Inn Overlord: Reincarnated with Enhancement Magic, Now Worshipped as a Divine Messenger! - Chapter 29

(Seraph’s Perspective)

Abigail had regained her strength, and ‘The Black Piglet Inn’ returned to its usual lively atmosphere.

Abigail was back to her regular tasks, sweeping the stairs.

“Abby? Are you sure you’re okay now?”

Abigail responded,

“Yeah. I rested for a whole day yesterday, so—”

I stepped up to the stair above her so that we were at the same eye level and asked again.

“Really?”

Abigail’s face turned slightly red.

“Y-Yes, really!”

I leaned in closer, pressing my forehead against hers.

“You still feel a little warm, though.”

Abigail flinched and muttered in embarrassment.

“W-Wait! That’s just because you—”

“Because I what?”

“J-Just— Anyway! I’m fine now, so don’t worry!!”

Saying that, Abigail continued sweeping, putting distance between us.

Meanwhile, Luka and Jeanne had gotten used to their work, making “The Black Piglet Inn” more vibrant than ever.

At the same time, the number of adventurers coming to the village began to increase.

They were here to investigate the Demon Forest.

When I went to collect monster meat, materials, mushrooms, and honey from the Queen Ants, I learned that more and more adventurers were entering the forest. I also asked about the movements of Lydia, one of the Harmonia’s Three Great Divine Bards.

As expected, they still hadn’t been able to track her down. It was possible she had given up on controlling the Demon Forest, but there was also a chance she had ventured deeper inside and strengthened her influence. Either way, we had to stay alert.

Occasionally, we still encountered monsters under Lydia’s mind control, but the Army Ants were able to handle them, and their numbers seemed to be dwindling.

Our village, Noonan, was livelier than ever. Since ‘The Black Piglet Inn’ was the only lodging available, it quickly filled with adventurers investigating the Demon Forest. Those who couldn’t get a room had to either camp outside or stay at the monastery where I bought ale. The monastery provided light meals and ale, but with no skilled cooks like David, our inn remained the preferred spot.

“This is amazing!!!”

“What the hell is this!?”

“Mushroom soup… so comforting…”

“This grilled chicken goes perfectly with ale!”

“The waitresses here are way too pretty!!”

“Even after a long day, orc meat still tastes great!”

“What’s in this sauce?!”

“What is this juicy food?!”

“That girl is adorable…”

Regulars like Hazan and Rubens were there, along with Tōryō, the head carpenter building our village’s new defenses, and his apprentice, Shide. Today, adventurers like Albert and his group had also come by.

From the kitchen, I glanced at the dining area and made eye contact with Albert. He gestured for me to come over, but I was too busy. After finishing up a few orders, I quickly asked David for permission and went to Albert’s table.

“Welcome!”

“Oh, Seraph! You’re working in the kitchen now? Did you get demoted?”

Albert threw a glance toward Jeanne, who had recently joined us. Ah, I see. First, he was after Mom, and now he’s interested in Jeanne.

“No, that’s not it! I wanted to learn cooking from David, and since Jeanne joined, I stepped back from waiting tables… So, well, I guess you could say it’s kind of a demotion.”

Setsuna, the woman in the pointed hat, scolded Albert.

“Hey! Don’t say weird things like that!”

“Wait! No, it was just a joke! A joke!”

Sighing, Setsuna turned back to me and asked,

“What’s this dish made of? I’ve never seen it before, but it’s delicious.”

She lifted a piece of firm, white sashimi from her plate with her fork, examining it curiously.

“That’s a secret! By the way, I made it!”

Albert wrapped an arm around me and said,

“Come on, Seraph! You can tell me!”

As he spoke, he tightened his grip around my neck.

“Hey, s-stop—”

Suddenly, a terrifying aura filled the entire inn. The once lively and noisy atmosphere froze for a moment.

The source of this intense aura was Jeanne.

She was on the verge of losing her temper at Albert for putting me in a chokehold.

Still struggling in Albert’s grasp, I shook my head, silently begging Jeanne to calm down.

Albert, completely unaware of my plea, only squeezed harder.

“Haha! What’s wrong? Giving up already?”

“Please! S-Stop it!!”

I wasn’t just talking to Albert—I was also desperately pleading with Jeanne. If I had to break it down, my plea was 90% directed at Jeanne.

Thankfully, Albert let go, and Jeanne’s deadly aura faded.

“Did it just get chilly for a second?”

“Huh? Not at all?”

“You just need more ale! Drink up!!”

“O-Oh! Luka, another round of ale!”

“Okay! One extra ale for Table 2, please!”

I told Albert and the others that I was heading back to the kitchen, but just as I turned around, Albert called out to me.

“Seraph?”

I glanced back.

“Nah, it’s nothing.”

Then, he added, “Keep up the good work.”

I tilted my head, slightly puzzled, but nodded and returned to the kitchen.

On my way, I overheard a chilling voice.

“Could you let go of me?”

“Heh, what’s the harm in a little fun?”

A rough-looking adventurer was bothering Jeanne.

Then, I heard Albert’s voice mutter,

“It’s starting…”