AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA
I slowed my pace, ducking into a quieter street where I could finally think without the sound of Hestia's squeals bouncing off every building. My heart still thumped like a war drum, but now I could focus.
"Okay… if I want to see Bell without… divine interference, I need a base. Somewhere to hang around. Somewhere to earn coin while I… observe." I muttered, glancing at the various shops and cafés lining the streets.
"System ping: Emotional state is calculated determination. Glamour veil stability - 80%. Optional objective is to secure independent access to target - initiated."System said.
I approached the first establishment that looked promising: a modest café tucked between a bakery and a herbalist's shop. "Open for casual work. Positions available."
"Uh… excuse me?" I asked, stepping inside. "I, um… don't have a Familia yet, but I'm looking for… work. Something I can do, anything really!"
The cafes interior was quiet, sunlight streaming in through the windows, illuminating shelves lined with delicate cups and steaming pots. Behind the counter, a tall woman with elegant features and a serene expression moved gracefully as she set down a tray of desserts.
"Welcome." The woman said, eyes twinkling. "I'm… Syr. We might have some tasks for someone like you. Can you… help in the front? Serve customers, tidy the kitchen, perhaps assist in preparing simple dishes?"
"System update. Opportunity detected. Optional objective - secure employment is active. Emotional spike is cautious excitement."System said.
I blinked. Syr… that name… it's the goddess Freya, isn't it? Disguised as a servant! My pulse quickened. I had read about her. She was legendary. And now here she was, offering me a chance to work?
"Y-yes! Absolutely! I can do that! I… I'm quick, careful, eager-" I stumbled over my words, cheeks heating.
Sir smiled softly, the kind of smile that could melt butter.
"Good. Then let's start with today. There are a few simple tasks. You may begin as our temporary… hostess of fertility."She said.
"System ping. Task title - unusual. Emotional state - confused delight. Optional objective integrate into the cafe is initiated."System said.
I froze, blinking.
"Hostess of… fertility?"I asked.
Syr's serene expression didn't change.
"It is… a title here. It simply means you assist customers, ensure they are comfortable, and bring good cheer. You will be compensated, and you may remain here while you decide on your next steps."She said.
I swallowed hard, trying not to fangirl audibly.
"I… understand. Thank you! I won't disappoint!"I said.
"System update. Reward is coin. Social influence is minor. Emotional spike is high satisfaction. Optional objective, establish civilian cover is active."The system said.
I quickly slipped into a simple apron Sir handed me, adjusting my borrowed cloak beneath it. The smell of freshly baked bread and rich coffee filled my senses, and I couldn't help but grin. This… this is perfect. I can observe people, earn coin, and maybe, just maybe nteract with Bell while keeping a low profile. As I set down trays and greeted the first few customers, I felt a small thrill every time Sir glanced at me approvingly.
"System note: Host behavior is cooperative and socially engaging. Emotional spike is moderate delight. Optional objective a reputation as friendly employee is active."System said.
The morning passed in a blur of clinking cups, soft chatter, and the gentle hiss of the coffee machine. I hurried from table to table, careful not to trip over my own feet, trying to keep every tray balanced perfectly. Every time a customer smiled, I felt a little spark of pride. Maybe 'hostess of fertility' sounded silly, but the title carried a weight of responsibility I was determined not to mess up.
"System ping. Host emotional engagement = high. Optional objective - maintain professional composure - active. Glamour Veil stability = 78%."System said.
"Table five needs another water refill." I muttered under my breath, trying to memorize which customer ordered what without relying on memory alone.
The cafe wasn't crowded yet, but Syr moved silently around the kitchen, checking on everything, her presence reassuring. I glanced at her from behind the counter. She worked with such ease, the kind of graceful efficiency that made me simultaneously admire and panic, if she noticed me fumble, would she scold me?
"System note. Observational learning opportunity - high. Emotional spike - cautious admiration."System said.
By mid-morning, a few regular adventurers wandered i mostly familiar faces from the Guild. A group of dwarves laughed loudly in one corner, swapping stories about dungeon skirmishes. A pair of elves quietly sipped tea at another table, eyes occasionally flicking toward me as I moved past.
