Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

Every winner is full of scars; life means struggle, always with obstacles and rivals. Every success must be fought for.

That's what my father once said to me!

Success is one of those things that's bound to happen eventually-trust me, it's a guarantee. If you think you won't be successful, well, that's a bit on the clueless side.

If you want to succeed, you've got to put in some effort. Lying in bed and rambling on won't get you anywhere.

You'll never achieve anything if you don't try!

So let me share a story from a country I'll never forget...

I was sitting there, savoring a strawberry ice cream, while a woman next to me was just about the same height as my neck.

She had vanilla ice cream.

"Hey, why vanilla?" I asked.

"You got a problem with vanilla?" she shot back.

"Not exactly. It's just... vanilla is, well, kinda boring!" I replied.

"You should apologize to all the vanilla enthusiasts out there," she said with a smirk.

"I'm sorry, everyone!" I said, bending down and projecting my voice.

"Stop it, you're making me embarrassed," she said, turning to me while I stayed bent over.

"So, Elaina, where are you headed after this?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Hm? Why do you want to know?"

"I'm just trying to keep the awkward silence at bay!" I protested. "I can't handle it, okay?"

"Just going for a walk..." Elaina said, finishing her ice cream.

"A walk? That sounds as dull as the vanilla ice cream you bought, Elaina," I teased.

Hearing that, Elaina turned back to me.

"I apologize once more to the vanilla fans!" I bowed again.

I finished my ice cream, and as I wiped the last traces of it from my fingers, Elaina turned around.

"Okay... I'll head out now. See you later."

"Hm?" I blinked, surprised by her abrupt departure, and found myself trailing after her.

"What are you following me for?" Elaina glanced back, catching me in her wake.

"I just want to head back to my hotel, which, coincidentally, is in the same direction as you."

"That sounds like just an excuse to me."

"Elaina, you're really full of yourself," I quipped. Her irritation was palpable as she shot me a look and turned her back, resuming her walk. I, undeterred, continued to follow.

We passed by several hotels before Elaina finally came to a halt. "Alright, enough. We've passed all these hotels-why don't you just leave?"

"Really? I didn't notice," I chuckled, only to bump into someone as I turned around. "Oh, sorry about that."

As I faced forward again, my attention was drawn to two restaurants across from each other. One was bustling with activity, while the other was eerily quiet. "What a contrast..." I murmured.

"Elaina-" I began, turning to call out to her, but she was nowhere to be seen. "Eh...? Where did she go?"

"Are we playing hide and seek now?" I called out, scanning the area, but she was nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, Elaina had found refuge in a quiet restaurant.

"Phew... Finally, some peace away from him. What's his deal? He's so annoying."

Just then, a young girl in a maid outfit approached her, visibly nervous. "Welcome! What would you like to order?"

"I'll just have a cup of tea, thank you," Elaina replied as she took a seat, her expression still tinged with irritation.

"O-Okay!" The girl nodded and hurried off.

Elaina leaned back in her chair, letting the tranquil ambiance of the restaurant gradually ease her frustration. The serene atmosphere seemed to be working its magic.

The girl soon returned with a cup of tea on a tray, presenting it to Elaina.

"T-This is your order."

Elaina accepted the tea with a smile. "Thank you..."

As she took a sip, she was taken aback by its exquisite flavor. The tea's aroma gently caressed her senses, and the first taste was a delightful explosion of flavor. She closed her eyes, savoring the unexpectedly delightful brew.

"This tea is amazing..." Elaina murmured, her irritation melting away.

"Really?! Thank you so much!" exclaimed the young maid, no older than thirteen.

Across the street, I was seated in a bustling restaurant, sipping my coffee with milk. "Hmm..." I mused, finding it quite ordinary and unimpressive.

Gazing out the window, I spotted Elaina in the quiet restaurant across the street. "Ah, there she is!"

I quickly left my table and made my way to the peaceful establishment.

The bell above the door jingled as I entered, and I strode directly towards Elaina, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her tea.

"W-Welcome, sir!" the young maid greeted me.

But I ignored her, reaching out to pat Elaina on the shoulder. "Found you!"

Elaina's initial surprise turned to exasperation.

"Augh! Arche, what are you doing here-"

Her attempt at tranquility was shattered once again, her disbelief evident as she realized I had tracked her down so quickly.

"Elaina... I've earned the nickname of being the master of escape, you know!" I declared with a hint of arrogance.

"It seems you could learn a thing or two from me!"

"Who'd want to take lessons from an idiot?" Elaina shot back, rolling her eyes without even glancing at me. She took another sip of her tea, clearly unimpressed.

"Elaina, don't be rude! There's a charming girl here, you know." I plopped down across from her.

"Of all the tables in this place, why choose to sit here?"

"Hehe..." I turned to the young maid.

"I'd like to order a coffee with milk."

The girl nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Okay!"

Elaina watched the girl walk away before turning back to me. "Why are you following me? You're like a dog that can't leave its owner alone."

"Hm? Isn't it obvious? I just wanted to annoy you."

"Well, congratulations, you've succeeded," Elaina replied dryly, taking another sip of her tea.

"This place is really quiet, isn't it?" I remarked, adopting a more relaxed tone.

Elaina glanced around, appreciating the serene atmosphere of the restaurant.

"Yes, it is... unlike some people," she added with a sidelong glance.

"You're right," I agreed, chuckling. Just then, the girl returned with a tray, placing the coffee with milk on the table. "Thank you..."

Elaina watched as the girl set down the cup, its rich aroma filling the air. She continued to sip her tea, her earlier irritation beginning to wane.

I took a sip of the coffee, and was immediately taken aback by its exceptional flavor. I stood up abruptly and banged the table.

"Did you make this?"

The girl, startled and frightened, shielded her face with the tray, unable to meet my gaze.

"I asked if you were the one who made this coffee with milk," I said, my tone sharp.

The girl nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "Is it not good...?"

"I... absolutely love it!" I exclaimed, reaching over to pat the girl's head. "This coffee is incredibly delicious!"

"Better than the place across the street, to be honest," I added, settling back into my seat. "Sorry if I scared you."

"But you made this so well..." I continued, feeling a pang of guilt.

"You're still so young, but you've already mastered making coffee like this. You truly deserve praise."

The girl, who had been trembling with fear moments before, slowly lowered the tray from her face. Though her eyes were still damp, a small, tentative smile began to form on her lips.

"Thank you," she mumbled, her voice still wavering.

"What's your name?" I asked gently.

"Poppy..." she replied, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.

"Poppy, huh? What a cute name," I said, smiling at the red-haired girl. "Right, Elaina?"

Elaina, who had been silently observing the scene, snapped back to attention at the mention of her name.

"Yes, it's a cute name," she agreed, her gaze shifting between me and Poppy.

Just then, another girl entered, and I initially thought she might be another customer.

"Welcome, sis!" Poppy exclaimed, her fear momentarily forgotten.

We both turned to see a girl with striking purple hair.

"Ah! We have a customer?!" the girl said, her eyes widening.

"Welcome to our quiet restaurant," she added, approaching us with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I just finished shopping."

"Has my sister taken your order?" the girl asked, her voice betraying her age-she looked about sixteen.

Elaina and I exchanged glances before turning back to the newcomer.

"Yes, we've placed our orders, and I must say, your sister's milk coffee is delightful," I responded.

"Really? Thank you!"

"My name is Violet, and I'm Poppy's older sister," Violet said with a cheerful demeanor that contrasted sharply with Poppy's shyness. "Nice to meet you!"

"I'm curious... why is this restaurant so quiet? I actually prefer it over the one across the street," I remarked.

Violet let out a resigned sigh.

