"Mama Mia."
"Sorry, I'm back late."
Ryu faced Mia as she walked over and gave a proper bow.
"..."
Mia stopped her pace.
Those eyes, which had seen countless people, lingered on Ryu for a moment.
Her gaze swept over the apron stained with a bit of black soot, then glanced at Ryu's slightly tired but uninjured state.
"It's good that you're back."
Mia didn't ask much.
She only gave a faint grunt.
"Since that's your favor, it's fine as long as you've cleared it yourself."
"As long as you didn't lose your life over it."
"I'm not lacking those few working hours of yours here."
"Yes."
Hearing these words...
Ryu's heart felt a wave of warmth.
She knew.
Although Mama Mia was harsh with her words...
But in reality, she was the most protective one.
Without Mama Miach's protection, they would never have been able to live peacefully in Orario until now.
"Alright."
Mia waved her hand and turned to walk back.
"Go and change your clothes quickly."
"You smell all earthy."
"Don't bother the customers with that smell."
"Yes."
Ryu responded.
She watched as Mia's broad back disappeared into the kitchen doorway.
Only then did she completely relax.
...
However,
When Ryu had changed into a clean uniform and came to the front hall to prepare for business,
She looked at the busy figures around her.
Anya was weaving through the tables and chairs carrying a stack of plates, humming an out-of-tune ditty.
Chloe and Lunova were wiping down the bar.
Ryu's brow, however, furrowed slightly.
Someone was missing.
The figure who was usually the earliest to arrive, always standing at the door with a gentle smile to greet her,
Was not there.
"Anya."
Ryu stopped the foolish cat-girl who was passing by.
"Meow?"
Anya stopped and tilted her head.
"What's wrong, Ryu-nyan?"
"Where's Syr?"
Ryu looked around.
"Hasn't she arrived yet?"
Usually at this time,
Syr should have arrived long ago, helping everyone with their aprons or helping Mama Miach taste dishes in the kitchen.
"Ah, Syr."
Anya blinked and said as if it were a matter of course:
"Syr took the day off today, meow."
"Took the day off?"
Ryu was taken aback.
For Syr, who always had perfect attendance and even treated the tavern as her home, this word was a rarity.
"Is she sick?"
Ryu's heart immediately tightened.
"No, meow."
Anya shook her head, her cat ears twitching.
"Mama Miach said this morning that Syr sent word through someone."
"She said she was going to check on the orphanage, meow."
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