Tick Tock Tick Tock

The hands of a clock, long and short, clicked and turned, pointing at numbers from one through twelve all day long. The clock struck six and the bells rang throughout the whole city, greeting the new morning with chimes and chatters.

The birds tweeted and chirped flying freely above the rooftops, perching from place to place. The chimneys bellowed and the birds were startled, taking off to the skies once again, only to perch in another building. It was a peaceful morning.

"Mmn～ Hmmn～ Humm～ Mmnー!" ［Helen］

And in such a wonderful morning, a cheerful humming could be heard, drifting in the air as a beautiful young girl with silky walnut hair and sparkling lime eyes greeted the morning with a smile. It was Helen who was in a very good mood, watching over the reception counter.

She has always been cheerful, but something about her today was different. She was much happier and smiling brightly much more often, even doing her hair and clothes more carefully and properly, clearly looking forward to something, daydreaming in broad daylight.

Cling Cling Cling

The chimes rang and the doors opened soon after. Two figures entered, a young lady with silver hair and a young man with the color of the night sky resting on his head. It was then that Helen snapped back to reality, quickly switching to work mode, wearing her professional smile.

"Welcome to the Rabbit'sー Ah! Grey! Yuna! Are you eating here again?" ［Helen］

Of course, those two youths were none other than Grey and Yuna. Though people still look at them, it wasn't as intense as before. They could finally go out like they used to, only receiving a couple warm greetings from time to time.

It has been a few days since Grey and Yuna returned to Galderia, and ever since, their life has returned to their usual routine, spending most of their time together and doing whatever they usually do.

They have also been eating breakfast most of the time at the Rabbit's Den since then. While it is true that they missed their cooking, another reason was that they wake up really late from time to time. As for the reasons... Well, let's keep it to our imagination. Leave it to the readers, I say.

"Un! That's right! Good morning～!" ［Yuna］

"Morning, Helen. We'll be having the usual." ［Grey］

"Okay! Thenー Ah! Wait! That's right! Mom and Dad told me you should go meet them first before ordering." ［Helen］

"They did?" ［Grey］

Helen slowly nodding to Grey's question, Grey and Yuna could only tilt their heads in confusion as they thought of reasons Gerd and Selia would call upon them. Even then, nothing came to their minds.

"Did they tell you why?" ［Grey］

"Fufufu! Of course! But I won't tell you! No, no, no! Otherwise, the surprise would be ruined!" ［Helen］

Now, they were even more confused. If they were thinking what they did which could warrant their attention, now, they were thinking what the situation was for there to be a surprise. It was not how they thought their morning would go.

Still in the dark about what Helen was talking about, Grey and Yuna were led by the former towards the kitchen which was still rich in both smell and sight. Just the mere scent of the freshly cooked dishes was enough to make them hungry.

Of course, there was Gerd and Selia cooking some unfamiliar dishes, ones not found in the menu. Strangely enough, all of which were made from seafood. Fish, shrimps, and clams were all present.

"Dad! Mom! Grey and Yuna are here!" ［Helen］

"Oh, just in time! We've just finished cooking." ［Gerd］

The mystery was now gone. With the new dishes in front of them, it was obvious what Helen was talking about. It was a tasting party! Yuna's eyes were already sparkling with glee as she looked at the dishes ever so happily.

"Mister Gerd! Missus Selia! Good morning! Are these new dishes going to be added to the menu?" ［Yuna］

"Fufufu. That's the plan. Would you care to have a taste?" ［Selia］

"Un! Of course!" ［Yuna］

There was no hesitation in Yuna's eyes as she replied to Selia's question, skipping steps with enthusiasm towards the utensil rack to get a couple pairs of spoon and fork for everyone to use.

Well, it wasn't only her who was excited, Grey also was. Since Yuna headed towards the utensil rack, he went ahead to get a few plates for their use. Though he usually isn't as enthusiastic as Yuna, it was a tasting party they were talking about. There was no way he was passing up on such an opportunity.

Tables were cleaned, chairs were moved, and dishes were displayed. There was seared tuna steaks, citrus shrimp salad, grilled cod, potato and cod stew, clam soup, and many more. It was a seafood heaven.

"""Thank you for the meal!!"""

There was no need to wait. As soon as the tables were ready, everyone took a bite of the dishes before them, rushes of flavor flooding their mouths like the wavy seas. The umami of the seafood and the strength of spices blending ever so harmoniously.

