Guard Post - Evening

  Damn that brat.

  I yanked off my guard uniform, fingers fumbling with the buckles. Two hours. He cleared those quests in two hours, including travel time. The math didn't add up—couldn't add up.

  And those adventurers acted like it was normal. Like they'd witnessed something that made it all make sense.

  Witnessed what? Some parlor trick?

  I bet he stole those monsters from nearby. Picked off someone else's kills. That's the only explanation.

  But why would the Guild Master get involved in something so petty?

  Unless...

  No. Can't be.

  Even if he really is Huberg's son—and I still doubt that—it doesn't make him superhuman.

  I threw my uniform into the locker harder than necessary. Felix was waiting at the Flamerose Inn, probably already three drinks deep. Might as well get this over with.

  Flamerose Inn - Peak Hours

  Cling cling cling.

  A bell chimed above the door—new addition. Small detail most people wouldn't notice, but I did. Always noticed the small things. Made me a good soldier. Made me terrible at parties.

  The dining hall was packed. Every table occupied, voices overlapping in a cacophony of laughter and conversation. Adventurers, merchants, travelers—all drawn by Madam Flamerose's reputation. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and ale.

  "Welcome, dear customer... Oh, it's just Briant." Madam Flamerose's voice carried from behind the counter despite the noise. "Sorry, brat. I've got my hands full tonight. Serve yourself."

  "Yes, Madam."

  The gap between us was too wide—no, enormous. S-rank adventurer versus city guard. I knew better than to push my luck with her.

  "Briiiaaant! Over here!" Felix's voice boomed from a corner table.

  That bastard. Already drunk.

  I wove through the crowded dining hall, catching fragments of conversation—quest stories, trade deals, romantic boasts. The usual evening chaos.

  "Excuse me, Miss Manna." I caught her attention as she balanced three plates. "I'd like to order when you have a moment."

  "Right~ One moment please~" She hurried past, her tangerine-saffron hair bouncing.

  Manna Flamerose. The Madam's daughter. If I hadn't worked in this city for years, I might've mistaken her for an adult. Sharp, capable, mature beyond her sixteen years. She's like a little sister to most of the regulars, myself included.

  I finally reached Felix's table and collapsed into the chair.

  "Kahaha! Took you long enough!" Felix raised his mug. "Thought you got lost!"

  "The place is packed. I had to dodge three separate groups."

  "What'll it be, Mr. Briant?" Manna appeared beside our table, notepad ready.

  "Two chicken breasts and a beer."

  Her expression shifted—knowing, sympathetic. "Bad day, Mister?"

  "How'd you figure?"

  "You always order that when things go wrong. Teehee, I'll be right back!"

  Heat crept up my neck. Too predictable.

  "Kahaha! Busted by little Manna!" Felix laughed, sloshing his drink. "She knows you too well!"

  "Shut up. You know why I'm in this mood."

  "Relaaax~ We're here to enjoy the night!" He spread his arms wide, nearly hitting another patron. "Today was weird anyway, kahaha! Might as well drink through it!"

  I leaned forward, lowering my voice to be heard over the din. "That's exactly what we need to talk about. Seriously. What do you think happened today?"

  "Here you are, Mr. Briant~"

  The aroma hit me before I saw the plate—perfectly seasoned, still steaming. Manna set it down with practiced ease despite the chaos around us.

  "Thanks."

  "You're welcome!" She was already moving to the next table.

  Felix's hand darted toward my plate. "Wow, smells amazing! Can I—"

  I slapped his hand away. "Get your own."

  "Stingy!"

  Around us, the noise continued—someone was telling a story about a Giant Boar, another table was singing off-key, a merchant was negotiating loudly with an adventurer about escort rates.

  "So?" I cut into the chicken. "What do you really think about the boy?"

  "Oh, that Yuki kid?" Felix took a long drink, considering. "Honest. Sharp. Cool-headed. Clever." He ticked off traits on his fingers. "Smart enough to pick the right options. If his talent is real—and I'm not saying I fully believe it—but if it is? He knows how to handle it."

  "You're overestimating him."

  "Kahaha! You can always challenge him! Request it through the Guild Master."

  I paused mid-bite. Sometimes Felix was a genius.

  Madam Emily had practically invited us to bring concerns to the Guild Master. She'd said so explicitly.

  "Maybe I will."

