Part 2

Moonlight spilled through the window of Myco's room, casting silver streaks across the wooden floor. He lay on his bed, arms folded behind his head, eyes fixed on the ceiling—but sleep refused to come. His mind was elsewhere. His mind held the image of the beautiful owner of the Touno-themed restaurant, Ookami.

The image of her lingered in his thoughts, unshaken even as he closed his eyes. He could still see the way she had gracefully bowed upon greeting him, the soft timbre of her voice as she called him "My Liege." Unlike the fearful whispers others had spread about her, she was nothing but poise and warmth.

He exhaled, rolling onto his side. It wasn't just her beauty that captivated him—it was the way she carried herself. He thought of how she stood, effortlessly balancing that massive tray of food with one hand as though it were no heavier than a feather. Strength beyond comprehension, yet she wielded it with an almost careless elegance, never rough or imposing.

And then there were the little things—the way she gently brushed a stray strand of dark brown hair behind her ear when she spoke, the way her golden eyes shimmered with a quiet kindness, the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders as she laughed. There was something natural and unguarded about her, something that set her apart from others he had met.

She didn't try to mask her strength, nor did she flaunt it. It was simply a part of her, as much as her soft, refined voice or the way she carried herself with practiced grace. That duality—immense strength wrapped in gentleness—was what made her so intriguing.

Myco sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "What's wrong with me?" Why couldn't he stop thinking about her? He turned onto his back again, staring at the ceiling, trying to push the thoughts away. But deep down, he knew the truth. He wanted to see her again. Not just for the food, as incredible as it was. Not just out of curiosity. He wanted to talk to her, watch her move, hear that soft laugh again.

The morning sun had barely begun its ascent when Myco forced himself out of bed, his body sluggish from only a few hours of sleep. He ran a hand through his light brunette hair, sighing. Exhaustion tugged at him, but work didn't stop just because he had a restless night.

Keimonomimi Village was already alive with movement, its people hard at work, keeping the settlement thriving. His people. His home.

At the inn, Fifi and Belle bustled about, ensuring travelers and locals alike were well-fed and cared for. The aroma of fresh bread and sizzling meat wafted through the air, a comforting scent that reminded him how far the village had come.

In the alchemy shop, Maxim worked tirelessly, his sleeves rolled up as he brewed potions, the sharp scent of herbs and magic filling the air. Every bottle, every elixir was vital to the village, whether for healing, trade, or protection.

Across the river, Arake stood vigil over the wheat fields, expertly keeping the crows at bay with a mix of strategy and patience. The golden fields swayed gently in the morning breeze, a testament to the hard work poured into the land.

By the river, Kaity reeled in yet another impressive catch, her sharp eyes and practiced hands ensuring the village would have fresh fish for the day. Her laughter rang out as she wrestled with a particularly stubborn fish, the river reflecting the morning light around her.

The village thrived, every shop, every trade bustling with life. And at the center of it all was Myco. His knowledge had built this prosperity, guiding Keimonomimi Village into an era of growth.

And yet… As he stood there, watching his people move about their daily lives, he couldn't shake the lingering thought that had plagued him since last night. Ookami.

No matter how much work needed to be done, his mind kept drifting back to her—the way her golden eyes shimmered in the lantern light, the graceful way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the warmth in her voice when she spoke. He clenched his fist lightly, shaking his head. "Focus. There is work to do," and he had responsibilities to uphold. But even as he tried to push her from his thoughts, he knew one thing for certain.

As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Keimonomimi Village, Myco gathered with his trusted Fellows—Belle, Maxim, Arake, and Kaity—to discuss the latest developments. They stood in the village square, where the air buzzed with the sounds of merchants bartering and blacksmiths hammering away at their forges. The scent of freshly baked bread from the inn mixed with the earthy aroma of the farmland, creating an atmosphere of steady progress.

Maxim stretched his arms over his head, stifling a yawn. "Alright, we've covered everything, but there's one last issue that needs immediate attention." He placed a hand on his stomach, patting it dramatically. "I'm starving. Let's head over to the inn and see if Fifi has something cooking for us."

The suggestion was harmless enough, but for Myco, it sparked an idea—an excuse. A perfectly valid, completely reasonable excuse. He could take them to Drakenburg for a meal instead. And if that just so happened to lead him back to Ookami's restaurant… well, who was he to ignore an opportunity?