Well, it wasn't just those flavors. There was also the sourness of the citric juices, the sweetness of honey and sugar, and also the spice of chilis and some herbs. Each and every dish offered different experiences. Nevertheless, everything was delicious. As one would expect from seasoned cooks.

"Mmn～! So delicious! I could eat these all day!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha! It's good that you like it. How about you, Grey? Any opinions?" ［Gerd］

"No... Just like Yuna said, they're all delicious. They have a pleasant aftertaste too and very minimal fishiness. Did you use ground ginger?" ［Grey］

"Haha, that's right. Garlic and some lime helped too." ［Gerd］

Following the tasting, a somewhat lengthy discussion, only interrupted by the regular ordering of customers which they took turns tending to. It was a healthy discussion over some delicious breakfast.

Grey had already expected that seafood dishes would become more common with the opening of new trade routes with the coastline territories Eliza and Elise mentioned some time ago, but he never thought it would reach Galderia so quickly. Well, it was a pleasant surprise.

The discussion continued and a couple dishes were selected. Though it would have been perfect if they could serve everything, they are sadly limited by time and the amount of seafood they could purchase. In the end, it was decided they would rotate the dishes for everyone's best interest.

"Alright, that should be everything... Thank you for that." ［Gerd］

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"No worries, it's only natural that we help! And we'd also love to eat the new dishes as soon as possible! I can't wait!" ［Yuna］

"Me too... Ah, speaking of which, we'd like to order breakfast now, please." ［Grey］

"Haha, of course!" ［Gerd］

Well, even if they have eaten a few dishes already, it still wasn't enough to fill their stomach. In fact, they were barely filled after eating so much. It was Grey and Yuna, after all. It was only to be expected.

Everything finally done and settled, Grey and Yuna immediately ordered a number of dishes directly from the kitchen, bringing a couple trays towards their own table. A self-service of some sorts, several eyes looking at them not because of their identities but because of the amount of food they were carrying.

""Thank you for the meal!""

A second time, the prayers were said. Soon, Grey and Yuna dug into their meals, enjoying each and every bit of the dishes they ordered, flirting a little bit from time to time. Such a peaceful day continued, smiles blooming on their faces.

Time quickly passed and more than an hour had elapsed. With the breakfast rush over and only a few customers left in the diner to be served, Helen and family could finally relax and take a breather.

Gerd and Selia were in the kitchen, reviewing a couple things and having their late breakfasts while Helen stayed with Grey and Yuna, chatting like they usually would in their free time as if nothing else mattered.

"And you know what the male lead said to the heroine? He said he'll protect her with his life! Isn't that romantic?" ［Helen］

"Un! It is! It makes your heart pound, doesn't it?" ［Yuna］

"Right?! I also wish I had a prince charming like that!" ［Helen］

And as one would expect with Helen around, the topic was none other than romance. She was sharing with Yuna the couple things she read in the boom she just bought, chatting with much energy and enthusiasm.

Well, though men aren't as open in engaging in such talks, Grey found no problem going with the flow and listening to the two girls squealing and giggling. There was just one itsy-bitsy problem...

"Grey～! How about it? Why don't you say those lines to Yuna?" ［Helen］

... He always gets dragged to Helen's, the romance maniac, antics afterwards. The worst thing was that there were also other people around. There are times they get some weird stares when they arrive at such a topic.

"No, that's... Yuna already knows the answer anyway... There's no need to say it out loud, is there?" ［Grey］

"Ehh～? That's no fun..." ［Helen］

"Shut up... And it's not like many people or things which could harm Yuna anyway. The ones who should worry are those that try to assault her." ［Grey］

"Ah, right..." ［Helen］

It was a fair point, one Helen couldn't argue with. She always sees Yuna as a delicate and beautiful Yuna everyday that she forgot who was one of Alfrione's heroes. Such a realization made her feel silly for a quick moment.

Grey and Yuna had decided to take the day off adventuring and so, the romance talks continued to ensue, covering a wide range of topics and Grey always getting caught up in Helen's whims.

Cling Cling Cling

Just as they were chatting their time away, another set of chiming melodies danced in the air, reaching everyone's ears as they looked at the door's direction with Helen switching up to a more professional impression once again.

"Welcome to the Rabbit's Den! How may... I... help... you......" ［Helen］

But such a professional look didn't even last a couple seconds. As soon as she saw who entered the inn, the tone of her voice became higher, volume lowering down as she started to shy away, very much unlike her.

