Chapter 65
Roel sighed, her heart still racing and her hands trembling at the memory of Kyden’s piercing yellow eyes looking down at her.
Overwhelmed with nerves, she hadn’t managed to ask him any of the things she wanted to know: why he was in the capital, what had happened to him recently, how he had been, and how long he planned to stay.
Regretful that she hadn’t resolved any of her curiosities, Roel trudged down the old wooden creaking staircase.
Likely her face had been flushed, her movements awkward, and her voice quiet and stilted. She replayed her appearance and demeanor.
She also thought back to Kyden’s expressions, his tone, and his imposing physique—his tall frame, his straight jawline, and his sharp gaze that always seemed so intense. He still looked striking, every bit as handsome as ever.
Yet his attitude towards her had clearly changed. His lips were a tight line, his voice was stern, and his gaze was sharp—almost as if there was no warmth or affection left for her.
‘What was I expecting?’
Roel chastised herself as she headed to the dining room. Dinner time was approaching.
It was the time when the guests of Double Axe Inn would come down to eat. As Hawk prepared the meal in the kitchen, Roel busied herself by cleaning the dining area.
She wiped the tables, arranged the utensils, and dusted off the window sills, cleaning more diligently at the thought that Kyden might come down to eat.
While Roel was in the midst of her chores, a voice called out from an open window.
“Roel! What’s good today?”
It was a man who worked at the leather shop across from the inn. Not a guest, he often came by during meal times just to strike up a conversation with Roel.
With his brown hair sprinkled with freckles and an ordinary yet friendly face, he was somewhat popular among the ladies due to his cheerful nature.
Roel looked up from her mopping. She was annoyed yet careful not to show it, and responded meekly,
“It’s the same menu as always…”
“Then, what do you recommend?”
“How about the bean stew and braised beef?”
“That sounds like a lot for one. Would you join me?”
“I’m working right now, so I can’t.”
“What about after work? You must have some free time then.”
Roel always felt uncomfortable in these situations.
With a troubled expression, she tried to dodge the persistence of some men. They seemed confident that once she agreed to meet, she would change her mind about them.
“We finish late; it’s difficult.”
Roel quickly retreated to the kitchen to escape. The man followed her into the dining area and took a seat, forcing her to approach him to take his order.
“What can I get for you?”
“Bean stew and a rye bread, please.”
“Alright.”
“Really no time after work? I can wait however long it takes.”
He grinned disarmingly, making her feel even more uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry…”
“Alright then, I get it.”
His demeanor changed momentarily, showing that he was displeased at her repeated rejections. Perhaps feeling slighted, he seemed to think, why couldn’t she just share a meal? What made her so special?
After all, she was just working at an inn. A flicker of resentment crossed his mind.
However, not yet ready to give up on Roel, he suppressed his irritation. He was still uncertain how he might express all that pent-up frustration the day he gave up on Roel.
Roel, noticing his mood, quickly excused herself. She went back to the kitchen to pass on the order and kept moving without a break, especially as a group of mercenary guests had just entered the inn.
“Welcome!”
Mercenaries typically grumbled about their assignments and idled away their time when not on a job. They also tended to exercise frequently, believing that a more formidable physique could earn them higher fees. Naturally, they ate a lot too.
“Roel, still looking cute. Busy as always?”
“Yes, very busy.”
It was better to say she was busy; otherwise, things could get awkward.
“When will you ever get a break? Is the boss keeping you all to himself?”
“When will I ever get a chance to hold your hand?”
“My b-lls is going to burst if I continue waiting.”
“I can’t get it out that I’ve rotted!”
“No wonder there’s a stench. I was wondering where that rotting smell was coming from. Hahaha.”
“Hahaha.”
The mercenaries exchanged jokes, either in seriousness or jest as they settled at the table.
They then intently examined the menu, always seeming to ponder over it despite always ordering the same items. Finally, one of them looked up.
“Stew and bread, a whole roast pork, and beer!”
“Right away.”
As expected, they ordered the same menu as last night. Roel tilted her head as she put away the menu.
Why do they always read the menu so intently? They must know it by heart by now.
Puzzled, she passed the order to the kitchen. Hawk’s face lit up when he saw the order.
“These guys are really pigging out again.”
While the stew and bread were just a 10-copper add-on to the room charge, the other items like pork and beer involved additional costs.
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