Chapter 7 : Daily life at the inn.
author's note : "Sorry for the short chapter last time! I've made up for it with a longer one this time. Hope you enjoy it!"
"Speech".
"Thoughts".
After sealing the deal with Mia Grande, 2B was now in her room, reflecting on her new role at The Hostess of Fertility. The sun had set, casting Orario in a serene glow, and the soft hum of the inn below provided a comforting backdrop. With the day's events behind her, 2B embraced the quiet of her surroundings, readying herself for her first night on the job.
As the clock struck eight, there was a knock on her door. 2B opened it to find Mia standing there, her expression as sharp and resolute as ever, but with a hint of a smirk.
"Ready?" Mia asked, giving her a quick once-over. 2B had changed into a more practical outfit for the night shift—a simple, green dress with a fitted waist that allowed ease of movement, paired with a white apron tied neatly around her. The dress, though modest, complemented her figure and added a touch of color to her usual monochrome appearance.
2B nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."
"Good," Mia said, turning to lead the way. "Let's go introduce you to the rest of the staff. They'll be your coworkers for the next two weeks, so it's important you get to know them."
Mia guided 2B down the stairs into the main area of the inn, where the evening rush was in full swing. The clinking of glasses, the hum of conversation, and the inviting warmth of freshly prepared meals filled the air, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
As they approached the kitchen door, Mia paused and turned to 2B. "The girls here are a tight-knit bunch, but they're good people. Just be yourself, and you'll fit in fine."
Mia pushed open the door, revealing a bustling kitchen where several women were hard at work. The sound of sizzling pans and the rich aroma of cooking filled the room. A group of waitresses gathered around a counter, preparing trays of food to serve to the guests.
"Everyone, meet our new helper," Mia announced, her voice carrying over the din of the kitchen as she gave 2B a rough pat on the back. The waitresses turned to look at 2B, their expressions curious and welcoming.
Taking a small step forward, 2B introduced herself with a polite nod. "My name is 2B Yorha. I'll be working with you for the next couple of weeks. I look forward to helping out wherever I can."
The first to respond was Lunoire Faust, a young woman with light brown eyes and hair. She gave 2B a friendly smile, her tone casual. "Nice to meet you, 2B. Don't worry, we'll take good care of you while you're here."
Next was Syr Flova, a kind-looking girl with grey hair and eyes. She returned 2B's nod with a warm smile. "Welcome, miss 2B. It's always nice to have a new face around. If you need anything, feel free to ask."
Ryuu Lion, a reserved elf with emerald locks and a grave expression, nodded politely in 2B's direction. "It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Yorha. I'm sure you'll find your time here fulfilling."
Then, with an energetic bounce, Anya Fromel, a catgirl with brown hair and eyes, chimed in with her distinctive accent. "Nyaa! Nice to meet ya, 2B! We're gonna have so much fun working together, nya!"
Chloe Rollo, another catgirl with black hair and green eyes, echoed Anya's enthusiasm with a sly grin. "Anya's right, nya. Stick with us, and nyou'll be just fine, 2B, nya."
In the background, 2B noticed another catgirl working in the kitchen. Though she was focused on her tasks, she offered a brief, welcoming nod before returning to her cooking. Mia caught 2B's glance and quietly mentioned, "That's May. She's our main cook. She doesn't talk much, but she's good at what she does."
Satisfied with the introductions, Mia clapped her hands to regain everyone's attention. "Alright, girls, now that you've all met, let's get back to work. Lunoire, you'll be showing 2B the ropes tonight."
Lunoire gave a nod, already moving to grab a tray. "Got it, Mama! Come on, 2B, let's get you started."
After giving 2B a quick rundown of her tasks, Lunoire left her to begin her duties. The night was in full swing, and the hostess was lively with activity. 2B quickly fell into a rhythm, moving through the crowded space with precision. She approached tables with a calm, almost detached attitude, taking orders efficiently and without unnecessary conversation. Her green dress and white apron blended well with the lively atmosphere of the inn, though her presence stood out to the patrons.