It was a bespectacled man in his early twenties wearing a long, black coat who entered. His hair was messy, coat was unbuttoned, a journal in hand, and seemed like he had just woken up. He reminded Grey of the stereotypical researchers he saw in many fictional works way back on Earth.

"Good morning, Miss Receptionist. I'd love a serving of gold-spotted boar stew and two loaves of white bread please." ［???］

"A-Ah, yes! Two servings of stew and a loaf of bread coming right up!" ［Helen］

"Wait, no... It's the other way around..." ［???］

"A-Ah, s-sorry! An order of stew and two loaves of white bread! G-Got it!" ［Helen］

Jittering and stuttering, Helen ran back towards the kitchen after receiving the man's payment and got the dishes he ordered. It didn't just end there. She continued tensing and fumbling as she chatted and talked with the customer.

It was very obvious. The way she dressed up more prettily and the way she's acting ever so shyly, Grey and Yuna could clearly tell what was up. It was as clear as day that Helen felt something for the man.

They may have been oblivious to each other's feelings before but it has been several months since then. Their personal experiences along with the romance stories Helen shared with them has improved them. They were now sharper than daggers when detecting such things.

It didn't take long before Helen returned to where Grey and Yuna were, face clearly flustered and eyes looking dejected, sighing every so often. It was only when she raised her head that she noticed the two's suspicious stares.

"Anyway... Where were we again?" ［Helen］

"On the part you confessed to the man over there." ［Grey］

"Ah, right... Confessー No! What are you talking about?!" ［Helen］

It was only a slight provocation but Helen's reactions couldn't be any more obvious. She easily flinched as soon as she realized what Grey was talking about, face red as once can be. Now, they were certain.

"Helen... Do you like that man over there?" ［Yuna］

"N-No... That's... That's not true... Not at all..." ［Helen］

Yup, she likes him alright. She couldn't even maintain eye contact as she answered Yuna's question, acting strangely shyly just like the latter when she tries to lie in such situations. It was very unlike her.

"Helen... It's okay! We support you!" ［Yuna］

"Yuna..." ［Helen］

There was an angel in the inn, a bright smile illuminating the place as Yuna clenched her fist, cheering Helen up. She was practically glowing in the eyes of the latter.

It didn't take long before Helen confessed and started talking about the events or the past month and a half Grey and Yuna had been away. From how they met to how she fell for him and her daily interactions with him.

According to her, the man was named Owen, a tier-3 enchanter who just arrived in Galderia a couple days after Grey and Yuna left. He's 21 years old, only three years older than Helen and is also single at the moment. A man who's very dedicated and passionate about enchanting.

The way they met was pretty simple. Owen just happened to pass the inn on an empty stomach and decided to come in for breakfast. He fell in love with the dishes as soon as he tasted him and has been a regular customer ever since.

At first, Helen just treated Owen like she would any other customer. But one day, she handed him his order while he was cleaning his glasses. The man thanked her, but not only that, he also happened to beam a smile on her, one so bright, it was blinding to the eyes and heart.

Though he looks really messy at a first glance, the moment he smiled, he looked like a completely different person. Hidden behind the glasses was a handsome face as if he was an art sculpture. Helen's heart raced the fastest it had been at that moment and the rest is history.

"So it was a smile, huh..." ［Grey］

"Hmm... A smile..." ［Yuna］

"Stop analyzing it... It's embarrassing..." ［Helen］

Helen was acting shy and flustered, but it wasn't only her. As Grey and Yuna thought of one another's smile, their hearts also started racing and faces started blushing. A magnificent self-destruction. They could both relate to it very well.

"So... What are you going to do now?" ［Grey］

"That's... I don't know... I haven't really thought that far..." ［Helen］

It was a complete contradiction. Though she had read countless romance novels and gave advice countless times, when it came to her own situation, she was completely and utterly useless. For some reason, she just freezes when in front of him.

Well, it's not like Grey could really blame her. He was also in the same situation as her when he first tried to confess his feelings to Yuna. Though it was already a distant memory, he could still relive each moment very clearly.

"Then, Helen, should we help you out?" ［Yuna］

"Really?! Is that alright?!" ［Helen］

"Of course! You've already helped me many times before. So this time, I'll be the one helping! We're friends, after all!" ［Yuna］

What a proud declaration. There was no negativity in Yuna's heart, only confidence and optimism, thinking about repaying the favor. In fact, she looks too optimistic that Grey couldn't help but worry about what she'll be doing.

