I didn’t move much when I woke up. Yesterday was the most exercise I have had since I became a resident of this world. I knew my body would be sore, especially my back. As much as this chair was comfortable, sleeping in it didn’t lessen the pressure on my spine.

Sighting, I threw my head back. I have been here for almost a month now, and I spent the entirety of my time studying. Reflecting on everything that happened so far, I noticed how many things I took at face value. I mean, I have no idea how I actually got here, how I’m fluently speaking and understanding a completely foreign language, and of course, the mysterious shop.

The shop has to be moderated by someone, or something. It did make me a mage, well, kind of. There are also other users using the shop, but how many of them are like me? How many of them belong to this world? Some should, the number of users I have seen so far is too high, but does everyone know about this shop? Is it some kind of safeguarded secret? So many questions and very few answers.

I need to confide in someone. I can take a leap of faith and talk to Valeriana. she already knows I’m a mage, so this shouldn’t be that big of a shock. The main problem is that I’m not sure if this idea is mine or not. The seal is influencing my subconscious. The skill I bought can only do so much.

I took a deep breath and slowly released it. Standing up, I winced at the pain assaulting my back and shoulder. Right, I forgot about that. Alfred did a number on me. Just another reminder of how weak I am.

Done with my light stretching, I squinted at the bed. It was completely dark, except for the faint moonlight seeping through the window. The bed was messy but empty. Valeriana must have left already. I thought about forgetting everything for now and simply lay down on the bed; however, my stomach objected.

I wasn’t sure what time it is, but it was late enough that no food would be waiting for me. I went downstairs looking for the busty Innkeeper. The stairs and hallways were lit by some kind of crystals, so I had no trouble navigating my way to the reception hall.

The counter was empty, and the pain in my stomach refused to keep me waiting. My legs found their way to the kitchen; It was dimly lit, but there was someone here. A small figure was cleaning the dirty utensils while quietly humming a tune.

Approaching the kitchen counter, I could make out some features. It was a young girl. She was wearing a simple one-piece dress and an apron. What really stood out were the pair of horizontally triangular ears and the small but slightly curved horns on her head. While deciding whether to say something or just lightly cough, a horror-filled shriek filled the room.

The lambgirl was crouching beneath the sink with her whole body shaking. Her eyes were staring directly at me. I could see a mixture of emotions; however, none of them were remotely positive; confusion, panic, horror, and dread. This wasn’t a mere surprised reaction. I was not sure what I did or did not do.

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My heart was racing, and my mind was in turmoil. I kept blankly staring at the terrified kid which in turn terrorized the girl even more. I recovered when I heard the "I’m sorry" muttered over and over. I flattened my hands and raised them above my head. I was about to offer any reassurances I can but stopped as I heard hurried steps.

I turned my head and saw the Innkeeper standing at the kitchen entrance. She was staring at me with a meat cleaver in her hand. Her eyes darted to the huddled girl, back to me, and finally rested on the sobbing child. She cradled the whimpering girl and left the room. I kept staring at her back until she was out of sight.

Releasing a breath I didn’t know I was holding, I took out a chair and sat at the kitchen counter. This was a misunderstanding, and the sooner it was cleared, the better.

Twenty minutes later, I heard approaching footsteps. The Innkeeper was back, and thankfully, unarmed. Her face was tired and her steps heavy. She went right past me and, reaching into a cupboard, got two shot glasses and a bottle with a dark liquid inside. She sat opposite to me and poured herself a drink. When she reached the second glass, I raised my hand and politely refused her. I haven’t eaten anything yet and that had to be strong. With a shrug, she poured the second drink and downed one after the other.

She looked down at the empty glass in her hand and stated. “I’m sorry about that. She had a troubled past.” She paused for a second and continued. “A bandit group burned down her village and sold her at a human city. Her master wasn’t particularly fond of beastkin.” A sigh escaped her before she added. “She has been cooped up here for so long, and you’re the first human she saw since then.”

I said nothing in return.

“I came up to your room with food earlier, but no one answered the door. I was trying to avoid this situation.” She looked up from her glass and said. “I guess you must be hungry huh.”

I nodded in response.

“I’ll heat up the leftover stew for you.” She stood up and left me to my thoughts.

The kid had a hard life. Something that would cause that much trauma; I can’t begin to imagine what she’s been through. My life in captivity so far is incomparable to what she has been through.

There is one thing I’m certain of though, she wouldn’t be here if she was strong enough. I wouldn’t be here if I was strong enough. I need more points, I need more money, and I need to get stronger. The only thing I’ve been able to make so far is the charcoal, and it wasn’t particularly useful. It was mana in solid form, extremely concentrated, and dangerous. I have to make sure that somehow the mana doesn’t overflow; getting high while in a fight is idiotic.

A pleasant smell broke my musing. The wolf-lady placed a plate in front of me and said. “That’s all that’s left, I’ll check on Luna and come make you something more proper.”

“Oh no that won’t be necessary, you should stay with her, make sure she’s okay. Would you mind if I used your kitchen to fix something up?”

“Not at all, and I know this is very unbecoming, bu-“

I cut her off. “Please, I completely understand. There is no need for an apology”

She flashed me a grateful smile and left.

I focused back on my plate and let my thoughts wander.

If I can dilute the charcoal and get the ratios right, I can make an instant mana potion, sort of. Maybe some charcoal chewing gum? I had a whole kitchen in front of me, fully packed with otherworldly goods.

With a smile on my face, I ate my stew.

It was delicious.