Keeping the Good Times Going

Number of times König Geistdunkelrustung has resurrected: 34

The Brewing Trouble had seen better days over its long and storied history as one of the oldest taverns in the capital that served the common people. Located a stone’s throw from where anyone whose lifestyle demanded no more from them than sitting at a desk and writing reports, the secluded eatery and brewery was the favorite meeting place for the working class after a long day toiling their craft. The scent of sweat, soot, and dirt hung perpetually under the heavy atmosphere of expertly fermented, strong ales, and food that wasn’t so burnt as to ruin the hardy drinks they paired with. It was no place for respectable political or economic figures, which is what made the presence of the Champion and Saintess stand out all the more.

Even without her radiant and sometimes literally glowing armor on, the eyes of the regulars drifted towards her, though they were quick to turn away if she were to look at them. Lylia, however, kept her robes on as always, the divine nature of them repelling all dirt and filth, making her impeccably clean silks look even more out of place in the well-worn, grimey hole-in-the-wall establishment.

“What do ya think they’re here for?”

“Not for the food. Why’d anyone want ta eat this slop when they could have palace food served to them on silver platters?”

“Ever consider maybe they just want a bit of peace? Leave ‘em be.”

“If it were anyone else, sure. By Goddess Lini’s Grace, I’ve got no business with whoever makes the mistake of comin’ here to eat. But my nephew’s workshop’s been strugglin’ due to the Mana Crystal shortage. Word is the Champion or Saintess have been goin’ off ta slay that new Demon Monarch every day for the past month. Sure be nice if they shared those Mana Crystals with the rest of us instead of feedin’ them to their artifacts.”

“Maybe. Or maybe they’re just doing their job, just like the rest of us.”

“Hmph. You’ve gone soft on ‘em ever since that incident with your cousin last year. Yeah, it’s nice they can save some’un from Corruption, but anyone can cast Purify if they.”

As much as she didn’t want to eavesdrop on the discussions normal people would consider being spoken in hushed tones, Lylia’s enhanced senses could pick up on all of them. From the craftsmen and laborers sharing a drink a few tables away, to the owner muttering to himself in the kitchen, doing his best not to burn the third round of food Inessa ordered.

“Fools. If a basic Purify spell could undo demonification, lesser demons would not be a problem.” The blonde whispered, thinking of the sheer number of Acolytes across all the churches in the country, and the Clerics, Crusaders, Deacons, Inquisitors, and Wardens who managed them.

“Ignore them, Lia. We don’t need everyone to recognize us.” Inessa said between bites as she devoured the meat pies and thick stew that fulfilled the other interpretation of the establishment’s name. Though, again, with the blessing of their Divine Artifacts, few things gave her digestive system trouble anymore.

Returning her focus to her friend, Lylia’s genuine smile returned, seeing Inessa enjoy herself. Their respective responsibilities leave little time for them to enjoy each other’s company, but they never fail to make time for each other at least once a week. “Looks like someone got over what was weighing on her. Or are you just excited to get out of the capital for a while in a few days?”

“Hmm? Oh, you mean guarding Liamion? I mean, it’s not exactly a vacation.” The brunette said, gulping down the rest of her ale and slamming it down on the table. “Master! Another Stormy Brew!”

“Outta Gale Spider venom, missy. You’ll hafta make due wit just da Brew.” The gruff, deep voice of the owner called from the kitchen. “Next deliveries tamorrow.”

“Fine…”

While she knew their constitutions were more robust than the average person’s, Lylia could only chuckle and shake her head at Inessa’s insistence on pushing the limits of what should and shouldn’t be considered ‘edible’. “Well, if you still looked to be struggling with whatever was on your mind, I would have dragged it out of you tonight. You know you can talk about anything with me, Essa.”

“I know. Sorry for worrying you.” Working at clearing the rest of her plates before the other food she ordered came out, Inessa smiled weakly. “But, it was one of those things, you know? It wasn’t something I could talk about with someone from Facide… N-No offense!”

