MAKING GOOD ON A PROMISE
It was a while after returning from the deep floors, once Lyu had gotten over her ordeal and distanced herself appropriately from Bell.
As Lyu had predicted, Mia was not exactly pleased that the elf girl ran out on such a busy night. It came as no surprise that she received a thump to the head that knocked her to her knees, and it also came as no surprise that Mia ordered the pair to wipe the tables after closing.
“I’m sorry you also got dragged into this, Bell. It’s all my fault…”
“No, it’s okay,” said Bell, putting away the chairs. “I was the one who was so desperate to learn about your old familia after all…”
The other waitresses very much enjoyed seeing Lyu in trouble for once and had all left without offering to help. Bell’s friends had also gone back to their familia home, with Welf declaring, “You just let me talk to Hestia,” like a helpful big brother. Only Lilly seemed sad to go.
As for Syr, she had stared at Lyu and Bell for a while but eventually left them with a grin.
“You two troublemakers nearly done in there?”
Mia poked her head through the doorway. She had stayed behind to do the prep for the next day. Lyu was just about to inform her that they had finished their tasks when Bell spoke up.
“Um…Ms. Mia? I have a tiny favor to ask.”
“You got some brass ones, kid. You think you can ask me for a favor after everything you did?”
Bell cowered timidly but went on with his request.
“I was just wondering…if you could cook me and Lyu a nice, warm meal.”
Lyu was horrified. Mia raised an eyebrow. Bell proceeded to elucidate his end of the bargain.
“In return,” he said, “I’ll tell you a story…of two adventurers who found themselves on the deep floors by mistake.”
Stories were a tavern’s lifeblood, perhaps even more than any food or wine. Clients and bartenders alike couldn’t get enough of them.
“…Hmm. Very well,” Mia said. “Have your fill.”
Then she smirked and disappeared into the kitchen. Lyu still couldn’t believe what she had just seen. She turned to Bell in shock.
“…I did say we would,” he said simply.
“I want to eat one of Mama Mia’s cooked meals.”
“Let’s go home together, then.”
Lyu remembered it now. A promise forged in the shared warmth of each other’s bodies.
Bell laughed and blushed, and Lyu felt herself going red, too.
She smiled. “Thank you, Bell. I’m very grateful.”
Before long, the pair were treated to Mama Mia’s extra-special risotto, which was delightfully warm and tasted of happiness.
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