Arthur's Point of View

The Rainy Helm

"That girl has done more for my sister than either of us know." Elincia stated with her head still down. "There was a time when I was also lost, but Lucia was there for Arceana. I know your relationship with us is shaky at best. However, we would like you to come to the Temple to talk." Looking up at me, she continued. "My hope is we can begin working together in earnest and do what we can to aid you in future endeavors."

Austin and Sherry seemed surprised. "Uh…" They weren't the only ones. "It's fine. I had my own reasons for getting involved."

"Maybe so, but it does not change the fact that you have continually saved the people of this town and kingdom." Elincia eyed Austin for a moment before continuing more cautiously. "While your methods were a little extreme, I am inclined to agree with them given the situation."

Nodding slightly, I leaned back more relaxed. "Good to know. Keep me posted on how they are."

Elincia smiled as she wiped her face gently to remove the tears. "You are more than welcome to come check on them."

I frowned at that. "I'd rather not." Austin and Elincia seemed surprised at that.

"May I ask why?" The Priestesses inquired.

Because Lucia looks like a damn replica of Mara. "Let's just say it's for personal reasons."

She nodded slowly in return. "I see. Well, I will not force you to meet with them, but I would appreciate it if you were to make your way to the Temple as soon as you have the time." Gesturing to me, she continued. "We have some important matters to discuss."

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"Well, I am in the middle of something right now, but afterwards, I'd be willing to head up to the mountain."

"Very well. Shall we have a ferry-"

Holding up my hand to stop her, I quickly spoke. "That's alright! I don't need any Zugal flying me anywhere."

The Priestess leaned back and brought her hand up to her chin in a thoughtful manner. "Yes. I suppose you can fly on your own if the reports we received are true. You also can teleport in a manner of speaking." Then she smirked as she looked at me. "All very intriguing abilities for someone who looks so Human."

"Looks can be deceiving."

"They can indeed." She confirmed before looking around the Rainy Helm. "If you do not mind my prying, what are you doing here?" Then Elincia looked at Austin with a raised brow. "With someone so young, no less."

"I had a bit of business in town today. So, I thought I would treat Austin since he was at my place and asked if I would go with him. The Rainy Helm is one of the few businesses I've been to and enjoyed." I explained. "It's technically before hours, and no adult beverages have been given to him." Shrugging, I gestured to the kid. "Figured I'd bring him along."

Elincia smiled at that and giggled. "I see. Only you would bring a child to a tavern before it opens to do business." Then she turned to Sherry, who was standing nearby. "Our Knight has business with you, I take it?"

Sherry nodded quickly. "He does! Sir Arthur wanted to offer me a deal of sorts! One that I am becoming more and more interested in!" The owner replied.

Turning back to me, the Priestess quirked a brow in my direction. "Is that so? May I pry further, or will that irk you?"

I shrugged. "This is an offer that I'd like to make to bring some changes to the Rainy Helm. Food, drinks, expansion, and whatnot."

"So forthcoming." Elincia stated in a playful tone.

"Yes. Information that will eventually be well known is very easy to be forthcoming about." Then I pointed at Sherry. "Though, it all depends on her."

"Perhaps we could test some of the foods you plan on bringing over?" Sherry offered. "I'd like a chance to test those before we proceed with talks because the menu is one of the most important parts of an establishment such as this."

I nodded. "That's fair." Standing up, I gestured to her kitchen. "Can I borrow your ingredients? I doubt I'll be able to make everything I want to bring over, but I'm confident I can make something that's to your liking!"

Sherry smiled and nodded. "Certainly!"

Elincia and Austin stood to follow us. "Can we see what you plan on making? If it is as good as you claim, I would be interested in incorporating it around the Temple." Elincia asked as she walked next to Sherry and me.

"Ah could even make it at home!" Austin declared as he grabbed my arm playfully, and I chuckled.

"The whole point is to share these things with the people in the lowest rung, but I'm not averse to it being in the Temple. Maybe something I eat when I come to visit." I replied and then ruffled Austin's hair. "And this is something very simple to make."

"Now I am very curious." Elincia stated. "What is this magic dish you plan on making?"

Chuckling, I responded as we made it to the kitchen, and I started to grab all the ingredients I needed. "It's not a magic dish by any means, but I figured french toast would be something everyone would enjoy." Grabbing everything I need, I began. "Although, I am also a huge fan of Monte Cristo sandwiches, which I make out of french toast."

Sherry watched me carefully as Elincia spoke. "Very well. Let us see this 'french toast' that you speak of."