8. A Friendly Gathering

After explaining about my situation, Grave made a request to guild’s top two.

I was but an outsider who was suddenly brought in by one of the guild’s members. Not to mention, I had been banished by the kingdom.

They’d surely refuse.

Grave had assured me, but the expressions of the two were harsh.

Gokuri.

I held my breath.

“Alright, that’s fine with me.” Said Rigard.

Eh?

That easily?

“It’s not a really a problem, isn’t it? Don’t you think so too, Teresia?”

“Hmm…”

Teresia stared at me.

Unlike Rigard, whom was laidback, Teresia seemed strict. For someone like her to allow a total stranger like me to stay…

“…Well, it can’t be helped. You have nowhere else to go.”

Unexpectedly, both of them readily agreed.

I couldn’t believe what I had just heard and glanced at Grave.

Our gazes met.

Upon realizing how shocked I was, he smiled.

“I said it, didn’t I? It’ll be fine.”

“Yes…”

“Grave, since you’re the one who brought her here, you have to take care of her.”

“I know, big sis. Also, the talk about her real identity shan’t leave this place.”

“Of course, like always.”

‘Like always’?

I was confused.

Then, Teresia turned towards me and said.

“Your name is Liliana, isn’t it?”

“C, correct…”

“I’m not against the idea of you staying here, but have you thought about what you’re going to do from now on?”

“From now on…”

Be it my home, or my job—I had lost them all.

I no longer had anything.

It was as Teresia said—I had to think about what to do from now on…

But…

“…I, I haven’t.”

“I see.” Said Teresia.

“It can’t be helped. You’ve gone through a lot. You need to sort out your feelings first, only then will you be able to contemplate the future. That’s what you meant to say, right, big sis?” Said Grave.

“…You took the words right out of my mouth. Now I feel awkward, geez.” Said Teresia.

“…You should’ve said it from the start, then.” Said Rigard.

Upon hearing that, Teresia smacked his head with her fist.

“That hurts! I’m being abused, moreover, in public!”

“Had you not said anything unnecessary, I wouldn’t have hit you! Also, don’t you have work to do?”

“Uh, right… sorry, Grave, I leave the rest to you.”

“It’s alright. Boss, would you like me to help you?”

“You’ll help me!?”

“Stop it, Grave. Don’t spoil this guy.”

“…Well, big sis has spoken. Please do your best.”

“…Dammit.”

After the conversation was over, Grave and I left the room.

It seemed that the two would remain there and finish their work.

I was curious about what a guild’s duties entailed, but that was when my stomach decided to rumble.

“Let’s have dinner. It should’ve been prepared at the cafeteria.”

I nodded and went downstairs with him.

When I was caught by the rain in the alley, I couldn’t even walk on my own.

Now, I could for some reason.
Perhaps because I had taken a bath, changed my clothes, and regained some peace of mind?

Or…

“Welcome! We’ve been expecting you both!”

“How are you, Anna? Where’s Yorn?”

“Mom has retired to her room. She already cooked the food, so I’ll serve it now!”

“Alright, thank you very much.”

From the kitchen, Anna brought out the food.

The dishes were spread across on the table.

“Time to eat, c’mon!” Said Anna.

“Umm…”

Is it really alright?

I turned towards Grave.

With a gentle expression, he nodded.

“Thanks for the food!”

Nom, nom…

The taste spread throughout my mouth, and my entire body shook.

“It’s great!”

“Right?! Mom’s cooking is the best in the world!”

Anna smiled proudly.

It was truly delicious.

Although a while had passed since I had last eaten, I’d prefer that dish over the ones I had in my former kingdom.

I felt my mind and body warming up.

Because of the taste, I couldn’t wait to savor every bite.

In the middle of it, I stopped eating.

“What’s wrong?” Said grave.

“…Why did you let me stay here so easily?”

Before I noticed it, I had spoken out my thoughts.

Anna answered. “That’s what we always do.”

“…Always?”

Didn’t Teresia mention something similar?

“The boss is too kind, he can’t overlook those who’re in trouble. Most of those people here have also lost the place they could call home.” Said Anna.

“…Rather than kind, your boss is too trusting.” I said.

“The same goes with Grave!” Said Anna.

“I don’t think I am…” Said Grave.

“What are you talking about? Besides, that’s the reason why the boss and Grave are our most beloved members!”

Grave laughed with a dismayed face. “What’s that?”

Anna went on to explain.

“Did you know? Most of the people who work here were picked up by the boss!”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed! I don’t know what their pasts are, but everyone is on good terms!”

Is that even possible?

I was genuinely surprised and in disbelief.

I didn’t think it was possible for people who didn’t know anything of each other’s backgrounds to live together. It didn’t sound normal.

Anna said that Grave and Rigard were both nice people.

Perhaps… many of the people at that guild were friendly?

***T/N: I’m loving all the casts so far.