"Can we get some drinks over here!" called out a customer from their table, raising their hand to grab the waiter's attention.

"Of course, I'll be right with you." replied the waiter with a friendly smile, skillfully balancing a tray of drinks as he navigated through the bustling restaurant.

At another table, impatience was starting to simmer. "Hey, we've been waiting for our food for a while now." grumbled a diner, exchanging concerned glances with their companion.

"it won't be much longer." the waiter reassured them, his demeanor calm and composed despite the growing commotion in the restaurant.

In the kitchen, a woman working diligently on a multitude of dishes couldn't help but express her concerns. "Honey, things are spiraling out of control. Maybe we should consider hiring some extra hands. Since Ethan left, the workload has become overwhelming."

Her husband, who also managed the bustling restaurant, wiped his brow, showing signs of exhaustion. "I understand, my dear, but let's hang in there a bit longer. It's the peak season, and the influx of customers will soon decrease."

"Ha, things wouldn't be so hectic if Ethan was still here," she mused wistfully, a fond smile playing on her lips. "He would have effortlessly managed the clients and their orders. He always had a kind word to say about my dishes. Oh, and he never hesitated to lend a hand with the dishes, sparing me the strain of extra work. He would also—"

"Honey." her husband gently interrupted, his own eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and sadness

The woman's voice trailed off as her husband gently interrupted her with a warm smile. "I know, dear. Ethan was a great help, and he's surely doing well at the academy. Haven't he said so himself based on the letter he sent us? Let's just keep the restaurant running smoothly for now. I'm sure he'd be proud of how we're managing things."

They shared a brief moment of understanding before the husband returned to managing the bustling restaurant, navigating between tables, and ensuring their customers' satisfaction.

a sinister figure cloaked in shadows, entered the quaint Inn managed by Ethan's parents. The interior was cozy, with a warm fireplace casting dancing shadows across the room.

The customers, busy chatting and enjoying their meals, paid no heed to the newcomers. The man glanced around, assessing the establishment's atmosphere. His eyes eventually landed on the couple, Ethan's parents, who were busy tending to the customers' needs.

The man sauntered over to the bar, his companion following silently behind. With a heavy sigh, he called out, "Innkeeper! We require your attention."

Ethan's mother, wiping her hands on her apron, approached the two strangers with a polite smile. "Good evening, sirs. How may I assist you tonight?"

One of the men, presumably the leader, stepped forward and replied, "Me and my companions are seeking accommodations for the night. Do you have enough room to accommodate us?"

"Of course." she replied, her tone gracious and welcoming.

The leader offered a charming smile. "You can simply call me Gregory, young lady."

"Young lady?" Her cheeks flushed with a hint of bashfulness. "Oh my, are you gentlemen also interested in enjoying a meal while you stay with us?"

Gregory's eyes twinkled with appreciation. "What a considerate thing to ask. Not only do you possess beauty on the outside, but your kindness shines through as well. We would be delighted to dine here. Thank you."

Ethan's father, who had been busily attending to other customers, stole a moment to cast an observant glance in their direction. His expression began to take on a hint of wariness, a silent intuition that something was amiss.

Ethan's father, sensing an air of caution, decided to approach the table where the newcomers had settled. With a friendly smile but a subtle air of vigilance, he introduced himself. "Good evening, gentlemen. I'll be the waiter attending your needs today. We're delighted to have you here. Is there anything specific you'd like to start with tonight?"

Gregory leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting between the young lady and the waiter that had intruded. "How about you surprise us with your specialties? We're always up for trying local cuisine."

"Of course." replied Ethan's father.

Ethan's father soon brought out the meal, a delicious assortment of local dishes that showcased the flavors of Thornfield Village. The aroma alone was enough to whet anyone's appetite.

Gregory, with a discerning eye, examined the dishes. "Impressive," he remarked. "But I'm quite curious about the specifics. What ingredients did you use? How was it prepared? And most importantly, who's the chef behind this delightful feast?"

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As Ethan's father began to explain the dishes, Gregory interrupted him politely. "I apologize, but I'm rather particular about food. Would it be possible for the chef to join us and provide the details? I'm sure their expertise is as remarkable as the meal itself."

Ethan's father, somewhat surprised by the request, nodded. "Of course, sir. I'll bring the chef right away."

He returned to the kitchen and spoke with his wife, informing her of Gregory's request. She emerged from the kitchen, adjusting her apron and revealing herself as the chef behind the exquisite dishes.

"Ah, you're the talented chef responsible for this feast," Gregory exclaimed with genuine admiration. "No wonder the dish looked so good; it's a reflection of its artist. Please, have a seat. I'd love to hear more about your culinary artistry."

Ethan's mother, though a bit taken aback, joined them at the table. She explained the details of the dish, describing the ingredients, cooking techniques, and the balance of flavors. As she spoke, Gregory leaned in slightly, attempting to seduce her with his charm.

