Title: Shocking Information

Summary: Flavio learns some important, but disheartening information about the reputation of the restaurant…

AN: A rather serious oneshot this time, but I'm totally going somewhere with it. Trust me!


It was late afternoon, but Flavio found himself idly walking around High Lagaard. Fafnir, of course, wanted to go with him, but Flavio wanted to spend some time thinking to himself. And Fafnir had a few things he needed to do himself before their next jaunt into the labyrinth anyway.

He didn't really understand Fafnir's concern toward him. It was a surprisingly warm afternoon, and rather peaceful too. Perfect time for him to think about what Regina had said to them when they visited the restaurant for lunch.

Regina had been lamenting about the lack of customers staying at the restaurant after they had eaten and was asking them for help in gaining more patrons and keeping regulars. Flavio wanted to help of course, however, wasn't entirely sure what they could do. He wasn't an expert in the area of catering by any means. All he really knew about the hospitality was cooking and serving customers.

However, he was fairly certain that a restaurant needed more than just delicious food. And potential customers needed more of a reason to keep visiting, forking out their hard-earned money, than just because the food was nice.

And, well…maybe they needed a slightly friendlier chef? Regina could be a little bit…hard faced, for a lack of a better term.

Other than that…he was kinda at a loss.

Just as he reached the bottom of a small flight of stairs, Flavio heard someone call out to him.

"What's a pretty boy like you doing in a place like this?"

Flavio couldn't help but bristle at the 'compliment' and spun around to tell the enquirer to mind their own business. But he paused when he realised that there wasn't a single person looking at him. There were several. And…they didn't look to be the nicest of people.

"Tch," one of them spat as they lingered in the shadows. "You're from that library guild, aren't you? The one with the brainless but oh-so precious princess?"

Flavio frowned. "She's not-" he started to protest, only to be cut short when another shady looking individual (he couldn't tell if they were man or woman, nor what class they were, if any) stepped from the shadows.

"They're also the ones that the old fart from the Grand Duchy gave a restaurant to," they supplied, which seemed to prompt ire from the gathering crowd.

"Yeah," a young woman with her hair in pigtails and the attire of a dark hunter said as she sauntered into view, a scowl on her face. "Princesses always get special treatment, don't they?"

W-well, most royalty did…

"Heard that the minister's granddaughter is trying to prove a point."

H-how did they know about-?

"Pfft," the young woman snorted loudly as she folded her arms under her bust. "Yeah, right. Nothing says I'm an independent like having dear old grandpa build and give me a restaurant without charge, and then give me a guild to do all the heavy work for me while I relish in all the compliments and praise."

Well, he couldn't really dispute that…

"Typical noble," the man that had drawn his attention in the first place spat violently. "They wouldn't know what struggle meant. They're just rolling in cash. I bet you're rolling in cash, too, aren't you, pretty boy?"

Flavio didn't even try to verbally respond to that. It wouldn't do any good. In fact, he was fairly certain that it would only make things worse.

"Maybe you could donate some?" someone else suddenly piped up. "Making money is hard in Lagaard, you know?"

Flavio simply began to back away slowly, his eyes darting to his surroundings. The area he had unintentionally wandered into seemed to be quite rundown. Obviously one of the lesser ranked part of the city.

Even so…whatever he had done to anger these people…?

"Even those from the lower wards deserve to eat, don't you think?"

That…was an odd thing to ask him. Were they not getting any food?

"If you don't want to make a donation, maybe you could get us money another way."

"Yeah…"

Flavio's foot hit the bottom step of the stairs he had previously descended. He didn't want to turn to look. Didn't want to take his eyes off the crowd in front of him. They had to be locals, right? Whoever they were, they were ganging up on him. They were volatile for reasons he didn't quite understand. One thing he did understand was that they resented his guild and the restaurant.

He didn't have the slightest idea what they meant about getting them money another way, but he didn't want to hang around long enough to find out!

But…would he be able to make a run for it?

With his heart thundering in his chest, Flavio was about to spin around and bolt up the stairs to run when he heard a sound that made him all but stop breathing.

It was the sound of a low growl. Like that from an animal. A large animal.

Holding his breath, Flavio turned to look over his shoulder and saw a large white tiger with sabre like fangs standing at the top of the stairs. And it appeared to be peering down at him.

Oh crap…just what he didn't need!

Slowly, the white tiger descended then the steps, its claws scraping across the pathway stones. Each step drew the tiger closer to Flavio, and he could see the tiger's immense muscles flexing fluently beneath the white and black fur. It moved so gracefully that Flavio was torn between being awed by its majestic presence or frightened as it appeared that the tiger could strike him down without any effort whatsoever.

It was pretty obvious who was more dangerous between a white-tiger and a pack of disgruntled locals.

As it reached the bottom step, the white-tiger did something startling; it sat back into its back haunches next to Flavio, keeping its gaze upon the crowd that had threateningly gathered around him.

