“That was wonderful...”
“Yes, it really was.”
Rest and Viola stepped out of the cat cafe, having thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
His first time in such an establishment had exceeded all expectations. He felt he finally understood the peculiar charm of being at the mercy of a cat's fickle whims and adorable selfishness.
“Well then, where should we go next?”
“Let’s get something to eat. We only had drinks at the cafe, so I’ve worked up a bit of an appetite.”
“Good idea. What are you in the mood for?”
Usually, a date meant a stylish, upscale restaurant. Rest had plenty of coin now; he could easily afford the finest dining the capital had to offer.
“How about that place?” Viola suggested.
“There? Are you sure?”
Viola was pointing at a commoner restaurant along the Main Street. It was a far cry from a high-end establishment—the kind of place where commoners gathered after a long day to eat, drink, and make a scene.
(I really don't think this is the sort of place a noble lady should be visiting...)
“I’ve wanted to try a place like this for the longest time. It’s so lively and bustling—doesn’t it look like fun?”
“I suppose that's one way to look at it.”
Perhaps it was precisely because she was a high-born lady that a commoner restaurant seemed like such a novel adventure. Since Viola was happy with the choice, Rest had no reason to object. He led her inside.
The interior was filled with several tables and a long counter. Since it was still early, about half the seats were vacant.
“Welcome! Take a seat wherever’s open!” the stout male shop owner shouted from behind the counter.
“Oh...”
“It’s alright. Let’s sit over here.”
Viola froze at the man’s rough, boisterous greeting. Rest took her by the arm and guided her toward one of the tables.
“My... this is quite something,” she murmured.
She didn't elaborate, but as she took her seat, she looked around with wide-eyed surprise. At the restaurants Viola usually frequented, a waiter would bow deeply to welcome her. She had likely never been told to just find her own seat before.
“Though... it is a little like the Academy cafeteria, isn't it?”
“You’re right. It’s definitely closer to that than a formal restaurant.”
Even so, the Academy’s dining hall was significantly more refined. Regardless, Rest and Viola scanned the menu posted on the wall and ordered a few dishes and drinks.
“Coming right up! Just a moment!”
The clerk took their order and vanished into the back, returning shortly with their drinks: cheap ale served in wooden cups. There were no age restrictions on alcohol in this world, so there was no issue with them partaking.
“Oh, wow... The cups aren’t ceramic or glass, and the ale hasn't even been chilled with magic!”
“Careful, your noble lady side is showing...”
If anyone else heard her, they might take it as a slight. Viola, however, was beaming with pure curiosity, her eyes sparkling without a hint of malice.
“Try not to say things like that too loudly,” Rest cautioned.
“I don't quite see why, but very well.”
Viola looked puzzled but took a sip of her ale. She blinked twice. “Yes, this really isn’t very good.”
It clearly wasn't to her taste.
A short while later, the food arrived.
“Oh, this is delicious! The flavor is so much bolder than what we’re served at home.”
Viola pressed her hands to her cheeks after taking a bite of the meat.
“It could use more spices, but it makes up for it with the saltiness.”
“Yeah, it’s good in its own way,” Rest agreed, chewing his own portion.
The ale was poor, but the heavily seasoned food was surprisingly tasty. The two chatted about nothing in particular as they cleared their plates.
As they ate, the restaurant began to fill up, and the noise level rose steadily. It wasn't exactly a romantic atmosphere, but Viola seemed to be genuinely enjoying the change of pace.
“Hey! You trying to start something?!”
“Shut your trap! I’ll kill you!”
“Huh...?”
“What was that...?”
Just as they were finishing their meal, the sound of angry shouting erupted, causing them to look at one another in surprise.