"Layla! Layla! Don't go!"
Bonnie shouted anxiously from where she stood, but after a moment of hesitation, she steeled herself and ran over to Layla.
Layla smiled gently, lowering her gaze. "What's wrong?"
Bonnie glared at her, a little frustrated. "I'm just worried about your safety. What if we run into danger…"
Seeing the concerned look on the younger girl's face, Layla stopped teasing her and switched the subject. "How's your studying going? The teacher said this exam is going to be pretty tough."
Bonnie successfully got distracted, tilting her head in thought. "Well, I still haven't mastered elvish and math, but other than that, I'm fine. I just hope we don't get that awful herb illustration analysis again. That'll be the biggest thing stopping me from passing for sure."
"Don't worry, Bonnie. Tomorrow in class, I'll help you out. I have enough experience with this."
The two chatted as they gradually left Duder Town. Layla had already figured out roughly where they were headed, and with Bonnie leading the way, she wasn't worried about getting lost.
Since there was no carriage to take them to Beyek, they had to walk, which was a bit of a challenge for the two fifteen- or sixteen-year-olds.
As the road grew more desolate, the two began to feel the eerie atmosphere that was unique to Beyek—quiet, unsettling…
The two girls' cheerful chatter died down, replaced by cautious steps.
Layla was a bit relieved to have Bonnie with her. She wasn't sure if she would have been brave enough to keep going alone.
"I think we should turn back. This place really feels dangerous…" Bonnie clung tightly to Layla's arm, her head ducked as she nervously glanced around, sensing something watching them from the forest.
"It's okay, Bonnie, we're almost there. I can see the town ahead," Layla said, trying to sound reassuring, though her voice was low enough for only the two of them to hear.
But behind them, through the layers of trees, an eye was watching closely, its expression somewhat confused.
The master said one, but now there are two. Which one is the person the master meant?
It wasn't just Bonnie who felt watched—Layla did too. As they entered the town, that sensation only grew stronger, coming from all directions.
They cautiously looked around at the houses in the town. Most of them were dilapidated, showing no sign of habitation, but from several of the windows, the feeling of being watched was intense.
Now Layla was beginning to believe Bonnie's warning. If some strange monster jumped out, she wouldn't be surprised at all.
Since they were here, they decided to visit the man's house. He probably wouldn't lie to her… Layla made up her mind and walked with more determination.
Glen's house was on the edge of town, so they didn't have to walk far.
However, before they could even spot Glen's house, they heard his voice.
A strange little tune was being hummed ahead. Though faint, it was easy to hear in the quiet of the town.
"That sounds like him," Layla said with surprise.
"Is he the one who saved your mother?" Bonnie asked.
"Yes," Layla said, pulling Bonnie's hand and quickening her pace towards the sound.
…
At Glen's house.
Having just returned from the basement, Glen was starving and quickly set to work preparing food.
He was confident in his cooking skills. Even with limited resources, he could make a few decent dishes. While they weren't gourmet, they were definitely better than what most of the people in this world had to eat.
As he fiddled with the cooking utensils, he unconsciously hummed a little tune and occasionally sang a few random lyrics.
The sound drifted out the window, and the old man next door heard it. He muttered under his breath, "That restless brat, so annoying!"
Then, turning to the little puppy eating nearby, he smiled and said, "Sweetie, stay away from that guy."
…
Just as Glen finished setting the hot food on the table and was about to dig in, there was a knock at the door.
He frowned in confusion and walked to the door.
He gently opened it a crack and peeked outside, only to see Layla and an unfamiliar girl standing there.
When he saw Glen's face, Layla immediately lit up with joy, curtseyed, and greeted him. "Good day, sir! I didn't properly introduce myself last time. My name is Layla, and this is Bonnie, we've met before."
"I didn't expect you to really come. Please, come in," Glen said with surprise. He had thought they wouldn't dare come any further and would be scared away before reaching the house. He had even put the beast outside just in case, but it turned out the little girl was braver than he thought.
Layla was a bit taken aback by Glen's casual manner. This was the first time she had encountered such an easygoing attitude.
"Sorry to bother you," the two girls said as they passed Glen. He briefly observed Bonnie, who seemed quite shy. It was clear the two were close friends.
After they entered, he lightly closed the door behind them.
The somewhat rundown living room had a faint musty smell, but it wasn't overpowering. On the wooden table, hot food was still steaming, and the two girls took it all in.
"Sir…"
"Just call me Glen," he interrupted her with a wave.
"Did you not eat lunch yet, Glen? I'm so sorry to interrupt your meal," Layla said apologetically.
"It's fine. I don't mind at all. Since you're here, you might as well stay and try my cooking," Glen said, gesturing for them to sit.
From the moment they met, the young girl had been so polite, seemingly afraid of offending him. Glen was a bit surprised, but he attributed it to the common manners around here.
Before Layla could respond, Bonnie's eyes practically sparkled.
She didn't notice, but Glen picked up on it right away.
He smirked inwardly. Get ready to be impressed by my culinary skills! Let the empire of food rule!
"This is too much! It's too impolite!" Layla tried to refuse, but Glen interrupted her.
"No, no, no! Little lady, there's nothing impolite about it. When I say it's fine, it's fine. In my hometown, it's basic courtesy to offer food to guests. If you don't accept, I'll be very disappointed."
Bonnie, who had been slightly discouraged by Layla's refusal, now lit up again upon hearing this.
"W-Well, of course, we wouldn't want to disappoint you. We'll eat," Layla said, her expression a little embarrassed, her surprise fleeting.
In families like theirs, it was hard enough just to feed themselves. Inviting someone to a meal was unheard of. Guests usually refrained from taking more food than necessary, out of respect.
Layla never imagined that Glen's hometown would be so rich and simple, with such customs.
However, looking around his home, it didn't seem particularly wealthy, even a bit worse off than hers. Yet he still insisted on this tradition?
He really was a kind man… Layla's admiration for him grew a little more.
Glen set out seats for them and provided utensils, but when the two girls looked at the utensils, they were both confused.
"Glen, um, what are these…" Layla asked, holding up two wooden chopsticks, eyeing them carefully.