busy as always, but our gastronome didnt mind it. She relished the challenge to manage two restaurants. Cooking and experimenting with food was her dream in Peolynca.

And, it was also our path to conquer the bellies of Gleisvale. As such, we needed a proper menu for that.

Lets do this, Tamae-chan!

Got it, Hesti-chan.

An idol and chef were about to bring another culinary revolution to this world.