Myco straightened, putting on his most casual expression. "Actually, why don't we go to Drakenburg for dinner instead? My treat."

The group perked up instantly. Kaity's ears twitched with excitement. "Really? The food in Drakenburg is incredible!"

Belle clasped her hands together. "Oh, I haven't had city cuisine in ages! This is going to be amazing."

Even Arake, normally the quietest of the group, gave an approving nod. "Can't say no to a free meal."

Maxim grinned. "Now that's what I call leadership."

Myco chuckled, feigning nonchalance. "It's just a change of pace. We've been working hard—might as well enjoy ourselves." He left out the part where his thoughts had been drifting to a certain golden-eyed Oni all day. And so, with spirits high and stomachs empty, the group set off toward Drakenburg, completely unaware of Myco's true motivation.

The streets of Drakenburg buzzed with life as Myco and his group navigated the maze of stone roads and bustling merchants. The enticing scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, while shopkeepers called out their wares to passing customers. His companions eagerly chatted, speculating about where he was taking them for dinner.

"It better be somewhere good," Maxim said, rubbing his hands together. "You hyped this up, Myco."

"Relax," Myco smirked. "I'm sure you'll like it."

As they turned the final corner, the familiar sight of the Touno-style restaurant came into view. However, something was off. A large crowd had gathered outside, murmuring among themselves. Myco's first thought was that Ookami's business had finally picked up, but a quick glance inside showed that the restaurant was still completely empty.

His brow furrowed. "What's going on?" Curious, Myco approached the crowd. "Excuse me, what's happening here?"

A burly adventurer turned to him, his expression tense. "We're here to deal with the wild Oni inside."

Myco raised an eyebrow. "Wild Oni?"

The adventurer nodded. "Yeah. People have been complaining about horrifying screams coming from the restaurant all day. That, and the constant, earth-shaking sound of a hammer smashing something to bits."

Another bystander chimed in. "The rumors say she's pounding guests into pulp and serving them as food!"

Myco blinked. "That's ridiculous."

Before he could argue, a bloodcurdling scream of Ookami erupted from inside the restaurant. The ground trembled violently as a thunderous crash followed. Dust shook from the nearby buildings, and the gathered adventurers all took an instinctive step back, gripping their weapons in fear. Even Myco's group stiffened.

"Okay…" Belle whispered. "That was intense."

For a tense moment, the entire street fell silent. Then, the doors swung open gently as if nothing odd was happening. Out stepped Ookami, looking perfectly composed—except for the fact that her face and kimono were splattered with red liquid. She wiped her hands on a cloth and smiled warmly.

"Ah, food is ready!" she called out cheerfully.

The crowd erupted into screams. Adventurers who had sworn to slay monsters turned tail and fled, their bravery vanishing in an instant. Within seconds, the once-packed street was completely empty, save for Myco and his friends, who stood there staring.

Ookami tilted her head, confused. "…Did I say something wrong?"

Myco hesitantly stepped forward, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and concern. "Ookami… what exactly were you doing in there?"

Ookami beamed at him, wiping a bit of the red liquid from her cheek. "Oh, my liege! I was just making mochi." She gestured back toward the restaurant with a bright, innocent smile. "I just finished, actually! I saw everyone outside and wanted to invite them in to try some, but for some reason, they all ran away."

Myco and his group exchanged nervous glances. "Yeah, I wonder why…"

Still, there was one thing that needed clarification. Myco cleared his throat. "…And the red stuff all over your face?"

Ookami blinked before rubbing her sleeve across her cheek. She glanced down at the red smear and gave a small, delighted chuckle. "Oh, this? It's just strawberry pulp! I was making the filling for the mochi."

There was a moment of silence. Then, Myco and his friends collectively let out a nervous laugh, realization settling in. The terrified adventurers had been convinced they were witnessing the aftermath of some gruesome Oni massacre—when in reality, she had just been making dessert.

"R-Right," Maxim said, nodding. "That makes… total sense."

Unbothered, Ookami clasped her hands together. "Would you all like to come in and try some?"

Still recovering from the chaos, the group slowly nodded and followed her inside. However, the moment they stepped through the doorway, they all froze in place.

