Chapter 4484: Different Kind of Fun (Part 2)

A snap of his fingers cleaned everything, and a wave of his hand invited his customers to sit.

"Don’t worry, Mister Haug. Accidents happen." Ryla’s smile hit his heart with the intensity of a Silverwing’s Annihilation at point-blank. "Thank you for your hospitality. I hope that Garrik didn’t bother you too much."

"Not at all." Haug seemed calm and confident, but that was just his bartender routine. "He’s a good kid, and all customers are welcome here."

He was actually sweating bullets.

"You were right, baby. This is delicious." Ryla tucked her long hair behind her ear and sipped her drink, making Haug’s heart skip several beats. "Can we have more?"

"Yes, but I recommend waiting until after lunch, or it will spoil your appetite." He replied.

"Can we eat here, Mom?" Garrik pulled at her dress, making it stick to her skin and emphasizing the gentle slopes of her chest. "I’ve never been in a restaurant before."

"Can we?" She asked, and Haug needed sheer willpower to maintain eye contact.

"Anytime you want." He gave them a deep bow to have respite from that torture. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"Can you give me a tour of this place, mister?" Garrik asked.

"With pleasure." Haug walked in front of the Fomors, careful never to turn around for more than one second, and pointed out the various enchantments of the Tavern.

He even brought them to the kitchens, his hallowed grounds where no client had ever gone before. As soon as mother and son left the establishment, Haug sighed in relief and bolted out to look for a friendly ear.

"Be honest with me, Vannir, do you believe in love at first sight?" He asked with a quivering voice and a spirited gaze that unsettled the cook.

"Look, Haug, we’ve known for years, so this pick-up line is even lamer than it usually is. I’m flattered by your feelings, but I don’t swing that way. I like women, as I thought you-"

"Not you, you moron!" Haug snarled in outrage. "How could I fall for an ugly mug like yours? That’s a face only a mother could love. You know what? Scratch that, I’ll go straight to the source!"

He bolted away, leaving Vannir as flabbergasted as he was offended.

"First, I’ve undergone body refining from a young age. I’m a handsome man by any standard, you old fart!" The cook yelled to appease his wounded ego. "Second, even if I liked men, I’m way out of your league!"

"There you are, Morok." Haug hadn’t listened to a word of Vannir’s rant, nor would he care about it if he did. "Please, don’t take this the wrong way, but I need to ask. Is Ryla single and available?"

"Single she’s single, and she’s not seeing anyone either." The usually carefree Tyrant turned serious, but Haug didn’t notice. "Why do you ask?"

"I’ll be honest with you." Haug sighed. "I just met her, but I can’t stop thinking about her. I want to ask her out. With your permission, of course."

"Let me be equally honest, Haug." Morok nodded. "I like you, but Ryla is the mother of my little brother, and she’s family to me. I need to know of your intentions before giving you my answer."

"My intentions?" Haug asked in confusion. "Isn’t that too much for a first date?"

"No." The Tyrant shook his head. "You see, Ryla never had a date, and I don’t want you to take advantage of her naivety unknowingly."

"She never dated?" Haug was flabbergasted. "What about Garrik?"

"Glemos, cursed be his name, did the bare minimum to breed with her, if you catch my drift." Morok replied.

"Good gods!" The bartender went pale, blood draining from all over his body.

"Exactly." Morok nodded. "She has that trauma to start with. Also, she never kissed anyone, let alone performed anything more intimate. The only things she knows about couples are what she sees us doing."

"I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’d never thought-"

"Calm down. I’m not saying you can’t ask her out." Morok raised his hand with his palm out, cutting Haug short. "I’m not her jailer. Ryla is free to do what she wants. Yet I’d like you to think of me as her older brother."

The Tyrant’s eyes narrowed.

"If you think to have your fun with her and then dump her, know that my hammers will have a completely different kind of fun with you. When I’m done, I’ll dump you in a ditch and pray the Great Mother someone kills you before you regain your consciousness. Did I make myself clear?"

"Crystal." The bartender swallowed hard, knowing the former Ranger’s reputation of being a man of his word.

"If you still want to ask Ryla out, do it. Just remember that she can’t set foot outside a mana geyser without shortening her lifespan." Morok said. "Her natural life force is still that of a fallen Balor, you know?"

"Yes, I remember what you told me about her and your wife’s research to cure Ryla and Garrik." Haug nodded.

"Then we have nothing else to say." Morok walked away, leaving the bartender with his thoughts.

***

Griffon Kingdom, Remana Region, City of Deshia, at the same time.

Lith emerged from the Warp Gate of the local branch of the Association with Kamila at his side and the babies in the stroller before him.

Mages and clerks stood at attention, having a hard time believing the Supreme Magus of the Kingdom was there despite having read his identification rune in advance.

"Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you all. No, there is no ongoing crisis." Lith answered the mages’ questions before they could ask. "Also, no. I don’t want to be disturbed. I’m on a family trip, so please turn down the invitations of every noble who learns of my presence in Deshia. Bye!"

He walked out the door in long strides without waiting for a reply.

"That was smooth." Kamila chuckled. "Where are we, by the way?"

"Kami, kids, welcome to Deshia." Lith waved at the buildings around them. "It’s a middle-sized city famous for its cooking tradition and surrounded by a lush forest filled with natural wonders.

"There won’t be tourists until spring, so we should have the place all for ourselves. Before you ask, yes, there are a few museums, but I didn’t hire a guide this time. I’ll do the honors as usual."

His expression saddened at Elfiam’s memory, and Kamila remained silent to respect his feelings.

"You have always been an amazing host. I’m sure this time will be no different." She said once he raised his eyes to look at her. "Any particular reason you’ve chosen this city?"

"You’ll see." Lith stopped a stagecoach and told the driver to go to the Dryad’s Garden, one of the best hotels in Deshia.

"Magus Verhen! I can’t believe you’re really here." Anxil, the concierge, quivered from toe to mustache in excitement. "Welcome to our humble establishment. Miladies. Milords"

He gave Kamila a deep bow and then another to the babies, who giggled at the unexpected treatment.

"I’ve just come to check in, take our keys, and give the little imps a tour of the place. Is that a problem?" Lith asked.