And the crowd backed away.

"That's…" one of them murmured as they all stared at the tiger.

"I agree with our white-tiger friend," a new voice stated suddenly.

Glancing in the direction that the voice radiated from, Flavio watched as a short, elderly woman who relied on two walking sticks hobbled into the middle of the group. The crowd parted to allow her to move forward, she appearing completely unafraid of any of them. "There is no need to allow this confrontation to continue," she added.

The volatility that the crowd had displayed previously started to dissipate and they backed down. Although, they still looked disgruntled and some still glared in Flavio's direction.

"Fine," a man with the scruffy beard muttered. "That white tiger's from the Guardian Guild. You don't mess with them."

O-oh, the Guardian Guild? That…that was a relief!

"Unlike other guilds, the Guardians are more than willing to help us loathsome peasants," the woman with the pigtails added before the crowd dispersed almost completely.

A few lingered, though, seemingly keeping a watchful gaze over the elderly woman.

"My apologies," the elderly woman unexpectedly said to him, a truly apologetic expression on her wrinkle and worn face.

Truthfully, Flavio was still on high alert, tensing for any further confrontation. "Oh, ah…" he could only murmur, his heart still racing uncomfortably fast as he glanced between the older woman and the white tiger who seemed to be quite content to sit quietly by his side.

If…the white tiger was part of the Guardian Guild, could there also be another member close by?

"Chi-hung?" A new but ever so slightly recognisable voice called out, causing the white tiger to lift its head in acknowledgement. "Is there something the matter?"

Turning his attention to the stairs once more, Flavio watched as the man with the dark dreadlocks and tribal markings silently descended the stairs. He recognised the man to be the one that the feral looking dark hunter had called Hamza (and grandpa, if he wasn't mistaken) from their…chat last night.

And from the arching of the man's eyebrow, he recognised him, too…

"Ah, you're the one that Rahas was fighting with last night," he said with a somewhat teasing smile on his lips. "Flavio, if I'm not mistaken."

Flavio winced and scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, and I'm really sorry about that."

"Not at all," Hamza said as he folded his arms beneath the folds of his war magus cloak. "It was very entertaining. My guild has taken a liking to you."

Before Flavio could stutter out a response, Hamza looked away from him and turned his attention to the elderly woman. "Hm? Good evening, Barbara," he said easily, surprisingly unconcerned by those who were still lingering in the background.

"Evening, dear," the woman, Barbara, greeted in return with a small smile of fondness on her lips.

"Ah, yes," Hamza suddenly said as he stood just a little bit taller, seemingly turning his attention to those who were lingering silently within the shadows of the lower ward. "The hospital has managed to temporarily open a soup kitchen for those in the lower wards today. Please help escort the elderly and the young so that they can eat for today."

Huh? A soup kitchen?

"Temporarily?" Barbara queried as the locals that had been standing protectively on the sidelines stood to attention.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Hamza replied, his expression turning unnervingly dark. "The hospital funding has…been reduced, to say the least."

Flavio winced again and subconsciously took a step to the side to stand behind Hamza when the ward locals voiced their dismay and outrage at the news. Honestly, Flavio was also surprised. The hospital should have continuously and stable funding, right? They ensured the safety of not only the explorers of the labyrinth, but the residents of High Lagaard themselves! They should have top priority!

"Yes, I know," Hamza said, his voice somehow quietening the furious protests. He seemed so…calm. Regal, almost. Clearly he had walked through these streets numerous times before and knew those who lived there quite well. And he had earned their respect.

"Please, the Guardian Guild is doing all they can to help," Hamza reassured, which calmed them down further. "And please visit the hospital as soon as you can. Especially you, Barbara. I'm certain that you haven't eaten today, have you?"

Barbara scoffed lightly in a hardened way. "My grandchildren will always come first," she retorted as she turned away from Hamza and hobbled away.

"Of course," Hamza replied with a curt, but somehow knowing nod of his head.

Slowly, the locals that had been harassing Flavio began to depart, scattering in all directions. To, hopefully, do as Hamza had asked of them.

Hamza spent a silent moment watching them all leave before nodding his head to himself, seemingly satisfied. He then turned his attention to Flavio, offering him a polite smile. "I have not introduced myself, have I? I am Hamza, leader to the Guardian Guild." He quickly indicated to the white tiger with his hand. "And this is Chi-hung. Though he is our loyal beast companion, he is willing to aide any who are in need."

Chi-hung flicked an ear at him in response.

"O-oh, it's nice to meet you," Flavio replied, although nervous, he was also feeling more at ease being in the leader's presence. No wonder he garnered so much respect from the locals.

"Come, I'll escort you to the inn," Hamza unexpectedly commanded as he motioned for the steps with a wave of his hand.

Flavio simply nodded his head and fell a step behind the mighty war magus. Chi-hung, however, seemed to want to linger beside him, acting almost as a bodyguard. It was honestly reassuring.

