The door closed carefully, allowing entry into the shop – which until a moment ago was about to cease all activity – to a rather particular customer.
The young lady sat in the chair just taken down from the table by the friendly shopkeeper, whose smile illuminated the dark dining room. Standing beside her, with his hands behind his back he took a step forward.
"So, my lady, would you like some coffee?" The shopkeeper spoke beside her with a demeanor worthy of the highest social classes, or so he thought, imagining that's how they should act.
Morgan forced herself not to laugh at his clumsy attempt at formality, which was in no way in sync with the nervous look he failed to disguise.
"Yes, some coffee I suppose is fine, thank you."
"You're welcome, my lady." He finished with an exaggerated bow and awkwardly hurried back towards the kitchen, almost tripping over his own feet.
When he crossed the threshold of Morgan's vision and was shielded by the wall, Sunny almost fainted, collapsing against the wall, supported only by his forearms. His trembling legs were on the verge of giving out.
'What the hell is she doing here!? Have I been discovered somehow? It's impossible, I haven't made any moves. There's no way to connect my identity to the Lord of Shadows, I haven't even revealed my appearance. Damn it! But then, why is she here disguised in the first place? I haven't done anything to arouse anyone's curiosity, I'm sure… but what if I did? No, that wouldn't matter. I don't even have relevant records to associate me with anyone. What if that same lack of information is what raised doubts?...'
He clutched his chest, breathing deeply, trying to regain his composure. After a few torturous seconds, he stopped trembling, letting out a sigh.
'Whatever the reason, if I'm not careful, I'm screwed. I just… have to keep being the friendly shopkeeper and watch my words.'
Sunny's attention focused on the metallic machine with some hazel-colored ornaments.
Morgan stared at where the friendly Master Sunless had disappeared, her head slightly tilted. 'Why is he so nervous?'
Due to her perfectly attuned and enhanced senses from being a Saint, she managed to notice how Master Sunless fell apart as soon as he crossed the door.
'I mean… It's funny and even somewhat cute, but isn't he too nervous? It can't be that he knows who I am… Well, that wouldn't be impossible. I haven't been exactly subtle, in fact I've screwed up quite a bit. Still… if he knows, it doesn't really worry me that much. He's just a Master. If he knows who I am, I think he should know how to keep a secret, and it's not really a matter of life or death anyway. But… what if it's not because of that?'
Questions and conjectures flew through Morgan's mind, but the conclusion she reached several times through different lines of thought was…
'…It's fun. I'm just going to enjoy the moment. I don't know when I'll be able to do something like this again, or if I ever will. Sorry, Master Sunless, I'm going to have fun with you.'
After a few minutes, the shopkeeper crossed the door with a porcelain plate holding a cup of the same material in his hand.
The plate landed in front of her; the column of steam was accompanied by the exquisite aroma of ground beans entering her nose. Morgan smiled, pleased by the smell. She didn't drink coffee very often, but even so, she noticed that what was in front of her was quality.
"Would you like anything else? If you want something to eat, I can prepare it for you immediately, of course, if it's within my possibilities."
Morgan stared fixedly at Sunny for a length of time that could be considered invasive, making him shudder and swallow hard.
"Then, bring me what you make best…" she said hesitantly, still looking at him strangely.
"Right away, my lady."
Sunny nodded instantly, turning around and running back to the kitchen.
Just before he crossed the doorway, the woman's voice called him.
"And one more thing!"
He stopped dead in his tracks, turning and fixing his gaze on the smiling young lady.
"Stop behaving so formally! I don't bite, you know? Well, I don't think I'm harmless; I make mincemeat of nightmare creatures or the occasional troublesome type, but you seem like a good one, so don't worry. Just call me Moira, please. Too much formality is making me feel like a princess!"
He looked at her, frozen in silence. Those words seemed highly improper to him, yet also genuine. Still, he rejected her sincerity.
"I don't think that would be appropriate, my lady. I wouldn't feel comfortable addressing you so casually."
To Morgan's eyes, he looked like a cornered puppy. She was forced to suppress another laugh. She wanted to play with him, but not mock him so shamelessly.
"Would Lady Moira be acceptable then? 'My lady' is too exaggerated. If it's Lady Moira, I can tolerate it."