"Waah～! I'll be in your care, Miss Yuna!" ［Helen］

"Fufufu! You can count on me!" ［Yuna］

"Yes! I'll be in your caー" ［Helen］

"Excuse me, Miss." ［Owen］

"Hyaa!" ［Helen］

So much for enthusiasm and determination. As soon as Owen called put to her, she immediately flinched, a high-pitched squeal following afterwards. Just like that, her determination was shattered to pieces.

"Ah, sorry... Did I scare you...?" ［Owen］

"N-No... Not at all... H-How could I help you?" ［Helen］

"Ah, right... I'd like another order of stew and another loaf of bread, please. It seems like what I ordered wasn't enough..." ［Owen］

"O-Of course! C-Coming right up!" ［Helen］

The blazing determination was nowhere to be seen. There was only nervousness and embarrassment in Helen's heart as she hastily escaped towards the kitchen, eyes swirling and heart panicking. It was only then that Yuna realized just what kind of task she signed up for.

Time passed once more and the diner was coon cleared of people. It was then that Helen's training started, Yuna acting like a demonic teacher as one would expect. Of course, it wasn't just Yuna, Grey also helped out, doubling the difficulty.

Though Helen and Owen barely talked with one another, there was one important information Helen managed to get. And that was the man's love for enchanting. It was an important piece if she wanted to strike a conversation with him.

It also just so happened that she was before two prodigious talents in the field. One was at tier-6 and the other at tier-4, possessing already admirable knowledge. With it, she could learn a couple things which she could use as their common interest. A simple yet perfect plan.

But of course, as one would expect from Grey and Yuna, the training was not so easy. For a couple of days, basic knowledge about enchanting was drilled into her head whilst she kept working as a receptionist. It was hell.

Cling Cling Cling

Time passed and it was finally time for the moment of truth. Helen had suffered some hell many college students went through just to strike a simple conversation. It was finally time to head to battle.

"Helen, you can do it!" ［Yuna］

"Yes! Thank you!" ［Helen］

Shouting yet whispering, Helen waved her hand goodbye as she headed towards Owen's direction ro get his order. It was fortunate that he always arrives late when it isn't very busy anymore. Now, Helen could go there without much disturbance.

Everything was normal at first. Helen simply took his order, headed back to the kitchen, and brought food back to her, not stuttering as much as before. But the moment the man opened his journal, it was time to strike.

"Oh my, isn't that the rune of 'Alfi'? There's 'Ral' too." ［Helen］

One after another, Helen named several runes to be found in the man's journal with relative ease. It was all too sudden that the man was at a loss for words as she listened to the young lady before him.

"Ah, sorry! I peeked at your journal! I'm really sorry!" ［Helen］

"N... No... It's alright... Actually, Miss, I didn't expect you to know enchanting so I was a bit surprised. Are you an enchanter too?" ［Owen］

"Fufufu. No, I'm not. As you can see, I'm a receptionist! I just read about it some time back and thought it was interesting. It's like playing a puzzle!" ［Helen］

The man was quickly frozen at Helen's words. It was the first time he saw someone take interest in runes other than enchanters such as himself. It was like a breath of fresh wind, a bright smile blooming on his face.

"Ah! But I don't know complex runes like this one and this one." ［Helen］

"If it's this one, it's called 'Galtra'. As for this one, it's....." ［Owen］

The man started rambling and Helen took a seat beside him as casually as she could, flashing a thumbs up and a smile over at Grey and Yuna's direction before continuing her chat with Owen, falling into a rabbit hole of runes and enchanting.

Well, it wasn't only Owen's interest that they talked about. They also talked about the Rabbit's Den's dishes and how delicious they were, sharing their interests with one another with smiles painted on their faces. Everyone was happyー or so how it should have been.

"Helen...?" ［Gerd］

But there was one in the diner wearing a completely different expression. One of shock, confusion, distraught, and anxiety, all mixed together as gloom loomed over him. It was none other than Helen's father, Gerd.

An explicable anger surged inside his heart as he watched his daughter smile towards the man before her. A stare so intense that Owen couldn't help but feel a freezing chill run down his spine, making him jolt.

"Is... There something wrong?" ［Helen］

"No... I suddenly felt cold all of the sudden..." ［Owen］

"D-Do you have a fever?!" ［Helen］

"Not that I know off..." ［Owen］

It was sweet that Helen was worried for Owen's health, but Grey and Yuna could only smile wryly as they watched the scene unfold. After all, they could clearly see Gerd's expressions as he glared at the man.

A new storm is brewing.

CHAPTER 201 END