The Knight's Restaurant
I wandered dazedly down the path, guided by the Lesser Outer God. At first, it was just snack-like things that caught my eye, but the deeper we went, the more familiar comfort foods started appearing. Like... kimchi jjigae, jjajangmyeon, pork cutlet, spicy pork stir-fry, and the like!
Ever since getting isekai'd into this world, these were the foods I'd craved the most, and now seeing them made my stomach rumble loud enough to hear.
"Ah, I'm starving."
I hadn't even had breakfast before getting dragged into this mess, so the urge to shove something in my mouth was even stronger. Let's wrap this up quick and head back...
As I followed the Lesser Outer God's lead, her movements seemed off somehow—sluggish and unsteady. I watched quietly, wondering if she was feeling unwell, when suddenly she crossed her arms and spun around.
"...Hm?"
Her wings flapped irritably. Her mouth twisted in what looked like a pout. And that sulky expression she was trying so hard to pull off? It came across as adorably clumsy. High chance something was bothering her.
"Friend?"
I called her by her usual nickname, but she shook her head vigorously—nope, not happy. What now...?
Ah.
"...You need a name too, huh?"
Was I seeing things? For a split second, her face lit up bright as day, then she shook her head side to side and turned away with a classic hmpf! vibe.
Man, what a transparent little thing. Unlike the Surveillance Outer God's bold energy, she was cat-like in how obviously she wore her feelings. Looked like if I didn't give her what she wanted, she'd hold onto that grudge forever.
A name, huh. Yeah, calling a kid who tagged along because she liked me "friend" forever would feel weird. My confidence took a hit after that Surveillance Outer God naming flop, but I racked my brain anyway.
Okay. She looks fairy-like, and she's pink... so maybe think flowers? Flowers are plants...
"Thalia! How about Ria as a nickname?"
I tossed out a fairy name from some fantasy novel I'd read once. It was pretty enough to stick in my memory, so maybe she'd like it too.
"...!"
Luckily, my naming sense hit the mark this time—her face beamed, and she zipped straight to my neck, wrapping around it in a hug. Good, good. Names must mean that much, huh? Glad she liked it.
I ruffled her hair with my fingertip, and she squeezed her eyes shut with a blissful smile. If I told people, "Outer Gods are actually super cuddly!" they'd think I was nuts.
I pulled my finger away, and like always, she went all gooey and floppy, flapping her wings to resume guiding me. She was already so cute that little moments like this just made her cuter.
「You only give me weird names! Waaah!」
Something stabbed at my conscience, but I decided to ignore it for now.
The tour continued, and the deeper we went, the more varied the food got. But how to put it... The dishes, which had at least kept their original forms at first, now felt twisted together among themselves. Like chop suey pasta dumped on what should be jjambbong. Or pork soup overflowing with spicy grilled intestines, spilling out of the bowl. It got worse the further in we went, until bowls fused into grotesque shapes that made me question if they were even food anymore.
But weirdly, looking at them stirred my appetite. I wanted to stuff one in my mouth right now. Maybe they're safe to eat? Yeah, Super Coward Mode's got me—no mental pollution.
I picked up a random half-bowl that lifted like a puzzle piece. Anything would do. I was starving...
"...!"
Ria flew over, grabbed my arm, and yanked it away. What's wrong? I looked at her, and she shook her head furiously—like, this isn't food.
It hadn't spilled on the ground or anything, so maybe it was fine? But if Ria said no, I'd listen. I sighed heavily, set the bowl down, and she let out a relieved puff before leading on.
Suppressing my hunger as best I could, we finally spotted what looked like a building. Ria grinned like that's the one and pointed, then zoomed ahead with a pop.
Let's finish this fast. Even if my old world had no real food waiting, I needed something to survive.
I jogged after Ria and reached the building where she'd stopped. Its vibe? Like one of those "hidden gem" hole-in-the-wall spots back in Korea—shabby exterior, narrow loft door, flimsy awning that barely blocked the sun, and cracked outer walls.
"Hm?"
Looking closer, there was weird writing on the wall. Familiar style. Recorder's script. Wonder what nonsense she'd scribbled this time. Honestly, I was kinda looking forward to it now. Based on past clues, maybe info on this Outer God.
Hey everyone! Today I visited the 'Knight's Restaurant' way out past Rondan—a spot right on the boundary between Outer God space and the human world. It's not just any eatery!