Under the table, Elaina's foot made contact with my leg. I winced in pain but quickly masked it, trying to maintain my composure.

I glanced at Elaina, puzzled, but she shot me a sharp look, silently urging me to keep quiet.

I pushed aside the discomfort and redirected my attention to Violet.

"Well, I find the tranquil atmosphere here quite charming," I said, carefully choosing my words.

Violet took a seat at our table and began to share her story. "Actually... this restaurant was quite bustling when our parents were still around. But since they left, it's become... like this."

Both Elaina and I were taken aback by Violet's revelation.

"I'm really sorry to hear that," I said softly, my tone sympathetic. "It must be tough for you and your sister."

"It's okay! We've grown used to it," Violet replied with a shrug. "Besides, being sad won't change anything, right?"

"Staying motivated and pushing forward is what we need to do," Violet added.

Elaina nodded in agreement, clearly moved by Violet's positive outlook and resilience.

I found myself equally impressed by Violet's resolve to continue despite the challenges.

"You're right," Elaina said, her voice gentle. "It takes real strength to persevere and keep moving forward."

With a sudden burst of energy, I stood up and banged the table, causing Poppy to jump in surprise.

"I've decided!"

"Why do you always have to bang the table? And what have you decided?" Elaina asked, bewildered.

"I'm going to help make this restaurant busy again!" I declared with enthusiasm.

"Huh?!" Violet and Poppy exclaimed, astonished.

Elaina sighed deeply. "I suppose I'm going to be dragged into this too."

"But why?" Violet asked, still in shock.

"Hm? Allow me to introduce myself," I struck a dramatic pose. "I'm Arche, the Sin Redeemer!"

"Nice to meet you!" I proclaimed with great enthusiasm. "I'm here to help you!"

I approached Elaina and took her hand, raising it slightly. "I mean... we'll help you!"

"I knew it..." she responded, her frustration evident.

"You just had to drag me into your plan, didn't you?" she said, her irritation clear as she glared at me.

"Doing good things has a lower chance of death than doing evil, you know!" I chuckled.

Elaina shook her head, clearly unimpressed. "You have a very peculiar view of the world, you know that?"

"Will you help me, Miss Witch?" I used the nickname I had given her when we first met.

"Fine," she relented with a sigh.

"I'll help... but only to ensure you don't ruin everything."

"The Emerald Clown," she added, her tone teasing. The nickname surprised and irritated me.

"Hey, didn't you just call me 'Thief' that time?!" I protested, annoyed by the new nickname.

"Can we trust you?" Violet asked, her expression serious. Given that this was our first meeting, her skepticism was understandable.

Elaina nodded in agreement with Violet's concerns. "You can trust me... and unfortunately, him too," she said, gesturing toward me.

I was taken aback and slightly offended. "Yes! You can trust us!"

Violet and Poppy exchanged a glance, weighing our words. After a moment, Violet spoke up.

"Well... okay," she said tentatively, her voice laced with skepticism.

"We'll give you a chance to prove yourselves."

"You guys made the right choice!" I said, ruffling both their heads in a show of enthusiasm.

"When are you going to start?" Violet asked.

"Hm... I need to come up with a plan and gather some resources!" I said, setting down my empty cup.

"So it might take a little time."

"Alright, we'll head out first," Elaina and I said, waving goodbye.

Once outside the quiet restaurant, Elaina crossed her arms and turned to me. "So, any ideas on how to revive their business?" she asked.

"We'll promote the restaurant, of course," I declared as we strolled aimlessly.

Elaina raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

"And how exactly are we going to do that?" she asked.

"Promote it?" My response was vague and suggested I had no real plan.

Elaina rolled her eyes, her frustration palpable. "Unbelievable," she muttered. "You promised them we'd help, but you don't have a clue about how to actually do it, do you?"

"I'm sorry! I got carried away! The moment felt so right! That's why I acted all cool and confident! I'm really sorry!" I said, my tone dramatic and regretful.

Elaina sighed in exasperation. "I should have known," she said, shaking her head. "You have a habit of acting on impulse and then figuring things out afterward."

I could feel the annoyance and frustration in her words.

"So, do you have any ideas?" I asked, a bit irritated.

Elaina paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Hm... I think I have an idea," she said eventually, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"What is it?" I asked eagerly.

"We need to create a unique way to advertise the restaurant," she explained. "Make it stand out from the restaurant across the street, in a positive way, of course."

She continued, "And we should also focus on attracting new customers. I have a strategy for that."

"And what's your plan?" I inquired.

"First, we need to make the restaurant more appealing," Elaina began.

"We could update the exterior to make it more inviting."

"Second, we have to spread the word," she continued. "We could go around town, talk to people, and hand out flyers or something to let them know about the restaurant and its specialties."

"Wow! Brilliant!" I exclaimed.

"Of course!" Elaina said, smiling proudly.

"But won't it be expensive?" I asked. "We can handle the brochures with magic, but what about the interior? That'll be pretty costly."

"Let's not stress about the interior for now. We can focus on the brochure," I suggested.

Elaina nodded, mulling over my point. "You're right," she agreed.

"It could be expensive to make major changes to the restaurant's interior. Let's concentrate on the brochure and on spreading the word."

"We should make sure the promotional material is eye-catching," she added.

"It needs to grab the attention of passersby and potential customers."

An idea suddenly struck me, and I could hardly contain my excitement. "I've got an idea!"

Elaina raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by my sudden enthusiasm. "And what idea is that?" she asked.

After sharing my concept, we dove into the work, dedicating the entire afternoon to creating the brochure. We only took a break when nightfall came, our efforts consuming the day as we crafted a plan to draw attention to the restaurant.

When our activities were over, we found ourselves at the bar, each nursing a drink.

"I'm so tired!" I shouted, my voice louder than intended. "I'm exhausted!"

Elaina swayed slightly as she leaned against the bar, her words slurred.

"Ugh, you're the one who came up with this... extreme idea,"

she complained, taking a long sip from her drink.

"Don't blame me if you're wiped out."

"But I didn't think it'd be this tiring!" I protested, taking another swig of my beer. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have done it!"

Elaina let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head with visible frustration.

"Seriously... did you even think this through?"

she said, her words running together.

"Typical-you act on impulse and then whine about it."

"Hey! Aren't those... the same words you used... when we left the restaurant?!" I slurred, feeling the effects of the alcohol more with each sip.

Elaina burst into a loud, raucous laugh. "Oh, so you noticed, huh?!" She took a big gulp of her drink, her grin wide and slightly crooked.

"It's totally true! You're always jumping into things without thinking. Classic you!"

"Huh?! What do you mean?!" I struggled to keep my words clear, having finished seven bottles of beer by now.

"In short... you're reckless... and stupid!" Elaina declared, her own speech stumbling.

We were both thoroughly drunk. "I was once called... a talented kid, you know!" I tried to brag, my words slurred.

As the night wore on, our conversation became a tangled mess of incoherent rambling and drunken laughter.

Elaina's cheeks were flushed, and she laughed heartily at my ramblings. Her usual composure was replaced by an uninhibited, carefree attitude.

Eventually, we fell asleep at the bar, only to be jolted awake by the bar owner. "Ugh..." I groaned, trying to clear the fog from my mind.

The bar owner told us to leave as they were closing. I nudged Elaina awake, but her response was a drowsy mumble, her words a tangled mess.

"Wha...? What's going on?" she mumbled, struggling to make sense of the situation.

I had to walk Elaina because she was barely conscious.

"I drank too much... my head's all spinny..." I mumbled, struggling to keep my balance.

"I feel... so dizzy..." she echoed, leaning heavily against me as we stumbled outside.

