Part 56: Run 2 - Part 4

But you weren't exactly protesting, quite the opposite—you seemed like you were enjoying it. And I think you played along just fine.


No need to deny it, I did enjoy the changed you and it felt good to be able to reciprocate your attention. Don't get me wrong, in my eyes you were still that dreamy-eyed girl from years back, who loved her tales of magic, courage, and love. So it took me a while to see beyond that ghost conjured with memory alone and see the real you, the way you are now. But once I did, I was glad to make the effort. You've changed in the most wonderful way. You bloomed and grew into a beautiful woman, and I'd be a complete fool not to play along!


Haha! Oh, Tobias. It might have been the most knightly thing you said this evening just now. And cunning too. I must admit, you coped with my question like a true Sir Gallant! Even if you followed the easiest way out of any trouble—using flattery.




And I am glad to hear that I've passed yet another test.




Thankfully our meals are here and we can stuff our faces silly. Let's eat.


Oh, it sure looks good.

I'd be shocked to find good food in this place too.


Actually I'm surprised. The inn doesn't seem like a place that would serve meals like this.


Oh yes, their chef is excellent.


They even have a chef?


Sure they do. This may be just a local inn, but the food here is quite well-known. According to some, the old King himself liked to dine here from time to time.




Chef, Cinders! And no, quite the contrary—he denies it. But it only makes the people more suspicious. Besides, those who remember the old King have little trouble believing the story. He truly was a great monarch—royal splendor and honor embodied. Just and strong, but also kind and caring for the people. He was a ruler, but not a distant one, and people still miss him. Coming here and eating the food he allegedly favoured gives them comfort.


And what kind of food was that exactly?


Why, the royal cucumber soup, of course!




Cross my heart!


But you must realize how ridiculous it sounds!


Like I said—underneath, the old King was a humble man.


You're obviously pulling my leg!


I am shocked and appalled by such baseless accusations!




Still, the meal IS delicious! I wish I could come here more often.


You can't afford that many comforts living with Carmosa, can you? Would you believe me, if I said that only now I'm beginning to understand your situation? How it changed after your father had died. We may be childhood friends, but I don't really know you that well, Cinders. Actually, I think there are some farmers and traders whom I know better than you.


There is really nothing special to tell. My life isn't that interesting and for the most part it's completely uneventful. Besides, we both know how my situation looks these days. I'd prefer not to dwell too much on this topic, if that's fine with you.




I know. You know what would make a really nice subject for our conversation?


Yes?


You! I bet that Tobias, the merchant, has some really interesting stories to tell!




There are a few more choices to vote on after this, but if you don't care and want me to just pick whatever, please vote saying that instead.