Having been shoved the responsibility of choosing where the workshop would spend part of the Galeo Festival, Ronan was once again forced to do something he deeply disliked.
As this wasn't even the first time. Back in his previous life, whenever his company planned a gathering, people would somehow push the responsibility onto him. Nobody wanted to choose, yet everyone had opinions afterward.
With nowhere else to start, he decided to take a look around town himself. After all, if he was going to get blamed later, he might as well know what he was being blamed for.
He had been allowed to leave work early for the task and had even been given today's wage of four copper crowns in advance, along with another three copper crowns for expenses during the search.
As poor as he currently was, that part softened the blow somewhat. But he still felt indignant towards the task.
Ronan made his way down Marco Street, one of the busiest parts of town when it came to taverns and restaurants.
Unfortunately, none of the places he checked seemed suitable.
The nicer establishments would satisfy Miss Gracy but make Gareth complain.
The taverns would satisfy Gareth but make Miss Gracy complain.
At this point, he was mostly wandering without a destination.
As he passed by a flower shop, he abruptly stopped.
And with Quick strides but almost seemingly casual, he went behind a stationary carriage and pretended to examine something further down the street.
His eyes remained fixed on a certain spot.
Harris stood outside a shop and he wasn't alone. Beside him was a man Percy immediately recognized.
The one who had reached for the revolver that day. And exactly the day he got his hands on the revolver he now had with him .
The holster strap had been attached to the inside of the coat itself so that whenever he removed it at the workshop, nobody would discover he was carrying a firearm.
Ronan's hand went under his coat and he gently rubbed the handle of the revolver which was made of wood , trying to reassure wether it was actually there and sure enough it was.
He had assumed some days after the incident that . Harris hadn't confronted him because he never saw his face clearly.
After all he did ran up to him from behind and over took him the same second, facing his back towards him .
The other man, however, had without a doubt definitely seen him.
Since Ronan had faced him eye to eye . He didn't doubt that since Ronan could remember him so did the man too .
As he was distracted by his own reasoning, his eyes left them for only a second.
When he looked back— They were gone.
He quickly scanned the street.
"Where?"
Tap.
A hand landed on his shoulder from behind. Slowly turning his head, Ronan's hand tightened around the handle of the revolver beneath his coat.
But he released it immediately as he saw it was Mrs. Callyst that stood behind him.
"Are you alright, young man?" she asked, trying to look past him at whatever had caught his attention moments ago.
Percy only now realized he was sweating.
He quickly wiped his forehead with his sleeve.
"What a pleasant surprise to meet you, Mrs. Callyst."
The old woman, however, looked unconvinced.
"Is something bothering you?"
Before she could press further, her gaze swept over him.
"And why are you here? Shouldn't you be at work?"
Percy was elated with this question as this was a better topic.
"Actually, that's why I'm here."
He quickly explained how the workshop had pushed the responsibility of choosing a place for the festival gathering onto him and had even sent him out early to look around town.
Mrs. Callyst listened attentively. And by the end of it, she was frowning.
"Oh, you poor boy."
Percy nodded solemnly.
"I know im a very poor boy ."
"How could Miss Silia do such a thing?"
"Because she is a snake."
Mrs. Callyst shook her head in disappointment.
Mrs. Callyst was actually entertaining him.
Silia had indeed put him through some trouble, but Mrs. Callyst wasn't nearly as upset as she sounded.
The old woman was simply humoring him and easing his frustrations.
After all, Percy looked as though he had been burdened with a task far beyond his abilities.
"Since that's the case," Mrs. Callyst said, "I might be able to help you with your problem."
Percy's eyes immediately brightened.
"Really, Mrs. Callyst?"
"Of course. I don't have much to do at home these days. Sometimes I visit friends at restaurants, sometimes I simply wander around town."
"That would be greatly appreciated, Mrs. Callyst."
She chuckled.
"Now then, what exactly are the requirements?"
Percy answered immediately.
"Miss Gracy wants a high-end clean restaurant, and Gareth wants a tavern that isn't expensive."
"Hmm."
Mrs. Callyst thought for a moment.
"So Gareth's main issue is the price?"
"Yes."
"And Miss Gracy's issue is that taverns are usually dirty and poorly maintained?"
"Pretty much i guess ."
Mrs. Callyst nodded.
"Then wouldn't a clean restaurant with reasonable prices satisfy both of them?"
" Hmm when she puts it that way, it sounds incredibly obvious."
After a few seconds of consideration, he nodded.
"Actually... yes, I think it would."
"The two of them aren't asking for opposites, dear. They're just focused on different things."
"You're right."
Mrs. Callyst smiled at his reaction.
"By any chance, do you know a place like that?" Percy asked hopefully.
"Ah."
The old woman's smile widened slightly.
"Not just one."
She raised two fingers.
"I know a couple, actually."
"In fact, one of them is quite close to where we are right now."
Percy's eyes immediately lit up.
"That's wonderful. Let's go check it out."
Mrs. Callyst chuckled.
"My, aren't you excited?"
Only after hearing that did Percy realize how eager he had sounded.
He coughed awkwardly and tried to regain some composure.
As they began walking, Ronan couldn't help but notice it himself.
That reaction hadn't really felt like something he would do.
He doubted his former self would become this excited over finding a suitable restaurant.
Ronan glanced at Mrs. Callyst, who was smiling as she led the way.
"I should keep my emotions in check just in case ."