"Why... did we drink so much?" she repeated, her voice thick with confusion.

"It's your fault, idiot... you challenged me to a drinking contest 'cause you got all huffy when I made fun of you," I managed to explain, slurring each word.

Elaina shot me a bleary-eyed look, annoyance mixing with her inebriation.

"I... didn't lose... okay?" she protested, her words dragging. "You were the one bragging about how much booze you could handle!"

"I win, drunk witch," I gloated, "Didn't expect you to be such a lightweight."

Elaina squinted at my words. "Shuddup... It's... not my fault I... have low... tolerance..."

She pouted, still leaning on me as we wobbled along. "You... drank more... than me..."

"You're like a kid who hates losing," I teased.

Elaina whined, "I'm not... a kid..." Her words came out as a grumble. "I just... don't like... losing... especially... to you..."

"Do you hate me that much?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Elaina hesitated, her face a mix of emotions.

"I... I don't hate you all the time..." she finally said, her voice softening. "Just... when you're... an annoying clown."

I couldn't help but smile at her unexpected confession. "I don't hate you either, cunning witch."

Elaina gave a small, tired huff, a faint smile playing on her lips despite her drunken state.

The next day, as we made our way to Violet's restaurant, we noticed a modest crowd inside. While the number of patrons still lagged behind the bustling eatery across the street, the sight of even a few customers was a promising sign that our efforts were bearing fruit.

"I told you, my idea was solid, even if it was a bit risky," I said with a self-satisfied grin.

Elaina, walking beside me, nodded. "Yes, capturing you in precarious situations while still enjoying food and drinks was the concept. The humor and absurdity would catch people's attention."

"Call me a genius!" I declared with a mix of pride and bravado.

Elaina sighed, shaking her head in mild exasperation. "You had me worried when you were surrounded by bears. And don't forget how you turned a snake into a scarf, using my magic to keep it harmless."

"And don't forget the rest of the dangerous stunts. I'm still astonished you survived them all," Elaina added, still in disbelief.

I waved off her concerns nonchalantly. "I've faced worse. These things are nothing."

As we entered the restaurant, the sight of several customers made me beam with satisfaction. It was a modest but noticeable improvement.

"See? Progress!" I exclaimed, just as Violet appeared, her expression a mix of relief and excitement.

"A-Arche! And... Elaina, right?" Violet stammered nervously. "Are the customers starting to come because of you two?!"

Elaina's smile was radiant, reflecting her satisfaction with the positive change. "Yes, it seems our efforts are paying off," she said warmly, her pride evident in her tone.

"Yes, it seems like our efforts are starting to pay off," she said, casting a glance towards me.

I couldn't help but let a smug smile spread across my face, reveling in the success of our efforts.

"Even though there are still only a few customers, once they taste the food and drinks here, they'll spread the word. That's how we'll get this place busier!" I explained confidently. "Just getting them to experience the food is half the battle won."

Elaina's voice was gentle as she interjected, "But it will still take time."

I glanced over at Poppy, who was serving customers with newfound courage. It was clear that the patrons were beginning to warm up to her shy demeanor.

Without missing a beat, I turned to Violet. "Do you have a uniform I could wear?"

Violet looked taken aback by my sudden request. "Eh? My father's old clothes should fit you," she said, surprised.

Elaina gave me a curious look, clearly intrigued by my unexpected decision. "What do you need a uniform for?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

We both changed into the restaurant's uniforms, and once we were done, we faced each other.

"Do I look more handsome now?" I asked, striking a pose with exaggerated flair.

Elaina rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile.

"You still look like a clown," she said, trying to hide her amusement.

"Let's get to work!" I declared, raising my arms in a gesture of enthusiasm.

"I'll handle the food, Violet. Poppy, I want you to manage the service. And if Poppy needs help, you'll step in, Violet," I laid out the plan.

"Elaina, I suppose you're on crowd control. Make sure the customers are happy and everything runs smoothly."

Elaina raised her eyebrows slightly at my lack of a specific role for her but chose not to argue. "What about me?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

I turned to Elaina with a grin. "For the stunning and adorable Elaina... you'll be in charge of promotion!"

Elaina raised an eyebrow at my enthusiastic proclamation. "Men will flock to this restaurant once they hear that someone as cute and beautiful as you is working here."

My exaggerated praise made her cheeks flush with a rosy tint, and she crossed her arms, clearly a mix of annoyed and embarrassed.

"You're just using me as bait to lure in customers," she said with a huff.

"Did you catch on?" I chuckled, unable to hide my amusement.

After that, our bustling activities began. Violet started teaching me how to prepare the menu items, although I already knew some of them.

She patiently explained each step, occasionally showing me little tricks that made the dishes special.

Meanwhile, Poppy was busy serving the customers.

She was occasionally assisted by Violet, who would step in to help whenever she had a moment.

Outside, Elaina was hard at work promoting the restaurant to everyone who passed by.

Thanks to her efforts, more and more customers started to arrive, bringing a lively atmosphere to the restaurant.

As the days passed, the restaurant's popularity grew. Satisfied with the influx of customers, I asked Poppy to call Elaina in for a break.

Elaina trudged into the restaurant, clearly exhausted, and collapsed into a nearby chair with a weary sigh.

"You can take a break, Elaina. You must be exhausted from promoting all day in this heat," I said sympathetically.

She glared at me with a mix of irritation and fatigue. "Took you long enough to call me. I could have used a break an hour ago."

"Sorry, I got caught up in the rush and lost track of time," I replied, feigning ignorance.

"Sure you did," she said, clearly not buying my excuse. "You probably just wanted me to suffer outside."

"Don't be so grumpy. Here, have some orange juice," I said, handing her a glass.

Elaina looked at the juice, then took it with a resigned sigh. "Thanks," she muttered, taking a sip that visibly refreshed her.

"So, did you manage to gather any useful information while you were out?" I asked, recalling that I had tasked her with both promoting and keeping an eye on the competition.

"This information might surprise you," Elaina began, her tone shifting to serious.

"Hm? What did you find out?" I asked while preparing some mango juice.

"Fake customers," she said flatly, causing me to stop and look at her in surprise.

"Fake customers?" I repeated, trying to understand.

"Yes. I noticed some patrons who were overly complimentary about the restaurant across the street," Elaina explained. "It seemed off, so I used a voice recording spell on their shirts after they left."

She took another sip of her juice before continuing. "I overheard that the owner of that restaurant was paying these people to sing its praises, to lure in more customers."

"Oh, I see..." I said, sitting down beside her with my mango juice.

"That's quite the scheme. No wonder they've been so busy."

Elaina nodded, her expression serious. "We'll need to think of a way to counteract this tactic if we want to stay competitive."

Elaina's revelation about the restaurant across the street shed light on the owner's deceptive tactics.

"Some of the customers were actually employees," Elaina explained. "They're posing as regular diners to create the illusion of popularity."

I considered her words and nodded. "So they're using their own staff as fake customers to make their place look more appealing. It's a clever strategy."

"Exactly," Elaina confirmed. "The owner is trying to make it seem like their restaurant is the place to be, hoping that a crowded room will draw in more patrons."

Just then, Poppy appeared, interrupting our serious conversation.

"Ah... A-Arche, there's an order," Poppy said, nervously relaying the details of what I needed to prepare.

"Okay, I'm on it," I said, rising from my seat. "Elaina, when you're done with your break, could you help me with the dishes?"

Elaina nodded, still savoring her orange juice. "Alright, I'll help once I'm finished."

As I busied myself with the order, I felt Elaina's gaze on me. I glanced over and caught her watching.

