> Kira PoV <

{Kira, we should be close enough to Runetap now.}

I stop practicing the [Null Gravity] spell for the moment. There hasn’t been much progress anyway. Gravity Magic is difficult as always.

“Fuuuu. Thanks, Nano. Ellie, I’ll meet you outside.” (Kira)

{“Okay, I’ll tell the kids to get ready.”} (Ellie)

{“Red, we’re not going directly to the Capital?”} (Kelly)

“Oh hey Kelly! Finally decided to trust Nano with an ear cuff?” (Kira)

{“Yeah. Hopefully this one won’t explode.”} (Kelly)

That’s rich, coming from this person! Still, I can definitely sympathize.

{“So why the detour?”} (Kelly)

“It’s not that big of a detour. We just have a few errands to run.” (Kira)

Like restocking on fresh meat. Lara’s been giving me sad faces ever since we ran out. I think I’ll splurge a bit and get some quality pork ribs to make it up to her.

{“Then I’m going to drop by the bar along with the delegates.”} (Kelly)

“You sure that’s wise? Those people are bound to start another bar fight.” (Kira)

Not to mention it's barely past noon, although that doesn't seem to matter for those hardcore drunks.

{“That’s exactly why I’m bringing them!”} (Kelly)

“... Nevermind. Just make sure you’re ready to leave by sunset.” (Kira)

{“You got it, boss lady.”} (Kelly)

I leave my research room and start heading down the staircase. Putting it on the top floor is a bit annoying, but I can’t deny there’s a certain appeal to it. As if saying ‘reach these heights if you can!’ to my apprentices! Well, not like I have any of those. Not yet, anyway.

The return trip took just about 7 days, as expected. We move a lot slower than that birdbrain so I thought it would take much longer at first. But since we don’t have to take any breaks the average pace is similar to Umph and Kelly's. Although, she says that if it wasn’t for her and the Calling delaying him, Umph could’ve reached Ecebis in two, maybe three days. That’s a bit scary!

I’m fine with our rather slow speed though. Unlike our flight from Kotero to Runetap, the wind here is like a harsh breeze at most. It flipped up the kids’ dresses a few times, but other than that it was perfectly tolerable.

Well, first things first, I should probably go to the Control Room and stop this thing in the air. Wouldn’t want it floating off into the distance while we’re away.

* * *

“Alright, remember what I said - back by sunset! Otherwise I’ll send Ellie to find you!” (Kira)

“Yes, ma’am!” (Dwarves)

“Brand, can you stop saluting me? It’s awkward. I’m not even part of your military.” (Kira)

“Military or not, it’s a sign of my respect, ma’am.” (Brand)

“... Fine. Do what you want.” (Kira)

“Also, ma’am, how do are we going to get into the city? Shull still hasn’t recovered enough to fly so…” (Brand)

“That’s why we’re here, Brand. I just have to fix this.” (Kira)

I’m currently standing next to where the [Gateway] should be.

“That pile of rocks?” (Brand)

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask, what happened to that thing?” (Kelly)

“It became like that once we moved out of range of Runetap. It’s okay though, should be able to reactivate it.” (Kira)

I put my hand on the stone pedestal next to the pile of rocks and flow my mana into it. There’s a response from the rocks, they glow green and start floating in the air, spinning around and slowly reforming the stone archway.

“That’s so cool!” (Lara)

“While it is indeed a spectacle, I fail to see how this could help.” (Goldrim)

“You’ll find out soon enough, your senatorialness. Just let Red do her thing.” (Kelly)

Okay, the stone archway is reconstructed. Looks like it found its friend already, so I won't have to reconfigure it. I keep pumping mana into it to charge it up. Once there's enough, I speak the passphrase.

“Dragons are really scared of apples.”  (Kira)

I might have to change that passphrase. It’s a bit embarrassing saying it in front of others.

*OWOOOOONNN*

The [Gateway] properly links up, showing a view of the inside of our (slightly dusty) house in Runetap.

