F/VoH Ch 70: Heading to the Inn

Ryan listened briefly, but most of his attention was focused on observing the actions of the people passing by around him.

Ryan was not just eating without pause. Every bite of bread he enjoyed, every sip of coffee he tasted, was done with one purpose: to observe his surroundings.

Ryan monitored every person who entered and exited the shop, his eyes never leaving the street outside. He hoped something would happen—perhaps a mission from the System would suddenly appear. However, hours passed with no signs emerging. No missions, no alerts, no clues.

Ryan sighed inwardly, feeling a bit frustrated. "There's no point in waiting any longer..." Ryan thought as he continued to eat calmly. Maybe this time he would have to wait longer or create a more interesting situation to provoke a reaction from the System.

Meanwhile, the waitress continued to talk non-stop. "Did you know, the mayor of this town is in big trouble? The mayor's wife has been seriously ill for the past few weeks, and in the last few days, many monsters have been attacking the outskirts of Powncrow. Everyone is worried... there are even rumors about people mysteriously disappearing in the last month," the girl added, trying to share the latest gossip.

Ryan listened calmly. "Interesting..." Ryan thought. The information he inadvertently gathered from this girl could be useful later, especially regarding the monster attacks and the missing people. However, for now, Ryan was more focused on finishing his meal and waiting for the right moment to act.

The waitress, despite not receiving much response from Ryan, still seemed happy. At least, the small bakery owned by the waitress no longer felt empty, and somehow, she felt entertained by the presence of this mysterious boy, even though Ryan rarely spoke.

As Ryan slowly finished his last piece of bread, the atmosphere outside the shop began to change. The sun started to lean towards the west, shadows grew longer, and activity on the streets began to decrease. Ryan set his fork and knife beside his plate, then lifted his coffee cup, sipping slowly.

Every movement Ryan made seemed calm, but his mind was still working, trying to map out the next steps. There were many things Ryan could take advantage of from the information he had just heard.

After a while lost in thought, Ryan became aware when he saw Rosseline approaching from a distance. Ryan immediately refocused and, without rushing, finished the last vanilla ice cream in front of him. When Rosseline arrived in front of Ryan, she immediately threw him an incredulous look.

"Seriously? You're just eating bread and ice cream while I'm out looking for an inn?" Rosseline sighed with a frown, feeling annoyed that Ryan seemed to be enjoying himself while she was working hard.

Ryan, as usual, just stared at Rosseline with a flat expression. No verbal response, but that look was enough to make Rosseline raise her hands as if to surrender.

"Alright, I get it! Don't look at me like that!" Rosseline said, half complaining, before deciding not to argue any further.

Not long after, Ellina and Charlotte arrived, and they quickly joined Ryan. Ellina greeted him respectfully as usual, "Young Master Ryan." Ellina's voice was soft yet full of politeness.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, with a wide smile and enthusiasm, exclaimed, "Master!"

Ryan, remaining calm, simply nodded briefly before saying, "Let's go. Rosseline, lead the way."

Rosseline, still a bit annoyed but reluctant to prolong the conversation, immediately moved. "I understand," Rosseline replied firmly. Without waiting, she began walking towards the inn she had booked in the western district.

Ryan, Ellina, and Charlotte followed behind her, passing through the increasingly quiet streets as they headed towards the outskirts.