Still conflicted, Sunny sighed tiredly. "Lady Moira it is." Having said that, he turned and went straight to the kitchen. Morgan heard again how he collapsed against the wall. She covered her mouth with her hand, suppressing her laughter.
She savored and enjoyed the taste of the coffee. She eagerly awaited the return of her personal jester for the night. He had made quite an impression on her, but she had yet to truly test him. She wished to see him struggle to maintain his composure.
As if the world had decided to grant her wishes, once again a plate was delivered to her table by the shopkeeper: a waffle of perfect proportions adorned with various fruits cut into slices, arranged to resemble a flower.
The presentation of the dish was, without a doubt, admirable at the very least. Her observation of the plate was interrupted when Master Sunless spoke to her.
"Would you like any additional toppings? I don't have much I can offer you at the moment. I'm actually lacking a variety of sweet condiments today. I can only offer you… honey." His face contorted slightly as he said the last word.
Morgan immediately shook her head.
"I appreciate it, but it's fine. In fact, I don't even like honey."
Sunny's previously tense expression relaxed upon hearing the rejection.
His eyes shone subtly. He had been waiting for this moment, the desired moment to share such a specific dislike with someone, but he had to swallow that emotion due to the situation, and more importantly, due to who he was sharing the moment with.
He mentally sighed, pushing those thoughts away, then spoke with courtesy and contained emotion.
"I'm glad to hear that. The damned honey is disgusting. I can't understand how anyone could willingly put something like that in their palate. It's as if someone devoured newborn babies for pleasure."
He hadn't noticed the frown he was wearing right now. Morgan stared at him with her mouth slightly agape.
His expression softened only to then twist into one of terror. Cold sweat began to drip from his forehead. 'What the hell did I just say? Why did I say something like that? I think I ruined it, it's all over! Damn it!'
He mentally cursed himself as if reciting a mantra.
Before he could start writhing and scratching his skin due to stress, Morgan pulled him out of his thoughts.
She sighed heavily and leaned back in her chair while arching an eyebrow, looking at Sunny understandingly.
"Isn't that right!? I truly don't understand it either, really. It's… abhorrent, at the very least."
Her brow furrowed with each word she said, just as a hint of annoyance filtered into her voice.
"I only tried it once, but after learning how it's made… I couldn't bear to see it near me again. That disgusting filth… I'd like to get my hands on the degenerate who created that nonsense to flay him myself."
Sunny slammed his palms on the table, leaning towards Morgan. "Exactly!"
In response, she recoiled as much as she could in her chair, surprised by the sudden unrestraint of the cordial shopkeeper. She wasn't angry, just surprised.
He stared at her for a few moments, blinked as he realized the situation, and quickly his face turned blue.
"I'm sorry! It's not what it seems! I'm truly sorry, I got a little carried away! A-and I…"
Morgan let out a laugh unbecoming of her royal status, short but full of release.
She shook her head and her hand with a sweet smile on her lips.
"It doesn't matter, it's all the same. I think it would be quite fun to chat with you, so let me ask you: would you like to chat with this young lady?"
The blue color receded from his face, returning to its usual hue. He felt as if the weight of a mountain had been lifted from his shoulders, only to feel the burden again instantly. He almost fell apart in front of the sweet young lady interested in talking to him.
He suppressed the need to collapse and responded politely.
"I'm not sure if that's such a good idea. I don't think I'm someone with very interesting topics to talk about, but if you insist, I'll feel obliged to do so."
Awkwardly, he sat down opposite Morgan. He was unable to look her directly in the eyes; he felt that if he did, he would be devoured alive. But even so, he shared the space, and for the Princess of the Valor Clan, that already meant a lot to her, especially coming from the timid shopkeeper.
"Out of curiosity, may I know what you were doing before I arrived? I noticed the broken broom."
"Ah… I'm sorry about that. I just had a lot on my mind, but nothing worth commenting on."
Morgan narrowed her eyes, looking at him cautiously. Placing her elbows on the table and holding her face with her hands, she asked:
"And could you tell me what you were thinking about before? I'm intrigued by what's on your mind."
His breath caught and time seemed to slow down. He focused on his mind.
