Chapter 17: Clawing Out of Hell

Daegal arrived at the Humane Pawnbrokers. He walked up to the door and unlocked it with his key. Orphelin and Anton were already downstairs. Orphelin was doing some cleaning, and Anton was sitting behind the counter while manning the cash register.

Daegal opened the door and entered.

"Good morning, Master," said Orphelin as she childishly ran towards Daegal with a broom at hand.

"Pleasant morning; I hope you slept well last night," greeted Anton.

"It could be better, but someone needed help," said Daegal.

They plan to return to the night market one more time today. There was a whole section of the market that they didn't have time to check yesterday.

After some cleaning inside the shop, they headed back to the night market in search of more goods to sell. They even went to a carpenter's shop. They commissioned a sign to be made for their shop.

After a few hours of touring the market, they were able to get even more goods than yesterday since they are now more familiar with the market.

It was getting late. Just then, Daegal remembered something while they were walking out of the market.

"Hey, Anton, did that place yesterday, where you got the Ryujin soup, do takeout?" Asked Daegal.

"They do, why?" Answered Anton.

"I'll be right back," said Daegal as he rushed off.

Daegal went to the stall they ate at yesterday.

"Can I have the Ryujin soup to-go?" Asked Daegal.

"Coming right away," said the man working the stall.

After some waiting, the chef gave a portion of the Ryujin soup to go. Daegal paid what he owed and promptly left the stall. Orphelin and Anton were waiting by the stall too.

"Any reason you're buying another portion?" Asked Anton.

"It's for a friend," answered Daegal.

"Wow, Master, you're so popular and considerate," praised Orphelin.

They could now leave the night market fully satisfied. When they got back to the Humane Pawnbrokers, a conversation unfolded.

"Can you guys close up shop for me? I want to be able to get soup to my friend while it's still warm," said Daegal.

"No problem, we'll unload the stuff and close up," said Anton.

"Yes, Master!" Exclaimed Orphelin.

Daegal took the coach back to the mansion. He went inside and up the stairs to Aine's room. Daegal approached the door and knocked.

"Aine, it's Daegal," said Daegal as he knocked.

"O-Oh, come in," said Aine as she unlocked the door from the other side.

The door opened, and Daegal entered.

"I brought food," said Daegal.

"O-Oh, but I already ordered something from the guards," Aine said nervously.

"Don't worry, I'll eat it. I haven't had dinner myself," said Daegal.

Aine was visibly healthier. It seems she was walking more, and the room was not as dark as yesterday. She also spoke more. However, she did stutter with her words more, but thankfully the scars on her arm are healing, meaning she hasn't been harming herself.

Daegal unwrapped the bag. The soup was safely stored in a container. Daegal opened the container to reveal the Ryujin soup, still piping hot.

"What is it?" Asked Aine as she looked at the soup.

"It's Ryujin soup," answered Daegal.

"Ryujin? The big snake?" Asked Aine.

"Mhm, what's wrong?" Answered Daegal.

"I've met one of those before, back in Moon Village," said Aine.

"So, you were there when that happened? I see," said Daegal.

Aine sat on her bed, and Daegal served her the soup.

"Go on, give it a try," said Daegal.

Aine tasted the broth.

"W-Wow, it's so rich," said Aine.

"It tastes better with rice, here," Daegal said as he handed her a bowl of rice.

Aine began trying it with the rice and even the meat itself. It was delectable, truly a premium delicacy.

"This is amazing!" Aine said while having a smile on her face.

It felt like a weight had just been lifted off of Daegal's shoulders the moment he saw Aine's smile. At that very moment, Daegal knew he was doing the right thing and that his efforts were worthwhile.

"Daegal? Daegal? Hello? Daegal?" Said Aine.

"Huh what? Sorry," said Daegal as he snapped back.

"You were smiling while zoning out. Are you okay?" Asked Aine.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a few things in my mind, that's all," said Daegal.

The night fell, and Aine was getting sleepy. However, with the energy she had left, she was writing in her book.

"Do you want me to sleep with you?" Asked Daegal.

"N-No, I think I'll be fine," said Aine.

"Alright, my room is right next to yours. Just get the guard to wake me up if you need anything," said Daegal as he left Aine's room.

