Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: When a Good Person Gets Angry (3)
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“You guys aren't plotting some weird scheme without me lately, are you?”
“What could we even plot?”
“Hmm.”
“I can't even come unless it's the weekend.”
“If we were rigging something, we wouldn't let it show.”
A peculiar pressure emanated from the four of them lined up at the bar table, staring at me. This world had some annoyingly similar aspects to Earth, like weekends being holidays.
On a nominal level, it was the goddess's day of rest, which was uncannily identical—probably because this romance fantasy world was a created one.
Anyway, after all their ordered menu items were served, I asked why they'd all gathered here like this.
“First off, me. Dalia asked if you could send her some preservable coffee through me.”
“That's not hard. I can prepare some in about two days.”
“The Magic Tower has its own delivery system, so hand it to me and I'll send it. She'll probably pay through me too.”
“I'll get it ready right away.”
Big Sister Leimi's request wasn't difficult at all. Lately, through Karin, I'd been sending coffee to Namei, and seeing Dalia from the Magic Tower wanting some too, I'd been thinking about making a new product.
Nothing fancy—just since I roast the beans myself anyway, drip bags could be sold or gifted to people far away.
Anyway, Big Sister Leimi seemed satisfied with my answer and slumped back in her chair, looking like she was about to fall asleep.
“I came to check how the sword I gave you last time is holding up.”
“Ah. I swing it once every morning in the backyard, and it's great. No issues, no damage, no strain on my body.”
“Hm. Glad to hear it. I was a bit worried since I designed it on the heavier side.”
“My body's been toughened up through some pretty harsh training.”
I didn't want to say shoulders get stronger from use, but in a world of swords and magic, intense training really did make people stronger. Around the time I'd gotten decent with most swords, Father had called in a mage from outside to apply gravitational load while I swung a greatsword—it was so hellish I couldn't tell if he was my dad or my sworn enemy. But looking back, it had made me stronger.
Of course, if I had to do it again, I'd grab my twin swords and go after Father first.
“It has solid mana conductivity too, so it's a really usable piece. Take good care of it.”
“Of course I will.”
“What about your old weapons?”
“...They're in storage in a separate warehouse?”
“Bring them by sometime. I can at least tune them up for you.”
“Sure. I hope I never have to use them, though.”
If I ever had to draw the twin swords stamped with the family crest, it meant something had gone seriously wrong—very seriously wrong. In other words, it would likely be an emergency where lives were hanging by a thread.
“Still, weapons need to be kept sharp to swing them when the moment comes.”
“You're extra firm today. I'll swing by later.”
“Good, good. One more cup, please.”
“Got it.”
I ground the coffee beans, tamped them, loaded the espresso machine, then turned my eyes to Mina.
“I'll have mine in a bit.”
“Yep. Then...”
“I, uh, accepted a gift and all.”
“Pardon?”
Karin smiled sheepishly as she pulled a bundle from her bag. Untying it revealed bread and pastries.
...Namei, really.
“Sh-She insisted she didn't know the location, then shoved it on me saying I should eat it.”
“She definitely knew. It's fine, hand it over.”
“Okay.”
Sigh. Seeing she'd picked only the things we'd made during our cooking research sessions made it all feel surreal.
I'd thought she was so independent and walled off from loneliness that she'd be fine, but this suggested otherwise.
Maybe seeing her face once after she graduates wouldn't be so bad.
When I said I'd pack some extras for Dalia too, the four of them gave me subtly changed looks.
“Feels like I'm delivering love letters.”
“Hey now, kid. That's an inside thought.”
“Out, all of you. It's not like that.”
“Be grateful for the fresh brew.”
I shot a glance at Dras, who shamelessly snatched the slightly hot coffee cup, then turned back to Mina.
Her puffed cheeks suggested she might launch into that marriage talk again, but she had other business and switched topics.
“I talked to the guild master about the labyrinth thing.”
“Ah, yeah. I'm not even registered.”