Sitting in the center of the restaurant, propped against a wooden stand, was a wooden hammer. A hammer so comically oversized that it barely fit inside the building. Its handle alone was taller than any of them, and the head of the hammer was so massive that Myco was fairly certain it could flatten a house in a single swing.

The group stared in horrified awe. "…Ookami." Myco hesitated, glancing at the Oni, who was still smiling pleasantly. "…Is that what you were using to pound the rice?"

She nodded cheerfully. "Of course! You need to really pound the grains properly to get the best mochi texture."

Belle took an unconscious step backward. "H-How… heavy is that thing?"

Ookami tilted her head as if the question was silly. Then, in the same bright, polite tone, she answered, "Oh, not heavy at all! Only about two tons."

A heavy silence filled the air. Two. Tons. Myco let out a weak chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "R-Right… of course. That's… totally normal." The group exchanged uneasy glances, collectively coming to the same thought.

After everything had settled down, the group finally got to enjoy their well-earned dessert. Plates piled high with soft, sweet mochi were placed in front of them, each piece perfectly dusted with fine rice flour and filled with the delicious strawberry paste that had, just moments ago, been mistaken for blood.

The first bite was heavenly. The mochi was delightfully chewy, the strawberry filling bursting with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Soft, sweet, and dangerously addicting. It didn't take long for everyone to clear their plates, only to have them refilled by a beaming Ookami.

"More tea?" she asked, gracefully pouring another round of green tea into their cups.

"This is amazing," Maxim said between bites. "I could eat this forever."

Kaity, already on her third helping, nodded enthusiastically. "Same! Oh! Do you have any sushi?"

Ookami perked up. "I do! Give me just a moment." With a polite bow, she turned and disappeared into the kitchen.

Everything was peaceful. The tea was warm, the mochi was sweet, and the group was finally starting to relax after all the chaos.

Then, suddenly— "AAAAHHH!" A scream echoed from the kitchen, followed by a harsh slicing sound—like something enormous was being hacked apart. The walls shook from the force of whatever was happening back there.

The group tensed. Maxim froze mid-bite. Myco sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'll go check on her."

As he stepped into the kitchen, he stopped dead in his tracks. There, standing in the center of the room, was Ookami—but this wasn't the graceful hostess they had seen before. This was Ookami the Oni, wielding a twelve-foot-long kitchen knife like it was a regular chef's blade. She was currently slicing through a fish the size of a small whale, hacking it to small bitesized bits with surgical precision for sushi.

Each swing of the massive knife sent tremors through the ground, and each precise cut cleaved effortlessly through thick layers of bone and flesh as if she were merely cutting tofu. Myco barely had a second to process what he was seeing before he made a horrible mistake. He called out to her, "Ookami?"

Ookami, mid-slice, turned toward him with the knife still raised. Myco ducked, the massive blade whistled through the air, slicing the air cleanly over his head. If he had been even a second slower, he was pretty sure he'd be Myco sashimi right now.

He hit the ground, eyes wide. "OOKAMI, WHAT THE HELL?!"

Ookami gasped, immediately dropping the knife—which crashed and embedded itself into the floor with a loud, earth-shaking THUNK.

"Oh no! My Liege, I'm so sorry!" She rushed over to help him up, eyes full of worry. "I didn't see you there! Are you hurt?"

Myco, still sprawled on the floor, let out a weak, awkward laugh. "Hahaha… Just… rethinking my life choices!"

Once the near-death experience had passed and Ookami had finally managed to pry her massive kitchen knife from the floor, she brought out the sushi and set it before the group. The fresh aroma of perfectly sliced fish and vinegared rice filled the air, and soon, everyone was happily digging in.

Ookami sat nearby, her usual confident demeanor clouded by a guilty frown. Her golden eyes were cast downward, and she absentmindedly fiddled with the hem of her kimono. The sight of her looking so uncharacteristically troubled gnawed at Myco.

He set down his chopsticks, watching her for a moment before finally voicing the question that had been bothering him since they first arrived. "Ookami… why are you doing all of this alone?"

Ookami, who had been carefully arranging another platter of sushi, paused mid-motion. The ever-cheerful Oni let out a tired sigh, her shoulders sinking slightly. "Because I have no choice."

She set the plate down and turned to face them, a small, melancholy smile on her lips. "Business hasn't been great. The rumors about me… they scare people away. And without customers, I can't afford to hire any staff."

