The smell of grilled river fish and sweet coconut rice filled the air of the inn's breakfast hall. Kain sat comfortably at the table, happily devouring the local specialty while humming under his breath while occasionally looking up with a gaze filled with schadenfreude.
Across from him, Takeru looked like death itself—pale, hollow-eyed, and with dark circles so deep he resembled a panda.
Serena sat beside Kain, completely unaware of the real reason behind Takeru's condition. Her expression carried a mix of embarrassment and scolding. "Takeru," she said finally, crossing her arms, "you shouldn't… overexert yourself before such an important day. We're meeting the Queen today, remember?"
Takeru flinched, nearly dropping his spoon. "I didn't do anything last night!" he protested, voice cracking. "Right when I was about to—she—she—HE—!"
He choked on the last word, face flushing crimson as he stammered incoherently. Serena blinked in confusion, not quite understanding his panic.
