Olivier was lying in his bed, allowing his thoughts to drift. He had now been living on this lonely rock for more than three weeks. Time on the asteroid was difficult to tell, and Olivier could only guess based on the clock hanging in the Café. However, he was quite certain that the days were adjusted to the time on his home planet, which was given the lovely name 'Swamp' by its inhabitants. Thus, the days had 24 hours and one week was separated into seven days.
However, time had little meaning on the asteroid. It was only important when taking care of the plants. Yet Olivier had to stop doing even that. Without costumers he couldn't afford to buy new seeds. Olivier sighed and dragged his body up from the bed, walking in front of the mirror. A man past his prime with light grey streaks in his black hair looked back at him. He had wrinkles around his eyes and hair grew out of his nostrils. Why did he change so much? Well, the answer lay with the information floating next to him.
Lifespan: 28,3/37,85
Initial eyes of truth
A week ago, Olivier was haunted by boredom and decided to buy three packs of seeds for the Red Beans of Ognaxth. As soon as the lifespan was deducted, he felt a frightening change to his body. Suddenly he had the appearance of someone in their fifties. Olivier was shocked at first, but he held onto the hope that his youthful appearance could be restored after increasing his lifespan. Yet to do so he needed customers…
While Olivier was lost in thought he noticed a movement in the mirror. The scene behind his back was still the same, a large shadowy hall resembling a castle. As the shadows kept wriggling, one of them slowly crept closer to Olivier. And suddenly it lunged itself right at him like a dark tentacle aiming to pull him into the black ocean.
"I'm going crazy here!"
Suddenly Olivier let out a shout venting all his emotions. He turned his body around and punched behind his back. To his shock a force ran through his arm. There was a hissing sound and green smoke appeared out of nowhere only to slowly dissipate.
A familiar warm feeling ran through Olivier's body, but its intensity was even less than when killing a meatball. In the mirror behind his back the shadows began to stir. But right at that moment the black cat's loud hiss rang through the entire house. The shadows instantly retreated into the corners, not daring to show themselves.
Olivier lowered his fist and stared at the empty air. Weird events would occur around the house from time to time, but this strange green smoke was something he had never seen before. Just from looking at it, his emotions went into turmoil. There was an inexplicable, primal fear but also a curiosity to explore the endless mysticism the smoke seemed to exude.
Slowly, Olivier calmed down. He shelved all his questions. He had already figured out that there was no use in trying to figure things out by himself. The black cat would reveal the answers to him when she thought it was the right time. Olivier didn't have much of an opinion about that. He was used to working under someone else. He didn't expect to always be in control of everything. The world didn't work like that.
After this experience Olivier changed into his black and white tailcoat and went down into the café. The black cat would get annoyed when he lazed around too much. And it was probably also good for his sanity if he didn't spend all day in bed.
Olivier opened the door and arrived behind the familiar counter. But just as he thought another day of boredom awaited him, a ring came from the door. Olivier was pleasantly surprised, his shining eyes focusing on the door. The familiar black swirl could be seen and a dignified figure stepped through. It was a familiar customer, Benjamin!
"Welcome!"
Benjamin felt relieved hearing the familiar voice. He had some fear that there might be restrictions to the Café of Dreams, but his worry seemed unfounded. He stumbled into the room, looking exhausted and sat down at the same table as during his last visit. Benjamin's eyes scanned the room. It seemed nothing changed during those few weeks.
No, wait! Benjamin froze as his eyes fell on the barista. Why did the man look so old all of a sudden? He even had to do a double take, making sure this was still the same person.
At this moment two pairs of eyes met, and a chill ran down Benjamin's back. There is no mistaking it. It is still this unfathomable pair of eyes which seemed to stare right into one's soul. Mysterious and terrifying like the vast universe.
Being stared at by the barista, Benjamin gulped down the questions lingering on his tongue. He showed a wry smile, which was quite uncharacteristic of him.
"One… coffee please."
"Of course."
Olivier nodded lightly and went to work. For a while only the light music and the grinding of coffee beans could be heard, creating a strangely soothing melody. By now Olivier had some practice and the process went smoothly. A cup of coffee was soon placed in front of Benjamin.
The letter took a deep whiff, feeling invigorated just from the smell. With great anticipation in his eyes, he brought the coffee to his mouth and drank in deliberate, small sips, enjoying the experience. A warmth spread through his body and soothed his restless mind.
