When they entered, Kael saw that they were in the big dining room. Contrary to his last visit, however, only one table was occupied. Kael saw five people sitting around a big table, locked in conversation. The table was filled with different foods, beer and soft drinks, and tableware for six. The jovial atmosphere that enveloped the group made Kael feel out of place.

Unconsciously, he took a step back, trying to leave the group undisturbed by his foreign presence. Before he could take another, however, Barbara interrupted him by, once again, placing a hand on his back. Looking up at her face, he saw a mix of pity and encouragement in her expression as she motioned to the group. Maybe it was his inaction, but before he had the chance to open his mouth, Barbara had already interrupted the group's conversation. "Everyone! Meet the newest member of our little family. Kael Barkley. Why don't you introduce yourself first. It seems Kael here is a little shy."

All five people sitting around the table looked up and over to them. Two men and three women of different ages began inspecting him with curiosity. This went on for a few seconds, and only after a deliberate cough from Barbara did one of them stand up.

The one to stand up first was the only person Kael was already familiar with: Sean. Kael had only ever seen him with a polite but reserved face, tending the bar and serving guests. In complete contrast, the person standing before him now felt very different. He was still calm and collected, but now with a big smile on his face. "So we meet again. I am Sean Urxitocalru, a pleasure to be working together in the future. My last name is a little complicated to pronounce, so I usually just go by Sean. I do some service, but my role usually is the bar."

His self-introduction prompted the rest of the table to do the same. Soon the group sat down and began to eat and make merry. Still somewhat nervous, Kael took his time to select a few items from the multitude of choices to try. The taste was absolutely excellent. For the next half an hour Kael mostly just listened while he ate.

On his left sat Marcia Tropple, or Marcy as she liked to be called. She had introduced herself after Sean and was working primarily in service. Twenty years old, slender, and with a smile that could melt ice, he suspected she was a crowd favorite. Even more impressive than her already good-looking exterior was her character. Cheerful and optimistic while not feeling ignorant or stupid.

Stolen story; please report.

Next to her sat Eduard Webber. His introduction had been the shortest of all of them. "Eduard Webber, Chef. Pleasure." Remarkably unremarkable would be Kael's description if anyone asked. He was quiet and had not spoken more than ten words in the last half an hour, and most of those barely even qualified as speech. Then there was the scar that ran from his left cheek all the way down to his throat, making him look more grumpy than dangerous.

Second, to last was Farah Segal. The small woman wearing a business suit reminded Kael of a few people he had met in children's services. Their objective, direct, and caring disposition had left a positive mark in his memories. There was something about a clear and uncensored answer that he appreciated. She worked as the general manager for the restaurant, making her the one in charge of expenses.

Last but not least was Janin, no last name. She was... a strange one. Her introduction had been brisk and blunt but did not sound aggressive or dismissive. Her comments, later on, would confirm that it was just the way she talked. As for her job in the restaurant, she called herself a hunter. Apparently in charge of bringing in some of the more strange ingredients Eduard used in his cooking. Kael was quite lucky to meet her since she spent most of her time outside the restaurant, only returning to drop off her catch and rest.

Once the others had finished, Barbara had introduced herself again and had invited Kael to follow suit. He had hesitated for a moment and then given them a compact version of how he ended up here. He left out most of the details and focused on the most important events. Starting with his parent's disappearance and his meeting with the archmage.

Silence followed his little speech, and while Kael kept his face buried in his plate, he hoped that they would not look differently at him now. Pity would be bad enough, but he would not be able to deal with contempt. Too scared to look at the others, he simply waited. In the end, it was Barbara that interrupted the silence. "Well, that's about it for now. Now, let's get some of the formalities out of the way. For work, I think we will start you off in the kitchen. Eduard, you have long since complained that you needed a helper, well now you get one. There are still a few people you have yet to meet, but they have roles that keep them out of the inn most days. You will meet them when they return. We won't make a rigid schedule for you yet, but try to learn from Eduard as much as you can. Once you are more familiar with the work, we can make a plan."

She then turned to the others sitting around the table. "I am sure you all have questions for young Kael here, but take it easy on him. Also, he will begin schooling in the fall, so plan accordingly. For now, show him the ropes."

After helping Eduard and the others bring the dirty dishes back into the kitchen and washing them, he got kicked out of the kitchen by Eduard. The older man claimed he would need to think about Kael's training and told him to come back tomorrow morning to begin his work. Thus, without anything else to do, Kael returned to his room after watching the first two hours of service from the back.

The rest of the day was spent observing Sean and Marcy in between sessions of mana gathering. It was just past nine when Kael decided it was time for bed. The next day would start early, and he wanted to be ready. A quick shower later, he sat down on his bed when he heard his smartphone vibrate. Only then did he realize that he had not spoken to Martin for the last few days. It was time to let his friend know what had happened.