Max: What the hell was that??
Max was confused on the events that happened prior to this. He was unsure whether he actually hurt the grandma or if she was just baiting him. Either way, he was the victim of some nasty side eyes by the crowd around him. And weirdly enough, nobody interrupted her or him. They just stood. As soon as the granny vanished, everybody just returned to their usual self and kept walking.
Lin: There is something weird going on in this place...
Albert: The shopkeeper there seemed pretty normal although..
Ma nodded. But everybody in this place looked normal now. It was suspiciously weird that everyone were happy despite the Tower being right there. Max now was imagining if this was the effects of some Ameliorates in the Tower.
???: Hey...you guys wanna come in..??
A sudden voice to his right, startled them. The trio turned to the man wearing a light blue apron over his black and white striped shirt. He had a huge chef hat over his head. And he was definitely speaking in English. Atleast the English of this era that Lin and Melissa spoke.
???: Before you were rudely interrupted by the hav, I was sure that you wanted to come in to my restaurant...
The man did a striking pose, bowing down slightly while pointing at the huge sign over the wall. It said "Sigurd's Delicacies" in a language that Max still understood, despite it being unfamiliar.
Max: Please don't tell me that you are Sigurd....
???: Umm...but I am though..
He laughed nervously, while Max appeared to be slightly disgusted. He never understood why chefs named an entire restaurant after them...but he was okay with it now. It was just off putting but he didn't hate it in any way.
Sigurd: About that old lady....
Max looked at the explaining chef who had his palm on head, trying to look cool.
Sigurd: ....do not worry about her. She has been this way for years.
Max was flabbergasted. So that was definitely some kind of scam but Max wasn't aware. Max quickly looked at the other two.
Max: Quick!! Check your pockets!! See if she stole anything!!
Lin: Huh..? What??
Albert: I'm pretty sure she didn't even touch me....I would've sensed it if she did.
Max just stared at them angrily, so the two had no choice but to check if they have all their belongings. And surprisingly they had everything.
Albert: Told you..!
Max: Nah...that can't be!! She must've done something!!
Lin: Stop being so paranoid!!!
Sigurd: Ahem ahem..
Sigurd did a new posture while fake coughing to gain their attention, interfering with the gangs discussion.
Sigurd: If I may....she is not a thief. I assure you!! I've been in this town ever since I was born...you can take my word.
Albert: See..?
Max: Why should we even take his word for it?? For all we know, he could be in cahoots with her!!
Max blatantly accused him while dramatically pointing his finger at the chef. The wind blew and the atmosphere grew silent, creating an era of awkwardness between them both.
The family that he had seen earlier passed them into the restaurant. The little girl smiled at Sigurd too waving at him.
Little girl: Heyyyy Sigurd!!
Sigurd: Heyyyyy young miss....would you like your favourite ice cream today too??
Little girl: Yes, please!!
The girl's parents held her band and walked inside with her, smiling at Sigurd. Sigurd did a bow and nodded at the gang before leaving inside. The aroma from the restaurant was still so good, and Max couldn't resist, no matter how much he tried. He still refused to go in.
Max: He might be an enemy!!
Lin: Not trusting people is MY thing!! You now are taking my thing!!
Albert: I get why you are paranoid Max. But you can trust me atleast. I heard his heartbeat, be wasn't lying about anything..
Max looked at his trustworthy teammate. They had fought together, sjde by side, against death itself. If he could trust anyone in this new world..it was him. And Chuck.
Max: Fine....we can go in!!
****
Far away, at the Tower beside the beach, electricity cackled. A man in armour stood up and walked to the window. He could see Seaside Edge from his window. He had a huge smile on his face. It was time.
??: Ahhh man...I don't know how much time it has been!! But they look lovely as ever...
The man stood up. He was called Sarzar. He was an Ameliorate. He slept for almost a year, and now be desperately wants to kidnap a "wife" for himself.
Sarzar: I shall go by myself then...behehehhe