“…Now hiring? …Cooks?”

  That handwriting was rough-hewn—manly in a way that might just be bad. Lloyd took a step closer, looking it over. It was a job posting for the student cafeteria.

  Lloyd thought it through for a minute, then made up his mind and started to walk with purpose. He passed through the flow of the crowd, head high, looking ahead once again.

  “—Sorry, everyone back home. I’m gonna be selfish for a little while longer.”

  His legs carried him to a building that screamed cafeteria. Not a restaurant or even a dining hall—definitely way less classy. Like, if it weren’t on a campus, the exterior would make you wonder if they even bothered providing chairs. Exactly the sort of place that handwriting had brought to mind.

  “Are they closed today?”

  The place was certainly quiet. Since they announced the test results today, it would make sense for the cafeteria to be closed. But even if they were open, he wouldn’t be surprised to find it like this; nothing about the place suggested business had ever boomed.

  Lloyd tried the door, and it swung open. Guess it wasn’t locked, then. He stepped inside, hoping someone was there.

  “Hello?”

  He was welcomed by a floor covered in grease. The interior didn’t betray one’s expectations, perfectly complementing the gruff exterior of the building. He peered over the counter, but there was no one there. Lloyd was about to give up and go home for the day…

  “Who are you?” a voice snarled right behind him, and a fist came flying in his direction.

  “Uh, sorry! I didn’t mean to…”

  As rattled as he was, Lloyd easily dodged the punch—moving so fast that he left an afterimage behind. He didn’t appear to be aware that this was anything special, but the man who’d taken a swing at him flashed him a look of surprise.

  “What the—?!”

  The man froze, fist extended. A burly, square-jawed man. Definitely looked like someone who’d survived more than a few dangerous situations.

  His name was Chrome Molybdenum. Former personal guard to the princess.

  But Lloyd had no way of knowing that. He just thought the man was unusually well built for a cook.

  Chrome Molybdenum. Once the leader of the royal guard, he’d lived for his work.

  But for a variety of reasons, he now found himself running a cafeteria. Quite a fall, but this didn’t mean he was any less loyal.

  He’d come back from an errand to find a strange boy looking around his shop.

  And even though he’d been the one to write the job posting, Chrome sensed a power so strong, it never occurred to him that this boy might be a potential candidate—this was why he’d attacked at once.

  This boy was a clear threat, so Chrome hadn’t hesitated to take a swing…and the boy had dodged it. A bead of sweat ran down the chef’s brow.

  He resumed a fighting stance, every muscle on his massive frame bulging.

  But his body refused to move. Fists raised, he looked Lloyd over, alarm bells blaring through his head.

  Who is this kid? …How can he be so strong that I’d take a swing without even thinking? And strong enough to make me freeze up?

  The fact that this stranger had dodged that first swing was proof that Chrome was no match for him. He’d been through enough dangerous situations to know that. Sweat pouring down his face, Chrome’s mind spun frantically.

  What does he want? Does he know I’m a former royal guard? Does he think he can pry secrets out of me?

  Lloyd was just smiling at him. A harmless-looking smile. A natural, honest smile that just scared him even more.

  He had to feel this out. With that in mind, Chrome forced himself to speak.

  “What brings you here…sir…?”

  Lloyd took a breath, trying to speak in slow, even terms. He’d messed up the interview earlier and wanted to answer with as much confidence as he could this time. Sadly, this just helped reinforce Chrome’s ideas about him…

  “Oh, I found a flyer saying you were hiring.”

  Chrome snorted. An obvious lie.

  He was momentarily surprised, but he’s already recovered…he’s a pro. To know what he’s after…I need to get him to talk.

  Keeping his fists raised, Chrome started inching closer, doing his best to match the boy’s confidence.

  “You don’t say? Well, well, this is a cafeteria. What do you bring to the table?”

  Lloyd thought about it, then smiled. “I’m great at cooking and cleaning.”

  “You cook (fools) and clean up (the mess), huh?”