"Your descriptions make it sound even more tempting. I must say, a meal prepared by such a talented chef would be even more delightful in the company of a beautiful woman like yourself."

She smiled politely, appreciating his compliment but making her stance clear.

"Thank you for your kind words, sir. However, I must mention that I'm happily married and have a child."

Gregory respected her boundaries, nodding with a charming grin.

Gregory leaned back in his chair, offering a warm smile, and his tone softened as he tried to make amends.

"Ah, my apologies for any misunderstandings. I wasn't trying to make it weird between us. I truly only wanted to have someone to enjoy my meal with. As you can see, my colleagues over here aren't really the talkative types. If it isn't too much, would you be willing to let me know more about you while I enjoy the food you've prepared? You mentioned having a child? Where is he? What kind of kid is he?"

Ethan's mother had one unmistakable weakness, and that was her child. Whenever anything related to her son was brought up, her eyes would light up, and her demeanor transformed into that of a lively and animated individual. Ethan's mother couldn't help but gush about her son. Her face lit up, and her voice carried a tone of pride and excitement.

"Oh, he's an incredible young boy, always full of energy and curiosity. He's been mature beyond his years since he was little. At times, I even worried that he might be different from other children. He always acted in a way that wouldn't shame us or cause us any concern. Truly, the perfect son," she said with a fond smile.

Gregory and his companions listened intently, captivated by her genuine affection for her child.

"It sounds like you have an exceptional son. Your love and support must mean the world to him. Where is he now? I'd love to meet this remarkable young man."

"He's actually attending the magic academy." she continued, and Gregory and his companions exchanged surprised glances. The notion of a non-noble individual being part of the prestigious academy was almost unfathomable to them.

"What is this lady even spouting? Hahaha!" one of Gregory's companions spoke, skepticism evident in his tone.

Ethan's mother shook her head, her smile still warm but tinged with a hint of sadness. "I understand your disbelief, but it's true. He worked hard and earned a place there. It wasn't easy, but he managed it, all on his own."

Gregory leaned forward, his interest piqued. "This is a remarkable achievement, one we rarely hear of. How did he manage to accomplish such a feat?"

"Leader, do you really believe her words? She's obviously delusional." another companion chimed in.

"That's right, she obviously can't accept the fact that he was taken by the imperial military to be used as a meat shield." another companion chimed in with a mocking tone, dismissing the mother's words.

Ethan's mother couldn't help but feel hurt by the insults directed at her, but she maintained her composure. Gregory, however, leaned forward with a conciliatory smile.

"Now, now, no need for harsh words. We're just having a friendly chat here," Gregory said, attempting to defuse the tension. He then turned his attention back to Ethan's mother. "May I know your son's name? I'd love to meet him one day."

"My son's name is Ethan." she replied, her tone softening as she mentioned her son's name.

As their conversation concluded, Gregory and his companions decided it was time to retire for the night. They rose from their seats and began to make their way toward the door, but in his haste, a colorful and unusual stone fell from Gregory's coat pocket. It landed on the wooden floor with a soft clink, capturing the attention of Ethan's father, who was nearby.

Ethan's father, a bit startled by the sight of the vibrant stone, couldn't help but reach down and pick it up. He turned it over in his hand, his brow furrowing with curiosity.

"This stone; it's unlike anything I've ever seen." Ethan's father said, his voice filled with wonder as he examined the stone's unique patterns and colors.

Gregory's reaction was swift and stern. He reached out, his hand almost snatching the stone from Ethan's father's grasp.

"This is mine," Gregory declared, his tone no longer warm and congenial. It had turned into a firm command. "Don't touch it."

Ethan's father was taken aback by the sudden change in demeanor. He quickly handed the stone back to Gregory, a nervous nod accompanying the action. Gregory carefully secured the stone back into his coat pocket, making sure it was well-hidden.

As Gregory and his companions made their way to their respective chambers, they continued their march through the dimly lit corridor of the inn.

The atmosphere grew darker with each step. Gregory's colleague leaned in, his voice a sinister whisper, "Sir, what should we do about the innkeeper? He saw the stone. Should we... dispose of him?"

Gregory considered the question carefully, his face shrouded in shadows. After a few moments of contemplation, he responded with an ominous tone, "No need for that. Our primary concern is delivering the stone to Grandfeld. The horde will take care of any witnesses for us. Let it run its course."

His colleague nodded in understanding, a wicked grin curling on his lips. "Though it's a shame to leave such beauty to die without having any fun with her. Oh, well. The mission is more important. If it wasn't for that, I would have taken her away and had my fun. Is it her luck or misfortune, I wonder? In either situation, what would she consider it? Hahahah!"

The group continued their march, their laughter echoing through the dimly lit hallway, leaving behind an eerie feeling in their path.