"Something on your mind?" I teased.

Elaina quickly looked away, trying to mask her curiosity. "Not amazed," she said, folding her arms defensively. "Just curious if you could actually cook."

"My father was a renowned baker, and my grandmother was an exceptional chef," I said, a touch of pride in my voice. "They were quite famous in their time."

Elaina's interest was piqued.

"Really? So cooking runs in your family. That explains why you're so at ease in the kitchen."

"I'll make some bread for you next time," I offered, smiling.

"Oh, really?" Elaina asked, her tone light but her interest clear.

"I'd like to try your homemade bread," she said, a hint of eagerness in her voice.

"Now, back to work. Help me with the dishes," I said, giving her a mock annoyed look. "I've got orders piling up."

Elaina rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a smirk. "Alright, alright. I'm coming. No need to nag."

With that, we fell back into our work, the restaurant buzzing with activity once more.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the restaurant saw a lull in customers. The once-bustling eatery began to quiet down, signaling the end of another busy day.

The restaurant closed early to ensure the safety of Violet and Poppy, who faced dangers that could arise after dark.

When the final bell rang, signaling closing time, the four of us collapsed into a circle of exhausted relief.

"Huff... so tired..." Violet said, her voice thick with fatigue.

I glanced over at Poppy, who had already drifted off to sleep. "Poppy's out like a light already," I noted.

Violet, looking at her sister with a mix of concern and affection, commented, "Wow, she's already asleep. Didn't realize she was that tired."

"Still a girl," I remarked. "It must have been exhausting for her."

Elaina, watching Poppy with a fond smile, said softly, "She's definitely worn out. But considering how hectic today was, it's no surprise."

Just then, the door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. Violet, still in her work attire, approached the newcomer.

"Ah, sorry, we're closed," Violet said, trying to shoo him away.

The man, dressed in expensive casual clothes, announced,

"Sorry to intrude. I'm Geoffrey, the owner of the restaurant across the street. I couldn't help but notice that your place was quite busy today."

Violet turned to me, her eyes sharp. "So, are you the owner of this restaurant?"

I hesitated, debating whether to claim ownership for myself, but before I could speak, Violet stepped in.

"I am the owner of this restaurant," Violet declared with unshakable bravery.

Geoffrey's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked from Violet to me. Elaina, meanwhile, was gently rocking Poppy, who remained blissfully unaware of the exchange.

"What do you want?" I asked, my tone guarded.

Geoffrey's expression turned to one of mock disdain.

"Wow... how rude. It seems that success has made you quite impolite, hasn't it?"

He leaned casually against the counter, his demeanor dripping with condescension.

As Geoffrey prepared to leave, I stepped forward to confront him. "I just wanted to ask, what's your secret to being so busy?" he said, eyeing each of us in turn. "The sudden crowd at your restaurant is really peculiar, you know."

"No, we won't tell," I replied firmly, closing the distance between us. "Even if you try to force me, I won't reveal our secret."

It was my duty as a man to shield the girls from this unwelcome intruder. Geoffrey shrugged, seemingly unfazed. "Oh, I see... So you don't want to tell me. Fine, fine... Don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, he turned and walked out of the restaurant. I watched him leave, a sense of unease settling in.

"What does he want...?" I muttered, still watching Geoffrey's retreating figure.

Elaina's eyes followed Geoffrey with a worried expression. "That was strange...," she said quietly.

Violet, visibly shaken by the encounter, forced herself to stay composed.

"I don't like that man... he gives me a bad feeling."

I tried to lighten the mood with a bit of bravado.

"Don't worry. If he tries anything against you, I won't hesitate to rearrange his face."

Elaina gave a faint smile at my attempt to reassure her.

"I had a feeling you would say that."

"Okay... it's getting late. We should head home," I suggested.

Elaina nodded in agreement, her exhaustion evident.

"I couldn't agree more," she murmured, rubbing her tired eyes.

We exchanged farewells and left the restaurant. As Elaina and I walked toward our hotels, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling about Geoffrey.

"Geoffrey, huh? I have a bad feeling he's going to do something awful," I said, voicing my concern.

"That's the instinct of an ex-criminal," Elaina agreed, glancing warily over her shoulder.

As we parted ways, heading to our separate lodgings, my thoughts lingered on Geoffrey.

"Geoffrey... for some reason, I feel like I should punch him in the face right now," I mused, the desire for retribution simmering within me.

The next morning, I ran into Elaina on my way back to the restaurant. "You came?" I asked, surprised. "I thought with the restaurant being busy yesterday, you wouldn't bother showing up today."

"Do you remember how packed it was yesterday? I'm not about to let them handle it alone," she replied.

"Eeh... Am I not considered?" I pointed to myself.

"Well, let's just say you're a bonus," Elaina teased with a playful smile.

As we arrived at the restaurant, we found it eerily quiet. There were no customers in sight. I glanced at the sign on the door, which clearly stated that the restaurant was open.

Inside, Violet and Poppy sat together with forlorn expressions.

"Did you just open?" I asked, concerned.

"We've been open for half an hour, but there haven't been any customers," Violet explained, her voice tinged with frustration.

Elaina cast a sympathetic glance at the two sisters. "That's strange... Yesterday was so busy," she said, bewildered. "Where did all the customers go?"

"Don't worry! It's only been half an hour. We just need to keep our spirits up!" I tried to stay optimistic and gestured for Elaina to do the same to help lift their spirits.

Elaina nodded and addressed Violet and Poppy with a reassuring tone. "That's right. It's still early, and there's plenty of time for customers to come in. Don't lose hope or get discouraged."

We busied ourselves with preparations, but despite our efforts, time dragged on, and the restaurant remained empty. The sun climbed higher, and no customers appeared.

Violet and Poppy's expressions were a mix of frustration and sadness. I gently stroked their heads to offer some comfort and glanced at Elaina, silently urging her to take action.

Elaina picked up on the unspoken cue and moved over to the two sisters. "Hey, it's going to be alright," she said softly, her tone reassuring. "We'll figure this out."

She placed a comforting hand on Violet's shoulder, her presence offering a semblance of solace. "Just keep your spirits up, okay? There's still time for customers to come."

Determined to find a solution, I dashed out of the restaurant, hoping to uncover some answers. As I stepped outside, I overheard two women discussing the restaurant.

"Hey, isn't that a cursed restaurant?"

one said.

"Yes," the other responded, "my child got sick after eating there."

The mother, who noticed me listening, quickened her pace, clearly uneasy. I observed that passersby were giving the restaurant wary looks.

"There are bad rumors about this place," I realized, frowning at the growing suspicion.

I then turned my attention to Geoffrey's restaurant, which was bustling with customers despite its previous emptiness. The contrast was striking.

"Now I understand..." I muttered to myself, piecing together the situation.

Returning to the restaurant, I approached Elaina, my mind made up.

Elaina noticed me returning with a determined look and raised an eyebrow. "Did you find something?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Elaina, follow me," I said, grabbing her arm and pulling her along.

Caught off guard, Elaina stumbled forward as I led us out of the restaurant.

"Hey...! Where are we going?" she protested.

"Date," I replied with a grin.

"HUH?!" Elaina's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and annoyance flickering across her face. Clearly, she was used to my antics.

"Calm down, everyone! I'll sort this out!" I called back to Violet and Poppy, who looked utterly bewildered.

"Calm down...?" Violet echoed, her confusion evident, though she nodded. Poppy simply stared at us, her eyes full of questions.

"Alright... we'll take your word for it," Violet said, still concerned but hopeful.

As we exited, Elaina used her magic to free her wrist from my grasp. "So, where are we going exactly?"

