Twig reflected to himself, eyes wide with surprise."Wow, I really can't believe it… a system. And not just any system, but one with the mechanics of Ragnarok Online — that complex, full-of-possibilities kind.If I remember correctly, I can choose classes, evolve skills, and even learn magic. But… will I really be able to use magic in this world?"
When the colors returned to reality, Twig was greeted by the sight of the freshly killed chicken.
Jenny commented, "Wow, you've got a knack for killing… Just kidding!"
Still recovering from everything that had just happened, Twig looked at Jenny with a dazed expression but couldn't help forcing a small laugh at her joke.
Seeing his face, Jenny tried to lighten the mood and focused back on the task.
"Come on, help me prepare the stew. Before putting the chicken in, we need to clean it.Throw it in that pot of hot water so we can pluck it, then open the belly and remove the innards. Let's get rid of the guts first.Only then will we add the chicken to the stew."
The two worked for a while, dedicating themselves to preparing the food carefully, until Saul's sharp voice echoed from outside, calling poor Twig back to work.
When he stepped out, Twig found Saul watching him with a severe, commanding gaze, his words carrying weight and authority.
"Twig, go upstairs and start tidying the rooms. Guests will arrive soon — they'll eat and then need to rest. I want everything spotless when they get here."
With little choice, Twig accepted his fate and walked slowly toward the rooms. Each step felt heavier than the last, but he knew he had no other option.
The rooms — if one could even call them that — were simple and rustic: straw beds covered with rags. They were clean, yes, but still crude and makeshift. Maybe they can be used, he thought, trying to find something positive.
Even so, compared to the harshness of the outside world, Twig realized this could almost be considered a luxury. After all, we're not in a palace. Around here, even the smallest comfort feels like a privilege.
Time passed. The sun began to set, and soon the sounds of people arriving filled the air.
Travelers came in from some unknown journey — where they came from or where they were headed, Twig didn't know. That was just how things were.
Saul, not wanting to disturb the guests, called Aron and Twig to help receive and serve them.
He knew better than to let Jenny appear in front of strangers. It was too dangerous for a girl to be seen by the kinds of men who wandered in from the roads. So he told her to stay hidden in the kitchen until bedtime, where she would be safe.
As Twig and Aron headed to the entrance, Saul watched them carefully, ready to step in if anything went wrong. The inn filled with voices, footsteps, and laughter — each detail demanding their complete focus.
The guests barged in and went straight to the dining hall, loud and impatient. They wanted food and drink, eager to rest after their long journeys. None cared for manners or conversation.
"Hey, boy! You there — the scrawny one! Bring me something to eat, I'm starving!" shouted one traveler, his voice rough, his clothes filthy and torn.
Twig froze, a chill crawling down his spine at the man's tone. The hall buzzed with noise, every guest demanding attention.
With few choices, Twig took a deep breath and tried to act as he imagined a polite waiter might."Sir, how can I assist you this evening? What would you like to eat?"
The man looked at him as though he were insane and barked,"Are you stupid, kid? What do you mean, what do I want? Bring the food already! This dump doesn't have a royal chef! Just bring me whatever slop you've got — and don't forget the drink!"
Twig stepped back, the man's hostility pressing down on him. He took another breath, trying to steady himself.
What a twisted world this is, he thought, frowning. I try to be kind, and they walk all over me. I guess I can't show weakness here. They only understand strength. What ignorant people… Can I really handle living among them?
Aron, noticing his friend's expression, quickly pulled him aside.
"Twig, what are you doing? That's not how we handle them! We don't talk to the customers. We just bring the food and leave fast. They could hurt us if we provoke them."
He gestured toward the kitchen."Come on, let's grab the food and drinks and bring them to the table. If we stay quiet and move quickly, we'll be fine."
Twig exhaled slowly, trying to calm his racing heart, and followed Aron back to the kitchen. He realized that in this world, every gesture mattered — one wrong word could mean trouble.
"Damn… these guys are insane, so violent!" Twig muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We're just trying to serve them, and they treat us like trash."
Aron looked at him calmly. "Man, that's just how it is. We're not here to be treated nicely. We give them food and shelter, and they pay. That's all. Getting angry won't change anything."
"Wow…" Twig thought, glancing back toward the noisy guests. This world is really messed up. People treat each other terribly, and those who suffer end up thinking it's normal. This place… it's truly strange and merciless.
The night dragged on in the tavern. The guests ate, made a mess, yelled, and of course — left no tips. In this world, generosity was almost nonexistent.
By closing time, Twig noticed Saul speaking to one of the travelers, the tone between them quickly heating.
"Innkeeper, take this coin for your lousy food from this sorry hole you call a tavern!" the man shouted.
Saul replied firmly but calmly, "Sir, there are a few coins missing here."
"You dare question me?" the man snapped, placing his hand on a dagger at his belt, threateningly close. "You should be grateful I even pay you! This dump should thank me for not burning it down!"
Saul's eyes hardened. "Sir, I know my inn isn't a palace, but you're not a noble either. Think carefully before drawing that dagger. Our kingdom has laws."
The man's face twisted with anger, but he said nothing more. He turned sharply and stomped off toward the rooms.
The night finally began to quiet. Only a few stragglers remained, and most guests were already asleep.
Saul approached the two boys. "Tell Jenny you can all go to bed. I'll finish up here and join you later."
The boys nodded and went to the kitchen. Jenny was waiting, startled at first but relieved when she saw them.
"Come on, Jenny," Aron said softly. "Let's go. Time to sleep."
That's when Twig remembered — they didn't have separate rooms. Everyone slept crowded together in the same space.
He sighed to himself. Ah… tonight's going to be rough, no matter how tired I am.