Bunny Is Starving

"You won't be jobless… If you are fine running the Tavern by yourself. You know how to continue the operation so I believe you'd be just fine. Plus, you and your girlfriend can move into my house in the basement instead of paying for rent."

The male Dragoon looked shocked but composed himself and grabbed Layla's hands, pulling her close to an embrace. 

"Thank you so much… I promise to take care of the Mystic Tales Tavern while you are gone. It has been an honor working alongside you… M'lady," whispered Raiyen as he kissed Layla's hand. 

"There's no honor with what I did… Mundane compared to what my brother does…" answered Layla, blushing madly. 

"Everyone's war is different but it doesn't mean it's any harder than another. Like what you've said, you can't give a Negroni to someone wanting a Whisky Sour. The two cocktails are amazing but are perceived differently by others and the drinks become bad."

"Anyways, I assume that you would be busy packing? Come now, I'll finish up the stock takes for you. Free labor, no need to charge," stated Raiyen, taking the log sheet away from Layla. 

"Thank you, Raiyen. And I have full faith in you. Make sure when I do come back, this thing isn't in shambles, or else I will hunt you down," joked Layla as she went outside.

"Where are you going?"

"Out, just to visit somewhere and probably get some food to cook for myself… You know how I don't like taking from the tavern's stock."

With that, the two said their farewells and went on to do their tasks. After a Chime, Layla came back with a bunch of ingredients and started preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

As the Dragoon was making scrambled eggs, Matt awoke to the smell and allowed his nose to guide him to the living room.

"Looks like someone has risen from the dead… Would you like toast or soup?" asked Layla as her eyes never left the hot pan.

"Can I have both? I haven't eaten since yesterday morning," replied Matt as he sat at the table.

"Greedy bunny…" 

"Is that how you treat your customers?" 

"Hmph, you're a stray that came into a shop that said closed, you ain't a proper payin' customer. You're lucky you've got a roof above your head right about now or else I would've braided your ears into your hair."

Layla then scooped out two bowls of the boiling mushroom soup from the cauldron and set it on the table. And then she finally saw Matt who had failed to put on his usual getup from the previous night.

No one, not even the six Primordial Gods, could ever predict that flying pan that soared through the air with the sheer goal of smacking Mattheos. 

"Put on some pants!" shouted Layla who turned back to the stoves.

While the poor bunny went back into the room to change, Layla proceeded to set the table and the rest of the food.

"With how cheeky and flirtatious you are, I never expected you to react that strongly to my casual wear… Thought you'd just roll with it or give me another witty remark," said Matt as he sat back down while holding the newly formed bump on his head.

"I don't play around when it comes to mealtimes. And besides, it's too early in the morning for any of that fun. Anyways, breakfast is served," noted Layla, though she seemed more than happy to add rabbit stew to the menu list for the day.

The bunny couldn't believe it… A whole feast was right in front of him! Scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, and mushroom soup…

"Food's not gonna eat itself, y'know…" said Layla as she started to eat.

Matt slowly started to eat before he just started scoffing the food down, making Layla worried that her newfound friend would die from choking rather than combat.

"Slow down, I'm not going to steal it away from you…" 

The bunny seemed to hear the Dragoon's words and slowed his rampage. 

"So… What's the plan? Once the sun goes down," asked Layla.

"First things first, we have to get you some good gear. I know your scales might be good but we're going up against a Primordial Goddess. And on top of it all, we are still missing a tank and healer."

"Thankfully, the Campania is home to one of the best tanks I know. An individual that embedded the Royal Guard so much fear to the point they killed themselves, a being worthy enough to be titled the Knight of Pure Darkness…"

"Teemo Vanderleeden."

Upon hearing that name, Layla froze. She then glanced at Matt with worried eyes, much to the bunny man's confusion.