Chapter 246
Chapter 246
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 246
Chapter Title: Chapter 6-1. Iris
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While waiting for the food to arrive, Judah looked around the shop. It was daytime, so there were few customers. More than ten tables lined the place, yet only three or four were occupied—and those patrons were all quietly eating their own meals. Thanks to that, several employees had gathered at the counter, taking a break.
The problem was their gazes secretly pouring toward Judah. Especially the man at the counter, polishing a glass with a clean cloth until it squeaked—he kept shooting glares, clearly displeased by something.
Whenever Judah turned toward the felt stares, they’d drop their eyes innocently or carry on natural conversations with one another.
'Ugh.'
He knew the reason well enough. This shop was practically the royal palace of the Shadow Kingdom, and their queen was showing interest in some random drifter. They were on edge about it. Every man she’d favored before had only disappointed her, so no doubt they were thinking, *This one’ll be the same.*
"Hoo."
He sighed and propped his chin on his hand.
Do as you please.
They were just worried about their queen, so he couldn’t very well confront them over the glaring.
Besides, enduring it quietly was the smart play if he wanted to keep things amicable later. He waited for the food. He hadn’t ordered much, figuring he’d eat alone, but it was taking forever.
'Should I pick up some books?'
Come to think of it, his <Bag> was stuffed with rations, sundries, medicines, weapons—nothing you’d call a book.
'Ah. There are those magic tomes, though.'
The magic books he’d grabbed from Count Jinmu’s dungeon in Calypso, where the man had tried summoning Bell-Terza. But they weren’t useful, he had no interest in learning spells, and they weren’t entertaining. No desire to crack them open.
Even he had to admit he was picky. He’d wished for any old book, yet now that he had readable ones, he skipped them for lack of fun. A hollow chuckle escaped him. If he found a library, he’d grab something useful or at least worthwhile.
Brushing off the stares from the counter, he gazed blankly out the window to kill time.
'Man, it’s really taking a while.'
Was the order complicated to prepare? Or were they out of ingredients? His stomach growled, the emptiness hitting hard. Belly to backbone, skin sticking tight. He slumped further over the table until he was prone, arms pillowed under his head.
Rattle.
Cart wheels rolling. His dozing mind snapped alert. He twisted back with anticipation.
Iris—she was wheeling the cart over herself.
She waved at Judah with easy friendliness. Should he wave back? Caught off guard by her sudden warmth, he lifted a hand and waved too.
The cart held dishes he hadn’t ordered. But it all ended up on his table.
Salad, potatoes topped with hot cheese and fries, fried rice, chicken, pizza, steak. Heavy on the greasy meats over veggies.
-Sorry to keep you waiting so long. The extras are on the house. I told the chefs you helped me out a ton, so they piled it on.
She stood there, scribbling on her notepad and holding it up. Judah read it, then stared at the feast, swallowing hard. He could polish it off solo, sure. But Iris probably hadn’t eaten. He glanced her way and borrowed the notepad and pen.
-Haven’t eaten yet, have you? Looks like too much for one. Join me?
-Thanks, but I’ve got work.
-Look. Your coworkers are all kicking back? Sipping tea at their leisure.
He pointed to the counter. She glanced over, hesitated, let out a short sigh, then picked up the pencil.
-Really okay if I join? You sure you don’t mind?
She knew full well how people eyed the disabled. Long active in Aitram, she’d drawn notice and built ties—so merchants and locals liked her. But most, like yesterday’s mercenaries, just dismissed her.
-What kinda random question is that? Of course it’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?
-Hm. I might snag all the good stuff.
-No issue. You’re starving, right? Gotta be. If you’re full, no sweat. Won’t hold you.
Judah dotted the pencil and handed back the pad. A stare prickled from the counter; he glanced over absently. The back-and-forth notes must’ve caught their eye—the female staff and the counter guy watched stone-still. They didn’t flinch even when he met their eyes.
Rattle.
Meanwhile, Iris wheeled the cart toward the kitchen. Guess not joining after all? He’d offered thinking they were getting friendly. A twinge of disappointment hit as he took up knife and fork. He speared a deep forkful of salad first.