"We're going to spy on the restaurant across the street," I explained.

Elaina's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "Right, I was starting to get a bad feeling about that guy too. We should investigate him further."

We donned our very discreet disguises-me with a hat and sunglasses, and Elaina with just a hood.

"We're blending in so well," Elaina remarked dryly. "Because wearing a hat and sunglasses indoors is totally inconspicuous."

I shrugged.

"Subtlety isn't my strong suit."

We entered the restaurant across the street and took a seat. As we surveyed the surroundings, I noted, "Hmm... nothing too suspicious yet."

"Yeah, everything seems normal so far," Elaina agreed, her gaze scanning the room with keen interest.

"Elaina, you-" I started, but when I looked back, I saw her sipping tea. "You traitor!"

"What? Can I not enjoy the drinks here too?" She asked innocently, taking another sip as if she were at a tea party.

"Elaina, we're in enemy territory!" I protested, just as a waiter arrived with a plate of French fries.

"These are enemy fries," I declared before snatching one and popping it into my mouth.

"Enemy fries, huh?" Elaina chuckled, giving me a skeptical look. "You say that, yet you're the one eating them."

"I guess we're both traitors then," I said with a grin, crunching another fry.

At that moment, Geoffrey strolled up to our table with an air of superiority. "Well, well, well, aren't you guys employees at the restaurant across the street?"

"Elaina, is my disguise not good enough?" I whispered urgently.

"Your disguise is as good as a clown's," she whispered back, her lips twitching in amusement.

Geoffrey plopped down at our table without waiting for an invitation. "So, why is my restaurant so good?"

Elaina raised an eyebrow, playing along. "Your restaurant? Why do you think it's good?"

"It's just as good as any other restaurant..." she said, her tone casually dismissive.

"Let me translate..." I interjected with a sly smile. "Your so-called 'good' restaurant is nothing special compared to other good restaurants."

Geoffrey's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing as he processed our little exchange.

"Tch... Then your restaurant is only busy one day," Geoffrey sneered.

"Our restaurant may not be anything special, but we're not the ones trying to copy other restaurants," Elaina retorted with a sarcastic edge.

"And what's more," I added with a dramatic flair, "there are still some customers coming to our restaurant."

"No way! I've been spreading bad rumors about your restaurant! There's no way-" Geoffrey's eyes widened as he realized he'd been caught in our trap.

"Bad rumors, huh..." Elaina said, her tone feigning surprise but her eyes glinting with satisfaction.

"Bastard... Then what are you going to do after hearing that?!" Geoffrey snapped, his frustration evident.

"That would be a big problem for you, Geoffrey..." I said, rising from my chair with a commanding presence.

Elaina stood up beside me, her gaze unwavering. "You picked the wrong opponent, Geoffrey," she said, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"You're up against two geniuses, you know?" I added, my voice dripping with confidence and a touch of arrogance.

After our dramatic confrontation with Geoffrey, we returned to Violet and Poppy's restaurant. The atmosphere shifted from intense to oddly relaxed.

"We're home!" I announced with exaggerated cheerfulness as we walked through the door.

Just then, I noticed a man in tattered clothes emerging from the restaurant, looking a bit relieved. "Hmm...?"

"Customer?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes... earlier he asked us for food, and we immediately gave it to him," Poppy explained.

"Don't you feel like you're at a loss?" I asked, curious about their perspective.

"No! Our parents said, if we do good, we will be rewarded with good too!" Violet replied optimistically.

"But not all goodness will be repaid with goodness. When it happens, you have to be ready to be betrayed," I warned them, trying to sound wise.

Elaina, who had been silently listening, gave me a gentle thump on the head. "Stop being so negative," she chided with a small sigh.

Turning to Violet and Poppy, she added softly, "Don't listen to him too much, okay? It's important to be optimistic, but it's also important to be cautious and prepared for the unexpected."

"O-Okay..." Violet said, still a bit unsure.

"I've never seen a couple like you guys..." Poppy said innocently.

"Yes, because we-" I started to explain, but then it hit me. "We're not a couple! Just a foolish guy who fell in love with her!"

"I will never have a romantic relationship with an annoying, idiotic, sarcastic, and overconfident man!" Elaina declared with a huff.

"I-I'm sorry..." Poppy stammered, clearly taken aback.

"By the way, what exactly are you two doing at the restaurant across the street?" Violet's voice was sharp, cutting through the tension that hung between us.

I exchanged a glance with Elaina before we both explained the situation. As our words settled in the air, the expressions on Violet and Poppy's faces shifted from surprise to annoyance, and finally, to a quiet fury.

"So that's what happened..." Violet muttered, her voice tight with frustration.

"That Geoffrey guy is absolutely vile."

"Is there anything you two can do?" Poppy asked softly, her wide eyes brimming with hope.

I reached over, gently ruffling Poppy's hair with a grin.

"Don't worry. We're quite the unbeatable duo, you know."

Elaina rolled her eyes, the corner of her lips twitching with barely contained amusement at my confidence.

"Sure, whatever you say, big mouth," she whispered under her breath.

But when she turned to face Poppy and Violet, her expression softened. "Don't worry. We'll handle this."

Violet's shoulders visibly relaxed, her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope. "Thank you... We've been struggling so much. It means a lot."

Poppy nodded in agreement, her usual tension easing now that help was at hand.

I stood up a little straighter, puffing out my chest with pride.

"Actually... I've already come up with a plan!"

"So have I," Elaina said, crossing her arms, her lips curling into a smirk.

Our eyes locked in sudden anticipation. "Are we thinking the same thing? Alright, let's say our ideas on three... One... Two... Three!"

"We destroy Geoffrey's restaurant's reputation!"

we both shouted in unison, then blinked at each other, surprised.

"We restore this restaurant's reputation!"

"Restore?" I repeated.

"Destroy?"

Elaina frowned, her voice laced with doubt.

"Why would we destroy their reputation?"

I shrugged, as if the answer were obvious.

"Destroying is a lot easier than restoring."

Elaina opened her mouth to retort, but Poppy, in an uncharacteristically firm voice, interrupted.

"Why don't we do both?"

Both Elaina and I turned to Poppy, startled. "Both?" we said in unison, eyes meeting once again.

I considered it for a moment. The idea of tearing down Geoffrey's reputation while restoring the one we stood in seemed... fitting. A balance of chaos and justice. It wasn't a bad idea at all.

"Alright, let's do it," Elaina said, a spark of determination in her eyes.

"We'll show Geoffrey that he messed with the wrong person!" I declared dramatically, trying to mimic the voice of a heroic figure from a tale of old.

Elaina shot me a disapproving look, as if to say I was being ridiculous, but the faint curve of her lips betrayed her amusement.

"Yeah, we'll show him," she agreed, her tone shifting to something more serious. "But let's be smart about this. We can't just march into his restaurant and pull something reckless."

"Leave destroying the restaurant's reputation to me," I said, puffing up my chest with pride.

Elaina's eyes narrowed in a mix of skepticism and amusement. "Alright, genius. What's your plan, then?"

"I've pulled off something like this back at the academy... This is nothing!" I boasted, as if my past achievements were more impressive than they sounded.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but cautious. "Academy, huh? Well, okay... I'll leave this to you."

"Time for action!" I shouted, marching out of the restaurant like a soldier heading into battle.

Elaina watched me go, shaking her head. "He's going to mess this up. I just know it..." she mumbled under her breath.

Turning to Violet and Poppy, she softened again.

"Alright, now I'll help you restore this restaurant's reputation."

"But how...?" Poppy asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.

"Alright, we need to start with some promotion," Elaina said gently, looking at the two girls in front of her.