As she served drinks and delivered steaming plates of food, 2B noticed the curious glances and whispered comments from the guests. Her composed and somewhat distant manner clearly caught their attention. Some of the patrons were intrigued by the new face, while others were captivated by her striking beauty and the poised manner in which she carried herself.
"Hey, you're new here, right?" one patron asked as 2B placed a dish in front of him, a friendly smile on his face.
"Yes," she replied curtly, her expression unchanging. "Is there anything else you need?"
The patron chuckled softly, taken aback by her bluntness. "Well, I was going to ask for a smile, but I see that's not on the menu."
2B paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on him. "No," she said, deadpan. "But I do recommend the dessert special."
The patron blinked, then burst into laughter, clearly amused. "Ha! You know, I didn't expect to meet someone like you working here. But I think I'll take that recommendation."
2B gave a brief nod in acknowledgment, turning to the next table. As she walked away, the patron couldn't help but grin, still thinking about the unexpected interaction.
Meanwhile, in the back of the inn, Ryuu and Chloe were observing 2B from a distance. Ryuu had a thoughtful expression as she watched the new waitress glide silently across the floor, her footsteps barely making a sound even on the wooden boards.
"There's something strange about her," Ryuu remarked quietly to Chloe, her tone measured and serious. "Her steps—they're completely silent."
Chloe nodded, her green eyes narrowing slightly. "Nyah, I nyoticed that too. It's a bit strange, but I figured it's better nyot to ask too many questions. We all have our own pasts, nya? She probably has hers too. Nyo point in digging around."
Ryuu considered Chloe's words, her suspicion lingering. "Perhaps. But it's still unusual. I think we should keep an eye on her."
Chloe shrugged, not particularly concerned. "Suit yourself, nya. I'm just glad she's pulling her weight, nya. Mama doesn't keep slackers around."
Deciding not to push the conversation further, Ryuu nodded and let the matter drop, though she remained cautious. As she continued to observe 2B throughout the night, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the new waitress than met the eye.
The night continued smoothly until a group of rowdy adventurers, well into their drinks, began to get a little too comfortable. One of them, emboldened by the alcohol, reached out to grope 2B's derrière as she passed by. In a flash, 2B reacted, her movements swift and decisive. With a fluid motion, she grabbed the adventurer's arm, twisted it, and sent him crashing to the floor, all without spilling a drop from the tray she carried.
The hostess fell silent for a moment, everyone staring at the scene in shock. The downed adventurer groaned in pain, but his friends, not yet sober enough to think clearly, rose to their feet, ready to retaliate. Before they could make a move, a voice cut through the tension like a knife.
"Is anyone trying to touch my girls?!" Mia's voice boomed from the kitchen, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present, including 2B. The sheer authority in her tone was enough to freeze the adventurers in their tracks.
2B glanced at Mia, who was glaring at the adventurers with a look that promised severe consequences. She couldn't help but think to herself, "Just how strong is she?"
The adventurers, now fully realizing the gravity of the situation, quickly backed down. The man who had been thrown struggled to his feet, muttering apologies as he and his comrades made a hasty exit from the restaurant, leaving their unfinished drinks behind.
As the door closed behind them, the tension in the room eased, and the other waitresses quickly gathered around 2B.
"Are you alright, 2B?" Lunoire asked, concern evident in her voice.
"That was some move!" Anya added with a wide grin. "You sure showed them, nya!"
Chloe nodded in agreement, her expression a mix of admiration and amusement. "Yeah, that was impressive, nya. But seriously, are you okay?"
2B gave a small nod, her expression as calm as ever. "I'm fine."
The waitresses exchanged relieved looks, and the lively atmosphere of the hostess gradually returned, though the memory of 2B's swift and decisive action lingered in the minds of many, adding another layer to the mystery that surrounded her.
