Welcome to the Café of the Dark Guild’s Successor - Chapter 21

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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A cafe run by the heir to the Dark Guild.
Episode 21
Now that everything was tidied up, I crossed my arms and surveyed the spotless interior of the cafe.
“How do I open a cafe anyway?”
The question gnawed at me: how could I let people know this was a place of business?
My parents had managed fine without a sign in the old days, but given how long the place had been closed, I figured I ought to hang one.
I laid a wooden board on the ground and mulled over what to write, eventually settling on something simple.
[Now Open]
Anyone in need of food would see it and step inside.
Once I’d planted the board where it would catch the eye, I turned back satisfied with my work.
“Cock-a-doodle-doo!”
“……At all hours of the day, no less.”
In a place where the silence was broken only by birdsong and the rustle of insects, the rooster I’d brought was the only thing loud enough to shatter the peace.
During the days we’d lived together, every time that bird shrieked, I felt the urge to grab it and be done with it once and for all.
“No. Eggs are precious.”
I sighed and was heading out to feed the rooster when I suddenly sensed two unfamiliar presences near the Barrier Stone.
Hoping they might be customers, I hurried back into the cafe.
Shortly after, one of the two approached the cafe and knocked on the door.
“I saw the sign saying you’re open. Is this really a cafe? Do you have anything to eat? I’m starving.”
His sunken cheeks made him look like he hadn’t eaten in days.
‘The sign actually works.’
I was pleased to have my first customer, but truthfully unsure what to do, so I just stared at the man.
“Um, excuse me?”
“Oh, something to eat.”
I rummaged through the kitchen, recalling that Cayden had left me some steamed corn and sweet potatoes yesterday.
“Will these do?”
“Thank you so much!”
The moment the man sat down, he started wolfing down the sweet potato.
When I glanced away, I caught him slipping a few pieces into his sleeve. I considered calling him out, but decided to pretend I hadn’t seen.
“Phew, you saved my life. I thought I’d die out there on the road.”
“The mountain paths are treacherous.”
“Do you live here alone?”
“Yes.”
“That must be scary for a pretty girl like you.”
The comment didn’t sit right with me, so I ignored it. But now that he’d eaten his fill, the man leaned back in his chair and started giving me looks.
“Why don’t I stay a few days and help out? I’m strong, so there’s plenty I could do. Especially at night.”
I seriously considered kicking him out right then. But reminding myself he was a customer, I held his gaze.
“Leave once you’ve finished eating.”
“A feisty girl too. Even more charming. Ha ha. I’ll be back.”
As he headed for the door, the man’s gaze lingered on me with an oily persistence.
I tolerated that, but when he reached for the door to leave without another word, I bolted forward and blocked his path.
“Wait.”
The moment I appeared with a kitchen knife in my hand, the man flinched and stepped back.
I could sense he was ready to strike if necessary, but I showed no concern as I extended my other hand.
“Forty thousand Jery. That includes what you stuffed in your sleeve.”
“Oh, I forgot.”
I’d been hoping he’d try to run off without paying so I could finally get some use out of my skills, but disappointingly, the man produced his coin without resistance and left.
“They say dealing with customers is the hardest part of running a cafe. Now I believe it.”
I shook my head and tossed the money he’d given me into a box.
“But why is the other guy still lurking outside like that?”
I could see him pressed against a large tree some distance from the cafe, apparently convinced he was well hidden.
The pair gave off an unsettling feeling, but since they’d paid for their food, I counted them as customers and closed the window.
***
After handing the money to Rosia and leaving the cafe, Smith hurried to his partner behind the tree and whispered.
“It’s actually a real cafe. She sold me food.”
“You didn’t blow your cover, did you? She was looking this way.”
“Nah, she seemed a little on edge, but there’s no way. She looked even prettier up close.”
Smith and his partner exchanged glances and snickered.
“A woman living alone out here without a care in the world. Perfect. Let’s move our hideout here.”
“Good idea. The location’s perfect, and let’s make sure the girl comes to like us. That defiant streak of hers might be fun to break.”
The two made their plans without bothering to hide their lustful intentions toward Rosia.
They could’ve raided the cafe right then, but they had to return to their old hideout first to gather their things, so they turned back.
***
“Rosia!”
When evening came, Cayden arrived. Since he’d been visiting every day lately, I naturally opened the door for him.