“She got super excited hearing the cafe manager was registering and said she's coming here.”
“Why her...? She can't handle hot stuff or bitter.”
“She seems to have a rough idea of your skills from testimonies of adventurers who messed with you and got beaten. With the emperor coming and all the tough stuff lately, she probably needs people.”
“She could at least keep the thugs who drop by away from me.”
“Managing the grunts is tough...”
Mina's weary face reflected all the chaos from uncontrollable maniac adventurers, so I shut my mouth.
Fair enough. Even I couldn't catch every low-level noble faction punk throwing my name around for their crap. I'd punished some with six hours of hellish sword training as part of making an example, but that didn't make the power-hungry idiots vanish.
Irresponsible pleasure is human instinct, after all.
“When's she coming?”
“Today.”
“That's super urgent.”
“Talented people who know manners are always in short supply.”
She's a customer, so I should serve something drinkable, but as a cat beastkin, she can't handle hot or bitter stuff with her kid-like palate—what to give her?
Fruit juice... feels off. Something sweet from the cold coffee lineup?
There were plenty of non-bitter coffees, but for her to actually enjoy it, it needed to be really sweet.
I briefly thought of mint choco latte and cursed myself, then came up with something and rummaged in the fridge under the cabinet.
“Whatcha looking for?”
“Cream. For the coffee.”
“...Can't picture it.”
“It's tastier than you think.”
Not making mocha cream—just preparing an Einspänner. Even in modern times, some find cream and coffee odd, but done right with coffee, cream, and syrup, it's delicious from start to finish.
I dumped heavy cream into a metal bowl-like container with the ingredients on hand, mixed in sugar, added a couple drops of vanilla extract. Then whipped it quickly with a whisk. Done.
Whipping cream like crazy in front of four customers looked a bit silly, but if it went over well, it could be a new menu item—perfect chance to try.
“Arm muscles...”
Mina muttered watching my right arm strain from whisking, which felt a tad embarrassing, but I whipped it to a soft peak stage.
I stashed the finished cream back in the fridge and chatted while waiting, when the door opened with the bell jingling.
“Owooo! Cafe manager! Our newbie adventurer! Guild Master Cosetica has arrived!”
“Ah. Yes. Have a seat first.”
“No way! Sitting doesn't suit my burning enthusiasm right now. Receive my welcome!”
I placed a hand on the guild master's face as she lunged for a hug and pushed her back. She rarely visits since she doesn't like our drink menu—a cat beastkin, uncommon in the human-majority empire.
With her hat hiding ears and tail, she could pass for human as a dilute-blood half-breed, which positioned her well to represent various groups' interests, leading to her guild master role.
“Sit down first.”
“Nyaang...”
“I made a new coffee menu just for you, Cosetica. Give it a taste.”
“No hot or bitter stuff!”
“Neither.”
In a tall glass, I poured espresso, added a touch of milk and syrup, topped with plenty of ice, then layered the soft whipped cream I'd made. For her espresso aversion, I stirred so cream blended lightly, eliminating any bitter spots, and served with a straw.
She eyed the Einspänner I'd handed her with a straw, hesitated, sipped the top, then her eyes widened and ears perked up.
She slurped through the cream, the blended section, down to the cream-infused espresso, all deliciously, then spoke.
“Tasty.”
“Made it that way on purpose.”
“Can I come sometimes?”
“The shop's open to everyone except thugs, criminals, and drunk lunatics.”
Big Sister Leimi flinched at “lunatics,” making me burst out laughing, but I ignored it and continued.
“So, what's the exact reason for your visit?”
“Mm. For adventurer rank assessment. I have unique authority over basic rankings, but I figured the cafe manager not adventuring meant you might not want to show off your skills. Wanted to hear your preference first.”
She's being considerate. As expected, she's a bit flighty and childish, but great at her job. She wipes away the levity and dives seriously into work at key moments.
I decided to think about the rank evaluation while making her another cup as she regretfully licked the glass rim.