“All set. Let’s go, everyone inside. Just like passing through a doorway.” (Kira)

I wave at the dubious dwarves. They give me a few questioning looks, but since Ellie and the kids already went through, they follow them quietly. Then it’s Kelly and finally myself. 

The portal collapses behind me with a low noise. The delegation is a bit stupefied, but seems to understand more or less what just happened. I’ll probably need to answer yet more questions later, but it doesn’t matter too much.

“Kira, won’t Old Boisterous Uncle get mad if we just bring these guys in like this?” (Ellie)

“Ugh! I completely forgot! This is illegal entry isn’t it!? Haaaah, sorry you three, we’re going to take a small detour to the South Gate first.” (Kira)

“It’s okay Red, I’ll take them. You go have fun with your family.” (Kelly)

“... Thanks Kelly.” (Kira)

“Come on you lot, time to meet the Guard Captain.” (Kelly)

“What’s this about, Lady Darkhand?” (Rimgold)

“Ah, it’s a common practice in this kingdom. They record every new face that goes in and out of major cities. That way if you, say, punch the king in the groin, they can track you down and-” (Kelly)

Kelly ushers them through the front door and into the city. I’m glad I won’t have to deal with those three today, although that explanation was going in a weird direction.

Still, I almost forgot how handy she is to keep around. Having a gopher take care of troublesome errands is the best! Oh, crap! I haven’t re-established my contract with her! 

Hmm? Now that I think about it, she never actually terminated it in the first place. Huh. She never slacks off when it comes to contracts. Looks like she really was planning to come back to us, despite those so-called [Chains That Bind].

* * *

“Ohhhh! If it isn’t the Quasse family! Welcome back to our humble shop!” (Waitress)

The usual high-tension waitress greets us as we enter the ‘Vestiges of the Empire.’ I’m surprised she remembered us. We only came here only four or five times. Although, I guess we made a bit of a scene each time... 

Ellie especially seems to have much stronger reactions to the pastries here than the rest of us. When she tried the Chocolate Apocalypse, she actually wept at the perceived chocolate-covered fate of the world. I mean I was depressed when I ate it myself, but not to that extent!

“Good day. Can we get a table for four?” (Kira)

“Certainly! Right this way!” (Waitress)

We follow her and get seated rather quickly. 

“Would you like the regular menu or the spoilery one?” (Waitress) 

“Neither, just four orders of Pleasingly Peachy Pancakes, please. With some caramel syrup on mine.” (Kira)

We have places to be so we’re not ordering anything wild today. All those pancakes will do is put a goofy smile on your face for about 10-15 minutes. They’re quite delicious, too!

“One hot choco please!” (Sophie)

“Same here!” (Lara)

“And some honey on my pancakes.” (Ellie)

“Okay! Will that be all?” (Waitress)

“Also, if possible I would like to speak with your boss. I have a business proposal for him.” (Kira)

The waitress’s upturned eyes and wide smile instantly disappear like they were an illusion. She glares at me with a doubtful look.

“But you’re already married, right?” (Waitress)

“I said business proposal! Business!” (Kira)

“Oh! Of course! Excuse me for the misunderstanding! I’ll ask him on your behalf!” (Waitress)

She runs off with a rather embarrassed face. What’s with that selective hearing? I’d appreciate it if there were no bad rumors born from this.

The waitress comes back after about ten minutes, with our order. Four plates of pancakes and two cups of chocolate. After she’s done serving everyone, she turns to me.

“Mrs. Quasse, the boss says he’ll have some time in about half an hour. Is it okay to wait a while after your meal?” (Waitress)

“Yes, that’s fine. Thank you.” (Kira)

That’s pretty accommodating considering I didn’t make an appointment. It’s a bit rude of me,  but I have to hear his opinion before we head back to the capital.

“Alright! Please enjoy yourselves in the meantime!” (Waitress)

The waitress smiles pleasantly once again before bouncing off to wait on other tables. Well, I focus my attention to the plate in front of me. The small stack of pancakes is simply oozing with caramel goodness! Mmmm yeah, I’m really looking forward to these!

