Ch. 3: A Well-Informed Hostess
I walked through the port town with Douglas, listening to the history of this country surrounded by the beautiful sea.
After a while, I spotted a lone restaurant.
Douglas: “Alright, here we are. We’re going in.”
OO: “Alright.”
Inside, the enticing smell of food drifted on the air.
Douglas: “The seafood here is the best.”
[CHOICE]
-
It smells good… (SUN)
-
It’s making me hungry (MOON)
He escorted me over to a table with a view of the sea.
OO: “Thank you.”
Douglas: “You’re welcome.”
Douglas pulled out a chair for me, then took the seat opposite.
He seems like he’s experienced in playing the escort.
I realized Douglas was a bit different from what I had always imagined a pirate to be.
I thought of how easy he was to talk to, and the beautiful sea, and felt my heart pound when…-.
??: “Oh, if it isn’t Douglas.”
A woman wearing an apron was smiling at Douglas and coming towards us.
She’s so beautiful…does she…work here?
The woman sat menus in front of us, then started casually speaking to Douglas.
??: “I was starting to miss you, haven’t seen your face around here in a while.”
Douglas: “I’d have stopped by but I’ve been pretty busy. My ship should have brought in a good haul of fish today, so I assume I can expect something masterfully crafted?”
??: “You leave it to me; I’ll bring you something that’ll melt in your mouth! By the way…”
The woman turned her gaze to me and seemed quite interested in what she saw.
??: “Ah, are you the Princess of Träumere?”
Douglas: “As expected, you’d hear about it first.”
??: “Douglas, you know I’m well-informed!”
Douglas: “Haha, yeah you’re right.”
She speaks with him so casually, so they must be close…
That’s what I thought to myself as their laughter echoed inside the shop.
At that time, I was shocked from my thoughts as I felt a heated gaze fall on me, and found the woman was looking directly at me.
??: “She’s a cute princess isn’t she.”
OO: “I-it’s a pleasure to meet you… I’m OO!”
Douglas: “Haha… you don’t have to be so formal with her. This girl’s one of the restaurant’s hostesses.”
Hostess: “Nice to meet ya. Make sure to eat up while you’re here!”
Douglas: “You know, you really should have more manners when addressing a princess.”
Douglas let out a little sigh as he muttered those few words.
OO: “Oh no! That’s not…”
As I spoke, the lunch rush must have hit as there was a shudder and the shop filled with people.
Douglas: “See, this isn’t the time to be slacking off, you’ve got work to do.”
Hostess: “Fine, fine. You two take your time alright?”
OO: “Yes, thank you.”
The hostess grinned then turned and left.
Douglas: “Sorry it got so loud.”
OO: “No, it’s fine…”
My eyes followed the hostess as she rushed about the shop, and I felt an odd haze fall over my heart.
For someone like Douglas, it’s only natural he’d have a lot of female friends…but…then why do I…
Suddenly, I realized Douglas was staring at me and he tilted his head slightly.
Douglas: “OO, what’s wrong?”
[CHOICE]
-
It’s nothing (SUN)
-
She seems busy (MOON)
He spoke with a kind smile.
So I swallowed down what I wanted to say before I could start into such a silly conversation.
OO: “It smells good...”
Douglas: “And it tastes even better.”
OO: “I can’t wait to try it!”
Douglas saw how excited I was and smiled at me in delight.
OO: “It’s making me hungry.”
Douglas: “Haha, you sure are upfront OO. Well then, eat your fill.”
OO: “Alright!”
OO: “That woman, she looks pretty busy.”
Douglas followed my gaze and noticed the hostess.
Douglas: “Yeah, this place is a lively spot, so it’s crowded at lunch and dinner.”
OO: “Ah…nothing, it’s nothing.”
Douglas: “…you sure?”
Douglas examined my expression in concern.