"Thank you, please come again next time!"

Ring, thump!

The tiny yellow doorbell chimes with the creak of the shop door as I step out, leaving behind the quaint, classic wooden store.

image [https://gdurl.com/3JTl]

My name is Raiken J. An orphan from the village's south, I was raised alongside other children in the village orphanage. As we approached our preteen years, it was customary for us to leave the orphanage. Along with my closest friends, Alpha and Josh, we dedicated years to assisting villagers in hunting and distributing food supplies. Eventually, we made the difficult decision to separate, each in pursuit of our true identities as adults, with a promise to reunite once our dreams were realized.

I shake my head, reminiscing about the fond memories we shared before parting ways.

During my childhood, I found myself as the least skilled among my close friends, Alpha and Josh. Whenever the other orphans teased or mocked me, Alpha and Josh were always by my side, ready to defend me.

Due to my timid nature, I couldn't muster the courage to wield any weapons. Instead, I lent my support by aiding Alpha and Josh in collecting their hunted prey and gathering wood. Though I wasn't a warrior, I felt content because I had Alpha and Josh as my steadfast companions.

At those moments, we reveled in our shared experiences, and I truly believed that my life was complete with Alpha and Josh by my side.

Now, three years have passed, and I can't help but regret my decision to remain in the village, seemingly achieving nothing in that time until now.

Sometimes, I find myself wondering: Did Alpha and Josh find what they were searching for? Or did they, too, end up as aimless as I am now?

I shake my head once more, trying to dispel these thoughts. I hold onto the hope that they will return someday, brimming with stories to share.

The voices of several children playing in the dirt, the familiar sound of wood being cut nearby, and the murmurs of villagers engaged in conversation all surround me. It's comforting to be back in this familiar place, my comfort zone of solace.

...

After a few moments of wandering in my thoughts, I arrive at my destination. A small, weathered wooden building with an 'Inn' sign on the right side of the door and three flower pots on the left, each containing vibrant blue, yellow, and red flowers, suspended from a wooden scale.

I smile at the flowers, my heart warming to their cheerful colors, before I open the door.

"Welcome to the In-ah, it's you!"

A familiar voice greets me.

image [https://gdurl.com/7uJS]

From the far end of a long, polished wooden table, a young girl wearing a casual white shirt, adorned with a white apron, welcomes me with her long brown hair cascading down to her shoulders. She stands a bit shorter than me, reaching just around my shoulder in height. Her big, adorable eyes and sweet smile are as familiar to me as the rising sun.

"I'm home, I guess..." I say as I close the door behind me, my voice filled with a sense of belonging.

"This is your home, Rai! Where else could it be?" She responds with a playful tone.

"The old orphanage up there."

"Oh, you're mean!"

We both then share a laugh.

As I step inside the cozy inn, the front door which was on the left side of the building earlier, creating the impression that it's at the center of a miniature tavern within the inn itself.

In the heart of the inn, there's a long wooden cashier table where Amy, the innkeeper, welcomes guests and manages orders. Neatly arranged cups in front of her reflect her dedication to keeping things tidy.

The room features four wooden tables, each with four chairs, placed considerately between the entrance and the cashier. The walls and ceiling are adorned with classic wooden tones, giving the space a touch of old-fashioned charm.

To the left of the cashier, from the front door's perspective, a small door piques curiosity, hinting at hidden corners and surprises.

To the right, there are a series of rooms, offering a peaceful haven for tired travelers.

These rooms are organized in three pairs, each with its own unique character and comfort. Wooden walls and floors seamlessly extend into these rooms, creating a seamless transition from the shared space. The use of wood not only adds rustic charm but also evokes a strong village atmosphere that complements the overall inn ambiance.

Each pair of rooms is thoughtfully separated by a long corridor, ensuring guest privacy while maintaining a sense of community. The wooden doors to these rooms showcase intricate carvings, highlighting the skills of local artisans.

Inside these rooms, you'll find cozy beds adorned with soft quilts, inviting relaxation. The windows offer charming village views, allowing natural light to brighten the cozy space.

The inn embodies the village's spirit, from handmade wooden furniture to traditional textiles in the rooms. It's a place where travelers can immerse themselves in the village's culture and warm hospitality.

I make my way to a chair in front of the long table and place my basket of fresh, red fruits on the surface.

"I bought these today. They look fresh and were quite affordable."

"Thanks as always, Rai! Mind if I take one?"

"Be my guest."

Amy, the young lady who resides at the inn with her father, is a gracious host. Her father, a skilled hunter, often leaves her in charge as he ventures out to provide the village with a steady supply of food and wood. I admire his dedication, even though he rarely showed interest in me due to my lack of hunting prowess.

Seeing Amy again brings back memories of the first time we met.

...

I think it was about two and a half years ago, I found myself collapsing right in front of the inn due to starvation. I had no money left, and I had barely eaten anything for days. As I slowly regained consciousness, a compassionate young woman was gently patting a warm towel against my forehead.

It was Amy.