"I can make flyers! We can hand them out around town, maybe offer a discount for new customers!" Violet suggested enthusiastically.

Poppy hesitantly raised her hand. "B-But... what if people still don't want to come?" she murmured

Elaina looked at them with understanding, recognizing the vulnerability behind Poppy's words.

Elaina gave her a soft smile and placed a reassuring hand on Poppy's shoulder. "We can't let fear hold us back.

"This is our chance to show people that we can turn things around. And I know we can do it, together."

Poppy nodded, though she still looked a little nervous, while Violet was already busy designing bright, eye-catching flyers.

Elaina calmly prepared a special menu that would be the main attraction of their restaurant.

After hours of hard work, they began handing out flyers around the city.

Violet eagerly approached people, cheerfully inviting them to the restaurant, while Poppy followed behind, offering shy smiles whenever someone asked about their place.

Elaina, composed and patient, ensured everything went smoothly.

At first, no one came. The restaurant remained as quiet as ever, and Poppy's worry grew. "M-Maybe we should close early," she muttered softly.

"No," she said resolutely. "It's still too early. We have to give it more time."

But just as hope seemed to wane, the door creaked open. Their very first customer walked in hesitantly. Elaina greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome. Please, have a seat. We have a special menu today."

With Elaina's gentle hospitality, Violet's optimistic energy, and Poppy's shy but earnest efforts, the atmosphere in the restaurant gradually became warm and inviting. The first customer looked pleased.

Soon after the first customer, a few more people began to walk in.

Elaina noticed a new excitement in Poppy's eyes as more customers came in.

The flyers they had distributed were working and soon the number of customers started to increase.

On the other hand, I was executing my plan with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

"Alright," I murmured to myself, adjusting the disguise that made me nearly unrecognizable.

"It's showtime."

I walked into the restaurant, blending in seamlessly with the other patrons. As I moved toward my table, I discreetly poured a small amount of oil on the floor.

After seating myself, I placed an order, my heart racing with anticipation.

When the waiter arrived with my food, the inevitable happened. He slipped on the slick surface, sending the entire tray crashing to the floor in a dramatic display of clattering dishes and spilled food.

"Eh? Are you okay?" I asked, feigning concern as I approached the fallen waiter.

"Why is this floor so slippery?!" the waiter shouted, glaring up from where he sat, visibly frustrated.

A commotion drew Geoffrey's attention. He stormed over, his eyes widening at the chaotic scene.

"What's happening here?!"

Other customers, drawn by the noise, were also watching with curious glances.

"What have you done?!" Geoffrey's voice boomed, his anger palpable.

"I slipped... sir..." the waitress stammered from her spot on the floor.

Geoffrey's face turned a deep shade of red. "You're so careless! Look at the state of this place! You've turned my restaurant into a disaster!"

His temper flared easily, and I could see that his anger was both quick and fierce. I approached him calmly, hoping to defuse the situation.

"Enough. You're only making this worse."

Geoffrey, not recognizing me in my disguise, tried to maintain his composure. "Ah, I apologize for the disturbance my employee caused."

"It's nothing. I just want my soup," I said, returning to my seat as if nothing had happened.

"I will prepare it right away, sir," Geoffrey said tersely, turning on his heel to fulfill my order.

As Geoffrey walked away, I seized the opportunity to call out to a passing waiter. "Excuse me, could you please tell me where the restroom is?"

After receiving directions, I rose from my seat. As the waiter pointed me in the right direction, I discreetly plucked a strand of his hair.

With a practiced move, I slipped the hair into the food on the tray the waiter was carrying, ensuring it remained unnoticed.

"Thank you," I said, slipping away as if nothing had happened, and made my way to the restroom.

Inside, I could hear shouting and commotion echoing from the dining area. The disturbance was unmistakable-a customer had likely discovered the hair in their food.

I took out a small device that emitted a horrendous odor and activated it. The device whirred to life, filling the restroom with a repulsive stench. With the foul air growing increasingly unbearable, I hurriedly exited the restroom.

The noxious smell soon permeated the restaurant, driving customers away in discomfort.

Geoffrey burst into the now-empty dining area, his face contorted with confusion and anger. "What happened?!"

"This place reeks! This restaurant is a disgrace!" one departing customer shouted, adding to Geoffrey's mounting frustration.

I slipped out of the restaurant just as the smell-emitting device was about to detonate. The device, set to destroy any remaining evidence, was seconds away from exploding.

I was taken aback by the bustling activity in Violet and Poppy's restaurant as I walked in. The place was already busy with patrons, a stark contrast to Geoffrey's chaos.

I stepped inside, scanning the room until Elaina approached with a warm, welcoming smile.

"Good afternoon, welcome to our restaurant. How may I assist you?"

"It's me, Arche," I replied.

Elaina's smile faltered, her eyes widening in surprise. She glanced at me, then looked me up and down, her expression shifting to recognition.

"Arche...?!" Her surprise was palpable as she finally realized who I was.

"What are you doing here? Have you managed to ruin Geoffrey's restaurant's reputation?" Elaina whispered urgently, trying to keep the conversation discreet.

"The restaurant won't have any more customers," I said confidently, heading toward the employee room.

Elaina followed, her curiosity piqued. "No more customers? What did you do?" she asked in a low voice.

I removed the wig, feeling the relief of finally shedding the suffocating disguise. "Do you mind?" I asked, preparing to change out of my costume.

Elaina raised an eyebrow.

"Why don't you dress like that when you're with me?"

She turned away to give me some privacy. "Go ahead, get changed."

As I changed into my employee uniform, I began recounting my actions.

"So, here's the story..."

Elaina listened intently, her expression a blend of surprise and amusement.

"Only a crazy people would come up with a plan like that."

She paused, considering my actions. "But I must admit, it certainly stirred up quite the chaos at Geoffrey's place. You really know how to make a mess, don't you?"

Having finished changing into my employee uniform, I shrugged. "I told you, just leave it to me."

Elaina chuckled softly. "Yes, yes, I know. You're a genius. But you still have a knack for bragging like a child."

"Alright, Mr. Genius, what's your next move?" she asked, her tone both curious and teasing.

"Hm? I don't know... relaxing, maybe?" I replied, only to be interrupted by a sudden scream from outside. Elaina and I hurried out of the employee room.

"And here comes the villain," I remarked as Geoffrey stormed in, his face a mask of fury.

"What are you all doing? Haven't you heard that the food here is unhealthy?!" Geoffrey bellowed, his eyes flashing with anger as he glared at the customers.

Elaina's amused demeanor shifted to one of serious concern. She watched Geoffrey warily, her expression reflecting her growing unease.

Geoffrey continued to rant, his voice rising above the din of the restaurant. "How can a restaurant like this continue to exist? Customers deserve better food!"

"I heard your restaurant's using ingredients not fit for a damn dog. Word is, people are getting sick after eating there."

I raised an eyebrow, unfazed.

"Rumors, huh? Funny how that kind of crap comes from your mouth, Geoffrey. Got any proof?"

He snorted, his face instantly turning red, barely holding back his rage.

"Proof? Everyone fucking knows it! Your restaurant's going downhill, and you're seriously denying it?"

"Of course, I'm denying it, because it's bullshit," I replied calmly, though I could feel my tone rising.

"You can say whatever you want, but without proof, it's just empty slander."

Geoffrey stomped the floor hard, stepping closer with fire in his eyes.

"You think I need proof? People will believe what they see and hear!"

I held back a grin, trying to stay composed as the tension escalated.

"So you admit you're just relying on gossip to tear down someone else's business?"

"The hell did you just say?!" Geoffrey practically shouted, his face now completely red.