“I caught a chicken out front. It’s the daily sustenance the Lord has blessed us with.”
“That’s my rooster.”
Though I’d penned it in the coop, I had no idea how it escaped. The bird had eyes wide with terror.
“Oh my. What a shame. I was hoping to make roasted chicken for once.”
Cayden’s face, which had been so animated just moments before, fell with disappointment.
“Wipe your drool.”
I grabbed the rooster’s wings as it flailed for its life and stuffed it back into the coop, delivering a warning.
“If you try to escape one more time, you’re going straight onto the dinner table. Do you understand me?”
“Cock-cock-a-doodle-doo!”
Hm. I’m starting to think this rooster actually understands what I’m saying.
With the chastened bird left behind, I returned to the cottage to find Cayden had set out a full spread of food on the table.
For days now, he’d been bringing meals he’d cooked himself, and each time he did, I welcomed him warmly.
There was no reason to refuse when someone was providing delicious food I could eat without worry.
What concerned me was that I was already looking forward to Cayden’s arrival.
I was beginning to feel dangerously accustomed to his cooking.
“How was your day?”
“Delicious. I especially want more of this sauce and the stir-fried vegetables.”
“Really? Then I’ll make extra tomorrow.”
To hear him talk, you’d think he was my personal chef.
I cleaned my plate before finally setting my spoon down.
These days I was rediscovering just how good my appetite could be.
“Meals really do taste better when two people share them. Eating alone makes everything bland.”
“You’ve been feeding me all this time. Is there anything I can do to repay you?”
Moved by my offer, Cayden clasped his hands together and looked skyward.
“Actually, just watching you eat brings me joy, but there is one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Can I sleep here tonight?”
I nearly spit out the water I was drinking as I stared at him.
He’d done this before, but how did he manage to ask such a thing with such genuine, innocent eyes?
Even knowing there was no ulterior motive, his voice, his words, and his gaze made misunderstanding all too easy.
“Didn’t you sleep again?”
“No. See the dark circles under my eyes?”
There were indeed shadows beneath Cayden’s eyes.
It wasn’t as though he asked every night, and if it was just occasionally like this, it was hardly a difficult favor. Not compared to the meals he prepared.
Besides, I’d already set aside a dedicated blanket under our sofa for him. If I’d let him sleep once, what was the harm in a second time?
I didn’t deliberate long before nodding.
“All right.”
“Thank you, Rosia. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Cayden was so delighted at the prospect of sleeping in our home that he began humming softly to himself.
We spent the remaining time in the same space but in our own worlds, until bedtime arrived.
Cayden said it was time for his evening prayer and knelt by the window.
With his eyes closed in prayer toward the Temple, I felt a solid, pure Holy Power emanating from him.
‘He cleans well, seems competent, and his cooking is excellent. I’m growing quite fond of him, really.’
I was seriously considering trying to persuade him to work for me instead of guarding a temple alone when I sensed a presence near the Barrier Stone.
‘Of all times.’
From the familiar aura, I assumed it was Seniel.
She’d be quite surprised to find me with a man at this hour.
I had no way to hide Cayden while he was praying, which put me in an awkward position.
“Sister!!”
As expected, Seniel burst through the door and into the cafe.
Her gaze naturally drifted to Cayden, who was still kneeling by the window in prayer.
“……Sister, what is this situation?”
Seniel’s voice was so ominous it could’ve curdled blood, as she posed the question.
I was certain—though unreasonably—that I saw sparks flash across her eyes.
“There’s a temple nearby. He’s the priest there.”
“A temple here? Where exactly?”
“Not far. I’ve verified it.”
Just as I had initially dismissed the mention of a temple as a lie, Seniel clearly didn’t believe a word.
“Fine. Even if that were true, why is the priest here with you at this hour?”
“We had dinner together. He’s running late because of his prayers, but he’ll be leaving soon.”
I desperately hoped Cayden wouldn’t notice the conversation, so I glanced at him hopefully.
But hope proved futile. Cayden had already finished his prayers and smiled as he joined the conversation.
“Actually, I’m not leaving.”
Anticipating that Cayden might say something unnecessary, I began making exaggerated eye signals at him.
“Why are you doing that, Rosia? Do you need something?”
But my efforts were in vain—he apparently didn’t understand a thing.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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