"You should not wander these streets alone," Hamza suddenly said to him, not immune to Flavio's unease. "They're not bad people. Just desperate. The leaders of High Lagaard don't understand that, I'm afraid. They don't understand that when people have no money, they'll resort to stealing just to get food on their plates, especially for their families. I know I would."

W-well, Flavio could see how some people would resort to such methods. Growing up in an orphanage, it was sometimes first come, first serve. But, surely there were other means to get the money and food necessary?

"But, the labyrinth-" Flavio started to mention.

"Not everyone who sets foot within is made for exploration," Hamza interrupted him with a curt smile. "And with prices going up due to rivalry amongst the stores and cafes, constantly harvesting the first stratum doesn't earn much money, I'm afraid."

Oh, well…yeah, that was true. Trekking through the labyrinth, gathering materials, avoiding monsters; it wasn't easy for veterans, let alone those who couldn't afford the weapons and armours needed.

Did that…Was that one of the reasons the restaurant wasn't popular?

"Regina and the restaurant aren't exactly popular around the wards of Lagaard, are they?" Flavio couldn't stop himself from asking.

Hamza released an audible sigh, appearing as if he had been on the receiving end of several complaints since the restaurant's opening.

"I'm afraid not, no," he said as a frown tugged on his lips and he glanced back at Flavio for a moment before returning his gaze forward. "There are many who find it…disrespectful. Lagaard was built from hard work, so to have the minister's granddaughter given her own restaurant and guild…"

Hamza trailed off before glancing back at Flavio again to offer him a small smile. "Well, I'm sure you can appreciate their irritation."

Flavio couldn't help but wince and look down at the ground. He really hadn't any idea that people felt that way about Regina and the restaurant. But as he thought back on it, even Hanna and Cass were wary and a little bit miffed to learn of the restaurant's existence.

Flavio glanced over at Chi-hung when the white-tiger brushed against his side, almost as if trying to comfort him. He smiled down at the beast and idly trailed his fingertips over his fur, earning him a small purr in return. "Regina works very hard," he murmured under his breath.

Hamza nodded his head idly, but there was a tightness of his lips. "She didn't start from the bottom, did she?"

"No…" Flavio murmured and chewed on his bottom lip. "Is there a way to change that?"

"Hm? The reputation of the restaurant?" Hamza questioned, to which Flavio simply replied with a nod of his head.

Hamza hummed in thought as he folded one arm across his chest, the other scratching his chin. He walked silently and Flavio kept quiet to allow the other man to muse to himself. He, however, almost walked into the back of him when Hamza suddenly came to a stop. It was only then that Flavio realised that they had reached the entrance of the inn.

Honestly, he was so out of it today! Crap, he'd probably wasn't going to be allowed to walk anywhere by himself ever again should Fafnir find out what happened to him today!

"It may be difficult," Hamza said as he turned to face him. "However…have you thought of possibly using the money garnered from the restaurant to instead filter it back into restoring High Lagaard?"

Flavio turned to look at the older war magus and furrowed his brow. "You mean like in city development?"

Hamza nodded his head and dropped his arms to his sides. "Yes. I'm sure that would ease the minds of many. After all, on these streets, those who are noble or royal must prove themselves to be worthy of having vassals or subjects. Standing at the top means nothing if there is no one supporting you from below."

Yeah, that actually made a lot of sense.

"If you are truly interested in helping the other wards of Lagaard, you should visit the hospital," Hamza continued. "Or at the very least, speak with Lynus who can introduce you to those at the hospital. Until you gain the respect of those of the lower wards, I suggest you avoid them for now."

Oh, that shouldn't be a problem.

"Gaining their respect won't be easy, will it?" Flavio couldn't help but sigh. "The Guardian Guild is highly respected, though."

A fond smile made its way upon Hamza's lips. "Hm. We treat all we encounter with respect and dignity, even those we rescue from the labyrinth. To us, status and class are inconsequential. Everyone has to right to live without suffering."

Live without suffering…That sounded nice.

"Excuse me; I have other appointments to attend to," Hamza suddenly said as he turned away from the inn and motioned for Chi-hung. "Come, Chi-hung."

Chi-hung flicked his tail in response before unexpectedly brushing against Flavio's side, almost as if bidding a farewell as well before prowling over to Hamza's side.

"T-thanks for the help earlier!" Flavio called out to the war magus.

Hamza waved a hand over his shoulder. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Flavio wasn't sure if he could after learning everything that he did. But he'll try.

"Thanks for what?" a familiar voice questioned behind Flavio.

And Flavio inwardly groaned, his shoulders slumping in defeat. It had not been his day, has it? Of course Fafnir would be waiting at the entrance of the inn for him to return and hear the end of their conversation.

"Ok, Faf? First you promise me you won't go all protective of me…"