The next day, Lekui wore a black-and-white maid uniform. She was tall and poised, quietly trailing behind Lanche, drawing many curious glances.
Lanche felt incredibly proud. He grinned and waved at passersby all the way.
"Master Lanche, you’ve really made it?" joked the fruit shop owner.
"Of course," Lanche chuckled, buying some fruit from him.
"Whose maid is this? She’s strikingly beautiful—could rival any noble lady!" someone exclaimed in surprise.
"She’s from the Claire Family," Lanche declared proudly.
Lekui pressed her lips together, lowering her head as a faint blush spread across her cheeks. "He’s definitely doing this on purpose!"
After Lanche’s show-off spree, Lekui became the center of attention.
Finally fed up, she grabbed his arm and dragged him off the street.
"Don’t push your luck," she warned coldly, glaring at him.
"I’m not pushing anything—they just asked," Lanche said innocently, shrugging.
"Or maybe you’re just too dazzling," he added with a sly grin.
Lekui kept her face stern, ignoring him.
Lanche stopped teasing her and headed cheerfully to the tavern.
The tavern door was already open. Inside, Wenbess had surprisingly woken up.
"Oh, you’re here!" Wenbess waved at Lanche.
"What’s up?" Lanche asked curiously, approaching.
Tahina looked much better today. Though still gloomy, she wasn’t as vacant—she gave a small nod when she saw him.
Wenbess and Tahina both glanced at Lekui, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.
"Lanche, we’ve decided: we’re handing this tavern to you. Find someone reliable to run it. Tahina’s coming with me on adventures," Wenbess announced with a smile.
"Guess I didn’t need to persuade you after all," Lanche said, slightly disappointed. His stash of philosophical theories had gone unused again.
"Tahina’s strong, right?" Wenbess grinned.
Tahina offered a faint smile but stayed silent, still downcast.
"Adventuring’s dangerous. Tahina probably doesn’t even like being an adventurer or mercenary, does she?" Lanche asked.
"Hmm," Tahina nodded lightly. "I want to find Grandma Daisy..."
"I see," Lanche understood immediately.
"So you’re leaving?" He felt a pang of loss. This easygoing hangout spot would be gone.
Tahina nodded, hesitating as if wanting to say something. But after glancing at Lekui, she stayed quiet.
If even a maid was this beautiful, Lanche’s wife must be stunningly elegant.
"Alright," Lanche sighed, unable to hold them back. "When do you leave?"
"Not soon. First, Tahina will register as an adventurer and get used to the life," Wenbess explained.
"Aren’t you going home either?" Lanche turned to her.
"Doesn’t matter. I was just bored and wanted to visit home, but it’s dull there too. Now that we have a purpose, let’s set off again!" Wenbess raised her arms cheerfully, carefree.
Lanche nodded. "Alright, I’ll leave Tahina in your care."
Hearing this, Tahina pouted. "Mr. Lanche..."
He wasn’t even her anything...
Lanche seemed to read her mind. He placed his hands on his hips and smiled. "We’re friends at least! Of course I’ll worry about you. Take care of yourself—and stay pretty and cute when we meet again."
"Will we meet again..." Tahina’s mood sank once more.
She couldn’t understand why she suddenly had to part with so many people.
If only life could stay the same.
"Who knows? Look forward to every encounter in life. Maybe you’ll find better friends and forget me," Lanche said lightly.
"You always say such romantic things—like a poet," Wenbess teased.
"Of course! Maybe I’ll become the most famous bard someday," Lanche declared confidently, chin up.
Tahina covered her mouth and chuckled softly, gazing at him with lingering admiration.
He was her age, yet always mature and optimistic. Unfazed by mockery, he treated everyone with warmth.
"I won’t forget," she silently vowed.
Lanche chatted a while longer, discussing the tavern’s arrangements.
Tahina wanted to entrust everything to him—she’d leave all decisions to him.
Lanche thought for a moment, then asked Lekui, "Is Kestia interested in running a tavern? Owning a shop helps gather customer feedback."
"Mr. Sileus can handle it," Lekui replied calmly.
Just a small tavern meant little to Kestia—it was trivial.
Lanche nodded and sought Tahina’s opinion.
"Mm, you decide," Tahina murmured, nodding.
She didn’t care about the tavern’s lease or management.
At her age, money wasn’t a priority.
Lanche resolved to arrange it himself and keep the funds safe.
"But the home behind the tavern..." Tahina hesitated. That part, she wanted to keep.
"No problem. I’ll only hire someone for the tavern. The back area stays yours," Lanche promised.
Tahina nodded silently. The thought of leaving made her chest tight, hard to breathe.
But she had to find Grandma Daisy—her only family, her sole purpose now.
The tavern didn’t matter. Home was wherever her grandmother was.
Once settled, the tavern stayed open.
Lanche helped tidy tables and chairs, restoring it to working order.
The chef uncle was still there. Lanche hoped he’d stay while they found a compatible manager.
The nostalgic uncle sighed but agreed.
"I’ve worked here over twenty years—I can’t bear to leave."
"I’m sorry, Uncle Hanno," Tahina apologized deeply, bowing.
"It’s fine, fine. I understand," the uncle said quickly, lifting her up.
Everything was neatly arranged.
Tahina kept running the tavern with Wenbess assisting, waiting for Lanche’s replacement.
By dusk, Lekui urged Lanche to head home.
With Wenbess, a high elf, around, Lanche didn’t worry further. They left together.
"I didn’t expect an elf here," Lekui remarked calmly.
"Yeah, never seen one?" Lanche grinned.
"Of course not. The Elvenfolk hide in the forests," Lekui said flatly.
"Hide?" Lanche frowned. "From what?"
"Not sure. Maybe something in the sky," Lekui replied expressionlessly, hinting vaguely.
Lanche’s interest spiked instantly.
He’d never pried any god-related details from Wenbess.
Every time he asked, she’d demand why he wanted to know. He’d say curiosity, but she never believed him—so he stopped.
"Why do they hide?" Lanche pressed eagerly.
Lekui shot him a glance, face blank, silent.
Great. Another riddle-speaker.