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“Woah! What’s with these pancakes! They’re way tastier than I remember! Kira! They’re great! You should hurry up and eat them right now! See, like this! *Homnomnomnomnom*” (Ellie)

Wah! What’s going on!? She devoured all four honey-glazed pancakes in a flash! She’s had these before, but she was just slightly giddy afterwards! 

Wait… that honey on her plate is a bit strange in color, isn’t it? The color is a deeper orange than normal, bordering on red... Ack! Don’t tell me they brought her Hyper-bee Honey!

“Nnnnnn, girlscomeoneatupyourpancakesalreadywehavestufftodoletsgoletsgoletsgooooooo!” (Ellie)

She’s shaking furiously in her seat and speaking at high speeds! That’s definitely Hyper-bee Honey! I need to get her out of here before she breaks something!

“Ellie, maybe you should step out for a run?” (Kira)

“GoodideaKirathatsgoodthatsgoodthatsgoodrunningforabitsoundsverygoodberightback! HHHNnnnn! HYAAAA!” (Ellie)

*Crash*

She literally leaped out of her seat with a quadruple backflip and flew straight into the wall. She fell to the ground, stood upright like a pin and bolted outside. 

“...” (Everyone)

Yep, we did it again. The entire shop, customers and waitresses alike, stare in our direction with dumbfounded expressions. One gentleman even stopped his fork midway to his mouth. The only sound heard is gentle weeping from the girl eating her strawberry shortcake. Well, at least Ellie didn’t break anything this time, so let’s call that progress.

I share a few knowing looks with Lara and Sophie and we nod to each other in understanding. 

*Munch munch munch*

“Mmmm! Today’s pancakes are especially good!” (Kira)

“I know! They’re even better with the hot choco!” (Lara)

“Really? I’ve never tried the combination before.” (Kira)

“You should!” (Lara)

“Here Mommy, try it with some of mine!” (Sophie)

Sophie holds up her cup with an open smile. She’s so cute when she’s like this! I gratefully accept the cup from her tiny hands.

“Oh, then don’t mind if I do, sweetie!” (Kira)

I sip a bit of the dark liquid after taking another bite. The peaches, chocolate and caramel give an unparalleled sweetness that won’t lose to Sophie’s smile! I’ll have to keep this combination in mind for next time!

Well, this and the thing the three of us are pretending never happened.

* * *

The waitress guides me to the back of the cake shop and leads me to a door with a sign roughly nailed to it. It has ‘MANAGER’ written on it. She knocks twice.

WHO DARES DISTURB THE GREAT AND POWERFUL ZUBLOS?

“Hey boss! Mrs Quasse is here to see you!” (Waitress)

SO THAT PITIFUL WORM HAS FINALLY ARRIVED TO KNEEL BEFORE ME? VERY WELL!

“He says he’ll see you now.” (Waitress)

I thank the waitress and enter the office. She closes the door behind me. Zublos is sitting behind a large desk. A really large desk. How did it even fit through the door? Well, doesn’t matter.

“Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, Zublos.” (Kira)

YOUR GRATITUDE IS MEANINGLESS, MORTAL! SPEAK YOUR TRIFLING REQUEST SO THAT I MAY CRUSH IT UNDER MY HEEL

I see, he’s rather busy. I should try to make this short. 

“I’m going to open a new Academy in the near future. One whose purpose is to show children many different walks of life so that they may choose their future and adequately prepare for it.” (Kira)

AND HOW DOES THIS FOOLHARDY PLOY MATTER TO ONE AS TERRIBLE AS ZUBLOS?

“I wish to hire you to teach a course regarding business practices and work ethic. This course will last three weeks and will be held twice a year.” (Kira)

He raises an eyebrow meaningfully. Or menacingly. It’s hard to tell with that ancient evil-y face of his. Although, as Kelly said, the cute chef hat does ruin the image somewhat. Either way, it seems to have piqued his interest.

“Of course, you will be paid for your time. As an added boon, there may be those willing to become apprentice chefs under your guidance once the course is over. I’m sure a savvy man such as yourself knows the importance of young talent. We will sort out the details later, but I need to know if you're willing.” (Kira)

YOUR MEAGER OFFERING OF INSIGNIFICANT YOUNGLINGS AND WORTHLESS COIN DOES NOT PLEASE ME, MORTAL! 

