I left the shop and returned to the inn for lunch. After walking for a while, I reached the inn and entered. Sonia was setting the table and greeted me with a smile.

"Ah, Allen, you're here!"

"Hi, Sonia. Yes, I haven't eaten anything today."

"You shouldn't skip breakfast. Tomorrow, make sure to stop by the kitchen; I can include breakfast for your stay."

"Very well, I'll accept your offer."

"Great. Now, come over here. My father and brother should be arriving soon."

The dining area was empty, just as it had been the day before.

"Sonia, are there any other guests at the inn?" I inquired.

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Well, there's no one else in the dining area, just like yesterday."

Sonia explained, "Oh, you arrived around 8 or so, but most of our guests are hunters who only return by around 10. No one really dines here in the morning except for my family. They were probably still asleep."

"I see," I replied.

I took a seat at the table, and Sonia brought out a pan with what looked like stew. She sat down as well. After a few minutes, Swen and Talon, Sonia's father and brother, arrived.

"Oh, look who it is. Did you decide to join us as well?" Swen greeted me.

"Yes, Sonia invited me, so I decided to come," I responded.

They took their seats, and the boy smiled at me and made a gesture but didn't say anything.

"Oh, sorry, we forgot to tell you. Talon is mute; he damaged his vocal cords a long time ago and hasn't been able to talk since," Swen explained.

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"Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. It must be challenging," I said.

Talon made some gestures while maintaining his smile, and Sonia translated for him.

"He says it isn't hard, especially since we take good care of him."

In Vermillion society, having any sort of disability usually led to discrimination, making it nearly impossible to make a living unless you were strong. However, if you had a family, things were different, and having a strong family member could change everything.

Swen continued, "Their mother, my wife, passed away when they were young. After some time, Talon had the accident that left him mute. Neither of them had mana, so I established this inn as a family business. I hoped that this way, they could lead good lives even if I were to die someday. After all, my job is dangerous."

Being a hunter involved hunting monsters. If Swen was a silver rank hunter, he wouldn't have problems with monsters up to C rank. However, if a monster like the one from the forest appeared, he probably wouldn't make it. Well, the rank system wasn't always accurate, so there was a chance he might have survived, but it was risky.

"Anyway, I didn't mean to bring the mood down. You came here to eat, so we should talk about other things," Swen suggested. "What are your plans after this, Allen?"

"I'm planning to go to the forest to train and awaken my mana," I replied.

"I see. If you want, I can help you with that, as I've already awakened mine."

"Really? I'd appreciate that."

"Alright, after lunch, I'll go with you."

We continued our meal, and I asked Swen, "Mister Swen, do you happen to have any books?"

"I do. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I'd like to check something. I've noticed that I can read the signs on the shops, but I don't know how."

"Perhaps you have a skill, but to find out, you'd have to pay a good amount. So, experimenting with a book is indeed the best option. After we return from the forest, I'll lend you one."

"Thank you," I said.

We finished our meal, and Swen stood up from his chair, saying, "Shall we go, Allen?"

"Yes," I agreed.

We headed to the door.

"We'll be back by 21," Swen informed Sonia.

"Okay, good luck, and be careful," Sonia replied.

We stepped outside, and after walking for a while, Swen began, "Allen, may I ask you a favor in exchange for my help?"

"Of course. You're already helping me a lot, so anything I can do, I will."

"Anyone can see that you're not a normal person. I don't know why, but when I look at you, I feel like you will become someone important. And when that happens, if I die, please look out for my son and daughter."

"If that's all you need, then I can promise that."

"Thank you. You mentioned you're planning to go to the academy, right? So, until you're old enough to enroll, stay with us. There's no need to pay. What do you say?"

"I couldn't be more thankful. I accept your offer."

"Good."

We continued walking towards the forest.