The subtle acknowledgement that passed through her eyes said all that the blonde needed. “I see. Well, it’s not like I always understand how you did things in your old world. But, at the very least, I can listen if you want to complain. Though speaking of complaining, I overheard Her Holiness the other night mention something about the rule about the Champion not being able to marry royalty being revoked.” She said, slipping at the cup of flavorless ale, minus the spider venom, and giggled low and sultry. “Did you work your feminine charms on the young prince?”

Inessa nearly choked on her mouthful of meat pie at both the news and the accusation, reaching for her mug only to remember it was empty, and thus stole Lylia’s and downed the entire thing. “Tell me you’re kidding. Please, tell me you’re kidding! Liamion is even younger than Brandon. W-Wait… Don’t tell me that’s the reason Her Majesty asked me to accompany him!”

“Yeah. That right there is just one of those things I can’t understand. Your old world didn’t even have magic to help extend lifespans, yet you still waited so long to start families?” Unlike the brunette, Lylia saw nothing wrong with the pairing, especially given Inessa’s relationship with the second prince was one of the few positive ones she had. “Before I joined the church, I would have loved to find a husband to take care of me, maybe have four to six kids…”

As she let the nostalgic fantasy linger in her mind, an incredibly short man who somehow managed to have a pot belly but arms as thin as a broomstick came out from the kitchen in a ragged, dirty leather apron. While far too thin for the bulk of his stomach, the man’s arms were strong enough to carry three plates heaped with meats, breads, and a pittance of vegetables, as if that would make the meal healthy, and a frothy mug of pale ale. He set everything down on the table with little to no grace, spilling sauces and bits of food on the table, and collected the empty dishes to take back with him.

“I’m goin’ on break.” He said, his voice the same deep, rough one that hollered back from the kitchen, completely not matching his appearance. “If yer still hungry afta all that, well, you’re gonna be outta luck. Kitchen’s closing so I can focus on gettin’ ready for the night rush.”

“You’re expecting more customers, but closing the kitchen?” Lylia asked, raising an eyebrow, claiming the drink Inessa ordered to replace the one she took from her.

“You’re assuming anyone but Missy Champ here wants ta eat what I cook.” He replied with a shrug. “Haven’t made so much in one night since all ma regulars got wise enough ta stick to the Brew.” With something approaching a friendly smile, he half-waddled back behind the counter and disappeared.

“Anyway. Prince Liamion should be betrothed to a dozen other noble daughters by now, if not for Her Majesty. And you two are cute together.” The blonde said, continuing their conversation. “I don’t think you’ll find anyone else who comes even close to your high standards.”

“They’re not high! It’s normal.” Inessa insisted, helping herself to the extra food she ordered. “At least to me they are. Maybe this is all normal for you, and I’m the weird one, but I can’t help how I feel.”

“Trust me, Essa, you’re plenty weird, but that’s why our world needs you.” Lylia joked, plundering a bite of some dish consisting of minced meats of various colors, dripping in savory juices. “Who else would accept me, marked as I am?”

Glancing at the bangs covering the right side of Lylia’s face, Inessa gave her a light smile. “I bet Geisty doesn’t care about stuff like that.”

“You’re not going easy on that nuisance, are you? You’re not talking to him either, right?” Her tone becoming sterner, knowing how the brunette can be at times, the blonde made a point to ask so she could get a direct answer out of her.

Inessa coughed, not because she had mistaken her lungs for her stomach, but because she was caught off guard by the question. Averting her gaze as she tried to ease the itchy feeling out of her throat, she smiled weakly. “H-Hey, I’m coming back every day with his Mana Crystals, aren’t I? C-Come on, Lia. G-Give me more credit than that.”

Lylia didn’t press the matter further. While the nervous laugh and anything but trustworthy tone in her voice, she chose to believe one truth: Inessa was more than the Champion of Facide; she was her friend. She wouldn’t betray her, even if she went behind her back now and then. And whatever the personal issue Inessa had been struggling with was, the smile on her face lately had seemed more genuine than since she was summoned.

And there was only half a week before she would go and continue to impress upon Geist that he is better off to be killed in silence, and not speak to Inessa.