  The thought settled in my mind, taking root. Yeah. Tomorrow I'd demand answers.

  The noise around us swelled—someone had just won a dice game, judging by the cheering. A waitress called out an order. The kitchen door swung open, releasing a burst of heat and more delicious smells.

  This was the Flamerose Inn at its peak—alive, vibrant, chaotic.

  Then movement near the back hallway caught my attention.

  "Ah, Brother! What do you need? I thought you were already asleep?"

  Manna's voice, higher pitched than usual. Near the hallway to the guest rooms.

  Brother?

  "Just need water. And a bath."

  That voice. I knew that voice.

  My head snapped around, trying to see through the crowd. Several other patrons had noticed too—conversations near Manna were dropping off as people turned to look.

  "A-ah, alright, Brother! While you're bathing, I'll prepare fresh water for you, Bro-brother."

  I caught a glimpse through a gap in the crowd—dark hair, calm posture, that unnaturally composed expression.

  My blood went cold.

  That boy. The one from the gate.

  "Kyaaah, your brother is so handsome, Manna~!" A female adventurer's voice carried clearly.

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  "Please introduce him to me~!" Another woman chimed in.

  "N-no!! He's my brother!" Manna's face had gone bright red.

  "O-ooh... protective already, Manna?" Someone teased.

  "Gahaha, quit it, ladies! Manna's already got her claim on him!" An older man laughed.

  "You don't need to interfere, old man!"

  "Hahaha, careful with these ladies!"

  Laughter rippled through nearby tables. The commotion was spreading—more people turning to look, conversations pausing as word spread through the packed dining hall.

  "B-but, but... I don't mean it that way..." Manna's voice, flustered and embarrassed.

  "Hehe, you're cute, Manna. We're just kidding!"

  "Yes, we won't steal your brother~"

  "Hahaha, those ladies are right! We'll support you, Manna~"

  "Go Manna, go!!"

  The teasing continued, growing louder. Half the dining hall was paying attention now, the entertainment value too good to ignore.

  "Aaahh, you're all so mean~!" Manna fled toward the kitchen, face burning.

  Where was he? Where did the boy go?

  I stood up abruptly, chair scraping loudly. The people at nearby tables glanced at me curiously.

  There—heading toward the back rooms. That same dark hair, that same impossible composure.

  "What is it, Briant?" Felix looked up blearily. "You see a ghost?"

  "That's him," I said, voice tight. "That's the boy from the gate."

  "Hmm? Where?" Felix squinted around. "You sure you're not imagining things?"

  He couldn't see him anymore—the boy had disappeared into the back hallway.

  But I knew what I'd seen.

  Felix ordered another drink. I tried to eat, but the food tasted like ash. My mind kept circling back—that boy, living here? In Madam Flamerose's inn?

  Why?

  Minutes crawled by. The noise around us continued—people were starting to finish meals, some calling for their bills. The peak dinner rush was beginning to wind down, but the hall was still crowded with lingering patrons.

  Then—

  "B-Brother, here's your drink."

  My head snapped up.

  The boy stood at the counter near the kitchen entrance. Same dark hair. Same unnervingly calm expression. Close enough now that I could see him clearly.

  Definitely him.

  "Ah, thank you, Manna." His voice was level, polite.

  Several patrons near the counter were watching the interaction, curious about Manna's mysterious "brother."

  "By the way, It seems quieter than earlier." he stated.

  "Ah, some people have left, but it's still pretty full, Brother. The rest of them take a day or two off after weekly gatherings like this."

  "It's unusual for people leaving early. Don't parties usually last until midnight?"

  "Hee, is that so? Where did you learn that, Bro—ooph, sorry, I didn't mean—"

  "From my dad. It's fine." His voice remained level. "Considering his drinking habits, it's probably accurate."

  "Then it's different here, Brother. Mom bans excessive drinking—ten large glasses maximum per person. And she closes the tavern at eight every night, unless there's an emergency."

  "So he is Manna's brother, like the ladies talking about?"

  "Hehe aren't you singles jealous of him?"

  "It sure is, if you ask that.

  "Who is he, really?"

  Just-arrived customers at nearby tables were listening now, intrigued by the conversation. Word was already spreading.

  "Do you need anything else, Brother?"

  "No, I'm just hu—"

  I thought the alcohol had kicked in, but I couldn't stop this boiling urge."