Daegal left the room and headed to his. He took off his hat and placed it on the table. He took off his clothes and took a shower. He dried himself off and lied in bed. All the walking he did today caught up with him; he was incredibly tired. He eventually fell asleep.

He slept soundly and woke up with his body refreshed. He took a warm shower and got dressed. Tomorrow is the opening day for the Humane Pawnbrokers, so all preparations must be finished today.

But before he left for his shop, he wanted to check on Aine. Daegal approached the door and knocked.

"Aine? Are you awake?" asked Daegal.

"Daegal? I am; come in," said Aine.

The door was unlocked and Daegal walked in. Aine was sitting on her bed, eating breakfast.

"You doing alright?" Asked Daegal.

"Uh-huh," answered Aine.

"Good, good. I'm just here to check on you. If there's nothing wrong, I can go to my shop now," said Daegal.

"Oh, right, your shop. I forgot about that. How's it going?" Asked Aine.

"Well, it's mostly done. The grand opening is tomorrow, so I'm hoping for a crowd," said Daegal.

Aine looked surprised for some reason.

"Tomorrow's the opening?" Asked Aine.

"Yes indeed, so if you have no problems, I need to get going," said Daegal.

"O-Oh, okay, good-bye then," said Aine as Daegal left her room.

Daegal left the room and headed downstairs, where a coach was waiting for him to take him to the Humane Pawnbrokers. Aine looked at Daegal walking to the coach from her room window.

"The opening is tomorrow..." said Aine to herself as she watched Daegal ride the coach.

Aine was filled with determination. She forged a plan and prepared herself for the coming day.

Meanwhile, Daegal was riding the coach to his shop in Central Pulchra. Inside the coach, a conversation between him and the coachman unfolded.

"So, Mr. Daegal, how's the store going?" Asked the coachman.

"Quite alright, if I do say so myself," said Daegal.

"I heard it's opening tomorrow, correct?" Asked the coachman.

"That's right, I do hope you attend the ceremony," said Daegal.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, sir," answered the coachman.

Daegal arrived at the Humane Pawnbrokers. Orphelin was outside, tidying the ferns and watering them. Meanwhile, Anton could be seen inside the store, cleaning the display items. Daegal got out of the coach and walked towards the store.

"Master, good morning," greeted Orphelin as she bowed.

"Good morning, Orphelin. I see you're keeping yourself busy with the ferns," said Daegal.

"Yes, I am. This place must be perfect for the grand opening," replied Orphelin.

Daegal entered his shop. The displays looked amazing-everything he had ever dreamed of.

"Is it to your liking, boss?" Asked Anton.

"Very much so," replied Daegal in a pleased tone.

Daegal looked around the shop and checked out all the available items. Anton and Daegal then spent hours doing the finances and inventory. Meanwhile, Orphelin was outside, cleaning off the windows and writing the grand opening announcement on a nearby bulletin board.

Without even noticing, it was lunchtime. Orphelin went back into the store, and Daegal and Anton were inside, still doing some final checks.

"Master, why don't we go for lunch?" Asked Orphelin as she entered the building.

"Sure, what do you want?" Asked Daegal.

"Me? You're asking me?" said Orphelin in disbelief.

"No one has ever let us pick," said Anton.

Daegal kept looking back and forth between Anton and Orphelin.

"The name of the shop still stands as factual," said Anton.

"Alright, Master. We're going to my favoritest place!" shouted Orphelin.

Orphelin grabbed Daegal's hand and dragged him out of the store. Anton followed behind them. They soon arrived at a shop. The shop looked alien from the outside.

The building was colorful from the outside. It was mostly red and orange. And a delicious smell was emanating from the inside. There was a gigantic sign on top that said, 'PFC'.

"What is this place?" Asked Daegal.

"Pulchra Fried Chicken She eats here a lot because of its delicious taste and cheap price," said Anton.

"No, but what is it?" Asked Daegal.

"Deep-fried Chicken. It's very popular among the children," answered Anton.

Orphelin rushed into the chicken shop. Daegal and Anton followed her from behind. There was a counter inside where people were lining up, and the menu was hung over the counter.

"Can I take your order, please?" Asked the cashier.

"Master, what do you want? You gotta eat to keep your strength up," said Orphelin.

Daegal looked at the menu.

