Killian entered the guild hall, carrying a crate of flowers in his hands. He stood in front of the clerk desk, where Catherine was currently occupied with her paperwork.
"These are the requirements for my quest," Killian said as he put the crater next to the table.
Catherine looked up at Killian, pushed her glasses, and nodded. She walked out of her desk and checked the crate of flowers. "Yellow peonies," she said, pulling the crate into her section.
She returned to her desk and gave Killian his reward. A small sack of coins.
"Thanks, Catherine," Killian said as he put the sack of coins in his pants pocket.
"By the way, Killian, the guild has reviewed your application for access to enter the dungeon. They didn't see any issue, and you have good records so far." She handed him a silver emblem. "They approved. This is your evidence of approval that you can show to the guards to let you enter."
"Oh, that was fast. Thank you," Killian said, taking the silver coin.
"Yes, it was quite fast. Maybe that's one of the advantages of having a 'friend' in the management," Catherine said with a meaningful smile on her lips.
Killian chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "I owe you this one, Catherine."
Catherine smiled. "It is my pleasure. Anyway, when do you plan to start doing quests inside the dungeon?"
"I still need to prepare, maybe within this week," Killian answered.
"Are you sure you don't want to join a party? I can recommend you to one. Joining any party will be easy for you with my help," Catherine offered.
"Nah, I am fine. You are helping me too much already. Besides, I don't think digging on the walls of cleared parts of the dungeon requires a party," Killian answered.
"If you say so, but if you need anything, don't be shy to ask; I'll be more than willing to help you," Catherine said with a smile.
"I'll keep that in mind," Killian said, walking out of the guildhall. Leaving Catherine just watching his back.
Killian walked into the streets of the marketplace, taking another rest hour after the whole morning of work. His feet brought him to the familiar infrastructure of the Maid Cafe. It had been a few days since he visited this cafe. His smile showed as he entered his only place of solace.
"Welcome home, master." Ilya's voice sounded as she bowed her head; however, her eyes widened upon seeing who entered.
"Yeah, I am back. Thanks for the warm welcome, Ilya," Killian said with a smile.
Hearing that Killian still remembered her name, Ilya's black cat ears rose as her face turned pinkish. "You didn't visit in a few days." She crossed her arms and looked away. "Not that I am counting... or waiting for your return."
Killian chuckled. "I was busy; an adventurer's life is very time-consuming. I know that you are not interested in knowing, but I just want to share." His bright smile flashed.
Ilya didn't reply; she just stared at Killian's smiling image with her enlarged eyes. She was frozen in her place.
"Is there a problem, Ilya?" Killian asked.
Ilya cleared her throat, her eyes darting to her coworkers watching her and Killian, smiles showing on their faces as they watched the scene in front of them unfold.
"I see. That's the man she was talking about. He's quite handsome, no wonder," one of the maid waitresses whispered.
"Not just handsome, but also a complete gentleman," the other maid waitress said with excitement in her voice.
Ilya shook her head. "There's no problem, young master Killian." She moved gracefully as she guided Killian. "Please, follow me; I'll bring you to your table."
Ilya gave Killian a seat and gave him the menu list. And unlike before, where different maids were assisting him, this time, Ilya was the only one, and her full attention was on him—and him alone.
"Moe moe kyun," Ilya said cutely as she aimed her heart-shaped hands on the omurice. Her face was red, but there was a hint of enjoyment in her eyes.
"Now, can I have another flying kiss on my iced tea?" Killian asked with enthusiasm.
Ilya crossed her arm. "Hmp! You are asking for too much, young master."
"Pretty please," Killian said, smiling gently.
"You really are helpless, young master," Ilya said, uncrossing her arms. "I have no choice but to spoil you." She gestured a flying kiss.
Killian clapped his hands and began enjoying the food. On the other hand, Ilya just watched him.
"You can leave me now. I can handle my own from this point. It will be bad if people notice that one of the cute cat girl maids has been staying at my table for a little bit too long." Killian showed a sly smile. "Other boys would be very jealous of me."
Ilya clenched her fists as she slowly exhaled.
"Do you have any place to go after this? My shift is about to end." Ilya looked away. "But don't get me wrong, I am not interested in you or anything; this is just an act of kindness from me. I am just thinking, You are coming here alone; you must be a very lonely person, so maybe you would like some company—my company."
Killian tilted his head, a mischievous smile forming in his face. "I don't have anything to do the rest of the day. If your kind self wants to share your company with a lonely me today, I would gladly accept your offer," Killian answered, playing along with her roleplay act. "Besides, who in the right mind would let the opportunity of the company of a cute girl slip away?"
Ilya darted her delighted eyes at Killian. "That would be great—I mean, that's right, you should be grateful."
Killian smiled. "I am grateful," he said, waving his hand. "I'll be waiting for you outside later then."
Ilya nodded with a smile. Her delight was visible in her movement as she walked away from Killian's table and assisted the other table. Leaving Killian watching her from a distance.
"What a delightful, innocent girl," Killian meaningfully said, his eyes not showing the thoughts running inside his head.