'It's not very complicated. Just think carefully about what you're going to say. I've already played my cards quite badly since she arrived.'
He returned her gaze, now calmer. With a soft smile, he responded courteously.
"Oh, I was just thinking about a few things. First I thought about lesbian sex. I also thought about committing a murder; I have a very particular guy in mind. Although, looking at it another way, I'm also planning to commit suicide as a form of revenge… Anyway, that guy has to pay for messing with his sister. That… that I think was the main thing. I ended up breaking the broom out of stress. After I got frustrated, I was thinking about participating in a threesome, but then you arrived."
The atmosphere fell into complete silence after he said that. Morgan looked at him without reacting; the fine expressions on her face were slack and blank.
'…I think I no longer have to worry about being seen as suspicious. Now I must be a potential degenerate… I can take Aiko to Ravenheart, but what about Beth? She should be fine without me. It's going to hurt a lot not being able to see her for a while, but as soon as Morgan leaves, she'll probably order this place demolished.'
Both Sunny's expression and demeanor were clear of nervousness or doubt. 'Why stress about avoiding a tragedy that is about to happen and that I can do little to prevent?'
A loud guffaw announced that his worries had been foolish.
Morgan held her stomach as she laughed openly. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, threatening to fall. When her laughter subsided, she would look at him again and the fit of laughter would start anew.
Although the worst situation hadn't occurred, he didn't feel comfortable. Her laugh was a silly, but genuine.
The mockery directed at him was evident, so much so that he began to forget who he was talking to. Frowning slightly with a dull expression, he spoke to her:
"What's so funny?"
She took a while to respond, it took her almost a minute to stop laughing at him. Her vision had blurred for the third time that day, with tears about to fall from her eyes. With her face completely flushed, she breathed desperately, regaining her composure, but her breath still hadn't fully returned.
"Ah… it's just that… You can't say something like that with that face! Oh gods! It seems you have a sense of humor… I don't think I've laughed like that before. I truly thank you for it."
He stared at her fixedly, watching as she still took gulps of air and wiped the moisture from her eyes.
'She has behaved strangely from the beginning… Is she really Morgan? Yes, it's her, no doubt about it. Even so, if she's not a spy, what is she supposed to be doing here disguised as a civilian in my house? I'm not sure what to do. I'm not even sure what to think! In fact, I'm not sure about anything in my life, damn it! Why did my life become a damn carousel of stress?… Forget everything. If I can keep her entertained until she leaves, it will be my victory.'
A long sigh determined the end of the mockery.
"Sorry about that. Or thank you, perhaps? You're truly funny, Master Sunless. I've met people who swear they're funny, but you are a particular case. So I have another question for you; I've had it circling in my head since I entered: Why have you been so nervous in my presence?"
"Well, it's just that you scare me."
The direct response came faster than she expected. Morgan tilted her head, confused, but also amused.
"So I scare you… Why? Do I do something that intimidates you? Does that mean, then, that you let me in to eat despite closing, served me with all decorum and kindness out of… fear? I think there's something I don't understand."
The shopkeeper shook his head.
"Don't misunderstand me, Lady Moira. It's just that I felt intimidated because… you are out of my league. Naturally, I felt intimidated by you, as I've never been good at handling the opposite gender. I apologize if I offend you, but that is my feeling."
Morgan didn't expect that response. The muscles in her jaw slackened, letting her mouth open slightly. The response only confused her more, but she smiled again. She wouldn't pass up an opportunity to make him nervous.
"Are you telling me my beauty intimidated you?"
"You could say that. One doesn't see a woman like you around here every day." Sunny said, averting his gaze.
The mocking and carefree air that Morgan had until a moment ago had vanished. With a soft smile, she stared at him fixedly. Her voice sounded different, or rather, habitual. She spoke with the tone of voice she normally used, different from the friendly and soft one she had used with Sunny.
"Master Sunless… I don't believe you. Tell me, what are you hiding?" She said, looking at him with oppressive smugness.
A shiver ran down his spine. If before he could have forgotten who he was talking to, now he definitely wouldn't. His composure changed, feeling in danger. He stopped being the nervous little rabbit; now he was alert and tense. He suppressed the urge to swallow. He returned her gaze.