"System ping. Social rapport increased. Optional objective - maintain discreet charm - progressing.'System said.
I nearly tripped over the edge of the counter when a small child, eyes wide with wonder, toddled into the café, tugging at his mother's sleeve. He pointed at me, the apron, my hair slightly mussed from hurrying.
"Are you… a fairy?" He asked.
I froze, blinking.
"Uh… not exactly. Just… human." I waved awkwardly.
"System ping. Host appearance misidentified by civilian NPC - comedic effect triggered. Optional objective - charm local civilians - bonus."System said.
The mother chuckled, whispering something to her child, and the boy settled into a chair with a broad grin, pointing at the menu. Syr glanced my way, raising a brow. I offered a timid smile and served a glass of water. By lunch, the cafe filled steadily, adventurers and townsfolk alike moving through in a pleasant hum of noise. I darted back and forth, taking orders, bringing drinks, cleaning crumbs, and occasionally answering questions about menu items. My muscles ached in that strange, pleasant way of someone who'd moved all day, and yet, I couldn't stop grinning.
"System note. Physical stamina moderately taxed. Emotional spike - satisfaction. Optional objective - long duration performance is stable."System said.
A group of merchants came in, chattering loudly about rare herbs and dungeon finds. I bowed politely as I brought them water, and they complimented me on my attentive service.
"You're very careful." One said, peering at my notes as I jotted down their order. "Not many young ladies work this quickly."
"System Ping. Host social skill - recognized. Optional objective increased social credit is in progress."System said.
Syr passed by with a stack of menus and smiled.
"You're doing very well." She said quietly, almost in passing, yet it felt like a warm reward. I nodded quickly, cheeks heating.
"Th-thank you!"I said.
The afternoon stretched lazily, sunlight slanting through the windows, golden dust motes dancing in the beams. A few more adventurers wandered in: a familiar white haired man with red eyes, distant enough that I could glimpse him without being noticed. Bell wasn't coming in today, or maybe he was just passing by elsewhere, but the sight made my chest ache pleasantly, reminding me of why I was here. Observation was key, patience was key… and maybe not fainting in a cafe full of strangers was also key.
"System ping. Target proximity is zero. Emotional spike - anticipatory longing. Optional objective to maintain low profile while monitoring target is ongoing."System said.
By mid afternoon, I had developed a rhythm: take an order, pour drinks, refill water, wipe tables, glance at the customers for clues on moods, and most importantly avoid tripping or showing the slightest sign of internal panic. The system beeped repeatedly, probably questioning how I was maintaining such high efficiency while feeling like I wanted to scream internally.
"System note. Host emotional regulation - remarkable under duress. Glamour Veil stability is 75%. Optional objective is civilian cover integrity is maintained."System said.
The day passed in a blur of polite smiles, hurried steps, and occasional moments of quiet reflection as I wiped down tables or refilled condiments. I began to notice small things about the cafe: the way Syr moved with quiet authority behind the counter, the way regular customers returned to the same seats, the subtle rhythms that made this place feel like a safe haven. Even if I hadn't met Bell yet, there was a strange contentment in being part of this little microcosm. By late afternoon, the café had quieted. Most of the lunch crowd had left, leaving only a few adventurers lingering with desserts or tea. I leaned against the counter briefly, exhaling with satisfaction.
"System ping. Optional objective is first full day of independent work completed. Emotional spike - accomplishment. Coin reward potential - moderate."System said.
Syr came over, holding a small clipboard.
"You did well today. For your efforts, here's your coin."She said. She handed me a few gold pieces, neatly stacked. "You can keep coming back, help out as much as you like."
I blinked, holding the coins like they were treasures.
"Thank… thank you!" I said, voice small but sincere. "I… I really appreciate this opportunity."
"System note: Reward acquired - coin. Social reputation with Syr = +8%. Optional objective - integrate into civilian role = progressing."System said.
As I pocketed the gold and glanced around the quiet cafe, a small thought flitted across my mind. One day… one day Bell will probably walk in here. And when he does… I'll be ready. For now, though, I was just Isabella Vale, apprentice hostess of the cafe, learning the rhythms of Orario, earning coin honestly, and… feeling, for the first time in a long while, like I belonged somewhere even if it was just for a single day.