Chapter 22 – The Ember Hearth
The day had come. After weeks of hard work and meticulous planning, the renovations were complete. Axel stood at the doorway of the old bathhouse, now transformed into something entirely new. The once-damp walls had been scrubbed and reinforced, the stone floors polished to a soft gleam, and the ceilings—though still low—were now lined with thick beams that radiated a warm, flickering glow. The smell of fresh wood and soft incense lingered in the air, mingling with the rich scent of herbs and roasted meat.
It was no longer a bathhouse; it was now The Ember Hearth.
Axel grinned, wiping his hands on his apron, and took a long look at the space. The mismatched furniture—chairs and tables salvaged from different markets, some old and scratched, others gleaming with new life—gave the place a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. A dozen small, magical scent vents dotted the walls and ceiling, each one releasing a steady stream of enticing aromas from the kitchen in the back. They were part of the new setup—a little magical touch to elevate the dining experience, a gift from one of the local mages Axel had befriended during the renovations.
The last few weeks had been a blur. Between the long hours spent coordinating the rebuilding, dealing with suppliers, and fixing the plumbing (which had been an ongoing nightmare), Axel hadn't had much time to breathe. But as he stood there now, the buzz of activity in the air and the sounds of sizzling from the kitchen, he could finally relax.
"This is it," Axel murmured to himself, his voice full of quiet pride.
It wasn't just the fact that the place had come together—it was the sense of community that had formed around it. His little business had already gained a reputation in the area. The old bathhouse, once known for its slightly decrepit state, had become a symbol of renewal. The Ember Hearth would serve not only as a restaurant but as a gathering place, a place for people to share food, laughter, and warmth.
Axel glanced over at Cinder, who was lounging near the entrance. Her fiery fur flickered softly in the dim light, casting a warm glow that made the place feel even more alive. She had been a constant source of inspiration throughout this project, always nearby, providing a kind of quiet, steady presence that Axel had come to rely on. Despite her powerful, untamable nature, Cinder was a creature of comfort when she wanted to be—soft, steady, and loyal. It was fitting that she was here to witness the grand opening of the Ember Hearth.
"Well, partner," Axel said to her with a smile. "What do you think?"
Cinder's amber eyes glowed softly in the dim light. She stood, stretched her limbs with a fluid grace, and padded over to Axel's side, nudging his leg with her head. There was something almost reverent in her touch, a gentle reminder that they were in this together. Axel bent down to scratch behind her ears, feeling her warmth seep into his fingertips.
"You're right. It's perfect," Axel agreed, his voice laced with gratitude.
As the day wore on, the sun slowly dipped behind the horizon, casting a warm glow through the large windows. The time had come. The Ember Hearth was officially open for business.
Axel had prepared for this day for so long—learning recipes from the local markets, testing out new techniques, and making sure every detail was in place. Tonight, the main attraction would be the Mana-Boar steaks, bought from the slum market earlier that morning. The thick cuts of meat glistened with spices and herbs, ready to be grilled to perfection over the open flame in the center of the restaurant. The menu was simple but satisfying: grilled meats, freshly baked bread, and roasted vegetables, with plenty of rich stews and hearty soups for those looking for something warmer.
The first customers trickled in slowly, a few curious faces who'd heard about the place through the grapevine. The magic scent vents did their job, luring in those who had walked by and drawing them inside with promises of delicious food. Some customers were skeptical, unsure of the strange new establishment, but the familiar scent of roasting meat and the warmth from within the hearth convinced them to stay.
As the restaurant filled, Axel moved about with practiced ease, greeting customers with a friendly smile, pouring drinks, and checking on the grill. Cinder remained a comforting presence near the entrance, her fiery form a beacon of warmth and reassurance. The few children who had wandered in were delighted by her, giggling and running up to pet her, while she tolerated their attention with the grace of a seasoned warrior.
"First rule," Axel announced loudly to the crowd after a few hours of service. "Free food for kids… as long as you behave. If not, well, Cinder here can always chase you out the door."
The children laughed, clearly delighted by the idea of free food, and Cinder flicked her tail with an almost smug look on her face, as though agreeing with Axel's suggestion.
Axel leaned against the counter, watching the atmosphere unfold. The tables were filled with families, couples, and groups of friends, all chatting happily, enjoying the food, the warmth, and the company. It was everything he had hoped for. His eyes swept over the room, taking in the buzz of life around him—the laughter, the clinking of mugs, the lively conversation.
It was a sense of belonging, something that Axel had rarely experienced before. He'd always been a drifter, a wanderer, unsure of where he belonged. But here, at the Ember Hearth, he felt at home. This place, this business, was more than just a source of income—it was a part of him now. He'd poured his heart and soul into every inch of this place, and it was paying off.
As he worked, Axel kept an eye on the grill, where the Mana-Boar steaks were sizzling. The smell was intoxicating—the rich aroma of the grilled meat combined with the herbs and spices that had been carefully marinated into the flesh. His mouth watered just thinking about it. He carefully turned the steaks with a pair of tongs, making sure each side got that perfect sear.
The steaks were the key to the evening. They weren't just any meat—they were infused with a magical property that, when consumed, could grant the eater a temporary boost in strength. It wasn't a massive increase, but for the hungry workers and adventurers who came through the door, it was enough to make the meal worthwhile. The Mana-Boar's flesh contained traces of raw, elemental magic—magic that was perfect for boosting physical strength.
"Just a little longer," Axel murmured to himself, checking the steaks one last time. Satisfied with the sear, he slid them onto a wooden platter and handed them over to one of the servers, who carried them to a family seated near the hearth.
"Here we go," Axel said under his breath, watching as the family took their first bites. They chewed in silence for a moment, their eyes widening. Then, the eldest daughter—about ten years old—spoke up with a grin.
"This is amazing! I feel stronger already!"
Laughter erupted from the table, and Axel felt a warmth spread through him. This was why he had opened The Ember Hearth. To give people more than just a meal, but a place where they could gather, relax, and find a sense of comfort and joy.
As the evening continued, more plates of Mana-Boar steaks were served, each one accompanied by a glowing effect: +5 Strength for 30 minutes. The patrons seemed to appreciate the bonus as much as the meal itself. The children who'd been drawn to the restaurant by the smell of roasted meat were delighted by the free food rule, and Axel made sure to keep the atmosphere lighthearted and fun. Cinder, of course, kept an eye on them, and her presence only added to the sense of security in the room.
The night wore on, and the crowd grew rowdier with each passing hour. Music filled the space as a small group of musicians set up in the corner, playing a few familiar tunes on lutes and flutes. Axel danced between the kitchen and the tables, his movements fluid, making sure everyone was fed, the drinks kept flowing, and the hearth crackled warmly at the center of it all.
Around midnight, when the last few stragglers were winding down their meals, Axel finally allowed himself to lean against the bar, exhausted but satisfied. Cinder lay sprawled at his feet, her body still warm from the flames she had ignited earlier. The magical scent vents had shifted to a softer, sweeter fragrance now, the smell of warm bread and honey, signaling the end of a successful first night.
"We did it," Axel said, his voice thick with emotion. He scratched Cinder's ear again, feeling the warmth of her fur beneath his fingertips. "It's just the beginning, but we did it."
Cinder looked up at him, her amber eyes glowing in the soft light. She nuzzled his leg once more before closing her eyes, a contented sigh escaping her. It was a moment of peace, a rare kind of stillness after the storm of excitement and effort.
Axel glanced around one last time, taking in the laughter and joy around him, the comfortable atmosphere, and the sense of camaraderie. The Ember Hearth had come to life. And, with Cinder by his side, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.