  “Not to toot my own horn, but where I’m from, they say I’m the best at it.”

  “The best (in the crime syndicate), huh?”

  This was a breeding ground for misunderstandings.

  He’s not gonna spill it easily, Chrome decided and lowered his center of gravity, preparing for a hard fight. He had his back to the door—an advantage in this terrain. No matter what, he couldn’t let this dangerous assassin leave here alive. He might not be a guard anymore, but his duty was clear.

  “Then let’s see what you can do,” he sneered, keeping the pressure on. He’d inched into range by now.

  “Er, well, if that’s all it takes, I certainly don’t mind!”

  Lloyd began rolling up his sleeves, clearly ready to throw down.

  “Then…give me your best shot!” Chrome shouted.

  “Will risotto work?”

  “Uh…sure…”

  Even as Chrome’s challenge had echoed through the cafeteria, Lloyd had turned and walked into the kitchen, where he started cooking. The way he politely asked “Can I use this?” each time he reached for a new ingredient slowly forced Chrome to lower his fists. Eventually, he took a seat at the counter.

  Why is he cooking normally? What’s going on?

  Chrome’s fists might’ve been lowered, but his guard wasn’t. But Lloyd was busy making small talk.

  “You see, I actually failed the test to enter the military school…”

  “Oh?”

  Bullshit, Chrome thought. No way anyone this good could possibly fail.

  “And well, everyone in the village saw me off, so I’d feel bad going back home with my tail between my legs…so I thought I’d do what I can to stick around, you know, maybe try the test again next year.”

  The risotto was starting to smell good, and the sounds of it cooking were making Chrome’s stomach growl. Lloyd’s smile looked very pleasant.

  Chrome listened in silence, frowning.

  “I dunno. Maybe the idea that living in the big city will make me better somehow is a super-hick thing to think.”

  A new thought flicked across the mind behind Chrome’s frown.

  Huh? Is he just…a normal country kid?

  He dismissed the idea at once.

  Never! No way! That’s what he wants me to think! Look at how he moved! He’s no civilian! Keep your guard up!

  His fist clenched again.

  “Oh,” Lloyd said. “I’ll need to clean this fish…can I borrow this knife?”

  Ngh! So that’s your angle? I get it now! Make me let my guard down with this small talk, pretend to clean a fish, and then attack with a knife! A crafty scheme indeed, Chrome thought.

  “Um, can I?”

  “…Sure,” he said, nodding quietly. He would never let the boy know he was on to his scheme.

  Just you try. The instant you attack, I’ll unleash a counter!

  “…Hmm, I thought so. Oh, and would you look at that! The fish in the city don’t have horns or fangs! Told you so, Grandpa.”

  That was a really weird thing to say, but don’t let it rattle you, Chrome! Watch his every move!

  Chrome steeled himself for battle on his stool.

  And shortly after, the meal was ready.

  “All done! Risotto.”

  “Uh, right.”

  “…………”

  “…………”

  “…Um, are you gonna try it?”

  “………What?”

  The beautifully garnished risotto and the tantalizing scent of tomato were really starting to confuse Chrome.

  What does this mean? …He’s finished the meal!

  Chrome looked like the rug had been pulled out from under him, and Lloyd was staring anxiously into his eyes.

  “Um…is there something wrong with it? Do you not like tomatoes?”

  “No, that’s not…oh!”

  Chrome suddenly figured it out.

  I see! No one lets their guard down more than when they’re eating! That’s when he’s going to strike!

  It all fell into place. With that in mind, he took a scoop of risotto and shoved it into his mouth. His eyes locked on Lloyd all the while.

  You’re on! I’ll play your game for now, boy! You’ll pay for underestimating the former head of the royal guards!

  * * *

  And in no time at all, Chrome had finished his meal.

  “……”

  “……”

  “………um.”

  “………………………huh?”

  Lloyd was clearly rattled—presumably because the reaction to the meal had been neither “Good!” nor “Crap!” but “Huh?”

