The rays of sunlight woke me up the next morning. My second morning in this world, and for once, I actually felt rested.
I pulled on my clothes and stepped out, already smelling the aroma of food drifting through the air. My stomach grumbling immediately. I couldn't wait to see what delicacies Diane had prepared for breakfast.
When I reached the table, what i saw hit me like betrayal.
Plates — empty.
Bowls — scraped clean.
Diane and Luno were stacking the leftovers of what looked like a very solid breakfast.
Gaylord sat there, arms folded, staring at me like I was lost.
"You woke up late," he said flatly.
I stared at the table, then at him. "Okay… and where's my food?"
"If you wanted food," he replied, pushing back his chair, "you should've woken up earlier."
I blinked at him. "That's it? That's your answer?"
He ignored me, standing. "Come on. We're headed to the temple to finalize the arrangements."
I wasn't listening anymore. There had to be something left—a crumb, a bone, anything. I scanned the plates like a starving animal, looking for anything—anything that looked edible.
Gaylord's eyes twitched. "What are you doing? Did you not hear me?"
I pretended I didn't hear him either and continued scavenging for food.
He marched over, grabbed me by the collar, and hauled me toward the door.
"Hey—wait—hold—"
As he dragged me past the table, I lunged just enough to snag a chunk of meat from his plate.
Got it!
Gaylord didn't stop. I stumbled after him, one hand prying at his grip, the other clutching the leftover meat—my precious breakfast.
The door opened, and we both stepped outside, with him leading the way and me following behind.
Not the morning I hoped for — but at least I got the meat.
I thought.
Gaylord walked ahead, keeping his eyes forward like he didn't care if I followed or got lost. I trailed behind him, chewing on my breakfast.
It was… tough. Really tough. My jaw worked on it, but the damn thing refused to break apart.
I grunted. "Why won't this thing budge…?"
I pulled it out of my mouth to look at it, and a disgusting string of slime connected it back to my tongue. The meat itself looked wet and sticky, like it had been dipped in something gross.
"And why is it slimy?" I muttered, frowning at it.
Gaylord glanced back at the mess in my hand, then looked forward again.
"…Did you take that from my plate?"
"So what if I did?" I shot back, lifting an eyebrow.
There was a short pause. Then he said, flatly—
"I spat that out."
I froze.
The meat dropped from my hand instantly.
"GROSS—!"
My stomach twisted. I wiped my hands on my cloak, hard. Then my tongue. Then my hands again.
"That's disgusting!" I snapped, shuddering.
Gaylord didn't even stop walking. "Next time, don't take leftovers from someone's plate."
The rest of the walk was mostly uneventful, save the the countless times he stopped to greet and chat with people. It didn't take long before we arrived at our destination.
The temple wasn't busy today. Only a few people milled about, doing... whatever it was they were doing. Felix and Liona were waiting outside by the entrance—Liona holding a small, intricate vial in her hands.
Felix gave Gaylord a polite nod. "Good morning. I trust you rested well?"
Gaylord returned the greeting with his usual grumble.
I didn't bother paying attention—my eyes were already drifting toward the vial in Liona's hands.
Then I caught her looking right at me with a playful smile and half-lidded eyes.
Like she'd forgotten how much of a bitch she was yesterday.
She even winked at me!
The audacity!
I frowned and turned my head away, refusing to give her the satisfaction.
Felix cleared his throat. "Anyway — good news. Liona here is done with the brew."
"That was fast," Gaylord said.
Liona twirled the vial lightly, her smile sharpening. "I wouldn't have done it without my little… helper."
Her gaze slid to me.
I scoffed. Loudly.
Felix blinked and looked between us. "What's wrong with him?"
"Oh, don't mind him," Liona said with a mischievous grin, waving a hand dismissively. "He's just upset I kicked him out of my shop yesterday."
"Ah. I see," Felix muttered.
He turned back to Gaylord. "Come. Let's begin the final preparations."