Chapter 3

In the midst of the pleasant aroma of coffee, I was enjoying my breakfast, taking a bite of freshly toasted bread.

This is the dining room on the first floor of the inn, but there are no rules that prohibit non-guests from using it, so I was leisurely enjoying the morning.

Looking around, I could hear cheerful conversations from the early morning.

About half of them were probably guests, but from the sight of elderly couples visiting and enjoying light meals, it seemed to be popular among the locals.

While I was sipping my coffee, listening to the conversations around me...

-- Click --

The dining room door opened, and Teresa came in.

She was rubbing her half-open eyes and walking in her pajamas. She seemed to be weak in the morning, and her steps were unsteady, making me wonder if she would bump into something.

Eventually, as she passed by my table, she seemed to notice my gaze and slowly turned around.

The first time, she glanced at me casually and returned her gaze.

The second time, she widened her eyes, as if to confirm that she wasn't seeing things, and returned her gaze.

The third time, she pointed at me, her lips trembling, and stared at my face.

"Good morning, it's a nice day that makes you feel refreshed."

Since we were face to face, I greeted her, but Teresa looked flustered and seemed to be pleading with her eyes.

Even without words, I could hear her inner voice. She probably wanted to say, "Why are you here?"

"How about sitting down? You're in the way of the server."

When I pointed this out, she made a dissatisfied face as if she didn't agree, but reluctantly sat down in the chair in front of me.

As soon as she sat down, a server came to take her order. When Teresa pointed to the menu, the server replied, "Understood," and left.

Since this is the inn where Teresa is staying, I assume they have similar interactions every day.

When the server returned after taking the order, they glanced at me curiously.

-- Tap Tap --

Teresa tapped the table with her fingers, as if to get my attention.

I probably needed to explain why I was here in the morning.

"Yesterday, when we formed a party, I said I would take on a request right away. I secured a request first thing this morning, so I came to pick you up."

Considering yesterday's events, Lux and the others might show up at the Adventurer's Guild where we agreed to meet.

I thought it would be difficult for Teresa to face them.

So, to avoid a run-in, I came to the inn to pick her up.

"..."

Teresa showed her opaque eyes and sighed. Then she started eating the breakfast that was brought to her.

I guess she decided to avoid a verbal confrontation to save her energy for the morning. It was a wise decision.

As I watched her eat for a while, Teresa finished her meal in about ten minutes.

Then, with a wary look, she started observing me.

The other guests had finished their meals, and the dining room was left with just me, Teresa, and the server clearing the dishes.

She continued to look at me without speaking, deep in thought, but I couldn't accurately guess what she was thinking after just a day of interaction.

I didn't mind continuing to stare at her...

"...By the way,"

When I spoke, her gaze shifted.

Her eyes narrowed, and her guard went up. I said to her:

"You're wearing a pretty cute pajama."

I pointed at her. She was wearing pajamas with white fabric and animal prints.

"...?!"

Realizing her attire, Teresa blushed. She hurriedly stood up, making her slippers slap against the floor, and ran out of the dining room.

When she looked back as she left, she was glaring at me with tears in her eyes.

Left behind, I concluded that she wouldn't be back for a while,

"I'll have another coffee, please."

I ordered from the server.