The old couple at The Respite greeted them back with their usual quiet smile as the trio returned. The aroma of a simple vegetable stew was already wafting from the back kitchen.
"Welcome back, dearies," the old woman said, her smile kind. "Lunch is almost ready. You all look like you could use a warm meal."
"Yeah, we are famished from all the waiting."
They gathered around the small, scarred table in the inn's common room, the old couple joining them. The stew, though simple, was hearty and comforting after the morning's tension.
As they were finishing up, Lila wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and looked at Riku, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "So, Riku? About that surprise you mentioned?"
Riku chuckled. "Impatient, are we?" He winked. "Alright, alright." He closed his eyes for a moment and issued a familiar mental command.
System, remember that chocolate unlock? Let's have five pieces of that. Deduct the points.
Ding!
