Welcome to the Café of the Dark Guild’s Successor - Chapter 38

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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 operated by the Dark Guild’s successor.
38
“Around ten years ago, there was a great fire in the original village. The whole place burned down, and there were said to be no survivors. After that, people gradually resettled and began building what is now the village.”
I’d asked in hopes of finding someone who remembered my parents’ shop, but instead I heard an unexpected story.
“In any case, I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be going. Oh, I’ll introduce you to some shops in the village. We should help one another and live well.”
“There’s no need to—”
The Carpenter didn’t even let me finish before insisting on making introductions and left the shop.
I gazed at the newly arrived table and fell slowly into thought.
If the fire happened around ten years ago, it would have been when Seniel and I were leaving this place, or just after. Something about it felt off.
“If it was such a massive fire that there were no survivors, there should be records.”
I wanted to gather information using Raven, but I was keeping my distance from the Guild, so it wasn’t easy.
And with the Guild Master recently changed and everything in chaos, asking for personal favors felt out of place.
As I drummed my fingers on the table, lost in thought, I heard a sharp tap-tap—a beak striking the window pane.
I hurried to the window and opened it. A pigeon flew in with a flutter of wings.
“Welcome.”
The pigeon was Seniel’s messenger bird, and ever since I’d opened the shop, it had been coming by every day to deliver his letters.
I set out a clean bowl of water for the weary traveler and opened the letter.
It was filled with updates about his intense training for the Imperial Knight Corps entrance exam, which was now drawing near.
As I was reading the letter with pleasure, I suddenly sensed a familiar presence.
“Sister!”
Startled by the loud voice, I looked toward the window and, confirming it really was Seniel, doubted my own eyes.
“Oh, I caught you reading my letter?”
“What’s going on? You said the exam was days away.”
Seniel came in through the door, grinning widely, and pointed to a cart outside the window.
“That’s why I came. Everyone’s been wanting the beverages you make.”
“Beverages?”
“Yeah. After drinking your beverage last time, everyone felt great for a whole week.”
Having heard from Caden that the water here was influenced by the Sacred Realm, I found that entirely plausible and nodded.
“You can make some?”
“Of course.”
If the beverage was helpful, I could make it all day long.
Seniel poured water into a large container he’d brought himself—half my height—and I began brewing a massive batch.
“You’ve gotten more tables? It looks even more like a proper shop now.”
Seniel pulled a chair over next to mine and sat down, looking around at the expanded tables.
“It does, doesn’t it? But hold this steady for me.”
“Sure.”
I tilted the large container and had Seniel hold it while I added the berries I’d prepared and simmered beforehand in generous amounts.
The quantity of berries and leaves I’d accumulated during the time with no customers was considerable, yet the container was so large that I nearly ran short on ingredients.
After stirring thoroughly to blend everything well, I scooped out a small ladle’s worth and handed it to Seniel.
“I can’t vouch for the taste, but I certainly didn’t skimp on the ingredients.”
Seniel swallowed the beverage from the ladle and flinched slightly, his brow furrowing before he looked at me.
“What? Not good?”
“No, it’s delicious—that’s what surprises me. I didn’t expect my sister to make something that tastes this good.”
I’d been worried for a moment, and I nearly swatted the back of his head before restraining myself and closing the container’s lid.
“Sit for a bit.”
“Sure.”
While Seniel settled at one of the new tables, I made a fresh beverage using ingredients I’d set aside, pouring it into his favorite cup.
“Here. This one’s yours.”
“Thank you.”
I sat across from Seniel and studied his face carefully as he drank.
His skin had grown darker than last time, and his hands bore visible scars. His shoulders had broadened noticeably—it was clear how hard he was training.
“You’re not pushing yourself too hard?”
“I’m managing.”
After taking a final sip, Seniel set the cup down with a wistful expression and spoke to me.
“Sister, that spy we caught the other time—he really was a Guild Member of Sailing. Tell the Priest who helped identify him that I’m grateful.”
“I know. The First Prince mentioned it to me.”
“What? How?”
“He stopped by the shop a few days ago. You didn’t know?”
Confusion bloomed in both our eyes at the same moment.
Seniel had no idea that Biedler had visited my shop to express his thanks.
“It’s hard to believe the First Prince came here alone. He’s not the type to wander around like that.”
“Maybe he didn’t mention it separately because you’ve been busy with exam preparations.”
“Do you think the First Prince might be fond of you?”
