> Ellie PoV

“I want to order another Strawberry of Despair.” (Ellie)

The others still haven’t recovered so I want to challenge it again.

“Sure thing! I’ll be right back!” (Waitress)

The waitress went to back and came back after several seconds with another piece.

Did they anticipate I’d ask for seconds?

“There you go! Enjoy!” (Waitress)

She set it down in front of me and went back to her duties.

This time, I will do my utmost to savor this cake.

I refuse to be defeated by a pastry!

*Nom*

Focusing my mind to the limit, I manage to barely retain control of my senses.

The fluffy cream, the bouncy batter and the fresh strawberries mix together into a perfect combination.

Time slows down.

Each color become more beautiful.

Every sound is a musical note.

What is this world I do not know?

I guide another bite of cake into my mouth.

Somehow it seems even more delicious.

This indescribable joy…

I patiently savor the moment, not letting a single sensation go to waste.

* * *

*Clank*

My fork strikes the empty plate.

After what feels like hours, the small cake is gone completely.

Not even crumbs are left.

In reality only a few minutes have passed.

But… how can I keep going on like this?

This cold, mundane world can never compare to the one I just left.

Happiness is a myth which I will never know again.

I feel tears running down my cheeks.

I don’t know if they will ever stop.

What’s this?

Something warm wipes them away.

It grips my cheeks and pulls me to the side.

Something wet touches my lips.

This incomparable softness and taste cannot compare with mere cake!

“Mmmmmwah!” (Kira)

That was close, I almost forgot.

A place where I know true serenity and fulfilment.

“I love you, Ellie.” (Kira)

Like a thousand sunrises, Kira’s smile wipes away all my worries like they were a joke.

“Kira! I love you too!” (Ellie)

I’ve fallen for her all over again.

* * *

We leave the “Vestiges of the Empire.”

Even though we didn’t have to pay, we still left a massive tip.

It was a life-changing experience, so that much was nothing.

I had managed to rediscover and strengthen my feelings for my wife.

Sophie seemed determined to behave better.

I don’t think that’s necessary though, Sophie is a really good girl.

Lara and Kira had experienced an enlightenment of their own.

Something about truly appreciating a world not dominated by chocolate.

Overcome with emotion, Kira kissed me out of nowhere.

She really had good timing!

Kelly is finally awake, although extremely unsteady on her feet.

She’s mumbling about never drinking again, but somehow I don’t believe her.

Must be the half-eaten Drowned Mariner cake she's carrying in a to-go box.

{Now that this little outing is over, let’s focus on preparing for the trip.}

“Nano has a point, we need to leave as soon as possible for this interview.” (Kira)

“Do Lara and Sophie want to come with?” (Ellie)

“Yes! I want to go!” (Sophie)

“It’s the capital right?! I have to see it at any cost!” (Lara)

Lara’s newfound zeal is a bit disturbing.

It should wear off in a while… I hope.

“Kelly?” (Kira)

“Ughhh… *Urk* yeah… is a good *urk* chance to visit an accom- accomo- a friend.” (Kelly)

Why do I get the impression she almost said “accomplice” there?

{In that case, I’ll be coming too. Or rather, the butler golem will be.}

“Really?” (Ellie)

{Of course, I have to look after the girls. Or would you trust Kelly with their safety in an unknown city?}

We both take a glance at Kelly who's putting in her best effort to avoid vomiting in broad daylight.

““Absolutely not.”” (Ellie and Kira)

“Mom, what’s going on?” (Lara)

Lara tugs on my clothes with a worried look.

“Nano’s coming also to look after you two.” (Ellie)

““Yay!”” (Sophie and Lara)

Well, like this it really will be a family trip.

{So Kira, any suggestions on how we’re getting there?}

“There should be regular stagecoaches travelling to and from the Capital by now. We should look to get hired on one of those. It’s a good way to make money while we get to where we need to go.

Since it’s a Rank B working for the price of a Rank D, I don’t think they’ll mind if we bring the girls and some luggage along.” (Kira)

{What about the butler golem?}

“Like I said, luggage.” (Kira)

{... I don’t know if I should be offended or not.}

“Well, let’s drop by the guild and see if there’s any decent requests. If not, we’ll have to hire a stagecoach or two normally.” (Kira)

* * *

We walk into the guild after dropping off Kelly and the kids back at the house.

“Welcome back Ellie! And Mrs Quasse.” (Clara)

We were just here yesterday, so Clara is super excited to see us.

“I’m glad you’re still here! The Branch Manager wanted to meet with you immediately!” (Clara)

Oh, there seems to be some urgent business.

“What!? That guy never meets with anyone!” (Kira)

“Mrs Quasse, please don’t refer to the Manager as ‘that guy’ or he’ll get angry.” (Clara)

“Ahh, of course. Forgive me, I was just surprised. Is it alright if we go right now?” (Kira)

“His words did say ‘immediately’ after all, Mrs Quasse.” (Clara)

“Then we’d better go right now. Come on Ellie.” (Kira)

I follow Kira up the steps.

I’ve never been to the second floor before.

It mostly has staff-only rooms and a library full of reference materials.

There simply wasn’t a need to go up here before.

Kira leads me to a pair double wooden doors.

There’s a gold-like plate on one that says “Branch Manager Inlaeth.”

*Knock*

“Enter.” (Muffled voice)

The reply seemed to come before Kira’s knuckles even separated from the door.

We enter the room quickly and close the door behind us.

“Sit.” (Inlaeth)

We each take a seat in front of what must be the branch manager.

He’s probably an elf, even if he doesn’t look like one.

The telltale ears are hidden by his flowing gray hair.

His wrinkled face and frail appearance suggest it’s not his natural hair color - he’s just old.

I’m pretty sure he’s an elf though.

… enough profit to allow three Rank C commissions. After that we will need to purchase several shipments of potion and … (Inlaeth)

That one-track non-stop thought process seems to be common among elves.

Picorio, for example, only thinks about plants and turning them into potions, balms and other products.

An elf woman we passed by in town was focused completely on the novel she’s writing.

An elf man we saw at “The Hairy Leg” kept thinking about the woman that left him.

He kept going even while chugging his ale or when Frank had him in a headlock.

I’m not sure if that’s commendable or not, though.

Anyway, this guy seems to be thinking solely about spending and earning money.

This might be the reason why he’s the manager.

He looks up at us briefly before continuing.

“[Black Flame]. Personal request for you, Kelly too. Escort me to the Capital. Picorio of [Red Fang] will be coming also. Compensation is standard Rank C escort rate.” (Inlaeth)

“May we bring our two daughters and luggage?” (Kira)

“I’ll allow it. Be in front of the guild tomorrow at dawn.” (Inlaeth)

“Understood, we’ll be there.” (Kira)

“Good. That is all. Dismissed.” (Inlaeth)

*Slam*

Huh?

We're already outside his office?

I was expecting another long-winded meeting like with the Baron.

But that barely lasted a minute!

“Kira? What just happened?” (Ellie)

“Everything is calculated with that guy, even in this unpredictable city.” (Kira)

“His attitude is a bit annoying though.” (Ellie)

“Well, he did tell us what to do, but that’s because asking would be pointless. We had no reason to refuse anyway, and he knew that. The Branch Manager is really good at his job, you know?” (Kira)

I see, so he’s just obsessed with efficiency.

Perhaps all elves are like that, in a way?

No, I doubt that lonely drunk needs to be any more efficient at missing his ex-wife.