Gelian glanced at the clock, watching the minutes tick closer to midnight. The cafe was quiet now, echoing only with the faint hum of the monitors and soft glow of the equipment. Cedric and the Crimson Vanguard had left earlier. For a brief moment, the cafe had been full of energy, but now it was calm once more, almost serene.
He let out a small sigh, feeling a mixture of satisfaction and lingering hope. Tonight had been one of the cafe's best days, with not just one, but a group of adventurers discovering his hidden corner of this strange, interconnected universe. Watching them marvel at the technology, from gaming to snacks like cup noodles and Koke, had reminded him why he'd held onto this dream even when it seemed to be slipping away.
As he stood behind the counter, Gelian gathered his thoughts, planning for tomorrow. He had no idea who or what might stumble into his cafe next, but he hoped word would spread. Perhaps Cedric and the Crimson Vanguard would tell their friends, and soon he'd have regulars eager to experience this new realm of entertainment.
With a soft smile, he began his nightly routine, wiping down tables and tidying up the space. He adjusted each chair, ensuring everything was in order. Though it was still early in the venture, Gelian felt proud. His hard work and persistence were finally paying off, even if only in small ways. The first group had found value in his world, and that was enough to keep him going.
As he wiped down the last monitor, Gelian's thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Cedric. Cedric had asked so many questions, his curiosity evident in every glance and question. Gelian chuckled, remembering Cedric's awe when he learned that the cafe existed in an entirely separate dimension, accessible only by the magical portal. Cedric's Kingdom-Castlenova, a naval kingdom of the empire sounded like something out of a storybook, and Gelian had wondered about the other realms connected to his cafe.
It intrigued him to think that there were entire worlds with kingdoms and empires, vastly different from Earth with its modern countries. The worlds of his customers must be brimming with adventure and lore, places where magic, swordplay, and exploration intertwined. The idea of his cafe being an outpost—a small, mysterious haven in this vast network of worlds—filled him with purpose.
When he finished cleaning, Gelian stepped back to survey the space one last time, making sure everything was ready for tomorrow. The monitors were off, the chairs were neatly arranged, and the counters were spotless. With a final nod of satisfaction, he locked the cash drawer, stored away the day's earnings, and flicked off the lights, leaving only a few dim lamps glowing softly.
Moving toward the back room, he paused at the entrance, casting a hopeful glance at the portal. Part of him half-expected someone to walk in at the last moment, but the portal remained silent, its shimmering surface still. Gelian shrugged, smiling to himself. Tomorrow was another day, another chance for the cafe to be discovered.
He made his way into his small living quarters attached to the cafe, feeling the fatigue of the day settle over him. As he lay down, thoughts of new customers and exciting possibilities drifted through his mind. Who would find their way here tomorrow? Would it be more adventurers from Cedric's world, or perhaps a wanderer from an entirely different realm?
With these thoughts as his lullaby, Gelian's eyes grew heavy, and he drifted off, hopeful and ready for whatever surprises the new day might bring.