Chapter 11: It was nothing more than false peace

“I always feel like the manager shows up at just the right time.”

Bathed in the glow of holy light, Simon’s injuries gradually healed. Warm energy flowed through his body like gentle currents, closing wounds and restoring vitality.

No matter how many times he experienced it, he could always feel kindness and warmth within that radiant light.

“Just a coincidence, I guess.”

Sitting across from him, Lila, now in her altered appearance, let her eyes flicker slightly as she brushed it off.

In truth, if not for Ulysses, she would have arrived even earlier than Simon.

“Really?”

Simon scratched his head, his neat short hair becoming a bit messy, but he didn’t dwell on it.

“Don’t think too much about it,” Lila said reassuringly. Then she placed a drink gently on the table in front of him. White steam rose from the cup.

“Want to try it?”

Looking at the thick brown liquid inside, Simon felt puzzled.

“What is this, manager?”

“It’s a new drink I’ve been experimenting with. I call it ‘coffee.’ It’s a bit bitter, want some sugar?”

Lila dropped four sugar cubes into her own cup and stirred slowly. After a moment, she took a small sip.

A rich, mellow aroma spread across her palate, followed by a subtle sweetness from the sugar that perfectly balanced the bitterness.

It was exactly the taste of coffee as she remembered it.

She had even posted a request at the Adventurers’ Guild, describing the beans in detail, small, round, dark, slightly bitter. After much effort, she finally obtained them, making this cup possible.

Simon cautiously took a sip as well, but his expression immediately collapsed.

“So bitter!”

He exclaimed.

Lila couldn’t help but laugh. Then she added four sugar cubes to his cup.

Still smiling slightly, she said, “Try again.”

Though hesitant, Simon stirred it like she did and took another sip.

The rich aroma blended with sweetness filled his mouth, and he nodded repeatedly.

“Not bad, right?”

Lila looked at his satisfied expression, feeling proud.

“It’s perfect!”

Simon gave a thumbs-up.

Outside, night had already taken over the sky. The restaurant walls were painted in warm yellow tones, and the lights emitted a soft orange glow. The steam from the coffee drifted upward through the light.

For the first time since her rebirth, Lila allowed herself to relax, savoring both the coffee and the peaceful night.

Watching her curl up in her chair like a content cat, sipping slowly, Simon unconsciously softened his breathing and began enjoying the quiet as well.

“Why did you choose to open your shop here, manager?”

Lila glanced at him, thinking: Because of you.

Of course, she didn’t show it.

Instead, she frowned slightly, pretending to be troubled.

“To escape from my parents.”

“I’m sorry.”

Even someone as dull as Simon realized he had said something wrong. He quickly apologized.

“It’s fine. They didn’t really care about me anyway.”

Hearing her bitter yet composed tone, Simon felt a pang of sympathy. He couldn’t help imagining the hardships she must have gone through, and admiration quietly grew within him.

‘Such a gentle and strong girl… someone who would endure darkness just to bring light to others.’

At least, that’s what Simon believed.

Meanwhile, seeing the guilt in the boy before her, Lila felt secretly delighted.

“Do you want to hear about my past? Consider it a thank-you for keeping me company tonight.”

She tilted her head, white hair falling softly over her chest.

“It’s not really a favor,” Simon waved his hands. Then he nodded, “But if you’re willing to share, I’d like to hear it.”

“Alright.”

Lila gently set down her cup, folded her hands, and leaned back slightly, as if recalling memories, though in truth, she was making it up on the spot.

“My family wasn’t particularly noble, but we had some influence. Before I was born, my parents already had two children, my older brothers. Both were exceptional, brilliant, and incredibly talented in magic.”

“So they didn’t treat you well because you weren’t as good?” Simon asked.

“No.” Lila shook her head.

“It wasn’t that I wasn’t good enough, I was useless. My consciousness didn’t fully awaken until a year ago. Before that, I was like a vegetable, unable to take care of myself. They spent a lot of effort just keeping me alive.”

“Then… didn’t they love you?”

Again, she shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of mockery.

“They just wanted to maintain the family’s reputation. They cared for me under the guise of responsibility, showing off their supposed virtue.

But once I awakened at seventeen and lived like a normal person for a while, I grew tired of their hypocrisy. They didn’t love me, they saw me as a burden.

So I left on my own. They didn’t stop me. I came here. Casel Academy is safe. I can run my shop and live the life I want.”

Some parts were fabricated, but the awakening itself was real, her rebirth granted by the goddess.

Though the goddess claimed it was random, Lila always felt there was something deliberate behind it.

Simon listened quietly, feeling anger toward her past and gratitude for having met her.

Strangely, he didn’t sense sorrow in her story, only a sense of relief.

“You’re amazing, manager. And very strong.”

He said sincerely.

“Of course.”

Lila accepted the praise without hesitation.

Then she suddenly slapped her thigh.

“Oh! I almost forgot!”

“What is it?”

Seeing her so animated was rare, and Simon looked confused.

“I told Alice this morning, but you weren’t there. I nearly forgot about you.”

She walked into the office, rummaged around, and returned with a piece of clothing.

Simon took it, puzzled.

It was a finely made black outfit with a white collar and cuffs, elegant and refined.

A butler uniform.

The confusion on his face deepened.

“Recently, our income has dropped,” Lila explained. “I checked nearby shops and found a maid-themed drink shop opened not far from us.

Their drinks aren’t even as good as ours, but they attract customers with the theme. A lot of nobles like that kind of thing.”

“So… you want us to wear this?”

“Exactly. Our shop should have not just maids, but also butlers. Maybe we’ll attract some girls too. And Simon, you’re actually quite handsome, just need a bit of grooming. I should talk to Alice about-”

“Alright, manager!” Simon quickly interrupted, afraid she’d spiral into more ideas. “No need to tell Alice. I understand. I’ll prepare and show up properly tomorrow.”

Lila smiled slyly.

“Then make sure to come early.”

Simon could only nod helplessly.