Chapter Nine

(Hostess of Fertility)

The woman's presence carried an air of both strength and warmth, a duality that matched the cosy ambience of the pub. With a playful smile, she leaned against a nearby table, her gaze locked onto Muichiro's.

"Well, I suppose it's only fair I introduce myself since you've already seen my furniture-burning plan crumble," she jested, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Muichiro regarded her with his tranquil gaze, his curiosity genuine as he awaited her response.

The woman extended her hand, revealing her name with a flourish. "Mia Grand, owner of this humble establishment, the Hostess of Fertility." Her introduction was punctuated by a graceful and short nod, a show of respect towards her unusual guest.

As Muichiro took in the sight of Mia, the realization of her identity dawned upon him.

The Hostess of Fertility—so she was the one May had mentioned previously."You must be quite skilled in carpentry," Mia mused, gesturing towards the newly restored furniture. "Not every day you find someone who can mend what's broken so seamlessly."

Muichiro nodded in acknowledgement, his reserved demeanour unwavering. "Thank you," he replied simply, his voice carrying a calm sincerity.

Mia's eyes twinkled with a mix of curiosity and appreciation. "I must admit, I'm intrigued by you kid..." she remarked, her words laced with a genuine interest in the enigmatic young man before her. "Tell me, have you recently arrived in Orario?"

Muichiro's gaze remained steady as he responded. "Yes, I just arrived yesterday." His words held a tranquil clarity, revealing his straightforward nature.

Mia's smile widened as if a thought had struck her. "How about this—a special discount on your meal as a token of gratitude?" She proposed, her tone playful. "And don't worry, it won't be served on a broken table."

Muichiro's lips quirked slightly, a subtle acknowledgement of her jest. "I appreciate your offer," he replied, his voice carrying no touch of warmth.

The idea of discounts and hospitality was foreign to him as every time he had tried going to a restaurant they would always kick him out, yet his curiosity urged him to explore this new facet of life.

With a flourish of her hand, Mia gestured towards the bar counter. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable, that girl May should be back any time soon?" Her gaze held an inviting glint as she moved to the counter, a skilled grace in her steps.

As Mia began to work and clean up the counter, Muichiro took a seat at the bar, his eyes wandering around the establishment.

The anticipation of a unique meal was met with a sense of intrigue, a contrast to his otherwise placid demeanour.

Moments later, one of the entrances to the pub swung open, and a short, vibrant girl with cat-like features emerged from the kitchen.

Her eyes widened in recognition upon spotting Mia, her face breaking into an effervescent smile. "Mia-san!" she called out, her voice carrying an infectious enthusiasm.

Mia turned towards the source of the voice, her own smile brightening. "May! You're back sooner than I expected," she exclaimed, her tone affectionate.

May approached with lively steps, her gaze flickering towards Muichiro before returning to Mia. "I had to come back, Mia-san. You won't believe what happened," she began, her voice a mixture of excitement and gratitude.

Mia's interest was piqued as she leaned forward. "What's gotten you so excited, May?"

With a mischievous grin, May gestured towards Muichiro. "This wonderful person saved me from a falling scaffolding earlier today," she explained, her eyes glowing with admiration. "If it weren't for him, I'd probably be squashed flat!"

Mia's eyes widened with genuine surprise, her attention shifting towards Muichiro. "Is that true?" she inquired, a mix of curiosity and gratitude in her voice.

Muichiro nodded calmly, his gaze meeting May's as he acknowledged her words. "Yes, it is."

Mia's smile grew warmer, gratitude was evident in her expression. "Well, then, you've earned yourself a spot as our esteemed guest," she declared, her tone playful. "May, why don't you show our hero here some of our best offerings?"

May's eyes sparkled as she turned towards Muichiro. "Of course! Im gonna blow you away Muichiro," she chirped, her enthusiasm infectious.

As Muichiro followed May towards the kitchen, he couldn't help but feel the threads of an unexpected connection weaving their way into his life.

The playful banter, the genuine gratitude—it was a departure from the solitude he had grown accustomed to...no Moon had broken the cycle long before even today.

And as he stepped into the realm of the Hostess of Fertility's culinary delights, he realized that this might just be the beginning of something new.

....

After an hour or so of conversations and Muichiro trying out May's delicious food, he decided it was time to go back to the in.

May's eyes followed Muichiro as he left the establishment, her gaze thoughtful. There was something intriguing about him, something that stirred a sense of curiosity deep within her. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was an aura of mystery surrounding him.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Mia's voice broke through, laced with amusement. "Well, May, it seems our hero has left quite the impression on you," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

May's cheeks flushed slightly as she turned towards her employer. "Oh, come on, Mia-san! It's not like that," she protested, though her words were accompanied by a sheepish smile.

Mia chuckled softly, patting May's shoulder affectionately. "You don't have to deny it. I can see the spark of interest in your eyes," she remarked, her tone knowing.

May huffed playfully, crossing her arms. "Well, even if I am interested, he's got the eyes of a fish," she mused aloud, a quizzical expression on her face.

Mia tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "The eyes of a fish?"

May nodded, her gaze distant. "Yeah, you know, they're kind of...empty. Like there's something missing." Her words were thoughtful, as if she was trying to puzzle out the mystery herself.

Mia regarded May with a gentle smile, her understanding evident. "People carry their own stories and burdens, May. Just like all of you girls do too...Sometimes, what we see on the surface doesn't tell the whole tale," she offered, her words carrying a touch of wisdom.

May's expression softened as she absorbed Mia's words. "You're right, Mia-san. I shouldn't judge him based on appearances alone," she admitted, her appreciation for Mia's guidance clear.

Before Muichiro had left Mia had invited him to come back tonight for dinner. At first, he was going to refuse, but remembering the food they served at the inn compared to May's food...He would much rather eat May's food.

So he accepted the invitation and walked away.

May couldn't wait to see Muichiro tonight, she could even introduce him to all her friends who worked with her.

.....

(Pictures of Mia Grand)