A memory played into his mind, like a movie that summarized the person he just met. Nikolai was sitting inside the darkness as he remembered the lowest point of his life.
"Are you awake?" asked the gentle voice as Nikolai was nudged. Then, finally, his awareness came, but it brought a killing headache with it.
"Ugh, where am I?" asked Nikolai as he rose. It was the same inn he frequented, and the waitress looked at him with concern.
"You drunk too much again, Sir Yaran," she said with a sigh. "I always knew that young adventurers were into killing themselves, but not in this way," she giggled.
"Are you mocking me?" Nikolai scowled at her, and she giggled more before bringing him some water to wash his face. The inn was empty, and it was morning, so she only took care of him.