"I'll take the number nine," said Daegal.

"Give me a number 9, just like his," said Anton.

"I'll have two number 9s, a number 9 large, a number 6 with extra dip, a number 7, two number 45s, one with cheese, and a large soda," said Orphelin in a deep and croaky voice.

Daegal physically facepalmed, and Anton looked at Orphelin like she was some kind of alien.

"That's a lot of food," said Daegal.

"I didn't even know there was a number 45," said Anton.

The cashier whipped everything out and placed it on multiple platters.

"That will be 46 fickens," said the cashier.

"Alright, alright," said Daegal as he paid for the meal.

Orphelin used her power and shot the food platters with her pink beam. The items began to levitate as she led them to a table. Daegal took out 46 fickens and paid for the food.

Orphelin had found an empty table and placed all the food on it. Without even waiting for the others, she began eating immediately.

"What the hell happened to her manners?" Asked Daegal as he walked to the table.

"This is what happens when you give fried chicken. She turns into a gremlin," said Anton.

"I am not a gremlin," said Orphelin with her mouth full of chicken.

Daegal sat down and began looking at his food.

"This looks so bizarre," said Daegal as he picked up the chicken.

Daegal took a bite of the chicken. As he chewed the chicken, his expression got flatter and flatter.

"Uhh, Boss? Are you alright?" Asked Anton.

"Whyisthisgood?" Said Daegal quickly.

"What?"

"Thisshitisamazing," said Daegal.

Daegal devoured his portion and drank the mysterious, bubbly black liquid. They left the restaurant satisfied.

"See, wasn't that amazing?" Asked Orphelin.

"Yes, yes, it was," responded Daegal.

They headed back to the Humane Pawnbrokers. Daegal and Anton still had some inventory related work to-do and Orphelin had intentions to clean the roof.

"Why are you trying to clean the roof?" Asked Anton.

"Better question, how will you get to the roof?" Asked Daegal.

"I can fly," answered Orphelin.

"You can do what?" Asked Daegal.

"I can focus my magic on my boots and make myself levitate," said Orphelin.

"I genuinely forgot you could do that," said Anton.

Orphelin took a broom and flew to the roof. She began sweeping the roof clean of dust. Meanwhile, Daegal and Anton went inside and continued their inventory work.

A few hours later, two people arrived in front of the shop carrying something huge. It was covered with a cloth and looked like a big disc.

"Hello, is this Mr. Daegal's establishment?" Asked one of the men carrying the big disc.

"That is correct; I am Anton-his accountant," said Anton as he walked out of the shop.

"Excellent, this is the sign you commissioned yesterday," said one of the men.

The two men gently dropped the sign on the ground and unveiled the cloth. It was a wooden sign that proudly stated the name of the shop.

"This looks good; thank you," said Anton.

"No problem, we'll be off now," said the man.

The two men left the vicinity, and now they were tasked with hanging the sign themselves.

"Orphelin!" Shouted Anton.

"What is it, Anton?" Asked Orphelin from the roof.

"Can you hang this sign?" asked Anton.

"Of course, give me a sec," said Orphelin.

A few minutes passed, and Orphelin got down from the roof. She began to lift the sign with her powers, levitating it. Anton went to the third story of the shop and poked his body out the window.

As Orphelin tried to fly the sign close to the building, Anton created a ball of exploding permafrost that would freeze the sign onto the wall. They communicated with each other via shouting.

All the shouting got Daegal's attention. So he walked out of the shop to see Orphelin levitating a sign.

"Ah, the sign's arrived," said Daegal as he walked out.

"ORPHELIN, KEEP IT STILL!" Shouted Anton from the third story.

"OKAY!" answered Orphelin, also shouting.

"Do you guys not have a better way of communicating?" Asked Daegal.

"No, not really. Neither of us learned telepathy, Master," said Orphelin.

After a lot more shouting, they finally got the sign in a spot they liked. Anton froze the back of the sign, and it stayed in place.

"That's one strong ice," said Daegal.

"It's permafrost magic. It creates ice that cannot be melted via regular means," said Orphelin.

With the sign hung up and night beginning to fall, they began to bid their farewells. Tomorrow is a big day for them.

Daegal rode the coach back to the mansion in search of a well deserved rest.