  At the same time, Chrome was looking every bit as rattled. He’d eaten the whole thing without event, and the dish had been pretty good. At long last, his mind had begun to entertain another possibility.

  ………………Whoa. Is he really just here for a job?

  “Um,” Lloyd said anxiously, observing his every expression. “Was it bad?”

  “Uh, no, it was pretty good.”

  This clearly came as a huge relief to the boy. And at last, Chrome finally let his guard down. “So, what’s your name?” he asked in a calm voice.

  “Oh, sorry! I’m Lloyd Belladonna.” The boy bowed politely, which Chrome reciprocated.

  “All right. I’m Chrome Molybdenum.”

  It’d never once occurred to Chrome that the boy might really be here for a job, so he was somewhat at a loss now. Should he really hire someone with this much skill? Even if he didn’t have some shadowy syndicate backing him, he was clearly dangerous…and what the hell was Merthophan doing, failing someone like this? What was their test even looking for?

  A storm of thoughts swirled through his head, but he eventually settled on, This boy can’t be left out in the field. Best to put him where I can keep an eye on his every move.

  “Lloyd, right? Mm. You’re hired.”

  “Oh! Thank you so much!” Lloyd was clearly genuinely exhilarated.

  “But this won’t cover room and board. You said you left your hometown, right? You got a place to stay?”

  “Yes! Our village chief hooked me up. Er, technically, I’m a freeloader…but I think they’ll let me keep on living there, if I can pay for food and the like.”

  This didn’t sound like a lie. Once again, Chrome was forced to take this kid at face value. “Right. And where is that?”

  “A small shop in the East Side.”

  Chrome scratched his chin.

  Hmph. If they’d put up with a kid who’s this off the charts, they must be even worse…

  He never imagined that they were, in fact, the missing princess, the one he was searching for.

  Or that Lloyd would lead them to their miraculous reunion.

  Meanwhile, back at the Witch of the East Side’s place, Alka had spent a good hour threatening to destroy the world, and the princess of the realm, Princess Maria/Marie the Witch, had been desperately trying to stop her.

  “Aughhhhhhh! Llooooooooyd!” Alka wailed.

  “Stoppppp, loli Grandma! Master dumbass! I mean, you’re so adorable today!”

  “What the…you can’t just add a compliment at the end and hope I forget the insults that proceeded it!”

  They’d been going around in circles for nearly an hour. Managing to save the world at last, Marie flopped down on the ground, limbs flung wide, without any trace of regal dignity in sight.

  “Hah…hah…I just said it was a remote possibility!”

  “Oh, my dearest little Lloyd is not that kind of boy! I’m sure that in the end, we’ll be united, and he’ll return back to my arms, crying, ‘Chief! Chief!’”

  “You’re breaking character… Geez, you dote on him so hard, you can’t even let him outta your sight. Why would you ever send him here? Seriously, our army couldn’t handle a Kunlun villager.”

  At this, Alka finally looked serious. “………None of your business, Marie. This is how my heart’s desire comes true.”

  Okay, this is definitely the start of something dumb.

  The fake child sitting in front of Marie could wipe out dozens of countries on the slightest of whims. Earthquakes, blizzards, forest fires? Nothing compared to Alka, the walking disaster. She’d yanked around Marie’s chain enough times for her to know.

  “You can level a mountain for waking up on the wrong side of the bed. What more could you possibly want? If you’ve got time to dawdle, why not just save the country? Seriously. I kinda mean it.”

  Marie just tossed this around absently, but Alka smirked and then showed the gravitas befitting a master for the first time.

  “Marie…I reckon I’ve told you this a million times. Me and the villagers in Kunlun only get involved with matters beyond human comprehension—ya know, demon lords or epic disasters. We have no intention of involving ourselves in trifling matters. Human vanity and ensuing wars ain’t got nothin’ on us.”

  Says the same person who was ready to destroy the world over an unrequited love.

  “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it before. Making these mistakes and regretting the consequences is the only way we can grow, right? And you don’t care if that process destroys us. Which is exactly why I worked so hard to learn the disenchant rune from you,” Marie recalled, staring down at the countless scars on her hands.

