The shop's door creaked open, and in strolled Rook, a cocky grin spread across his face, illuminating his otherwise shadowy demeanor. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the room, darting over the shelves laden with a curious assortment of goods, before finally settling on Evan, who stood behind the counter. There was a casual, almost predatory confidence in Rook's movements, as if he possessed an intimate knowledge of every corner of the space before he'd even taken a step inside.
"Well, well," Rook said, his smirk widening as he stopped at the counter, arms casually crossed. "Looks like the shop's still standing. I figured you'd have been run out of town by now, or at least had some adventurer trying to tear you apart over those prices."
Evan chuckled nervously, the sound laced with a hint of tension, as he tried to play off his mounting stress. "Yeah, still here. Barely," he replied, rubbing the back of his neck in a gesture of uncertainty. "What brings you back?"
Rook's gaze flicked toward the neatly stacked cups of Instant Ramen that sat invitingly on the counter. His eyebrow arched in surprise, and he let out a low whistle, the sound echoing slightly in the shop's quiet atmosphere. "Noodles in a cup, huh? You've got to be joking."
Evan sighed, feeling as though he was about to embark on a familiar sales pitch. "It's called Instant Ramen. You just add hot water, and it's a quick meal. Pretty convenient, especially for adventurers who are always on the go."
Rook's eyes sparkled with amusement, his interest piqued. "Convenient for adventurers, is it? I've eaten some strange things in my travels, but noodles out of a cup... now that's a new one." He chuckled, the sound light and teasing. "But if it's anything like that drink you sold me, maybe it's worth a try."
Evan hesitated for a moment, still unsure about how much he could trust Rook, only knowing that he had previously purchased a can of Cola and seemed to be one of those rogue-ish types who thrived on unpredictability. "Want to give it a go?"
Rook grinned, an expression full of mischief. "Why not? I've had worse meals." He paused, then extended his hand across the counter in a gesture of camaraderie. "By the way, name's Rook. Seems I forgot to mention that last time. You've got me calling you Evan, but you didn't get my name."
Evan blinked, suddenly realizing Rook had been right—he hadn't introduced himself properly during their first meeting. He took Rook's hand, shaking it firmly while managing a smile that conveyed both pleasure and relief. "Nice to officially meet you, Rook."
"Likewise." Rook smirked, the playful glint in his eyes unwavering. "Now, how about you join me for a bowl? You've got all this food here—you might as well eat with your customers, right?"
Evan hesitated momentarily, weighing the offer against the pressure of his quest and the solitary nature of his duties. But with only one bowl sold so far, the idea didn't seem so bad. "Sure, why not?" he said, grabbing two cups of Instant Ramen with renewed determination. He filled them with hot water from the dispenser, the steam curling up into the air, and brought them over to a small table nestled in the corner of the shop.
They sat across from each other, the anticipation of the meal hanging in the air as they waited for the noodles to soften and absorb the flavors.
"So, Evan," Rook began, leaning back in his chair, his posture relaxed yet attentive, "I've been thinking about this shop of yours. It's strange, you know? These products, this setup... none of it fits the usual mold. Where exactly are you from?"
Evan's heart skipped a beat, the question striking him like a sudden chill. He had been hoping to avoid inquiries about his origin, especially from someone as sharp and perceptive as Rook. "Let's just say I'm not from around here," Evan replied, keeping his tone vague, hoping to sidestep further probing. "I kind of ended up here unexpectedly, and this shop was part of the deal."
Rook raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but choosing not to press the issue—for now. "Unexpected, huh? Sounds like there's a story there. But fair enough. You've got your secrets, and I've got mine."
As the room filled with the soft, savory scent of the Ramen, Evan took a sip from his cup, feeling a bit more at ease in the rogue's company. As they ate, Rook chewed thoughtfully, then nodded in approval. "Not bad, for something that looks so simple. Better than most tavern food."
Evan laughed, a genuine sound of relief. "Glad you think so. I wasn't sure how people would take to it."
Rook set down his cup, leaning forward slightly, his tone shifting to something more serious. "You know, running a shop like this, you're bound to attract attention. Adventurers, sure, but others too. There are people out there who want more than just food—they're after power, money, influence. You might want to be careful."
Evan's expression darkened, concern etching itself on his features. "What do you mean?"
Rook's eyes narrowed slightly, the playful glint replaced by a more serious edge. "This town is perched on the edge of the Great Forest, one of the most dangerous places in the region. Adventurers come here for glory, treasure, and sometimes to disappear. But the real power players? They're the ones in the kingdoms." He paused, studying Evan's reaction intently. "You've heard of the Four Great Houses and the Royal Family, right?"