"Jingle~ jingle~"

The tavern door swung open slowly, bumping the bell hanging by the entrance. Its crisp chime summoned a lovely young waitress.

"Welcome to Bobo Tavern! May I ask how many in your party?~"

An avian waitress in a maid outfit floated over, her smile warm and bright.

But the moment she saw Suran, her smile froze.

"A beauty… a stunning beauty! And in a maid outfit too!"

Stunned by Suran’s elegance—the poised posture, the refined aura, the flawless maid attire—the avian girl felt a sudden surge of crisis.

"Y-you’re not here to apply for a job, are you?! Let me warn you: looks and figure alone won’t cut it at Bobo Tavern! Uh… even if your manners are perfect, what *really* matters is pleasing guests and having grit—"

"We’re here as guests."

Suran’s calm words silenced her instantly.

*Phew… just guests.*

Clara wiped her brow. Her fluffed-up wings, sprung open in alarm, settled back down. She flashed a professional smile. "Right this way, ladies~"

Inside, the tavern buzzed with life.

Just as Suran expected—Lobet City’s size guaranteed a lively crowd. Adventurers celebrated completed quests; locals sneaked in for quick drinks after work. Patrons of all professions filled the space. Even beastkin girls with twitching ears and horned demons mingled among them.

Demons here? Strange, yet reasonable. Some adventuring parties included kind-hearted demons who coexisted peacefully with other races—their unique skills invaluable in tough spots. Such demons held city permits.

"Judging by your looks, this must be your first time in Lobet City and Bobo Tavern?" Clara said after seating them. "I’m Clara, your waitress. Welcome! What would you like to drink? Anything you need, just say~"

"What’s your specialty?" Lyasis asked.

"Hmph~ Bobo Tavern’s pride? The legendary Bobo Beer of Lobet City!" Clara beamed. "Special promotion today: 10% off! One glass is only 900 copper coins~"

"Miss, you’re not allowed to drink alcohol," Suran said firmly, then turned to Clara. "Do you have fruit juice?"

"Of course! Bobo Tavern has everything~" Clara chirped. "Many flavors! Which would you like?"

Suran glanced at Lyasis, yielding the choice.

"May I see the menu?" Lyasis asked.

"Certainly!" Clara handed it over.

Lyasis scanned the menu, then pointed. "This one."

"Frosty Lychee Juice? Got it!" Clara jotted it down in a flash. "And for you, miss?"

"Orange juice is fine." Suran placed two personal cups on the table. "Please use these. Size may differ from yours, but correct volume is all that matters."

"Understood! One moment~" Clara took the cups and left.

She returned shortly, setting the juices before them. "Call me anytime! I’ll attend to others now~"

"Thank you."

As Clara departed, the two sipped quietly, observing the tavern.

"Miss, how do you find the atmosphere?" Suran asked.

"Noisy. Thick with ale," Lyasis murmured, eyes slightly narrowed. "But… I don’t dislike it."

Suran caught a hint of longing in her gaze.

*Is she imagining celebrating with true friends?*

Nightmare Retainers respected Lyasis deeply—but their bond could never be friendship. What she needed were genuine companions matching her identity as a "human mage."

Like a Demon King with loyal legions still envying the hero’s camaraderie.

Suran was the exception.

So no—it wasn’t greed. Having Suran didn’t erase the quiet truth: both were lonely souls without friends.

"Suran, this flavor’s unique. Try it." Lyasis pushed her cup forward. "And let me taste yours—see how others’ orange juice compares to yours."

"Yes, Miss." Suran exchanged cups without hesitation.

Then she froze.

Lyasis cradled the cup, extended her little pink tongue, and licked precisely where Suran had drunk—eyes locked on Suran with playful intent.

"Miss, an indirect kiss won’t fluster me." Suran stayed calm, lifted Lyasis’s cup, and drained it.

Lyasis didn’t stop. She kept tracing the rim with her tongue, movements growing subtly suggestive.

"Miss… please stop!" Suran whispered, glancing nervously around. After repeated ignored warnings, she leaned forward—her chest jiggling slightly—and gently pressed Lyasis’s tongue back into her mouth.

Lyasis seized her fingers, sucking softly, eyes hazy and triumphant like a little devil who’d won her game.

*Trap!* Suran realized—the indirect kiss was just bait.

"Miss, people are watching! Stop—"

"Guests!" Clara floated over, beaming. "You’re today’s hundredth customers! Free refill—huh? What’s wrong?"

Suran and Lyasis sprang apart, faces flushed, pretending innocence.

"Weren’t you drinking juice?" Clara tilted her head, curious. "Why are both your faces so red now?"