Chapter 32
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Banquet and Revelry (5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Why had that man frowned like that?
Asha tilted her head and subtly checked her outfit.
Today, she hadn't worn a skirt. Instead, she'd come out in her familiar, comfortable pants.
There didn't seem to be any problem with that, even in a weapon shop.
'Ah, but...'
Asha whipped her head around, scanning the shop's interior.
Then she turned her gaze straight ahead again.
One middle-aged man staring at her with a blank expression.
Not a dwarf—a human.
'A bit disappointing.'
She let out an involuntary sigh.
Was he just the guy handling reception?
To confirm, Asha approached him.
...Meanwhile, the weapon shop owner thought:
'Tch, an elf customer.'
This was bad. Very bad.
The elves he'd dealt with were always steeped in arrogance and extravagance.
They'd strut in like they were issuing a challenge, demanding, "Bring out your finest weapons!"
Then, when shown something good, they'd scoff, "Is this the best you've got?"
And they'd rummage through the displays, spewing incoherent demands left and right.
In short, they had no respect for craftsmen. They treated them like mere underlings.
Of course, they chattered away merrily among themselves.
Maybe all highborn types were like that, but to him, elves took it to extremes.
The one silver lining? They didn't haggle over prices. At least they had that virtue.
'This elf girl is a new face, though...'
Still, he could already picture the scene unfolding.
Just now, she'd scanned the shop, sighed dramatically, and let out that exhale.
What kind of grand pronouncement was she gearing up for?
"Hello. Are you the owner?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Um, so... I saw the dwarf on your sign. What does that mean?"
'Maybe there's one working in the back forge?'
Asha, not yet giving up hope, asked.
"Ah, that's just to indicate we carry dwarf-made products. They all live in mountains or forests, right? A trading company we partner with brings them in regularly."
It doubled as a distribution point.
Asha got it completely.
There were no dwarves in this shop.
Her long ears drooped ever so slightly in quiet disappointment.
'At least they exist for real.'
Maybe she'd run into one someday?
Comforting herself with that thought, Asha leisurely began browsing the displays.
The watching owner steeled himself in advance.
Even if this elf girl's demands kept changing with every word, or she kept interrupting his explanations, or she spoke only in vague sensory terms without specifics!
He absolutely, absolutely would not slip up! He couldn't afford to bruise her pride.
"Excuse me, if you're not too busy, could I ask a few questions?"
"Ah, sure! What are you curious about?"
"There are some weapons I've never seen before. I was wondering what they're for."
"This one—you operate it like this, and two extra blades protrude from both sides. It transforms into a trident dagger."
"Wow... That's neat. What about this one?"
"As for that weapon—"
...Huh?
"Ah, I see. Hmm? This sword is ridiculously long. Why's it shaped like that?"
"It's called a wakizashi. Useful in one-against-many fights, and it clips to your belt for easy carry, so women often use it for self-defense."
Something... felt off?
"Hm... It's interesting, but I think I'll stick with something familiar today."
"What exactly are you looking for?"
"A lightweight, sturdy longsword. Could you pick out three standard ones that stick to the basics, in your expert opinion? I'll compare and decide."
"S-such specific requirements!"
"??"
"Oh dear, sorry! I'll get them right away."
Too startled, the owner blurted out his inner thoughts and rushed to the storeroom.
His head spun. The situation didn't make sense. Reality felt a layer peeled away.
"This one fits my hand best. I'll take it."
"Yes, thank you! Come again!"
When the elf girl finally paid, the owner responded in a daze, half out of his mind.
Come again!
It was a habitual phrase, but to an elf customer, it was unprecedented.
Until now, it had always been, "Thank you for your business."
Click—
The wooden door shut, leaving the owner alone in the shop.
Then, a door at the back opened, and a young man poked his head out—his son.
"Did a knight come and go?"
"An elf girl. Probably a knight or squire."
"What?! An elf knight stopped by?"
His son gawked.
The owner, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, said what he figured was the reason.
"I was shocked too. Who knew elves like that existed?"
"No way, you're serious?"
"You brat! Do I look that old and senile to you?"
"But come on! The shop was dead quiet until you were rummaging in the storeroom. Has an elf customer ever left without a fuss?"
For better or worse, they were always noisy.
"You're right. The world's vast, full of all sorts."
"...Yeah, I need to watch out for snap judgments about people from now on."
The average elf rating had just gone up.
That evening.
Asha, relaxing in her room with a book, stood up.
Selma had relayed that Elysia was looking for her.
Asha promptly closed her book and headed to the living room.