"You think you can keep getting away with this charade? Everyone knows your restaurant is nothing compared to mine!"

I stared at him calmly, feeling more certain that he was losing control.

"Then why are you so obsessed with a restaurant that's 'nothing,' Geoffrey? Maybe because deep down, you know I'm a bigger threat than you'd like to admit."

Geoffrey let out a forced, bitter laugh.

"A threat? You?! You're just a pathetic loser who doesn't know how to run a business! I'm gonna crush you, Arche. It's only a matter of time."

I stepped closer, locking eyes with him. "Then prove it. Real proof, not this bullshit and slander. Until then, you're just a man who's scared of losing everything."

Seeing Geoffrey starting to falter, I pressed on, perfecting the smug smile forming on my lips.

"Funny, Geoffrey. You talk about bad reputations like it has nothing to do with you."

"But now that I think about it, those rumors spread pretty damn fast... as fast as the bullshit flying from your mouth."

His face twitched, clearly insulted by the jab. "What the fuck are you implying?"

I smiled, keeping my tone casual.

"Well, you seem to know a bit too much about these rumors. More than anyone else I've talked to."

"Strange, don't you think? Only one person would care enough to spread that kind of trash."

Geoffrey scoffed, eyes narrowing into slits. "You accusing me, you little shit?"

"I'm not accusing," I said, my voice as soft as a blade cutting through skin.

"I'm just wondering how those rumors got so specific... and who would benefit from all this. Only one name comes to mind."

His sneer disappeared as his face turned a deep shade of red.

"You arrogant bastard! I don't need to do a damn thing! People hear the truth, and they know you're running a fucking dump!"

I took a step closer, my voice almost a whisper.

"The 'truth' you've been crafting behind closed doors, huh? You're the one spreading lies to drag us down."

"Because you're desperate. You know I'm breathing down your neck."

Geoffrey's eyes blazed, spitting with rage. "And what if I am?! So fucking what?! Your shitty restaurant's on its way to the gutter, and I'm just speeding things up!"

I held back a grin, my eyes piercing through his.

"Ah, so you admit it. It was you."

His eyes widened, panic starting to creep in.

"What? No-Fuck, no! I didn't say that!"

But I already had him.

"Oh, but you did. You just let it slip. And I wonder what else you've done to sabotage us."

"Tampering with suppliers? Fucking with prices? Or maybe something more desperate?"

He stumbled back, confusion mixing with fury.

"I... You... Fuck! Sometimes you gotta play dirty, alright?!"

"You wanna survive in this business, you do whatever it takes! If not, you're fucking dead!"

I leaned in closer, my words slicing through the air.

"You know what your problem is, Geoffrey? You're all bark, no bite. You're loud, but you're scared shitless."

"And you've just given everyone the proof they need to see that."

I won this debate

Anger seemed to have gripped Geoffrey, he tried to launch a punch at me.

"Arche, Geoffrey!" Violet called out firmly. "Enough. This has gone too far. Geoffrey, you've caused enough trouble with your filthy lies."

"We won't let you keep dragging our restaurant's reputation through the mud."

Geoffrey glared at Violet with contempt. "Oh, look who's here-Miss High and Mighty. You think you can stop me with your pathetic speeches?"

Violet stood her ground.

"And you think you can keep up your dirty tricks without facing any repercussions?"

"We're aware of your sleazy tactics, Geoffrey. Spreading malicious rumors, do something sneaky to bring down another restaurant-none of it will go unpunished."

Poppy stepped forward, though she looked uneasy.

"W-we don't want to fight, Geoffrey. We just want our restaurant to run honestly and fairly."

Geoffrey scoffed, his face flushing with anger. "You two clueless idiots have no idea. Want to hear what I've done? Fine!"

"I've been spreading vile rumors about your pathetic place because I don't want any competition."

"I've paid off lowlifes to pretend to be customers. I've done everything to keep my restaurant on top and crush yours!"

Violet's face hardened with determination.

"So, it's all true. You've used every dirty trick in the book to bring us down."

"Just so you know, Geoffrey, we'll make sure your every filthy action is exposed, and there will be severe consequences."

Poppy, though still a bit shaky, added, "We won't let your vile tactics ruin our restaurant's name. We're ready to fight back, no matter what."

Elaina emerged from beside me. "Oh, Elaina, where have you been?" I asked, puzzled by her sudden appearance.

"Finishing all this," she replied, her tone hinting at a mystery I didn't fully understand.

Just then, the restaurant door burst open, and a group of police officers stormed in, their guns trained on Geoffrey.

"You're under arrest, Geoffrey!" one of the officers declared.

"What?! Bastard!!!" Geoffrey roared in disbelief. Before he could react further, the officers fired tranquilizer darts, and Geoffrey slumped to the floor, unconscious.

The chaotic scene quickly settled as Geoffrey's unconscious body hit the ground. The officers moved swiftly, handcuffing him and preparing to remove him from the restaurant.

As they began to drag Geoffrey out, one of the officers turned toward us.

"Ma'am, we'd like to ask a few questions about this incident," he said, his gaze directed at Elaina.

"Leave it to us!" Violet interjected. "Elaina and Arche have been a tremendous help. Let us handle the officers."

The police nodded in agreement. "We appreciate your assistance in this matter. We'll take it from here. Thank you."

With Geoffrey being taken away, the restaurant closed early, marking the end of a turbulent period. All the issues from the past few days were finally resolved.

Elaina and I were seated on a park bench, the soft rustle of leaves providing a soothing backdrop.

"Huff... finally, everything's finished, huh?" I said, leaning back and letting out a contented sigh.

Elaina relaxed against the bench, her shoulders easing as she exhaled deeply. "Yeah, it's been quite a mess. I'm relieved it's all over."

"I didn't expect it to be this complicated," I said, taking a deep breath of the fresh air.

Elaina chuckled softly.

"That's you. You always seem to create a commotion wherever you go."

"But I'm always amazed at how you handle arguments. You can make people speechless with just a few words," I said, admiring her.

"Well, my mother is a brilliant lawyer. Maybe that's where I get my talent for debating," I replied, leaning comfortably on the bench.

Elaina's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Your mother is a lawyer? That makes a lot of sense," she said, her tone thoughtful.

"No wonder you're so adept with your words." Then she grinned mischievously. "Oh, is that why you manage to dodge the law despite your little... 'hobby'?"

"Huh? No, no, I don't want to use my mother's influence, and she doesn't even know about my 'hobby'," I said, a touch of discomfort in my voice.

Elaina smirked playfully.

"So, you're keeping secrets from your mother? I bet she wouldn't be too pleased to learn about your little 'hobby,'"

she teased.

I looked away, my thoughts drifting to my mother. I had never met her and probably never would.

"Ah... Maybe you're right," I said softly, the weight of the unspoken truth settling in.

Elaina's curiosity was evident. "By the way, what were you doing in the kitchen earlier? You seemed pretty busy in there."

"Oh, right,"

I said, a smile playing on my lips.

"I mentioned I'd make you some bread, didn't I?" I reached into my bag and handed her a neatly wrapped paper bag.

Elaina's eyes widened as she peeked inside. The enticing aroma of freshly baked bread greeted her, and her gaze softened with surprise.

"You really made these?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief as she took in the sight.

"Why the doubt? Yes, I made them all," I replied, my smile widening.

"Thank you for the food," Elaina said, her eyes lighting up as she took a bite. The flavor seemed to captivate her; the bread was soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious.

"Wow... this is amazing," she said, her eyes shining with astonishment as she swallowed. "You really did make this?"

"How many times do I have to say it? Yes, I did," I said, feeling a warm glow of satisfaction seeing her enjoy the bread. "Do you like it?"