  The chair clattered backward as I shot to my feet. "That's really you!!"

  The effect was immediate. Conversations died in spreading ripples—the tables nearest me first, then the next, then the next. Heads turned. Within seconds, the entire dining hall had gone quiet, all eyes on me.

  On us.

  "Shut up, noisy brat!"

  PANG!

  Stars burst across my vision. Pain radiated from the top of my head. Madam Flamerose stood there, with frying pan in hand and murderous intent on her face.

  Nervous laughter rippled through the crowd. Someone whispered, "He got the pan treatment."

  "Ow... sorry, Madam."

  "What is it, Briant?" Felix wandered over, remarkably steady considering how much he'd drunk. "You're disturbing everyone~"

  The boy—Yuki—stood calmly at the counter, watching. No fear. No surprise. Just... observing.

  Like this was mildly interesting at best.

  "That's the boy!" I pointed, ignoring the stares from every table. "From the gate! I'm not imagining things!"

  "Oh yeah, haaaiii, Yuki boy~" Felix waved cheerfully. "We meet again~"

  "That's the new adventurer, right?"

  "The one Madam Emily was talking about?"

  "Didn't he just register today?"

  "Why is a guard yelling about him?"

  Murmurs spread through the crowd, some of adventurers joined in.

  "Why are you so casual?!" I turned on Felix. "Don't you find him suspicious?!"

  "Why should I?" He looked genuinely puzzled.

  "That's—" I struggled for words. "Why is he here? At this inn? Aren't you curious?!"

  "He lives here, 'guard' brat."

  Madam Flamerose's voice cut through the whispers. The entire dining hall heard her clearly.

  "Any problem with that?"

  Dead silence.

  Everyone stared at me now. Waiting. Judging.

  "N-no, Madam." I clenched my fists. "But..."

  She'd already turned back to her revenue counting, dismissing me. In front of everyone.

  The boy approached, weaving through the silent crowd. Every eye tracked his movement. He stopped a few feet away, maintaining perfect composure despite the scrutiny.

  "Good evening, Mister Felix, Mister Briant." He inclined his head slightly. "Glad to meet you both again."

  Something inside me snapped.

  "Don't act friendly with me!"

  My hand moved before my brain caught up. The beer mug left my grip, spinning through the air—calculated trajectory, weighted for impact, aimed for his head.

  Gasps rippled through the crowd.

  The boy's hand flashed up.

  He caught it by the handle. Didn't flinch. Didn't spill a single drop. His expression never changed.

  The dining hall erupted in whispers, claps and cheers.

  "Did you see that?"

  "He caught it without looking!"

  "That spin—that was a guard's throwing technique!"

  "The boy didn't even blink!"

  "Sorry, Mister." He held the mug out to me, voice perfectly calm. "I don't drink it."

  "Hahaha! That's cool, boy~!" Felix clapped.

  The crowd's whispers grew louder—half impressed, half shocked. I could feel their judgment shifting. Not toward me.

  What the hell? Even in my drunken state, my aim was perfect. That mug had spin, speed, precision.

  How had he caught it by the handle? Without looking? Without spilling?

  "Hmph. Thanks." I snatched the mug back, hand trembling.

  Madam Flamerose watched from the counter. Hadn't moved. Hadn't intervened. Just... observed. Along with fifty other witnesses.

  The silence was suffocating.

  Felix, oblivious to the tension, gestured at Manna. "So what's your relationship with the young lady? hic."

  "Hmm? She's my sister, i think. Would you like an introduction?"

  "Hoooo, I didn't expect that at all~ Haha!"

  "Nooo, Brother!" Manna's face went crimson again. "You shouldn't tell him~!"

  "You know Mister Felix, Manna?" The boy sounded genuinely curious.

  "Of course! He's known for being a playboy with a loose tongue~" Manna covered her face. "The whole town will know about this! I'm going to die from embarrassment!"

  Scattered chuckles from the crowd. The tension was breaking—people were being drawn into the lighter exchange.

  "Didn't you say you wanted my company rather than with your friends?" The boy's expression remained impassive.

  "I thought you were glad to spend time together."

  "Kahahahaha! You're so dense with women, Yuki boy!"

  "Kyaaah, Brother!!"

  Manna fled toward the back rooms, again. And the dining hall erupted in laughter—genuine this time, the earlier tension dissolving.

