Chapter : 10
“Haaah…… Thanks to you, I survived.”
“What are you talking about~! This is just how people help each other out.”
I smiled warmly at Walter.
Even though it meant I had to unpack the ‘just-in-case coffee bundle’ I brought and go through the trouble of brewing coffee!
‘How could I possibly ignore that…….’
He looked like he was on the verge of collapsing.
That was exactly why I gave in to his sudden request for coffee.
With how exhausted he looked, his eyes bloodshot red from lack of sleep, pleading with me like that—how could I say no?
‘……I do have a heart.’
And who knows? Through school ties, regional ties, or customer ties, this man might end up bringing me a golden goose someday.
I spoke to Walter, who was gulping down the coffee like it was life-saving water.
“I still have about one more cup left, so if you need more coffee, feel free to ask. Oh, and if you want ice cream, I can give you that too!”
“Ah…….”
Only then did he seem to realize how he looked, giving an awkward smile.
“My current appearance isn’t exactly pleasant to show, is it? I haven’t slept properly for over a week, so I look especially terrible.
If I hadn’t had your coffee back then…… I probably would’ve lost my mind by now. I’ve been holding on thanks to you, shop owner.”
“Oh, come on. I only gave you coffee.”
“No. This time, and last time too…… the fact that I keep running into you at exactly the moments I need help…… It feels like the gods are watching over me.”
Walter briefly shifted his gaze toward the temple, then drained the remaining sip of coffee. His complexion, which had looked dark as if he might collapse any moment, brightened slightly.
Just as I was thinking ‘Thank goodness,’ he spoke again.
“So, about that—would you be interested in offering something to the gods?”
“……Pardon?”
‘An offering? All of a sudden? I’m out here giving free ice cream and promoting my café……?’
I glanced at the offerings piled in front of the temple. I could see grains and jewels, but no ready-to-eat food.
And he wants me to offer something?
When I looked at Walter with a puzzled expression, he hurriedly added,
“Actually, His Holiness is currently looking for coffee to offer to the gods. Since no coffee has come in as an offering yet, he seems quite anxious.
And since among the people I know, you make the best coffee—and you’ve helped me as well……”
He trailed off, watching my reaction. He looked extremely cautious, probably worried it might sound like he was forcing me.
Watching him, my brain started spinning.
‘If I use this right, this could make a killer catchphrase.’
Coffee sought by the gods themselves—Dragon Café’s coffee!
What better phrase could grab people’s attention? Especially now, when people’s faith was running high because of recent miracles.
‘This could even draw in hardcore coffee lovers who won’t move for ice cream alone.’
That settled it.
I nodded, my lips curling upward.
“Absolutely! Leave it to me. I can give it to you right now—no, offer it right now! Coffee!!”
My voice rose with excitement. I slammed my hand on the stall—bang!—but didn’t even feel the pain.
That was how much of a celebration was going on in my head.
‘All I need is a proper opening.’
Once I officially open, it’s going to be chaos. Seriously.
There was still the furniture shop issue, but still!
Seeing my sparkling eyes, Walter smiled faintly.
“Then I’ll deliver the offering to His Holiness myself. Since the temple isn’t accessible yet, I ask for your understanding.”
“Oh, that’s totally fine. As long as Dragon Café’s coffee is safely offered, I don’t care who takes it.”
“That’s a relief. Then please give me the coffee when it’s ready.”
“Oh, I’ll give it to you right now.”
I winked and quickly got to work. Using the exact one cup’s worth of coffee left from earlier, I poured it into a beautiful teacup.
Just in case, I had brought along a rose-shaped teacup as well—turns out that was a great choice.
‘Still, it’s a shame I don’t have tumblers or takeaway cups yet.’
Well, nothing I can do for now.
Swallowing my regret, I handed the prepared coffee to Walter.
“Will this do?”
“Yes. I’ll stop by Dragon Café later and return the teacup.”
I was truly grateful.
Holding the teacup carefully, Walter headed toward the temple.
I watched him go, then began packing up my stall. The sky had grown quite dark—it was about time to head back. I didn’t want to collapse face-first in the plaza either……
‘And I have to come back and do this all over again tomorrow.’