Elaina nodded enthusiastically, taking another bite and savoring every mouthful. "Like it? I love it. It's absolutely delicious."

She finished the first piece and eagerly reached for another from the bag.

"You have to teach me how to make this. I can't believe you're such an excellent baker."

Her genuine delight made my heart skip a beat. The simple act of sharing something I had made for her seemed to bring us closer.

I gaze at her with an inquisitive look, as if I've just realized I've overlooked a crucial aspect of life.

In the garden bathed in the soft light of the afternoon, we sit side by side on the same long bench.

Elaina, with a gentle smile on her lips, enjoys every bite of the bread I crafted with such care.

The afternoon's ambiance, with its gentle sunlight, seems to envelop us in a beautiful silence.

I watch every small movement she makes, every flicker of her eyes, as if time itself slows down in this stillness.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar feeling starts to stir within me-a desire to be closer to her, to learn more about her, to always be by her side.

I realize, with a gradual awareness, that Elaina is not just beautiful but also sweet, as if she is a reflection of everything I've been searching for.

All this time, I hadn't understood the depth and complexity of my emotions.

Now, as I look at Elaina, her joyful face begins to form a presence that I can't ignore.

I feel my heart flutter with an intensity I can't comprehend-could this be a sign of something more than mere admiration?

As I ponder this feeling, I ask myself with a mixture of doubt and wonder,

'Is this love?'

I continue to stare at her, and when Elaina senses my gaze and turns to me, I quickly avert my face, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

The soft afternoon light seems inadequate to hide the deep shyness within me.

"Is something the matter, Arche?" Elaina asked, tilting her head to one side with a hint of curiosity.

"No... I just," I began, clearing my throat, "I was wondering where you plan to go after leaving this country."

Elaina took another thoughtful bite of the bread, her gaze drifting as she pondered my question.

"Hmmm... I haven't quite decided yet," she admitted, glancing back at me with a curious sparkle in her eyes.

"Why do you ask?"

"I'm just curious..." I said, feeling a bit flustered by the question I had posed.

"Hmmm...? Actually, I've been thinking about going to a country called Therandor," Elaina replied, her tone thoughtful.

"Therandor...?" I've never heard of that country's name before.

"What's the matter?" Elaina asked, noticing the shock on my face.

"...I'm just surprised. It turns out we're both heading to the same country," I explained, my heart racing a little.

Elaina's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You're going there too?" Her disbelief was clear in her voice.

"Yes, it seems like quite the coincidence," I said with a sheepish smile. "Hey, how about we travel there together?"

Elaina paused, considering my suggestion with a thoughtful look. The idea seemed to intrigue her.

"But why would you want to travel with me?" she asked, her gaze searching mine.

"Traveling alone can be pretty lonely, you know? I sometimes talk to myself just to pass the time," I admitted, a touch of sadness in my voice.

Elaina's lips twitched into a soft chuckle, her eyes dancing with amusement at my expression.

"Are you really trying to play the pity card now? Traveling together just because you dislike being alone?" she teased, crossing her arms and leaning back against the bench.

I took a deep breath, my resolve firming. "Alright... I'll make you bread whenever you want. How about that?"

Elaina's demeanor softened, and a playful glint appeared in her eyes. "Bread whenever I want, huh? You're quite desperate, aren't you?"

"Alright, I'll go with you, but on one condition," Elaina said, her tone serious but with a hint of amusement.

I looked at her, intrigued and eager to know what the condition might be. "What's that?"

"Don't touch me while we're on the road," she said, her voice maintaining its usual cool edge.

I couldn't help but smile at her response. "I promise!" I said enthusiastically, trying to match her playful tone.

"Alright, it's a deal then," Elaina agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

I stood up from the chair and turned towards her, my heart feeling lighter. "Well then, see you tomorrow!"

Elaina gave a small nod, her smile widening just slightly. "Tomorrow, then," she replied, her eyes meeting mine with a touch of warmth.

I then went to my hotel room, my heart racing with excitement as I entered. Throwing myself onto the bed, I exclaimed, "I DID IT!"

But as I lay there, a wave of confusion hit me. "Wait... why do I want to be with her so much? Agh! What is this feeling?!" I rolled around on the bed, overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions. "What's wrong with me...?"

I glanced around the room and noticed the backpack resting in the corner of the room. Curiosity drove me to approach it and open its contents.

"Hmm..."

My eyes fell upon a thick book, but to my surprise, it was blank.

"This book...? Oh! This is the book Grandma gave me!"

I remembered her words: to write my story. But I had always hesitated, fearing the dangers if someone read it.

"But I'm not a thief anymore... should I write now?"

I spotted a childhood book tucked away in my bag, its pages recounting the adventures of a hero who saved people in the lands he visited.

"Hm... That's not a bad idea!"

I decided to give it a try.

With renewed resolve, I took the blank book and began writing.

"Hmm... I need a title for this book."

I examined the sky-blue cover, then glanced at my reflection in the mirror. "Penance Of A Thief..." I wrote the title on the cover, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

I started penning the first chapter:

'In a world filled with magic and wonders, there lies a city that sparkles under a star-filled sky, home to witches and mystical creatures...'

'Nestled between towering mountains and dense forests, this city is a hub for traders, adventurers, and notably, thieves...'

I continued writing, deeply immersed in crafting the story.

Hours passed as I struggled with finding the perfect nickname for the protagonist.

"I'm really bad at naming..."

Frustration mounted.

"AGH... I'm probably better at gambling than giving names."

Just when I was about to give up, a name idea suddenly popped into my head.

I then began writing with a new pseudonym: Ace the Sin Redeemer.

I poured my heart into documenting every detail, from the first time I met Elaina until today.

The next day, I found myself absorbed in a book about conversation topics for talking to women. "Ugh... so complicated... The last time I read something like this was years ago," I muttered, leaning against the wall.

As I struggled to understand the book, a woman approached me, her presence captivating. I quickly closed the book, feeling a flush of embarrassment.

"You're here? So fast," she said.

"I am always faster than others," I replied, unable to keep the arrogance from my voice.

Elaina chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Always the cocky one, aren't you?"

She glanced at the book I had hastily closed. "What's that you're reading?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just a book on how to get rich in one day," I lied, feeling too shy to admit the truth.

Elaina's curiosity was piqued. "And what's the secret plan to make all that money in one day?"

"I'll tell you on the way," I said, avoiding her gaze as we prepared to leave.

We stepped out of the country and mounted our broomsticks, heading toward Therandor. As we flew, I tried to lighten the mood with jokes. But suddenly, I muttered,

"Foolish guy... huh?"

Elaina's head turned, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What did you say?"

"...Nothing," I said with a faint smile, trying to brush it off.

Elaina's gaze lingered on me, her curiosity unabated. It was clear I wasn't being entirely honest, but she decided to let it go for now.

She flew closer on her broomstick, a playful sparkle in her eyes. "You're hiding something now, aren't you?"

"Hey, Elaina, do you want to hear a story about fighting werewolves?" I asked, shifting the topic. "Or maybe a tale about when I was a temporary servant in a kingdom?"

Elaina seemed a bit surprised by the sudden change, but she played along. "Werewolves or a kingdom servant? Hmm... Tell me both."

As I began recounting my stories, I found myself enjoying the moment more than ever. Sharing my experiences with Elaina made this journey feel like the most memorable one I'd had since becoming a wanderer.

First love is the most beautiful experience for all humans. First love is full of beauty, a new world that fills every corner of the heart, filling the world with vibrant rainbows, so that one will forget all the hidden sufferings of life.