9 Friends (1/2)

I waited patiently for my lunch to arrive.While waiting in my guest room, I thought about what just happened downstairs.I was truly disappointed that I lost an opportunity to talk to Rijana, Bjoukia, and Bjoukin.The trio was friendly and appeared to be adventurers.I was hoping that I could get advice from them on locating a trainer for my starting profession.And if I felt comfortable enough with them, I was planning to ask to join their party at a later date.

The unsavory situation with Ebenthal had wiped out my plans.Furthermore, it had left a sour taste in my mouth.As a result, I was in a foul mood.Thankfully, my wait for my lunch wasn't long.

*Knock-knock*

”Milord, it's Gendun.I brought your lunch,” the boy said from behind the door.

I quickly unlocked the door.

The boy entered my room with a tray containing a platter of mutton chop with gravy and corn on the side, a biscuit, and a mug of ale.

Once he stepped inside, I looked out in the hallway, saw no one around, and locked my door.I turned around and looked at the boy, who had put the tray on the nightstand and set my utensils properly on both sides of the plate.

”The meal is included in your lodging,” he announced.

”How much is the drink?” I asked.

”My momma said it's complimentary,” he grinned, ”for following her suggestion and going back to your room.”

I looked closely at Gendun's face and I started to see the resemblance.”Amelica is your mother?” I asked.

The boy nodded.

I gave him a copper piece as a tip and, for good measure, I ruffled his hair.

The boy grinned again.

”If you don't mind, would you keep me company while I eat?” I gestured for him to sit on my bed.It was uncharacteristic of me because I was fairly reclusive back home.However, I was desperate to make friends in this gaming world and Gendun seemed like a good kid.

”Sure,” Gendun beamed in delight and hopped onto my bed.

I ripped my biscuit in half and offered him the larger piece, which was accepted readily.

Suddenly a pop-up appeared before my eyes.”+25 Reputation, +50 XP.”When I read the message I was shocked because the Merlin game I had played didn't offer any experience for interacting with NPCs.But then again, I didn't have time to do anything in the game aside from dungeon crawling.Since I had a guest in the room, I decided to set this matter aside for further investigation later.

”What happened to your dad?” I asked as I started cutting the mutton chop with my knife.Nobility ate with utensils and I may as well continue playing one by using utensils too.If I was eating alone, I would probably be using my fingers to grab the meat.

The boy shrugged while looking down at his knees.”Momma said he was gone before I was born,” Gendun said sadly.