I laughed at Seniel, whose eyes had narrowed with suspicion.
“That’s ridiculous. Why would he be?”
“Because you’re beautiful.”
Seniel widened his eyes as if no further explanation were needed. Faced with such certainty, I found myself at a loss for words.
“What happened with that Guild you were investigating?”
“Raven? It hasn’t gone well.”
I’d picked up bits and pieces from Railly, but I wanted to hear more concrete details from Seniel, who was likely an insider with Aide.
Specifically, whether Aide was still after Raven.
“The Guild Master recently changed, so there’s been internal strife. We made contact with a Guild Member we managed to identify, but they were too well-armored. It took a lot of effort, so we’ve put it on hold for now. There’s no urgent business anyway.”
Seniel seemed to trust me enough that he spoke openly about the matters I was curious about, holding nothing back.
Thanks to that, I felt some relief wash over me. At least while Raven stabilizes, I can buy some time.
“But why does the First Prince want to absorb that Raven Guild?”
“Can I have more?”
Seniel stood and, licking his lips, opened the lid of the container holding the beverage.
He then filled his cup generously with the ladle and answered.
“He’s preparing for what’s to come. A prince who falls behind in the power struggle dies, doesn’t he?”
“Does absorbing that Guild prepare him for that?”
“He’s trying anything he can. He wants to build his forces, and he fancies that Guild.”
Biedler had a clear, objective understanding of his own situation.
As long as there exists a First Prince backed by the Empress’s faction, his future holds only death. I could understand his desire to build strength in order to survive.
The problem was that my brother had been drawn into it.
Based on the imperial history so far, if the First Prince becomes emperor, Biedler dies. And if Biedler dies, Seniel, who serves under him, will be in danger too.
“Should I just drink all of this? I’m already feeling stronger.”
Seniel lifted the container with a bright laugh directed at me.
Watching him, I thought to myself.
I hoped not a single line of worry would ever crease that face. If he kept smiling like that, I’d do anything for him.
Having reminded myself of what mattered most, I walked toward Seniel.
“Seniel, why do you want to become an Imperial Knight?”
“To be of strength to the First Prince.”
His answer carried not a moment’s hesitation.
“He means that much to you?”
“It’s strange for men to talk about being fond of each other. I respect him. If it weren’t for him, I’d already be dead.”
“I don’t like the thought of you getting hurt.”
I spoke seriously to Seniel, making myself clear. He met my gaze directly in return.
My reflection shone in eyes identical to my own, as if I were looking in a mirror.
“Give up being a knight and run the shop with me here. Live the way we used to. What do you say?”
I felt conflict in Seniel’s wavering expression.
“Honestly, the First Prince is in a difficult situation. I want to help him.”
“Does the First Prince come before me?”
“It’s not that… but I can’t turn away from him either.”
His eyes, which had flickered with doubt, grew calm and settled back into place.
“Once the First Prince no longer needs me, I’ll come back here.”
In normal circumstances, a Seniel faced with this side of me would flounder and fret. But he answered calmly. I felt the resolve in him—a willingness to face even death.
The more certain Seniel’s heart appeared, the more my own resolve crystallized.
The Emperor still lived, so there was no knowing when the First Prince might inherit the throne.
But the fact that it would be the First Prince when that day came was unchangeable.
If Biedler decided to become emperor and attempted a rebellion, I would support that too. For Seniel’s sake.
“You’re finished? I’ll clean up.”
“Sister, are you angry?”
Seniel’s voice took on a note of playful affection as he watched my face carefully.
He must have felt guilty for siding with Biedler.
“I’m not angry.”
I spoke clearly and distinctly as I walked to the kitchen with the empty cup.
“Pass that entrance exam. Whatever you want to do, make it happen.”
“Of course. I’m the best among the knights in training.”
Seniel, who had followed me, wrapped one arm around me from behind.
“There won’t be anything dangerous like you’re imagining. Don’t worry.”
A lie.
I knew it was just meant to put my mind at ease, but he’d grown so much that I decided to believe it anyway.
Because I’m his sister.
“You’ve grown into such an awkward thing. Go back and focus on your preparations.”
“I’ll do well. Read my letters, but send me replies sometimes too.”
“All right.”
After helping him load the beverage onto the cart outside and seeing him off, I recalled something from a few days before and asked Seniel a question.
“When you were younger, did you ever see a cliff covered in massive thorny growth?”

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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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