Chapter 29: The Outcome of Today, Kalia’s Defeat

Even with her tongue scalded and blistered, the tenacious young witch, fueled by an intense craving for fine food and an extraordinary level of perseverance, swiftly polished off a plate of seafood noodles.

Furthermore, she requested a second serving from the proprietor.

After finishing a plate of fried oysters, two helpings of seafood noodles, a serving of french fries, and a cheese steak sandwich, Kalia finally declared that she was full. Afterward, she offered high praise for Monsieur Jules’ culinary skills and even had another cheese steak sandwich packed to go.

Kalia’s astonishing appetite stunned both Roland and Jules. As mentioned previously, this tavern primarily catered to dockworkers working late shifts. To attract such laborers, who performed heavy physical work, good flavor alone was clearly insufficient; cheap, hearty portions were the primary requirement.

At the very least, a single serving of seafood noodles and fried oysters would leave Roland feeling quite full—sometimes, he couldn't even finish it all. Yet, Kalia had downed two servings, plus two massive sandwiches, each no smaller than the seafood noodles. Those beef sandwiches were nearly as large as Roland’s own face.

Roland and Jules looked at Kalia with bewilderment. Feeling the gaze of the two men, Kalia became flustered. "W-why are you both staring at me like that?"

Roland glanced at Jules, then back at Kalia. "How on earth did you eat all of that?"

Kalia tilted her head in confusion. "Why ask that? Because I was hungry, obviously."

Seeing Kalia’s expression of genuine, matter-of-fact innocence, Roland and Jules both cast looks of admiration. Jules even marveled aloud, softly praising her: "Even the hungriest guys on the docks can't eat like you."

"In return for the spectacle, I’ll only charge you for the set meal tonight. Consider the extra orders on the house."

Roland didn't stand on ceremony. "Thank you, Uncle Jules. I'll be back."

After stepping out of the tavern, Kalia looked at Roland, slightly perplexed. "Do I eat that much?"

"Do you really think you don't?" Roland asked, glancing at the paper bag Kalia was carrying. There was still a beef sandwich inside.

"It’s fine, I think. Is that considered a lot?"

"If you don't think it is, then it isn't. Anyway, where are you staying tonight? Should I take you to the Governor’s Mansion? Lady Flam lives there, and there are plenty of empty rooms."

Hearing Roland’s suggestion, Kalia clicked her tongue. "I don't want to live with that woman; I’d just get lectured all night. She’s an elf, so it doesn't matter if she doesn't sleep for a day or two, but I’ve been exhausted all day and need a good night’s rest."

This was a lie.

Roland saw through Kalia’s clumsy excuse instantly. Given her current high-spirited state, she didn't look tired in the slightest. It was as if her energy fully recovered the moment she finished eating. Or perhaps… her previous lethargy was simply due to hunger.

Seeing Roland remain silent, Kalia took a few small steps toward him and bumped him lightly with her shoulder. "Hey, don't you have any reaction to that?"

"What reaction?"

"A beautiful girl is homeless and has nowhere to go—shouldn't you show some concern?"

Roland looked her over. In all fairness, she absolutely deserved the title of "beautiful girl"—provided she didn't speak. It wasn't that her voice was unpleasant; on the contrary, her vocal quality was also at the level of a "beautiful girl." One could conjure up an image of a lovely face just by hearing her voice, even without looking at her. It would be ideal if her words actually matched that persona.

"Well!?" Seeing Roland just watching her without moving, Kalia locked eyes with him, glaring into his pupils.

"Alright, alright. Since you don't want to stay with Lady Flam at the Governor’s Mansion, then I suppose..."

Hearing Roland finally speak and soften his stance, Kalia felt a flutter of nerves. She put her hands behind her back, leaned forward slightly, and began to shift her weight from foot to foot.

"Then what?" Seeing that Roland hesitated to continue, Kalia asked impatiently.

"Then I’ll just have to send you to an inn and have you bill Lady Flam for the room charges tomorrow."

Kalia: "..."

*Dammit, that wretched Roland. Did I really have to spell it out so clearly?*

"I think that’s a good suggestion. Because of the heavy influx of merchants, the accommodations in Ryskan are generally quite good. It’s certainly better than staying at my place."

Hearing this, Kalia realized that Roland wasn't being dense; he was doing it on purpose.

"Ugh!" Kalia pouted and stepped close to Roland, pressing her body almost against his, and looked up at him. "Do you really not want me to stay at your place?"

"Kalia, you need to understand one thing." Roland looked down at her and stated his reason: "I only have one bed."

"..."

*What now?* It seemed his logic was impossible to refute.

Kalia bit her lip, pulling her lower lip into her mouth. Her plan seemed to have failed; it looked like she would have to stay with the old woman after all. This skirmish ended in the witch’s defeat.

"Fine… do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" Roland thought for a moment. "If nothing goes wrong, I’ll be heading to the library."

"The library?"

"Didn't Lady Flam mention it to you? The Great Library of Ryskan, the largest library on the Southern Continent." Roland was surprised by her reaction.

"Of course I know that! I’m asking what you’re doing there."

"Studying. I’m about to enroll in the Royal Academy of Magic, so I need to do some preparation."

Upon hearing this, Kalia suddenly perked up. "Then let’s go together! I’m a new student too, aren't I?"

"Don't you dare object! It's settled. I’ll come find you tomorrow morning!"

Without giving Roland a chance to respond, Kalia jumped into her own shadow and vanished.

"Great, tomorrow is going to be just as restless."

Roland sighed helplessly. He only hoped Kalia wouldn't interfere with his agenda. He truly was going to study, but not the academic curriculum. He wanted to find information regarding the Primal Rune in this massive library.

Ultimately, since it was a special achievement reward from the system, it couldn't possibly be useless. However, it was clear that to unlock the potential of the Primal Rune, he needed the correct method of use. Roland currently knew nothing about it, not even its origin. Moreover, since the system had specified it as a "random" Primal Rune, it proved that there were surely more than one.

Finding the method early would ensure that if he ever received such a reward again, he wouldn't be at a loss. If he couldn't find leads in the Great Library of Ryskan, he would have no choice but to go to the great library at the Royal Academy of Magic. However, while that library was vast and claimed to contain everything, it was not open to the public like the one in Ryskan. Gaining access to search its archives would likely not be easy.

"I hope I can find some useful clues tomorrow." Roland hoped for the smooth progress of his plans.