As the last of the patrons trickled out and the clatter of dishes subsided, The Hostess of Fertility finally began to quiet down. The once lively chatter had faded, leaving behind only the soft rustling of the waitresses as they finished cleaning up. Mia had retired for the night, leaving the staff to unwind after a busy shift.
With the inn closed and the night settling in, the waitresses gathered in the kitchen for their usual post-work routine—a light meal before heading to bed. 2B, having completed her first day without a hitch, followed the others into the kitchen, curious about the end-of-night rituals.
Syr, already at the counter, hummed cheerfully as she stirred a pot. "I thought we could all use something warm after such a long day," she said with a bright smile. "I made a stew!"
At the word stew, the other waitresses visibly tensed. Anya's ears twitched, and Chloe exchanged a glance with Lunoire, While Ryuu's calm expression remained as unreadable as ever, you could see her body trembling slightly, as if she was trying to hold back a sneeze in a very serious meeting. None of them dared to openly refuse Syr's cooking directly, but their hesitation was clear.
Anya was the first to speak up, raising her hands dramatically. "Oh, nya! I just remembered I still nyeed to, uh, wash my uniform! Can't eat with dirty clothes, nya!" She darted for the door without waiting for a reply.
Chloe followed suit, eyes wide in mock surprise. "Nya! I forgot about that too! Gotta keep it spotless, nya!" She quickly scampered after Anya.
Lunoire, ever the smooth talker, gave a delicate cough. "Syr, I appreciate the effort, but I'm trying this new... fasting method after 9 PM. You know, for the skin," she said, patting her cheek. "But you enjoy!"
Ryuu, as usual, was more composed. She gently slid her bowl away and bowed slightly. "I appreciate the offer, but I've already had a hearty meal earlier. I'll pass on the stew this time."
Syr frowned, looking somewhat crestfallen. "Oh, I see..." she murmured, before turning hopefully to 2B, who had yet to speak.
Having missed the unspoken agreement among the others, 2B quietly accepted her bowl. "Thank you, Syr," she said, lifting a spoonful of the steaming stew to her lips. The others watched in silence; eyes wide with anticipation.
The moment the stew touched her tongue, 2B's entire body stiffened. For the first time since she came into this world, 2B's expression displayed something other than her usual calmness. Her eyes widened in shock as the overwhelming flavor—an unholy blend of burnt, sour, and bitter—hit her palate. She immediately spat it out, coughing violently. The spoon clattered onto the table as she gasped for air, struggling not to choke.
"What in the world is this?!" 2B exclaimed in her mind as she coughed, desperately trying to spit everything out. "I thought it was supposed to be stew, not a trial by fire! This is like the human equivalent of macquerel!"
The entire kitchen erupted into chaos. Anya, who had peeked back in through the door, fell to the floor in a fit of giggles. "Nyaa! She couldn't handle it!"
Chloe leaned against the wall, howling with laughter. "That was faster than I thought, nya!"
Lunoire patted 2B's back as she choked, trying to catch her breath. "We should've warned you," she said between fits of laughter. "Syr's cooking is... an acquired taste."
Even Ryuu, who rarely broke her stoic facade, allowed herself a faint smile. "You handled it better than most," she said, though there was a hint of amusement in her usually calm tone.
Meanwhile, Syr stood frozen, her face a mixture of concern and confusion. "I-I didn't think it was that bad!" she stammered, grabbing a spoon to try a bite herself. The moment she tasted it, her eyes widened in horror. "Oh no... it's even worse than last time!"
The waitresses continued to laugh, their giggles filling the kitchen as 2B, still recovering, gave Syr a small, hoarse nod. "It was... unique," she said, managing to regain some composure.
Syr, realizing the situation, began to chuckle along with the others. "Maybe I'll leave the cooking to May from now on."
"Good idea, nya!" Anya chimed in from the doorway, wiping a tear from her eye. "2B almost didn't make it!"
Though her expression returned to its usual calm, 2B couldn't help but feel a slight warmth in the room—not from the stew, but from the easy camaraderie among the waitresses. Despite the coughing fit and the disastrous taste, she felt more connected to the group than before.