  “And? Are ya getting anywhere, Princess Maria?”

  “Honestly, not really. I believe the king…my father…is being manipulated. And I have information that someone is operating behind the scenes, trying to push public opinion to support the war.”

  “So the powers behind the scenes are moving.”

  “Yeah…and with the foundation-day festival coming…many diplomats and heads of state will be visiting, and they’ll likely seize that opportunity to make a grand declaration of war. That much I’ve got, but…”

  Alka nodded, deep in thought. “You’re no closer to figuring out who’s behind this.”

  “Right. I could force my way into the palace and free my father, but unless I catch the culprit, the same thing is bound to happen again.”

  Marie kept her face solemn, trying not to let her anxiety and irritation show as she clenched her fists tight.

  “And whoever you’re against is acting with caution… Ain’t there someone in the palace you can trust?”

  “My personal guard, Chrome Molybdenum, maybe. But with anyone else, I have no idea who might be connected to who, and I really can’t risk identifying myself. And from what I’ve heard, Chrome is no longer a royal guard.”

  “I’m hearing you’re at a disadvantage with no time to spare, but ya need to do something soon. I reckon that’s a lot of responsibility for a fifteen-year-old girl.”

  Alka acted like it had nothing to do with her, but Marie could sense genuine concern lurking behind her words. That made her even more serious.

  “Yeah…I’ve been afraid to go near the Central District because I might get caught, but I think I’m going to have to go there tomorrow. I can’t keep worrying about the consequences.” Marie was staring at her hands, her voice grim.

  Alka spoke as if trying to convince herself: “Ya know, if there was a demon lord behind this, or a natural disaster, I reckon I’d be happy to help. But as long as it’s an internal power struggle…just be careful inside enemy territory, ya hear?”

  “I appreciate the warning.”

  “And let me also say that if you get Lloyd mixed up in this, I’m dragging him back home.”

  To hide how much this hurt, Marie let her head hang all the way down.

  “…I appreciate the warning.”

  “And I’ll have to turn you into a frog for three days. Don’t worry, I’ll write your suicide note, and I’ll make sure to misspell or leave out lots of words to make your suicidal desperation all the more palpable.”

  “All right, you’re leaving warning territory and just making threats now! You can’t write someone’s suicide note for them! That’s forgery, you know!”

  As Marie shrieked, the door slowly opened to reveal Lloyd, looking guilty, like a kid who’d picked up a stray animal on his way home.

  “Oh, welcome back, Lloyd.”

  “There you aaaaare! Llooooooyd! It’s your beloved chief, Alkaaaaa!” Alka seemed oblivious to Lloyd’s mood, as she threw herself at him, wholeheartedly expressing her carnal instincts.

  “Hi, wait…why are you here, Chief?”

  “Well,” rub, rub, “you see,” rub, rub, “I hear my precious Lloyd’s results were posted,” pat, pat, “so I came a-flyin’!” Gnaw, gnaw.

  “And by fly, she means teleport… Oh, come on! If he’s so precious, stop biting him!”

  In truth, Alka had been showing up to inquire about him constantly, interrogating Marie without even the excuse of admissions decisions—and devouring Marie’s foodstores like a mouse that’d taken up residence in her pantry.

  And the teeth marks she left on Lloyd were like rodents gnawing on support pillars.

  Lloyd stared at the floor—his expression didn’t quite read as embarrassed. “Uh…sorry,” he admitted. “I didn’t pass.”

  There was a long silence, and then Alka calmly began writing some runes.

  “Cool, then I reckon I’ll just destroy this country.”

  “Please don’t! There are children watching!”

  “…Oh, good point, good point. I’m kidding, totally kidding, like twenty percent kidding.”

  “What’s the other eighty percent?!”

  “Pure spite.”

  Marie looked as though she could develop an ulcer at any moment from the stress, and Lloyd rubbed her back to cheer her up.

  “So, uh…there’s something else.”

 

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