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Since that day, I have lived with her and shared countless stories about the village's daily life, even though they were often mundane and repetitive. But she seemed to genuinely enjoy them, making me feel comfortable and accepted. Her favorite pastime was recounting the conversations and discussions she overheard from the villagers at the inn during the daytime. She had a knack for making even the most ordinary topics interesting, and I enjoyed listening to her.

We had grown close over these years, and Amy had become like a replacement for both of my friends from the past. Thanks to her, I didn't feel entirely alone.

"Hello?"

I snapped out of my thoughts as Amy leaned in closer.

"Sorry, I spaced out," I admitted with a brief shake of my head.

"It's... About them again, right?" she asked, her concern evident in her eyes.

I hesitated before responding, "Well..."

"I don't really have any friends, so I'm not sure how it feels," Amy confessed in an emphatic voice.

"Thanks for trying to console me, Amy, but I'll be alright."

Once again, her sweet smile graced her face as she retrieved a glass and a bottle of soft drinks.

"Orango?" she offered.

"Why not?"

Amy poured the orange-colored liquid into a wooden glass and handed it to me, her kindness a soothing balm to my soul.

"Now, tell me your story."

Amy walks beside me and takes a seat right where I'm sitting.

"Usual day, you know. The shop was pretty crowded due to the discount. On the other side, it seems the old man who runs the farm lost his crop again. It was terrible but laughable. His expression is always priceless when he gets mad."

"That's just like him!"

We both share a chuckle. After a moment, she gazes at me.

"Do you remember the first time you protected me back then?"

"That drunk person, right?"

Amy nods, her eyes closing as if recalling the memory.

"You were so brave that day, even though you ended up badly injured and had to rest for days. But without you, I don't know what I would have become..."

"You don't have to thank me for that, you know..."

"Still, I don't know what kind of favor I should return to you."

Amy leans her head on my shoulder nervously, and I reach for her left hand, gripping it firmly.

"You don't have to do anything. You're always there whenever I'm alone, so thanks..."

I stroke her head gently, looking at her direction as she smiles with her eyes closes.

...

After several minutes, the front door swings open.

Amy releases my hand quickly and stands up, facing the door nervously. A bit panic expression can be seen from her red and bit puffy face.

"W-welcome to the inn! We still have t-two rooms available!" She greets the newcomer with a panicking smile.

"Please don't mind me. I would like to rent a room, please," the newcomer requests.

A mysterious figure cloaked in a dark-red cape strides into the inn, his face hidden beneath a long, feathered chapeau. His steps are weighty, echoing with the presence of someone clad in heavy armor. A sizable steel sword is sheathed on his back, while a smaller one rests at his waist.

"Sure, it's twenty Cevel per stay," Amy informs him, tapping my shoulder once and nodding.

Without a word, the man in red withdraws a pouch from his right waist and tosses it in my direction. His aim is precise, landing the pouch directly in front of me, and I catch it swiftly.

"Thanks," I respond, my eyes locked on him.

Based on his attire and weapons, he appears to be a skilled swordsman. It's uncommon to encounter someone with such fancy weaponry in our village. I assume he's from another town, visiting briefly and planning to depart soon, just like most travelers who seek respite at this inn, a public resting place.

I glance at the pouch and begin counting the money he provided.

"Wait, the change. You just gave us fifty Cevel."

"You can keep the change. I'll be staying here for a couple of nights," he replies in a cold, unemotional tone.

Amy guides him toward the corridor.

"There are eight rooms, with half of them facing each other. A couple of doors are still open, indicating they're unoccupied," she explains, aiming to avoid any confusion.

The man in red follows Amy to the room she selects.

"Enjoy your stay. I apologize if it's not as comfortable as you'd like."

He gazes at her briefly before proceeding into the room and closing the door firmly behind him.

"What a bitter man," I give Amy a shrug with a bit of curled lips.

Amy walks toward me with a pale expression, grabbing both my shirt in front of my chest and playfully acting as she is out of her life energy.

"He's scaryyy..." she says with a spoiled tone.

"You can say that again..."

I give her a stroke on her head. She looks calmed down and reaches for my right hand.

"Thanks, Rai. You always makes me feels better..."

I smile at her. She then raises her head after several headpats.

"Anyway, speaking of sleep..."

"Yeah, I guess we'll call it a day," I nod in agreement.

Amy steps behind me, bringing her face closer to mine while placing her hands by her waist.

"Well, you should! Because you'll be out and about again tomorrow, and you'll have plenty of stories to tell me too!" She pouts, puffing her cheek.

"As usual."

She gently tugs my hand, leading me to the room at the end of the corridor.

...

"Reserved for you. Your favorite room."

"Thanks as always, Amy."

We exchange smiles once more. As I take a step into the room, she lightly grasps my shirt from behind. I turn to look at her, noticing her hesitation. She appears as though she wants to say something, but she quickly closes her mouth.

"Is there something you want to say?"

She swiftly releases her hold on my shirt and playfully bows her head.

"No, it's... Alright. Sweet dreams, Rai."

"Well... You too, Amy. Good night."

I enter the room, allowing her to close the door behind me. She remains on the other side, leaning against the door.

Smiling faintly, she closes her eyes, murmuring while exhaling.

"Someday, you will know my feelings toward you, Rai..."

#

End of Chapter one.