[Benjamin Bender
Lifespan: 57,4/124,4
Origin: Umbran, Levus]
Olivier observed his first costumer closely. He was still somewhat spooked by the changes to the lifespan. But the more he saw, the easier it became to accept these strange occurrences.
As Olivier was lost in thought, Benjamin had already finished his cup. Feeling exhilarated from the warmth running through his bones, he eagerly requested two more cups. If it weren't for the rules of the café, Benjamin thought he could just sit here and drink the invigorating beverage for the rest of his life.
Perhaps it was good that Olivier's initial eyes of truth couldn't read Benjamin's thoughts, or he might have lamented the absurdity of it all. In his vision Benjamin's information changed again.
[Benjamin Bender
Lifespan: 57,6/124,4
Origin: Umbran, Levus]
Truly, repeated cups had no effect and yet the price still had to be paid. What a blackhearted business. But Benjamin didn't seem to notice anything. He even wore a relaxed smile as if the was not sitting in a vintage café and instead bathing in a hot spring.
Olivier inwardly shook his head. He had the thought of warning his customer but a glance at the black cat deterred him. He still remembered what happened last time when he hesitated to sell the red beans to Benjamin and the black cat warned him.
Obviously, the black cat was very interested in this little business. And the reason wasn't difficult to guess. Olivier was certain that some of the lifespan the customers paid went to the black cat. This would also explain why Emmanuel recognized her despite not coming to the café for twenty years.
Sighing, Olivier watched the blissful Benjamin. At least he seemed to get something out of the deal. For a few seconds the man melted into the chair, seemingly free of worry. He even began to ramble.
"Hah, boss… can I call you boss?"
Olivier pondered for a second. He hadn't really thought about it before. He just decided to go with the name Emmanuel had used before:
"You can call me Barista."
"Mhm, worthy, worthy. So, you know, Barista. About one and a half weeks ago I finally dared to use those red beans of yours. And let me tell you, the effect was great. Me and my brother got along like never before. He decided to pursue his dreams and go travel while I was to take care of the company."
Benjamin had just started to talk, and Olivier's mind was already swirling with a strong emotion. He couldn't help but feel some disgust towards Benjamin, who used the red beans on his own brother. Unfortunately, Olivier had no say in the matter. He could only listen indifferently.
"At first I thought everything would be great now. The company was back in my hands, where it belonged. But there is still this stupid charity program! Damn it! I thought I could finally remodel the program according to my ideas, but who would have thought that this Mister Grey keeps such a close eye on everything?!
For example, when I suggested my son as a chairman that guy immediately questioned my intentions! What am I to answer? F*ck! My intentions are to avoid taxes, what else?! Idiot…"
From this point on Olivier began cleaning some cups of coffee, only listening half-heartedly without an ounce of respect for Benjamin. The latter continued complaining about how everyone tried to throw wrenches into his plans, even his once so obedient employees.
At the end Benjamin leaned back into the chair with a red head, sighing softly:
"Wow. This felt great. I would've never thought that it feels so good talking about all my troubles. Thank you, Barista. You are a great listener. I think I slowly understand the charm of this place."
Benjamin smiled contently. He spent a few more seconds to calm down before he stood up and approached the counter, looking at Oliver with a resolute gaze.
"Barista. I'm sure you already know why I came here. Please, give me… two… more packages of those red beans."
Olivier stopped cleaning the cup in his hands. He stared intently at Benjamin before slowly nodding. He opened the drawer which was once again filled with red, green, and blue packages, three of each kind. The rest of his yield was placed in the storage room.
Olivier grabbed two packages of red beans and put them on the counter. Its description involuntarily fell into his eyes.
[Red Beans of Ognaxth
Whoever drinks coffee brewed from these will be susceptible to suggestions. Increased effectiveness if suggestion aligns with desire.
Price: 1 year]
A price of one year of life. After what he heard Olivier didn't care anymore if Benjamin was ready to pay such a price.
Wait… No, this was wrong! Life had always been the most precious thing to Olivier! Even if Benjamin was not a good man, this was still wrong!
Olivier admonished himself and adjusted his thoughts. Staying true to himself he nevertheless warned Benjamin once:
"Two years of your life. Are you sure you want to pay this price?"
"Yes, Barista! They are worth it!"