Cough, cough.
Valeria glanced at Eclipse, her brow furrowed. "Are you… okay, Eclipse?"
He steadied his breathing for a moment before replying, his voice laced with irritation. "How many times do I have to tell you—it's…Master Eclipse."
That once worried eyes from Valeria instantly turned into pathetic ones. Geez, can't be nice to this guy.
This Decay status, he thought grimly, is it getting worse? If so, then time was running out faster than he'd anticipated.
Whatever happens… he has to make Valeria talk, today.
I only hope she is someone who can honor their end of a deal is… despite who she is…
The nobleman and his reluctant maid continued down the cobblestone street.
The city buzzed with life but not in the chaotic, bustling way one might expect. Its charm lay in its seamless blend of old-world architecture and subtle magical advancements. Shop signs flickered with enchanted runes, whispering advertisements to passersby.
But Eclipse had no interest in the lively establishments teeming with patrons.
Instead, he chose a place on the periphery—a café tucked between two more extravagant buildings. Its entrance was modest, almost invisible unless you were looking for it.
Ulmair Café.
Eclipse knew about this spot from the game; it served as a checkpoint where players could regroup or plan strategies without drawing attention.
Few people ventured here, making it an ideal refuge for someone like him—someone who preferred discretion over spectacle.
Before they even arrived, Valeria had been unusually quiet. Her gaze darted around the city, her expression unreadable. She looked like prey caught between circling predators, wary and uncertain.
"Have you been in the city before?" Eclipse asked, breaking the silence.
"The aboveground…" she muttered under her breath.
"Hm?"
She blinked once, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course! It's just… I've never seen this many people up here before, ha ha."
Internally, Eclipse raised an eyebrow. What is she talking about? Up here? And there are always crowds in the city. But instead of pressing further, he gestured toward the café ahead. "We're here."
She tilted her head, studying the modest sign. "Oh… a café? Huh. I don't think I've ever seen this one before."
"So, have you seen all the cafés in the city?"
She rubbed her nose awkwardly. "Eh? Ahaha, you could say that."
Eclipse sighed, brushing off her evasiveness for now. They stepped inside, and the atmosphere shifted immediately. Unlike the lively establishments outside, Ulmair exuded hushed tones and refined stillness. Dark wooden paneling lined the walls, and the faint aroma of aged parchment mixed with the bitterness of roasted coffee beans.
A distinguished older man approached them, clad in a pristine butler uniform. His sharp gaze flicked to Eclipse's Warbringer crest. "Welcome to Ulmair," he said with a slight bow. "Mr. Warbringer."
He guided them to a secluded table near the back, clearly aware of their desire for privacy.
Valeria plopped onto the seat with exaggerated enthusiasm, leaning forward as her ember-colored eyes swept across the room. "This place is nice… but why aren't there many people here?"
"This isn't the kind of place that welcomes just anyone," Eclipse replied evenly.
Her eyes widened slightly. "Ooh, so like a secret hideout?"
"...Like a secret hideout."
An elegantly bound menu was placed between them. Valeria picked hers up and grimaced. "Bou… Bou-la-bay-eis? What even is that? I can't pronounce half these words…"
Her wide eyes darted to Eclipse, seeking guidance.
Kuiceh-Lore-rai-ne?
He wasn't much better at deciphering the menu, but thanks to his Dignity+ trait, he wouldn't admit it.
Now that I am here... Isn't it weird that a cafe is serving food like this. Well, I guess this is from a game world after all...
Instead, he gave the server a confident smile. "Surprise us."
The server nodded silently and disappeared.
Silence settled between them, broken only by the distant hum of a mana-powered clock ticking somewhere behind the counter. Valeria's gaze wandered—not just around the room, but to specific, expensive-looking objects adorning the shelves.
She hummed thoughtfully. "Say, Eclipse, do you think even their plates are expensive?"
He rested his cheek against his fist, propping his elbow on the table. "Why? Are you planning to steal one?"
She stiffened, her face flushing. "W-why, of course not, ha ha. I would never stee—steal. Ehem."
Eclipse had been wondering how to broach the subject for a while now, and it seemed like this was the perfect opportunity. "So, about the potion—"
Valeria whipped her head toward him, panic flashing in her eyes. Words tumbled out of her mouth in a frantic rush. "If, if you think I stole it, I didn't! I mean, I found it, you know? Like, I did tell you my friend gave it to me, but—but I didn't steal it! I'm not a th—"
"I don't care," Eclipse interrupted sharply, cutting through her rambling. "I don't care how you got it, Valeria. And I'm not going to press you about who you really are or what you want."
"Eh?"
She blinked once… twice… before arriving at a startling conclusion: Eclipse doesn't care if I'm a thief or not?
"Oh… okay…" she murmured, fidgeting under his piercing gaze. Her fingers tapped against the menu in an uneven rhythm.
"What I do care about," Eclipse continued, leaning forward, "is this friend of yours."
"Ah—"
Before she could wriggle free again, Eclipse pinned her with a cold stare. "We made a deal, Valeria."
She froze, her mind racing. Can I escape this? Should I confess? Should I make a run for it? Am I going to die?
The Warbringer's shadow looming over her…
If I reveal who that witch is… or if I didn't tell the Warbringer about her…
Oh gods, I'm going to die right here, aren't I?
Thud.
Their food arrived just in time, landing on the table with elegant precision. Valeria's panicked thoughts scattered as her wide eyes locked onto the dish. A seafood paella stared back at her—or rather, the shellfish arranged in such a way that their gaping mouths resembled accusing eyes.
"Gwah!" She nearly leapt out of her seat. "It's… it's staring at me! It wasn't me! I swear I didn't kill you! Please stop looking at me with those crazy eyes…"
Eclipse sighed, giving her some space as he picked up his fork. "Valeria…"
"Y-yes?"
"Maybe we can talk after we finish the food."
"O-oh… I, I understand.