It’s pouring outside, contrary to the clear sky earlier in the day.
But for me, this rain is salvation. It’s perfect for running away. The heavy rain dims the moonlight and even the streetlights, making the city appear darker than usual, making it harder to see.
It can act as camouflage.
I run along the main street of the town, and immediately turn into a side street.
Then I realize I left my bag and jacket in the hotel suite. Along with my money. But it’s not possible for me to return, so I can only give up on getting them back.
Now that I’m away from danger, I start to plan my next course of action. Should I run to the village?
Can I reach the mansion before dawn if I sprint through the night?
But I feel like they’ll catch me along the way. If they’re chasing me. Are they chasing me? It’s possible. The knight captain looked furious.
Someone.
I need to ask someone for help.
But who?
A certain face framed by golden locks comes to mind.
That’s right, Alfred. I remember him saying he’ll be working a shift at a bar in town.
And I know which one.
If I’m not wrong, the bar should be called… “Canal’s Bar.”
Every trip I make to the bakery, I always pass by that bar, so I know its location, as well as the way there. It’s definitely one street ahead. Since tomorrow is Saturday, he should be working the night shift. He should still be there.
Mustering my remaining strength, I dash to the bar.
The closer I get there, the more that laughter and chatter faintly blend with the sound of rainfall. Shifting my gaze, I catch sight of a wooden sign, “Canal’s Bar” etched cleanly into its surface. From the window pools an orange glow, illuminating the dimly lit street.
I feel the sting of tears.
Standing near the bar’s entrance is a tall youth, bright blond hair conspicuous even in the dark. With both hands, he carries a wooden crate filled with empty liquor bottles and tries to stack it onto the other crates.
It’s Alfred.
He’s really here.
My heart’s beating so fast, joy coursing through my veins.
Everything will be okay now. I’ve managed to escape and hold on until now.
“A-Al.. fred…!”
Alfred lifts his gaze from the wooden crates. Scans the surroundings as if looking for something.
“Alfred!”
After I call him once more, he finally turns to my direction, blue eyes widening in shock.
“Lian? Is it really you?”
Without caring about my appearance, I throw my arms around him in a tight embrace. Alfred’s surprise is still evident on his face, but silently hugs me back.
“Lian, why are you here?! And you’re cold and drenched! What happened─”
“H-help…”
“Help? What happened to you? Your appearance…”
“H-help… Al, I-I’m…”
I want to talk properly, but my body is stiff and unable to stop shivering due to the cold. I have problems forming words with my mouth, unable to complete a sentence.
Get a hold of yourself. Relax. Everything is alright now.
Alfred is here.
”Calm down. What happened?”
I am at a loss for words.
How should I explain it?
Alfred waits for me to reply for a few seconds, before lifting me up with one arm.
“Uwahh…”
“Fine. I’ll ask later.”
Then he walks towards the entrance of the bar. Lifted so suddenly from the ground, I have no choice but to cling on to Alfred.
He walks evenly, even while carrying me with only one hand. As usual, his strength is really out of the norm.
“For now, let’s go inside. It’s cold out here.”
“Sorry, Al. Work…”
“It’s fine.”
Inside, the smell of liquor and food is thick in the air. It’s warm in here too.
The bar is spacious, enough room for ten tables fit for four customers each. Many people are enjoying themselves, indulging in beer and conversation.
At the middle stands a small stage with people playing musical instruments, a woman in white dress singing soulfully at the front. Her body sways with the rhythm of the music.
Alfred brings me to the kitchen. Or rather, he carries me there.
On the way, some passing customers and waitresses glance at us curiously.
Unable to bear their curious eyes, I just lower my face. Luckily, it’s dim here. If my current appearance is visible, I probably won’t be able to endure the embarrassment. I’d smack Alfred before fleeing outside. In fact, I want him to put me down already. I can walk.
Alfred peers into the kitchen, and shouts, “Master! Ma’am!”
“Yes?”
“What is it? Wait a minute!”
In the kitchen, a big sweaty man wearing a denim apron and a red bandana shakes a frying pan. There’s also a small and plump woman on the adorable side, an apron embroidered with a rabbit-like animal tied to her waist and a red scarf wrapped around her neck. Both of them had responded simultaneously and turned their heads toward us.
There are also two young apprentice cooks in the kitchen who turn to us out of curiosity.
Their gazes bore into me, making me uncomfortable.
“L-let me down, Alfred…”
“Are you alright?”
After I nod, he finally let me stand on my own.
“Oh? Who is this kid? What happened to him?”
“Ah, he’s my… friend. He went to the same school as me. I’m sorry, but I want to lend him a room upstairs. I’ll pay for it later. Or you can deduct it from my salary.”
“I don’t mind, but─”
The plump lady inspects me, her eyes widening. Then she frowns.
“Wait… He looks… What happened to him?””
“Um, that…”
Brand new chapter! (＾3＾♪
Hm? What does that star in the title mean, you ask? Actually, it is not a star, but a chrysanthemum. It symbolize how much Alfred will satisfy us Lian’s certain needs, so if you see those sta, I mean chrysanthemum mark, expect some *beep* *beep* in the marked chapter, mostly in the second half!
I feel embarrased typing that whole thing hzhzhz when I read this back I’ll certainly regret it
uh actually sometimes I just feel like re-reading the snusnu part so this kind of mark in JP novels is really helpful for me to find it LOL I feel like a pervert now
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