He waves his hand with a rather unpleasant scowl on his face.

SHOULD YOU WISH TO PARTAKE IN MY FORMIDABLE AND FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE, THEN YOU MUST SWEAR ALLEGIANCE TO ME AND FAITHFULLY SPREAD THE SEED OF MY EVIL TO YOUR COUNTRYMEN

“I’m sorry. You lost me on that one.” (Kira)

His face becomes twisted with rage. Either that or it’s apologetic. Like I said, it could go either way with this guy.

MINION!

Zublos shouts at the door behind me. It almost instantly opened and that same waitress is standing in the doorway. Wait, was she there the entire time? She looks at me and starts explaining with a smile.

“The boss wants a permit to open a branch shop in the Capital. He was denied when we last visited due to his so-called ‘dubious background’ so he’s been troubled over it for a while.” (Waitress)

Ohhh! Right, I see. That does make sense. Runetap is far more accepting of people like him than the Capital, after all. I mean it’s not like I don’t understand the prejudice. Honestly, he looks like he’d eat my kids whole. However, I’ve not heard of him doing a single bad thing. Well, other than being too loud, although that might be an asset rather than a demerit when you’re teaching a class.

I turn my head back to Zublos who seems to have calmed down a bit. That or he’s smelling something bad.

“I see. Then if I can secure this permit on your behalf, will you be willing to teach at my Academy?” (Kira)

THIS OFFERING PLEASES ZUBLOS

Well, that’s a definite yes. It should be possible if I can get Lilly to investigate and vouch for him.

“Very good! I will see what I can do about it and get back to you. Thank you for your time.” (Kira)

TIME IS ONE THING THE MIGHTY ZUBLOS HAS PLENTY OF, UNLIKE YOU AND YOUR PITIFUL EXISTENCE

I bow slightly and leave the office along with the waitress.

“Thank you very much for that. I was quite troubled with his way of speaking.” (Kira)

“That’s okay. The boss is really sweet once you get past that!” (Waitress)

“Speaking of which, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Kiressara mil Quasse.” (Kira)

“Ah! That’s right isn’t it? I’m Lara Alamein!” (Lara A)

“Wow! Same as my daughter! How about that?!” (Kira)

Meeting someone with the same name is a ridiculously good omen! I mean it happens so rarely that you'd need a lot of luck just to witness it!

“I know, right? I overheard by chance before and it made me seriously excited!” (Lara A)

So that’s why she’s so insistent on being our waitress whenever we come here!

“She’s a really cute kid, by the way.” (Lara A)

“Thank you! You know, you should go introduce yourself to her before we leave.” (Kira)

“Is that okay? I don’t want to overstep my bounds…” (Lara A)

“It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m sure it’ll make her happy.” (Kira)

And when my daughter’s happy, I’m happy. It’s simple, really!

Hmm? Wait, Alamein? That's somehow familiar. Where have I seen that name before? Oh! Ohhhh!

“Can I ask something a bit personal, Lara?” (Kira)

“Sure!” (Lara A) 

“Do you like almonds?” (Kira)

She blinks at me with a blank expression, processing what I just said. Then she shows me the same embarrassed face she had earlier and instantly goes red up to her ears. 

"W-wait! That's not- I mean- I don't-" (Lara A)

She gets really flustered and starts waving her hands around. I see, I hit the nail on the head, huh? Too bad it seems to be unrequited. I gently put a hand on her shoulder and smile reassuringly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t say a thing. I hope your feelings get through to him. I’ll be rooting for you!” (Kira)

“Th-thanks. It means a lot.” (Lara A)

She can’t even look me in the eye, she’s surprisingly bashful about this stuff, huh? 

The Almond Alamein is the first cake in the menu, I guessed right that it had some significance to this Lara. But still, getting him to name a cake after her was way too subtle a hint. I don't want to be a busybody, but she should be more like Ellie and properly state her feelings for Zublos!