Chapter 53: The Hardships of Being in the Background!
In the tavern, several people are already passed out from drinking.
There's nothing better than free drinks.
Guild members notice me descending the stairs and raise their glasses in gratitude.
When I reach the floor, they bombard me with questions, but Shikibu and Murasaki intervene to stop them.
They always look out for me, even though we just met today.
I'm truly grateful to these two.
Anyway, I receive some drinks and make a toast.
We engage in casual conversation, but when Murasaki starts acting all lovey-dovey towards the receptionist, Shikibu nonchalantly pinches her thigh.
...It looks like the flesh might tear.
Before it turns into a big disaster, I go over to Murasaki's side and cast a healing spell.
Murasaki suddenly sobers up and becomes calm.
Their love story seems interesting, so I decide to ask them about it sometime.
Looking around to see if everyone is enjoying themselves, I notice someone working particularly hard.
It turns out to be a tavern employee.
The kitchen also seems to be incredibly busy.
"How busy is this place usually?" I ask Shikibu.
"Well, there are usually about a dozen or so customers. But today, thanks to Tact's treat, there are three times more than usual, making it very prosperous!"
Those who couldn't get into the tavern are drinking in the large hall next door.
Isn't the number of employees clearly insufficient?
...Oops.
"I'll be right back."
Moving away from Shikibu and the others, I head to the kitchen.
"Master, how many employees are here today?"
"Oh! Only two, including me. Why is it that today, of all days, it's so busy?"
...So, it's just the girl from earlier on the floor.
"Master, can you listen to me while you work?"
"What is it! If you have a solution to this mess, I'm all ears!"
"Well, here's the idea."
I call out to everyone from the counter.
"Listen up, everyone! Today, there's only one employee on the floor, and the master and I in the kitchen. I feel bad that the food and drinks aren't reaching everyone. So, when you finish your drink and want another one, come to this counter, exchange your empty glass for a new drink. And for the food, it'll be on this table, so take as much as you like on small plates. Sorry for the inconvenience, but please cooperate!"
It would be troublesome if the atmosphere becomes bad due to the frustration of not getting drinks or food in this situation where people don't understand what's going on.
If it's a self-serve style, even if it's a bit troublesome, it should eliminate confusion.
"If that's the case, then we have no choice. Let's all cooperate!"
Thanks to Murasaki's agreement, the other adventurers also actively offer their help.
Thank you, Murasaki.
If you ever get beaten up by Shikibu at home, I'll come and treat you!
I help the master in the kitchen and serve the dishes.
As the night goes on, people gradually leave.
In the end, only three of us remain: me, Murasaki, and Shikibu.
Murasaki is already asleep though.
"Brother, thanks a lot. I owe you one! But why were there so many customers today?"
The master finishes cleaning up and comes out to the floor.
"Gail, I apologize for the trouble. Today, Tact treated everyone, so they were all in high spirits."
The tavern's master is named Gail.
"Huh, brother sure is generous."
"Well, more importantly, how much do I owe you?"
"I'm tired today, so I'll settle it tomorrow night. Come back again then."
Well, I guess there's no helping it.
I don't have any particular plans, so it's not a problem.
"Thank you for your hard work."
The employee from earlier brings me some tea.
"I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Fidek. Thank you for helping us today."
"I caused the trouble in the first place."
After finishing my tea, I say, "I should head back to the inn soon."
"Indeed, considering Murasaki's condition, we'll be staying in the guild master's room tonight."
"Should I carry Murasaki for you?"
"No, don't worry."
With that, she effortlessly carries Murasaki on her shoulder, saying "Goodnight," and heads up the stairs.
...I reaffirm that I must never anger Shikibu for real.