Crunchy—the texture was divine. Moments into eating, footsteps approached. He looked up: Iris, tray in hand with her own bowl, fork, and knife, sliding into the seat across.
-Really okay?
He took the proffered pad with a smirk.
-Obviously. If it’s not enough, holler. We’ll order more.
Not like it was pricey. Half this spread was her doing as comps. The freebies probably cost more than his order.
They ate in companionable silence. No pickiness from her—she sampled small portions of everything. Her small lips working the food was adorable.
Hm. Yeah, pretty.
Arhil had that innocent face, cute and bubbly vibe. Her knockout curves and flashes of sultry edge amped her appeal sky-high.
But this woman across from him, parting baby-small lips to slip in neatly cut bites—what was that? No server vibe at all. More like some nobleman’s refined daughter. Pinning meat with the fork, slicing smooth with the knife—it exuded quiet elegance.
Impressive.
Did that mean she ate poorly? Hardly. Those little lips chomped away relentlessly, fork never idle. Tiny bites, sure, but she packed it away. Eternal Sword owner perks—she could dial intake at will.
"......"
No notes exchanged. Just quiet eating. Clink, clink. Utensils kissing knife, forking food. Barely a chew sound. Throat catch? Sip the fizzy drink nearby. Bubbles tickled pleasantly down. Eyes met? Soft eye-smile.
By the time empty bowls multiplied across the table, the counter watcher approached, setting down two glasses. The sharp-featured man poured wine with smooth care. Purple liquid rose in the stems.
"Service. Payback for helping our girl yesterday and today."
"Ah, thanks."
"No trouble."
Obvious distaste, but for his queen’s sake, post-meal palate cleanser. Gut twisting inside, probably. Judah smiled anyway and put in a to-go request.
"Sandwich packed up? Got it. I’ll flag the kitchen on my way. Enjoy."
Wine rinsed the lingering grease; meal done. Only sauce smears on plates. Iris across bowed her head. *Thanks for the meal.* No note needed—he got it. Judah dipped his head wordlessly back. Belly stuffed, he leaned back for a breather. An employee rolled up with an empty cart.
Iris half-rose, but the staffer scooped plates with a wave.
"Sit tight. I got cleanup."
She reached for her pad; he cut in—*It’s fine, it’s fine.* Plates cleared, then ice cream arrived.
"Service."
"?"
"For pitching in with our Iris."
Talk about comps adding up. He hadn’t helped purely altruistically, and this haul pricked his conscience. Couldn’t let on he knew her secret. Thanked the staffer, then spooned ice cream small. Sweetness and scent bloomed full in his mouth.
Savoring it, the pad slid forward.
-Ate great. I didn’t cramp your style, did I?
He twirled the pencil between fingers, spinning circles.
-You scarfed it down fine. Made mine tastier too.
Iris flushed reading it. Truth was, she’d eaten plenty, no holds barred. Hunger helped, but her presence? Unusually chill vibe. Ate like a champ.
-Not messing with me?
-Nah. Big eaters beat nibblers any day.
Mid-note, the staffer arrived with a basket.
"Cozy vibe. Your sandwich to-go. Two silvers."
Judah paid up quick, stowed it in the <Bag>. Iris stared at the pad. Pencil idle a beat—what was she pondering?
-The priest you travel with—is she your lover?
Hm. Tricky one. Judah read it over, lost in thought.
Lover?
========== Afterword ==========
1) I can do it. I’ve got a way to make you all leave nothing but hopeful comments.
Say I’ll drop 3 in a row, or 4... You’d flood me with cheer, right...
But nah. Traumatized by you wicked readers! Deep scars. Hahaha... *sob*
2)
Q. Is the sub-space the Bag? Why note it as <Bag>?
A. Sub-space = <Bag>, yep. When spoken, it’s “sub-space”; in descriptions, <Bag> flags Judah’s player UI stuff. Like , <Bag>, <Memo>, [Status Window].
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