I clenched my fist and pumped myself up.
* * *
Everything was finally packed away.
“……Why? Why are you looking at me like that?”
I stared wide-eyed at Millan. The moment I finished cleaning up, he approached me with a frightening look, after watching from afar.
As a result, both Hugh and I started reading his mood carefully.
“Hugh, what’s wrong with Mr. Millan?”
“U-um…… Hugh doesn’t know either! His mood suddenly got really bad. Uh, maybe since the coffee smell? Umm, Hugh’s not sure…….”
“That would’ve been around when I was talking to Sir Walter.”
‘What is it?’
I pouted slightly.
‘Did he not like the smell of coffee? That didn’t wipe out all the cool points I earned today, did it?’
As worry crept in, he parted his lips, then let out a long sigh.
“……For now, follow me. There’s somewhere we need to go.”
“Huh? Somewhere to go? Um…… are we going to eat?”
“Well, that too, while we’re at it.”
Frowning slightly, Millan grabbed Hugh and strode ahead. Startled by the sudden departure, I hurried after them.
Until we reached the place he mentioned, no one said a word. Partly because Millan kept his mouth tightly shut……
‘Why are these alleys so damn complicated?!’
It was hard enough just keeping up.
Right turn, then left. Blue sign—right again.
Millan walked through the maze-like alleys with practiced ease—alleys that would definitely make anyone directionally challenged get lost.
Then he stopped.
“This is it.”
“Huh? This place is?!”
[Freesia’s Fine Furniture Shop]
“A furniture shop?!!”
‘It’s really a furniture shop?!’
Right before my eyes was the very furniture shop I’d planned to visit for the café interior—after getting Millan’s token.
My eyes widened as I looked back and forth between the sign and Millan.
‘Why are you helping me……?’
My expression turned strange with confusion. Seeing that, Millan snorted softly.
Crossing his arms, he spoke.
“Well, that face is pretty entertaining. But more importantly—haven’t you forgotten something?”
“……Forgotten something?”
‘What did I forget? Hugh’s meal? I already took care of that. Energy? I still have plenty.’
No matter how hard I thought, I couldn’t figure it out.
I’d done everything I needed to today. Shown everything I needed to show.
When I couldn’t find the answer at all, Millan let out a deep sigh.
“I can’t tell if you’re actually stupid or just acting…… Wipe that dumbfounded look off your face before I lose the urge to give this to you.”
At his words, I reflexively put on a friendly smile.
Millan shook his head, pulled something out from his coat, and held it out to me.
“Take it. You’ve earned the right to use my tools.”
‘……Is this real?’
I parted my lips slightly and stared at what he was offering.
This is—
‘The token!
You’re giving it to me right now? There’s still a day left!’
As I just blinked at him, he continued.
“Are you not taking it?”
“No! I’ll take it!”
I grabbed both the token and Millan’s hand in one go.
Then—
Proof complete!
Would you like to receive your reward?
- Millan Bash & 1,000 Gold
[Accept]
The quest completion window appeared.
So excited, I shook his hand energetically.
‘If I go into the furniture shop like this……
Nothing’s stopping my café from opening anymore!’
The café opening was truly just around the corner. There was still the matter of actually using the shop, but the biggest hurdle was cleared.
I beamed at Millan.
“You made a great choice. I’ll treat you really well.”
“……Just focus on your own work.”
“You’ve seen my skills.”
I raised my thumb and winked. Millan shook his head and sighed deeply.
Fearing he might ask for the token back, I hurriedly stuffed it into my pocket.
What’s given is given.
‘Man, today’s really lucky.
I made an offering, and I got the token right away!
Please, let tomorrow be just like today.’
Despite never praying to the gods in my life, today I suddenly felt like doing it.
Closing my eyes, I made a quick wish, then dragged Millan and Hugh into the furniture shop.
Maybe because of that……
* * *
The next morning.
Special Quest!
Spread the coffee that even the gods were moved by!
- Sell 20 cups of coffee every day for 10 days at the café.
Reward: 1 Diamond
Failure: Energy -50% Debuff
The debuff resets every day at 00:00.
“No, are you insane…….”
‘……Please. Just let me open the café first.’
