Chapter 65: Proposal Of Transfer

A part of my mind acknowledged that things were taking a bad turn, but the emotion commanded me to impulsively draw my sword based on emotions. Facing four swordsmen, there was absolutely no chance of winning. And the reason was shouting for me to stop. Emotions and reason were in conflict.

"Oh, John. Sorry to keep you waiting. What's got you so worked up?"

A man approached from the side, placing one hand on my sword hilt and embracing me tightly with the other. I tried to shake him off, but this man had incredible strength. Our eyes met at close range.

I was drawn into his intense blue eyes, almost as if they could suck me in. The moment I saw those eyes, tinged with sadness, I regained my composure. He was incredibly handsome. The slender mustache on his smiling face held a charm opposite to Zeigt's cheerfulness. Preferences might vary, but this breathtaking beauty could rival Zeigt's.

Another man positioned himself between the guards and us. The guards were taken aback, but upon seeing the carriage moving, they removed the reins from the hitching post and mounted their horses to follow. The man in between addressed the handsome one holding me.

"Zach, don't suddenly hug a man like that, it's startling."

"Sorry, Miguel."

Zach, who had restrained me, loosened his grip.

"Well, calm down. Surely, you know drawing swords in the town is prohibited."

Zach suddenly flashed a smile.

"This must be fate. Let me treat you to a drink."

I rubbed my numb arm. At the entrance of the swinging doors, Zeigt appeared. Relief washed over his face, seeing there was no bloodshed. Zach compared our faces.

"Which means ... you must be Harris."

I desperately tried to think. Why does he know my name? I momentarily forgot about Aisha's existence.

"Which means you... you are..."

"I'm just a swordsman named Zach. I even changed into plain clothes. Don't do anything uncouth."

Zach took my arm, heading towards Stella's shop. He waved to Zeigt.

"Being chased by paperwork is annoying, but thanks to that, I could come at a good time. I really wanted to have a meal together, though. How about joining me for a drink after dinner?"

Zach guided Zeigt into the place, pushing him through. The customers in the restaurant simultaneously turned their attention to the entrance. Unconcerned, Zach continued to walk, scanning the tables. When he noticed Tiana observing us while standing up, he turned around.

"Harris, is it okay if I call you Harris? Just call me Zach. Let's skip the formalities. Mind if I join your table?"

With Zeigt and me still arm in arm, Zach gracefully advanced to the back table. Passing by Alice on the way, he exchanged greetings.

"Oh, Zach. Good evening."

"Oh, hey, Alice."

Zach responded cheerfully. Upon reaching the table, he bowed politely.

"I'll be intruding upon your delightful moment."

Somewhat reluctantly, I introduced Zach to everyone.

"This gentleman is Zach. No titles or honors, apparently."

He seemed to catch on from my words. Eilia and Gina stood up, prompting Comba to hurriedly follow suit. Introductions were made one by one. Zach elegantly bowed to the women and gave Comba a firm handshake. Accepting the chair brought by Alice, he thanked her and took his place at the table.

"Well, sorry for the impolite entrance. I heard from Zeigt that you guys were having dinner here. I wanted to greet you properly, but work keeps piling up. My apologies."

As Stella brought soup, bread, and wine, Zach stood up, leaning in to peck both cheeks. Once seated, he began his meal.

"I considered inviting you to my place, but since you're visiting Reckenberg, it would be a waste not to savor Stella's cooking, right?"

Zach was good at casual conversation. In no time, he struck up a friendly chat with everyone.

"Hey, Zach, do you always eat that soup?"

"Yeah, that's right. All the dishes here are fantastic, but I have a special attachment to this soup. It might not be flashy, but you can feel Stella's kindness. It's like being revitalized from the inside out."

"Yes, I completely understand that feeling."

Tiana's response made Zach smile with delight.

"I see. It seems we get along well. Do you cook as well?"

"I can't compare to Stella-sama, but my Master praises my cooking."

"I think you're quite a match, though."

"Yeah, both are delicious to me."

"The dishes you treated me to the other day were truly wonderful."

"Now that you mention it, the flavors do seem similar."

As they praised her one after another, Tiana blushed and glanced softly at me.

"Yeah, I might have gained a bit of weight because the food is so good. The name of the scout might be at stake."

Tiana's cheeks blushed even more.

"Oh my, praising someone else's cooking in someone else's restaurant?"

Stella, who brought Zach's post-meal drink, crossed her arms and made a scary face. Then she immediately broke into a smile.

"Just kidding. If your skills are that good, we should scout you for our restaurant."

Tiana blushed deeply and waved both hands.

Since encountering Aisha, the unpleasant feelings had considerably eased. There was a bit of a dispute during the payment, but Zeigt managed to settle it. It seemed to revolve around the difference between the ordered dishes and the actual ones that were brought. Outside the restaurant, a man called Miguel approached us.

Zach walked with us to our accommodation. He stopped Zeigt and me.

"I'd like to offer you a promised drink."

After seeing off the ladies and Comba returning to the room, we secured a spot in the corner of the tavern. Raising a glass of high-proof grain alcohol, a warm lump burned in my throat.

After some small talk, Zach began.

"Tiana is a good girl, isn't she? Charming, kind-hearted, skilled in cooking—a perfect match. So, Harris, how about letting me have that girl? I'll give you a hundred gold coins."

"Sir!"

Zeigt exclaimed involuntarily. In response, Zach, or rather, Count Zachary Reckenberg, raised an eyebrow as if to say, "What do you think?" while placing his index finger on his lips.