The next day rolls around and I find myself struggling to keep up, tens of people fill my bar at a time and as much as enjoy every aspect of it, I don't enjoy running between all the stations so often. I need to think of something to help me, aren't golems a thing here? Maybe I could try my hand at that, just something small like listing the things I need to make.
For now though, I'm more concerned about the masked man sat in the corner of the bar. He hasn't ordered anything and is just eyeing everything up. For whatever reason he has a flower bouquet in his hand, but I still feel like he brings danger to the customers.
I managed to get the remaining orders cleared off, so I went over to talk to him. "Hiya, are you alright there? Can I get you anything today?"
"That you can, I need a rather hefty donation. Unfortunately surgeon pay just doesn't cut it anymore, nor do I see enough blood!"
He lunged at me with the bouquet, I tilted to the side and smacked him open palm.
[Smacking lv1]
"Why are you attacking anyone with flowers? That's just impractical" His next attack actually hit and it scraped off the top layer of skin from my midsection. "Ah you bastard! How do flowers even?" I cut myself short as I avoided another swing.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my talisman, I left my staff at the counter unfortunately. Just as he wound up another attack, I sent a rock of Gurranq into his chest. It knocked him back onto his ass and I followed it up with a stomp to his face as he tried to get up. Using a throwing knife in my belt strap I dove in and jammed it into his throat, leaving him writhing on the floor before the lack of oxygen killed him.
[CQC lv4]
[Bestial incantations lv6]
[Bleed resistance lv1]
After a few deep breaths and letting the adrenaline begin leaving my system I shouted, "Leave payment on your tables, I apologise about that display, but unfortunately I need to clean up." Everyone quietly left, leaving runes on their tables.
Dragging his body to the kitchen I clean and repair his robes and mask before placing them on an armour rack, his body went to the freezer. With my level in cleaning, it hardly took a moment to remove any stains. However, they were a bit more prominent compared to what I was used to.
[Cleaning lv18]
I feel like I need to get really good at something now, it's almost embarrassing that cleaning is my highest skill. I can't deny how useful it is though.
Just as I sat down in one of the booth seats, the doors open once more, through it walks Malenia and Miquella. "Multiverse give me strength" I mumble to myself.
"Hello again, and nice to meet you Malenia. You just missed an attack here, some guy with a bouquet of weirdly sharp flowers just attacked me."
"Oh and are you well?" Miquella asked.
"Well I'm fine, just scratched. Whereas he will be stuck on that meat hook for eternity, since I have no idea what my life span even is."
"Well fought" Malenia spoke firmly.
"Enough about me, what can I get you?" I get back behind the counter ready.
"I would like another one of those juices from last time." Miquella asked,
"Anything that can be used to keep a giant centipede away" A weird request from Malenia, but I'm sure she has her reasons.
As I juiced the pineapple I heard Miquella talking, "Romina getting weird again?"
As for Malenia's want, I filled a spray bottle with the juices from a chrysanthemum flower. I found that it works as an insta kill for pests, no idea why though.
Miquella enjoyed his drink once more and a small smirk could be seen when Malenia got her spray bottle. For me Miquella's bill is paid for still by the band, Malenia however intrigues me as I'm curious how she'll pay.
It was answered when she wrote down a small training manual on a few napkins. If it was about anyone else I would've probably kicked them out for that, but even I've heard of Malenia's prowess with a blade.
"Perfect, what you've both given me here has definitely paid off your tabs for the next month. Anything else to get you today?" I asked, I want to get started with Malenia's manual but I might need a sword for that. I guess I can use one of the ones from the bodies Alexander gave me, a cleanrot sword maybe, seems fitting.
Just before they left, someone poked through the door. I heard a whispering coming from it first, "Friend, I heard you bested a mighty warrior today… mayhaps you find it in your heart to donate to- Sweet Golden order! I did not realise you had such guests, I shall come back later!" Alexander all but ran away from the lofty company I had in tow.
"Sorry about him, warrior jars for you. Lovely guy though." With them leaving, I noticed Malenia's manual once more. It looked to me like I had to force myself into uncomfortable positions with the sword so that I could slash quickly, The rest is simply how to combo out of that, I say simply but it looks impossible, I can't fly.
I took it to the training room and placed it in the wall, god forbid it gets stolen. For now I think CQC might be the path to take, it's not like I always have my staff with me when I'm going in the kitchen or the front. I'll need a sparring partner though…
"Are they gone?" A voice whispered behind me. Perfect!