A week passed quietly at The Hostess of Fertility. During the day, 2B roamed Orario, acquainting herself with the vibrant city. She explored various landmarks, familiarized herself with her surroundings, navigated the bustling streets, and searched for places that might offer clues about her former comrades. Her nights were spent diligently working at the inn. As she consistently performed her duties, she found herself becoming a more integral part of the team, blending seamlessly into the daily rhythm of the inn.
As evening settled in, 2B approached Mia. The inn was quieter at this time of night, with only a few patrons lingering over their drinks.
"Mia," 2B said, her voice even and respectful, "I need to inform you that I have business at the guild tomorrow. I'm not certain when I will be finished, so I may be absent for part of my shift."
Mia looked up from the ledger she was reviewing, her expression thoughtful. "Alright, 2B. If you're not sure when you'll be back, just let us know as soon as you can. We'll manage in the meantime."
2B nodded. "Understood. I'll return as soon as I'm able."
Mia gave a curt nod, signaling her acknowledgment. "Good luck with your business. I'll make sure the girls are aware of your absence."
With that settled, 2B continued her work, seamlessly integrating into the night's routine. Her focus remained sharp, but her thoughts were fixed on the next steps of her quest.
The next day arrived with the city of Orario bathed in the gentle light of morning. 2B made her way to the guild, the anticipation of her visit evident in her deliberate pace.
Upon arriving at the Guild, she found the reception area bustling with activity as usual. Eina Tulle was behind one of the counters, attending to a few adventurers who were inquiring about the available quests. As 2B approached, Eina looked up and offered a warm smile.
"Good morning, miss 2B," Eina greeted. "How can I assist you today?"
2B nodded in acknowledgment. "Good morning, Eina. I'm here to check on the status of my request regarding the records of adventurers. I was told it would take about a week to process."
Eina's expression became thoughtful as she reached for a ledger. "Yes, I remember. Let me check the status for you."
As Eina reviewed the records, 2B waited patiently amidst the lively energy and activity of the bustling reception area, her thoughts focused on what type of lead Eina might have uncovered during this week of research.
After a few moments, Eina looked up, her expression apologetic. "I'm afraid we haven't found anything relevant yet. We've encountered some issues with the records, and so far, there's been no useful information located. We're still working on it, but it might take more time."
2B's expression remained impassive, though a subtle hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "I understand. How long do you anticipate it will take to resolve these issues?"
Eina shook her head slightly. "It's difficult to say at this point. We'll continue to work on it, and I'll make sure to update you as soon as we have something concrete."
2B nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for the update. I'll check in at another date."
As 2B walked through the crowded streets of Orario, frustration simmered beneath her calm exterior. The lack of progress on her quest weighed heavily on her mind, and with her funds depleting, the urgency of her situation pressed on her, compelling her to make a decision. She considered continuing her work at The Hostess of Fertility. The job was steady, with a routine she had already established, providing a reliable income. However, working full-time at the restaurant would leave her little time to investigate and search for clues about her missing comrades. The longer she stayed, the more she risked losing valuable time in her search.
Another option was to join a Familia and become an adventurer. Orario was a city known for its adventurers, many of whom made their fortunes by exploring the Dungeon. As a former battle android, 2B was more than capable of handling the dangers that came with the profession. Her combat expertise and physical prowess far surpassed that of an ordinary human. If she chose this path, she could earn money quickly while also gaining access to the vast network of information that came with being an adventurer. However, this route carried its own risks, and joining a Familia meant committing herself to a group with its own rules and dynamics.
After considering both options, 2B decided to put the decision on hold. She still had one week left at The Hostess of Fertility, and during that time, she would continue to observe the city and gather information. Once her time at the hostess was up, she would reevaluate her situation and decide on the best course of action.
With that decision made, she pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on making the most of the remaining week. She knew that whatever path she chose, it would bring her one step closer to uncovering the truth she sought.