A drop of sweat slid down his face. He didn't dare move a single muscle, and yet, as a product of his Flaw, he responded with seriousness.
"I have two girlfriends, and they are both playing in my storage room waiting for me while we're talking."
They both stared intensely into each other's eyes for eternal seconds.
Finally, Morgan snorted before laughing again.
"Ah… I was just trying to bother you, Master Sunless. But to tell the truth, you've shown me that you can defend yourself quite well. I admit it, I was just playing with you."
Morgan's threatening gaze disappeared, resuming her previous friendly appearance.
Sunny hadn't realized how tense he had become until the muscles in his face relaxed.
"Tell me, at least I managed to make you a little nervous, didn't I?"
Now it was his turn to let out a chuckle, expressing his surrender.
"I'm not going to deny it. I felt a bit panicked for a few moments, but only a bit! However, I must ask you not to do that again, Lady Moira. I don't know if my heart can withstand something like that again."
"I promise nothing." Said Morgan, smiling.
Her attention shifted from the handsome shopkeeper and returned to the plates in front of her, remembering they weren't just for decoration. Then she pierced the fluffy batter, bringing it to her mouth. She chewed and savored it calmly.
After taking a sip of coffee into her palate, she commented:
"Well, not bad in terms of flavor. I admit, they're good."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Having said that, a comfortable silence formed as the princess enjoyed her meal.
Both the waffles and the coffee were only a few bites and sips away from being leftovers. They had been enjoyed in silence. For Morgan, silence in such a private setting was reason to feel in danger on her own account, but this time she didn't feel that way. With the pleasant company, she felt strangely calm.
"So, what will you do now?" Sunny spoke after Morgan took the last bite of the waffles.
"I'll just go home. It's what everyone should do at this hour, I suppose. Although you might not believe it, I have quite a few responsibilities."
Morgan took the last sip of her coffee. Strangely, it seemed to her that this last sip had more flavor than before.
"I must thank you for receiving me at this hour, Master Sunless. Also for putting up with me and my teasing towards you. I'm sorry about that, but in my defense, I couldn't help it!" She exclaimed the last part, failing to suppress a couple of giggles.
"I promise I'll leave you a good tip for this…" She searched in her pockets, the ones in her pants, then moved on to search in the pockets of her jacket. Her smiling expression darkened and she searched more intensely in her pockets, scratching them and checking again, hoping that what she was looking for would magically appear.
She looked into the void, observing her runes nervously. Sparks appeared in front of her, taking the shape of a small leather pouch in her hands. The bag fell limp in her hands; it was more of a rag than a purse.
Her previous demeanor, full of confidence and mockery, fell away. Now, a nervous smile took over her expression. She averted her gaze to anywhere, trying to avoid Sunny. Her cheeks colored with a red tint.
The Princess of the Valor Clan was not one to carry money on hand. If she wanted or needed something, she only needed to ask for it to come into her hands. Despite having a fortune large enough not to be easily intimidated by any bank in the two worlds, and having various forms of money like coins, credits, or even soul shards, at this precise moment she had none of her fortune on hand to pay for a simple meal.
She had no choice but to shrug and beg.
"…It seems I have a small, very tiny problem! Ahem… heh, heh…"
She only had to recite a few simple words, but those words were held back by shame, perhaps pride or dignity. With difficulty, she managed to say them.
"…I didn't bring any money…" She said while scratching her head.
Sunny's gaze remained unchanged; it was almost as if he didn't blink. His gaze was intense. Morgan could only shrink further in response.
"P-please don't look at me like that…"
His gaze only intensified, accompanied by his expressionless face. She felt she was being brutally judged.
"I-I'm sorry." She managed to say, the blush on her face growing stronger.
Sunny's stoic and impassive face broke, letting out a puff of air before bursting into laughter. He staggered, losing his balance, making him have to steady himself on a table to avoid falling.
The anti-climactic reaction of the timid shopkeeper didn't amuse Morgan. It had been immensely fun for her to make Master Sunless have a bad time, but receiving similar treatment from him was not.
She clenched her fists and frowned, still blushing with embarrassment.
"Hey! Stop it!"
