In a tavern in Rapids City, the solid wood counter had a matte black finish, its originally rough surface polished over time by oil spills and sleeves from passing meals.
Even though it wasn't mealtime yet, a customer was already seated in the tavern. The owner didn't chase him away, recognizing the man with a weary face as Knight Carl, the captain of the Rapids City Guard.
Although Knight Carl was a knight, he often dined in such hole-in-the-wall places loved by common folks, sometimes even getting into drunken brawls.
Upon seeing Carl, the owner simply lit the stove early, cooking a meal specifically for this important man he dared not offend.
He placed meat rolls onto a grill for roasting and silently cracked eggs into a frying pan, as the sign by the door swayed and another patron entered the tavern.
