chapter 3.2

As the first light of dawn filtered through the window of his room, Kazuki stirred from his sleep, feeling refreshed and invigorated after a restful night's rest. With a yawn and a stretch, he rose from his bed and made his way to the inn's communal washroom, where he splashed his face with cold water and scrubbed away the weariness of sleep.

Feeling more awake and alert, Kazuki dressed quickly and made his way downstairs to the inn's common room, where the scent of breakfast greeted him like an old friend. The room was already bustling with activity, adventurers and townsfolk alike gathering to break their fast before another day of work and adventure.

Taking a seat at a table near the window, Kazuki scanned the room for familiar faces, his gaze lingering on the figure of the beautiful elf woman who had served him the night before.

As if sensing his gaze, the elf woman looked up from her duties behind the bar and met Kazuki's eyes with a warm smile. "Good morning, dear customer," she said, her voice soft and melodious. "What can I get for you today?"

Returning her smile, Kazuki replied, "Good morning. I'll have the usual, please—a hearty breakfast to start the day."

With a nod of understanding, the elf woman bustled off to fetch Kazuki's meal, returning moments later with a steaming plate of eggs, bacon, and freshly baked bread. As she set the plate down in front of him, Kazuki couldn't help but notice the sparkle of mischief in her emerald-green eyes, a sight that filled him with a sense of warmth and curiosity.

"Thank you," Kazuki said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "This looks delicious."

With a smile, the elf woman nodded and turned to leave, but before she could go, Kazuki called out to her. "Wait," he said, his curiosity getting the better of him. "I never caught your name. What should I call you?"

The elf woman paused, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You can call me Elara," she replied, her smile widening. "And what about you, adventurer? What's your name?"

"I'm Kazuki," he said, returning her smile. "Kazuki Yamamoto."

And with that simple introduction, a conversation began—a conversation that would mark the beginning of a friendship that would change both of their lives forever. As they chatted over breakfast, Kazuki and Elara shared stories of their past adventures and dreams for the future, their laughter mingling with the chatter of the tavern and the clatter of dishes as they forged a bond that would endure through trials and triumphs alike.

Chapter end