Her protest fell on deaf ears. The intensity of her voice failed to replicate the power of her usual intimidation, coming out more like the complaint of a little girl.
She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, embarrassed.
"Stop laughing!"
Her words finally seemed to reach Sunny. He raised his hand with his palm open in her direction while trying to catch his breath.
"Ahhh… wow! I think I now understand why you like teasing me so much…"
He sighed while shaking his head. "It's on the house, don't worry, Lady Moira."
Morgan's rage and frustration quickly subsided, feeling embarrassed again in retrospect. A simple Master was pitying her, and not only that, laughing at her, the Princess of the great Valor Clan.
'But… I am not Morgan of Valor, I am Moira.'
She closed her eyes, now breathing deeply, calming herself by discarding who she was, at least for now.
"Thank you very much for that gesture, Master Sunless. I was not offended at all! And because of that, I must decline. I will return on another occasion and pay properly. Just wait for me, I promise I will return."
Sunny relaxed the muscles of his face, squinting his eyes involuntarily. He sighed and gave her a half-smile.
"I suppose I have to accept that… then I will await your return, Lady Moira."
Morgan's heart skipped a beat. She turned halfway and immediately headed towards the door.
The moonlight once again illuminated the princess's silhouette. She stopped for a few moments before turning halfway back.
"It was lovely to meet you, Sunless. You are a peculiar little man. Next time, I would like to continue talking with you."
"Just don't come so late, please." Said Sunny, letting the tiredness show in his voice.
Morgan waved her hand in farewell and stepped through the door.
With the sound of the bell announcing the end of his torment, he stood motionless. He let out a long sigh and let himself fall directly onto the floor face first, producing a dull thud.
'Gods, I survived. I can't take it anymore, I really can't take it anymore. I'm supposed to live a couple of hundred years as a Saint, but at this rate I don't know if I'll make it to thirty.'
Without much enthusiasm, he got up and headed towards his beloved bed. He should be able to go a couple of weeks in the best case without sleeping, but right now he needed and wanted to rest.
Just as he passed outside the storage room door, the doorknob turned. The door opened, and from it emerged both Aiko and Beth, disheveled, with wrinkled and messy clothes.
Aiko seemed the calmer of the two; she looked a bit tired and perhaps somewhat disoriented.
On the other hand, Beth was completely unkempt, but that was a minor detail in comparison. On her neck were hickeys of different shades. Sunny caught glimpses of the outlines of bite marks and scratches along her chest, barely covered by her unbuttoned shirt.
Before he could ask anything, she raised her hand towards his face and spoke:
"Yes, I'm fine, nothing's wrong… I… I feel very confused right now. I don't want to talk about it. See you, I love you."
She quickly ran out of the emporium, her face completely red.
He turned to look at Aiko. She returned his gaze. Both, tired, looked at the other with the same expression. No words were needed to understand: 'Long day, isn't it?'
He wrapped his arms around her, carrying her like an object. She didn't protest.
He threw himself onto the bed with her in his arms, hugging her as if she were a stuffed animal, burying his face in her chest.
"I want a vacation."
She stroked his head until they both fell asleep in that position.
xxx
Days later, Aiko was opening the Emporium door to flip the sign on it to announce its opening, when suddenly something caught her vision. On the ground was a bag of considerable size, like a large backpack, but it was a large sack that measured almost half her height. Confused, giving in to her curiosity, she bent down and opened the sack.
A bright light instantly blinded her, making her squint. She had to step back and cover her eyes with one hand to resist the glare.
Her eyes opened wide as saucers. Her hands trembled; her entire small body was trembling. She began to sweat cold.
"BOSS!" She screamed, shooting off floating immediately back inside the emporium.
What that bag contained were hundreds of coins of the highest value and soul shards of different types. The bag was almost overflowing with its contents, its value being equivalent to 2 years of just the earnings from Sunny's Brilliant Emporium.
Tied to the bag was a note, which had something written on it in elegant, slanted handwriting:
(I hope this is enough to compensate you for the bad time I put you through, Sunless. I would also like to thank you again for your hospitality. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to enjoy your food again for the time being. However, I intend to return as soon as possible. I will try to arrive earlier next time. I look forward to your company.
)
Sincerely,
Moira