"Boss, I really have to thank you! All the instructors are amazed at how fast I'm improving. I already managed to forge some connections. With my brain and Exaner's brawn we will soon distinguish ourselves in the army. I aim to get a job behind the frontline. Perhaps I gain some influence on troop deployment. I could make sure that Romus won't end up in the most dangerous areas!"
Olivier nodded lightly as Marcus was talkative as ever. Even knowing that the young man was purposely trying to integrate himself, Olivier couldn't come to dislike him. Listening to Marcus did much to dispel the usual boredom. Especially since Valentino was absent these days to create his next masterwork.
This went on for a while as Marcus talked and Olivier listened. But even the young man aspiring to start his great career would run out of topics. Olivier went back behind his counter, overlooking the café.
The time passed without knowing. Just as Olivier was thinking of checking on his plants, a ring came from the door. He turned his head and saw a person walk in. Grey skin, narrow eyes, wearing a regal robe. It was Mau, who initiated the contract with Rey.
Mau didn't seem to be in a great condition. Blood was running from a deep wound on her shoulder, dyeing the robe a dark red. In her hands were two daggers reeking of blood, which she finally put away. Mau dragged her body towards the counter and sat down.
"Coffee, please."
Olivier already had some prepared. He poured a cup, placed it in front of Mau and couldn't help but ask curiously:
"What happened?"
Just about to reach for her cup, Mau froze for a moment. She was surprised as the old boss would have never asked this question. In her mind the barista was an indifferent person. At least small fry like herself couldn't stir the barista's interest. Obviously, there was a difference between the old boss and the new boss. And why shouldn't there be?
Mau quickly adjusted herself. She took the cup of coffee and pondered for a second. However, telling the boss, perhaps forging a closer bond, could only have advantages with no disadvantages. Thus, she calmly explained with the cold voice characteristic of her:
"I took Rey's place as queen. Didn't take long for a general to rebel. Must have been instigated by one of the ministers. Not sure if they realized that I am not really their queen."
Olivier lightly raised his head in acknowledgement. From the short explanation he didn't feel like he understood the whole story. But with Mau's temperament she considered everything explained. In fact, it was great to talk about her experience with the barista as it helped to sort out her own thoughts.
As soon as she appeared in Rey's place those ministers tried to meet with her. Was it a coincidence? Or did they guess something? But how? Mau was contemplating and suddenly thought of something. Before the café disappeared, she and Rey had often switched places. Back then Rey was not yet the powerful queen of today. In fact, Mau, as a trained warrior, was a much stronger fighter. Taking Rey's place, she often took care of Rey's enemies.
However, Mau was no spell user and instead preferred her trusted daggers. Contrary to Rey who followed the path of a sorcerer. Indeed, if someone dug through history, they might become suspicious. Why didn't the queen use a dagger ever again over the last twenty years?
And once one suspicious point was found, others might follow. Still, was this enough for the ministers to dare to doubt their queen? Mau didn't know. She was not made to be a queen. It would be on Rey to clean things up. Mau could wait until Feathered Blade's mission was accomplished before returning to her world.
Actually, Rey and Mau had a decent relationship. It wasn't that Mau didn't want to help Rey. However, the best help she could offer was probably by not appearing before others. Hiding in the café was alright.
Mau felt her thoughts clearing up. Her lips twitched into what she perceived as a smile, and she brought the café to her mouth. The brown liquid rolled down her throat, spreading the familiar comfortable feeling. Her wound immediately began to heal. She couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"Ah, how long has it been?"
Olivier watched as the alien woman closed her eyes and enjoyed the coffee. Whether human or anyone else, they all enjoyed the taste of his coffee. Well, perhaps it wasn't the taste but rather the feeling of lifespan increase, no matter how small.
No, it was certainly the taste. After all, with little else to do Olivier had much time to refine the coffee's taste. There was just a small issue. Ever since he learned how the coffee beans were made, he couldn't bring himself to drink it. Thus, he could only slightly adjust the taste day by day and judge from the expressions of his regular customers.
The stone-faced Old Demon was not of much help, but Marcus was much better. Olivier didn't even need to mention anything and the talkative young man would give his opinion. According to him, no matter what Olivier changed it always tasted great. Thus, Olivier also felt somewhat prideful, thinking he was fulfilling his role as the barista.
Not far from Olivier the black cat was napping on the counter. She suddenly raised her head lightly, glancing at Olivier. Rolling her eyes she went back to napping.
While Olivier was caught in leisurely thoughts, Mau had already finished her coffee. She put the cup down and moved her arm, feeling the wound still stinging. One cup was not enough to recover entirely.
As Feathered Blade had been in contact with the café for a long time, they knew about the trap brought by the coffee. One mustn't indulge too much. However, if one had a firm will then two cups were not dangerous. Thus, Mau immediately ordered another.
Olivier raised his brow. While pouring a cup of coffee he checked Mau with his eyes of truth. However, what he saw surprised him.
[Mau Ephrou
Lifespan: 165,6/864,1
Origin: Boneplains, Black Galaxy]
Mau's current age increased by three years. This was understandable as she had to pay three years according to the contract made with Rey. But what happened to her maximum age, her lifespan? Why did it increase by so much? Did Mau have a method to improve lifespan? No. If she did, her lifespan should be even higher. After all, she had more than a hundred and sixty years to boost her own lifespan.
"Boss?"
Mau's confused voice brought Olivier back to reality. He took a deep breath and put the matter at the back of his mind. Ever since coming to the café he had become proficient at ignoring things he didn't understand. He handed the cup in his hand to Mau, who quickly downed the brown liquid.
Feeling the pleasure surge through her body Mau closed her eyes. Suddenly a shock went through her mind. She had almost made the number one mistake and become engrossed in the sensation. Even though she knew about the coffee's effect! Really, one could never be too cautious!
Mau admonished herself. After a moment she nodded at the barista and looked for a table to sit quietly. She decided to let others deal with the chaos outside. Perhaps she would stay in the café for a day and everything would be back to normal once she returned to Rey's world.
Silence fell on the café. Olivier went out to take care of his plants. However, this didn't really cost a lot of time. Eventually he was back behind the counter, twirling his thumbs. His eyes wandered over the customers.
Suddenly Olivier stopped as an idea came to his mind. Didn't Mau say something about Rey's ministers being suspicious? This sounded like a problem which doesn't necessarily required force to be solved. A good mouth might do the trick. Perhaps… Marcus might be able to help with a good advice?
Olivier wasn't particularly concerned about Mau. If she thought Rey was able to deal with the issue, there should be a reason for her confidence. No need for Olivier to meddle in it. However, he was just so bored he might as well give it a try. Even if it led to nothing.
Mau was surprised to see the barista suddenly approach her. Did he want to entice her to drink more coffee? Was the new boss such a person? It was difficult to tell. However, when she heard the barista's words, Mau almost froze in place:
"I know someone who might be able to help you. Do you want to give it a try? I can't guarantee anything, though."