"Asha, remember when I said I'd introduce you to that restaurant? The invitation got moved up—we can go today."
"Oh, really?"
She was just starting to feel peckish, and now a gourmet spot.
Asha rubbed her stomach and flashed a bright smile. Elysia nodded with a small laugh.
The two arrived at an upscale building just off the bustling main street.
"We've been expecting you, Lady Valtline."
A neatly dressed staff member recognized Elysia and bowed politely.
His gaze met Asha's, and he bowed even more deeply.
As if she were the star of the evening.
'Definitely a high-end place. The vibe's different.'
Asha chalked it up to the polished hospitality that made you happily empty your wallet.
That signature finesse was palpable.
Following the server's lead, Asha took her seat.
She gazed around the interior with wonder.
It felt like a sophisticated urban reinterpretation of forest and nature's essence.
Wooden partitions draped in lush green vines. Potted plants and exotic flowers in every corner breathed life into the space.
Even the wooden table before her was unique. Asha ran her fingertips over it. Incredibly smooth and cool for wood.
Tap, tap. A light knock produced a clear, metallic ring that traveled up her arm.
'Must be insanely durable.'
A table like this would last forever.
Asha sniffed the air and remarked toward the front.
"The air here's refreshingly clean. Amazing for a restaurant."
"Probably thanks to those vines woven into the partitions. A rare species from the empire's frontier—purifies the air like nothing else."
"Ah, got it..."
Asha wet her lips with her tongue and peered at the menu.
"...Gasp."
She swallowed hard. Rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, then double-checked the prices.
'E-even the cheapest dish is over ten times normal?!'
A fitting price for luxury dining. Fine for indulgence, but the extravagance hit like sticker shock.
Then Elysia covered her mouth with her fist, chuckling.
"Asha, I mentioned the invitation was moved up, right?"
"Ah, yes. Why?"
"Knights of the Raglain Count Family don't need to worry about wallets here."
"No way!"
"Mm. It's tied to the Knight Order. Seats are hard to get, though."
Asha clapped softly, hand to her mouth.
Her O-shaped mouth closed as she eyed the menu anew.
Her gaze scrolled down.
'Some dishes available only to guests with the owner's permission?'
VVIP exclusive, with ingredients sourced directly—limited stock.
'Nothing to do with me.'
Skipping the specials, Asha looked up again.
Referencing Elysia's picks, she made her choice.
Orders placed, they awaited their food.
Asha, savoring the ambiance, turned her head sideways.
A couple nearby—the man was talking to a server.
"Hey, call the owner? I want to order that limited menu."
"That's for special guests only."
"That's why I'm asking for the owner! I can pay plenty!"
"Apologies, but the owner's stepped out. Without prior arrangements, he usually—"
The server refused politely, smile intact.
Tsk! The man clicked his tongue and nodded reluctantly, barely containing his irritation.
The restaurant settled back into quiet.
Moments later.
Neatly plated dishes began arriving at Asha and Elysia's table.
Asha rubbed her palms together, eyes sparkling.
Then, tilting her head side to side, she asked:
"Um, I didn't order this one, did I?"
"Ah, that's..."
The server replied with impeccable courtesy.
"The owner prepared it himself. He asked us to serve it first."
His tone was almost a whisper.
"...?"
Didn't he just say the owner was out?
And why the complimentary dish?
Questions piled up in Asha's mind.
Ignoring that, the server bowed and withdrew.
Asha looked away from his retreating back to Elysia across from her.
Elysia's eyes were a bit wide, fixed on the dish.
Composing herself, Elysia spoke.
"I hadn't heard about this either. Looks like—"
Right then.
"Hey! Didn't you say the owner was out earlier?!"
The man from before bellowed.
Asha and Elysia's heads snapped toward him in unison.
"There's a limit to playing favorites!"
A server hurried over as the man raised his voice in fury.
"This place is a joke! Tricking customers outright?"
"The limited menu is that special, sir. Only for those with permission."
"Argh! I said I'd pay whatever!"
"Please, sir... Keep your voice down. You'll cause real trouble."
"Trouble? Give me a reason that makes sense!"
Then, sounds from the kitchen.
"Reason, my ass."
A woman entered the dining hall, muttering under her breath.
Crack—!
She swung her wooden ladle without hesitation, smacking the man square on the head!
Blood streamed from his scalp as he crumpled limply onto the table. Crash—dull thuds echoed.
"You fucking pest. Ruining my good mood."
Harsh curses clashed with her beautiful features.
She turned, locking eyes with Asha, who stared her way.
A smirk tugged at one corner of her lips.
The restaurant owner—she was an 'elf'.