The 'Knight's Restaurant' shines with its spotless, cozy interior that puts diners right at ease, plus it's a true hidden gem packed with the chef's passion and effort.
No time for a full meal this visit, so I grabbed a simple Americano. Unlike any espresso I've had, it was smooth, mellow, and went down easy—must-try!
The other dishes look amazing too, so if you're near the world's edge, swing by! My rating: ★★★★★
Her dizzying blogger ramble still pissed me off a bit, but the info was useful. So it really was a restaurant. Though I doubted it was human-edible.
Whatever—time to peek inside. I cautiously pushed the door open, and—ding-a-ling!—a bell rang loud.
"Wha—?!"
Trap?! Panic hit; I spun to bolt.
"Welcome!"
A fresh yet mature voice called from behind, just like a shopkeeper greeting a customer. I couldn't help turning back, finally getting a look inside.
Neat tables and chairs, round counter encircling the kitchen. But the chairs? Stuck to the ceiling like glued, with lights shining up from the floor. The twisted foods outside and this half-assed restaurant mimicry gave off a weird vibe.
And at the center stood a curvaceous beauty in an apron, smiling mysteriously like it was all normal.
Human? No way—not here. So she had to be the Outer God Ria guided me to. And creating a spot this original...
Probably Greater Outer God tier.
Knight Order classification, so not precise, but it gave a baseline for how to handle her. Run now? I could analyze after testing her vibe, but no guarantee it'd go smooth like with the Gardener. Not all Outer Gods were auto-friendly to me.
Yeah. Retreat. She wouldn't chase if I didn't show hostility, right?
I started backing away.
"Thank you for visiting our Knight's Restaurant."
Even as I turned, she spoke like I was obviously coming in. I ignored her to leave—wait, what? My body wouldn't move. Mental interference? Nah, felt more like my own body wanted to step forward against my will.
"Are you a knight, sir? Or perhaps a Candle? True to our name, we offer specials for knights!"
Her hypnotic tone pulled a reply from me.
"Yeah, knight."
"Oh my! We always strive to provide hearty meals to knights who protect the world!"
As if proving it, savory aromas wafted from inside. This smell... Familiar. Nostalgic.
"Oh, party of two? Is the little one with you?"
Ria drooled, smacking her lips. My stomach growled. Like gravity, my feet pulled forward.
"Right this way, two guests!"
I followed her lead inside. Ding-a-ling.
# As the Outer God guided us, a chair on the ceiling near the counter slammed down with a bang! in the blink of an eye. I jumped.
She just smiled and gestured to sit. Grudgingly, I scanned around. It evoked cozy nostalgia like a rural Korean shop, but was sticking around smart? My impulsive call had me worried sick, but seeing Ria—ecstatic, dancing with her utensils already set—only made me sigh.
Party Flute gripped tight in my pocket. Just in case.
Fine, a restaurant's cool. But why here of all places?
Lost in thought staring at the table, a menu suddenly floated into view. I jolted up—the Outer God beamed innocently.
"Here's the menu. Ring the bell when you're ready!"
"Ah, sure."
Her polite formality—even using honorifics—shocked me into responding the same. An Outer God using formal speech with me? Most jumped straight to casual.
「...」
Well, from their view, humans are weak, lowly pests—cultural difference, yeah. Totally not because I'm scared of backlash.
Menu first. No choice now that I'm here.
The names hit me, and tears welled up.
"...Budae jjigae, pork soup, pork cutlet, spicy pork stir-fry?"
Aaah. Am I hallucinating? Actual proper writing? And in the booze corner: soju, bold as brass. Bottom note:
All menu items provided FREE!
Stop trying to pay money!
"Sniff, ugh... guh..."
"...!"
Ria, mid-menu browse, freaked at my sobbing and patted my arm frantically. But how not to cry? Dragged to an unknown world, drifting along—and now free hometown food?
Hearing me, the Outer God hurried over from the kitchen.
"G-Guest?! You okay?"
"Hic, sniff, yeah, I'm f-fine. Picked my m-menu."
"I don't know your story, but I'll make it extra tasty to cheer you up!"
Even her comfort was so sweet. Tears streaming, I pointed at the menu.
"Th-then... spicy pork stir-fry, one... and a bottle of soju..."
She smiled warmly.
"Order up!"
The cooking began. Excitement bubbled—
Thud.
A collapse echoed somewhere. I turned—a woman face-down on a table, drooling.
What the—?
Ria zipped over, checked her pulse... and shook her head.
...Dead.