  "Stop! Stop!!" I slammed my hand on the nearest table. Conversations died again. "What is this happy situation?! Does no one else see the problem here?!"

  "Chiiiill, Briaant~" Felix draped an arm over my shoulder. "We're drunk~ Why so serious?"

  "Because—!" I gestured wildly at the crowd, at the boy, at everything. "He's—this is—!"

  "Enough." Madam Flamerose's voice cracked like a whip.

  Every eye in the dining hall turned to her. She stood, imposing despite her size, and the temperature seemed to drop.

  "You think I didn't notice your little stunt earlier?" Her eyes fixed on me—predator evaluating prey. "Throwing mugs at my guest. In my establishment." She paused. "What's your problem, brat? Spit it out or leave. We're closing soon."

  My throat went dry. Fifty witnesses. All watching. All waiting for my answer.

  No backing down now.

  "It's just—you don't know the truth, Madam!" The words burst out. "He stole those hunts from other warriors! Turned them in to the guild for his own rank!"

  Gasps and whispers exploded through the crowd.

  "Haah?!" Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "What do you mean? What's your proof?"

  "Isn't it obvious?" I was committed now. The whole dining hall was listening. "Rumors say he submitted monsters the first time he registered. Three days later, he's back in two hours with wolves and lizardmen for rank-up! How's that possible unless he's stealing?"

  The whispers grew louder.

  "Two hours? For those monsters?"

  "That does seem fast..."

  "But stealing? That's a serious accusation..."

  "The guard has a point though..."

  But it's completely different with Madam's reaction.

  "You've got talent for making a scene, kid." Madam Flamerose's voice turned cold. "Good thing I accompanied him to the guild."

  The whispers stopped.

  "Wh-what?! Why are you siding with him, Madam?!"

  "Of course I am!" She stepped forward, and the crowd instinctively moved back, creating space. "He's my family! Got a problem with that?!"

  The declaration hit the dining hall like a thunderclap.

  "Family?"

  "Madam Flamerose claimed him?"

  "Then he must be legitimate..."

  "Wow. how did he do that?"

  Family? First Madam Emily. Then the Guild Master. Now Madam Flamerose?

  What was he—some hidden prince? Or really Huberg's son?

  No. I still couldn't believe that.

  But what made him so special?

  My fists clenched at my sides. Silent. Trapped between suspicion and the impossible reality in front of me. With fifty witnesses watching my humiliation.

  Madam Flamerose's expression softened slightly—like she could read exactly what I was thinking. "Brat. Go home. You want answers? Ask the Guild Master himself tomorrow."

  The Guild Master. Again.

  The crowd was watching, waiting for my response. Some looked sympathetic. Others judgmental. Most just curious about the drama.

  "Alright, Madam." I grabbed my coat, face burning. "I'll excuse myself."

  I pushed through the crowd toward the exit. People moved aside, whispers following in my wake.

  "Briiaant, wait for me~" Felix stumbled after me.

  "Walk yourself. This was your idea!"

  "Don't be like that, my buddy~"

  "You stink!"

  The cool night air hit my face as we left. Behind us, the dining hall slowly returned to normal—conversations resuming, people processing what they'd witnessed.

  Tomorrow, the whole city would know about this.

  Tomorrow, I'd get my answers.

  Or I'd prove them all wrong.

  The Walk Home

  The streets were quiet compared to the inn's chaos. My head throbbed—from the pan, from the alcohol I'd barely touched, from the humiliation.

  "Why so serious, partner?" Felix leaned heavily on my shoulder.

  "Nothing. But what's wrong with you? Two mugs and you're this drunk? Usually takes five!"

  "Hohoho, you know me so well~"

  "Just stay still, drunkard!"

  That night, I got Felix home, then collapsed into bed earlier than usual.

  But I couldn't sleep.

  I kept seeing that moment—the mug spinning through the air, the boy's hand moving with impossible casualness, the perfect catch.

  And his expression. Never changed. Like catching a thrown weapon was routine.

  Tomorrow would bring answers.

  It had to.

  Because if that boy was real—if his abilities were genuine—then everything I thought I knew about limits, about what was possible...

  All of it was wrong.

  And I hated being wrong.

  Especially in front of fifty witnesses.

  [Special Chapter - Mess at Dinner: End]