The group exchanged stunned glances. "Wait, wait, wait—" Maxim held up a hand. "You're telling me you've been running this whole restaurant by yourself all this time?"

Ookami nodded, her expression unwavering but her voice carrying the weight of exhaustion. "Cooking, serving, cleaning, running the business… all of it."

A heavy silence followed as the group absorbed the sheer enormity of her workload. "I even hunt my own meat and catch fish to save money," she admitted, folding her hands in her lap. "But even after doing everything on my own, business is still struggling." There was no bitterness in her tone, only quiet resignation. It was clear she had poured everything into this restaurant, yet the burden of it all rested solely on her shoulders.

"That's insane," Arake finally muttered.

Kaity looked at the immaculately prepared sushi platter in front of her. "And yet the food is still this good!"

Myco, watching the subtle exhaustion in Ookami's expression, felt a deep pang of sympathy for her. She had been working herself to the bone, all while keeping a smile on her face. He reached forward, gently placing his hand over hers. Ookami's golden eyes widened slightly, her fingers tensing under his touch.

"Let me help you."

She blinked. "…My Liege?"

"You don't have to do this alone," Myco said, his voice calm but resolute. "I have plenty of Fellows working under me. If you'll let me be your business partner, I'll supply the help—you just keep making the delicious food."

Ookami's lips parted slightly, her expression shifting into one of pure surprise. "But… I can't afford to pay anyone."

Myco smiled. "Then don't. They work for me, so I'll handle that. Just focus on what you love doing."

For a moment, Ookami just stared at him, searching his face as if waiting for him to take the offer back. When she realized he was completely serious, something in her softened. A small, genuine smile curled at her lips. "…You're too kind, My Liege."

"Just Myco is fine."

She chuckled, her golden eyes shimmering with a warmth he hadn't seen before. "Then… Myco." She bowed deeply. "I accept your offer. Let's make this restaurant thrive together." As she straightened, Myco noticed a faint rosy hue dusting her cheeks. And for some reason, that made his own heart skip a beat.

The next day, the once quiet and overlooked Touno restaurant began to show signs of life. While it still wasn't as packed as the other bustling establishments in Drakenburg, the empty seats were slowly but surely filling up. The aroma of freshly grilled meats and fragrant spices drifted through the streets, drawing in curious customers.

Outside, Prim and Rier eagerly handed out pamphlets, each one printed with elegant calligraphy advertising "Authentic Eastern Cuisine—A Hidden Gem in Drakenburg!" Their enthusiasm was contagious, and passersby hesitated, eyeing the restaurant with newfound curiosity.

Inside, Liz, Angie, and Loya moved swiftly between tables, taking orders and ensuring every guest was welcomed with warm smiles and quick service. The once silent dining area now hummed with the lively chatter of satisfied patrons enjoying their meals.

In the kitchen, Ookami was in her element. Her golden eyes gleamed with focus as she worked the flames, slicing, grilling, and plating dishes with graceful precision. Despite her incredible strength, she handled the delicate ingredients with care, every dish coming out a work of art.

Meanwhile, at a small desk in the corner, Trady flipped through the ledger, quill in hand, making careful notes. For the first time in a long while, the numbers weren't bleeding red ink. Business was picking up—the restaurant was actually turning a profit.

As the last guests finished their meals and the doors were closed for the night, the staff let out a collective sigh of relief. It had been a long day, but a successful one.

Standing outside under the starlit sky, Ookami let out a soft chuckle as she gazed at the half-full dining area through the window. "I never thought I'd see the place this lively."

Myco, leaning beside her with his arms crossed, gave her a satisfied smile. "And this is only the beginning."

Ookami turned to face him, the glow of the lanterns casting a warm light on her features. There was gratitude in her gaze, but something softer too.

"…Thank you, Myco."

Myco shrugged, but his smile lingered. "You did the hard part. I just gave you the push you needed."

They stood in comfortable silence, watching the gentle glow of the moon above them. The night air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of lingering spices from the kitchen.

Ookami let out a small, content sigh, her hands clasped behind her back. "You know… I think this is the first time in a while that I've looked forward to tomorrow."

Myco turned his head slightly, taking in the genuine happiness on her face.

For some reason, that made his own heart feel a little lighter.