FMRV | Chapter 37

For a place roped into by street solicitation, the restaurant was surprisingly nice. Contrary to its worn exterior, the inside buzzed with a traditional local ambiance, and nearly every table was filled. There were tourists like Luke with backpacks, as well as relaxed-looking locals scattered throughout. Consequently, the inside was quite noisy.

“I’ll have this from the menu.”

“Good choice. That’s our bestseller.”

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The staff member who had led Luke inside laughed heartily as he took back the menu.

“You’re really giving a generous portion, right?”

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“Of course. Our chef has a soft spot for good-looking people.”

The staff member whispered to Luke, pointing toward the kitchen. Following his gaze, Luke saw a woman with her hair tightly tied up, waving shyly in a chef’s outfit complete with a hat, clearly the head chef of the restaurant.

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Wondering why she was suddenly greeting him, Luke nonetheless waved back. As he munched on the freshly baked bread and water brought by the staff, he turned to survey the restaurant. His seat, by chance, was in a secluded corner, offering a clear view of the interior.

The dim lighting gave the restaurant a bar-like atmosphere. There were plenty of cute decorations around, especially a model of the large river that crossed through this southern region, and a little boat next to it. The palm tree models added here and there gave it almost a foreign vibe.

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“Here comes your food.”

The specially sauced meat glistened, and the accompanying sausages oozed juices.

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“This place must be quite famous?”

As the server approached, Luke turned back around.

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“Indeed. It’s been here on this street for a long time. Originally, it was mostly locals who came, but since tourists started coming, it’s gotten quite popular through word of mouth.”

“I see.”

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Luke popped a piece of meat into his mouth. The moment the flesh touched his palate, it melted deliciously. The reputation of this place as renowned was certainly no lie.

It was intriguing how different the atmosphere could be, even within the same capital. The central area where Luke had stayed was home to the heart of the Empire, the Imperial Palace, and various critical facilities surrounded by the Imperial Army, exuding a rigid and formal air.

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In the central area, the nobility was concentrated, and disparities in wealth and lifestyle were starkly evident. Even Ludrain Square was divided into sections depending on whether it was used by commoners or nobles. Though this restaurant seemed more frequented by common folk, it definitely offered a freedom that Luke couldn’t taste in the central area.

“Nice, this too.”

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He had thought today was a complete disaster. An unexpected event had thrown off all his plans, and frankly, his mood hadn’t been the best. But now, he was actually glad things turned out this way. The day’s ruin allowed him to discover this delicious restaurant and enjoy a lively atmosphere he’d long missed.

Such freedom was unimaginable in the military. Principles, hierarchy, discipline, and orders dominated there; freedoms like these were nowhere to be found.

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For the first time, Luke truly felt liberated. Free from the role and setting of a villain, he could live exactly as he wished. What did it matter if plans went awry? There was plenty of time.

Luke, now visibly brighter, started tearing into the meat voraciously, to the extent that the chef was watching his meal with pleasure. The savory taste of the meat, mixed with a sense of relief, was simply superb. Despite usually being a light eater, the food slipped down effortlessly.

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“So, what do you think of the new Commander of the Empire?”

Suddenly, a conversation from behind made Luke pause his vigorous eating.

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“What’s there to think? He’s barely taken office. Is there even anything to evaluate yet?”

Glancing back, Luke saw a group of middle-aged men at the next table. They looked like locals, not tourists, with several beer glasses frothy with foam rolling around, their faces flushed from drinking.

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“Isn’t he doing well so far without any major issues?”

It was a common sight. Citizens of a country fervently discussing and criticizing the Emperor or nobility was their prerogative.

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However, Luke’s ears perked up because he knew all too well the subject of their conversation, having been part of the military until not long ago.

“Ah, come on. It’s not surprising he’s had no issues. He took over at just the right time. Veil Winium wrapped up the Memvern conflict neatly before stepping down.”

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“Is that so?”

“Yeah. It’s less about the new Commander’s abilities and more about him being lucky. It wasn’t his skill, just good timing.”

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Luke’s eyebrows twitched. It was true that Veil had resolved the Memvern situation before resigning, but that was the expected course of action. What predecessor would leave unresolved issues for their successor? That would just be passing the buck.

“I’m actually quite worried. Isn’t the new guy fairly young? No matter how skilled he is, it’s hard to feel confident in him, you know?”

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“I agree. Makes you wonder what the Palace or the military is thinking, handing such an important position to some green kid.”

That ‘green kid’ was considered one of the most capable Commanders in history. Why did older people always doubt or feel threatened by the abilities of the younger ones?

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Caught up in eavesdropping, Luke had forgotten to continue his meal.

“That new Commander, isn’t he the heir to that famous noble family? No matter how much they talk about meritocracy, wasn’t that family’s influence likely involved?”

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“Must have been, right?”

Thunk—

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At that moment, the lively discussion at the table was interrupted by a loud clink of glasses. The startled men turned their heads.

“Hey, I’m feeling a bit lonely eating by myself. Mind if I join in? Your conversation seems quite interesting.”

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“Uh?”

With a cheeky smile, Luke spun around and sat down with them.

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“Alcohol is best enjoyed together, right?”

“Sure, sit down. Let’s drink together.”

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“Thanks a lot. But what were you all talking about that was so interesting?”

“Ah, well, it’s like this…”

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Perhaps charmed by the young man’s brash approach, the middle-aged men seemed even more animated than before. It was typical for older men to lecture a younger one, pretending to know better about the ways of the world.

They continued their sharp criticism of the new Commander of the Imperial Army, Theo Redrick.

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“But you guys are out of booze?”

“Oh? No worries. We’ve had plenty already…”

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“Come on, a fun conversation like this without a drink? Excuse me! Ten more beers, please.”

Ten beers? The considerable amount startled the men.

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“Oh, don’t worry about the money. I’ll cover it. Thanks for letting me join in the conversation.”

“Ha, then we must drink!”

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Soon, an enormous amount of beer appeared on the table. The free drinks improved the men’s mood, and they began to drink enthusiastically.

“So, about Commander Theo being in his position because of his family…”

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“Another beer over here.”

Luke slid another fresh beer toward a man who was talking about family influences.

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“So ultimately, that young guy as Commander…”

“Another beer here, please.”

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Now, the server started bringing drinks automatically. The faces of the men who had initially enjoyed the free booze now turned completely red, their pupils nearly dilated. Other guests started glancing over, intrigued by the unusual atmosphere at the table.

“That’s enough drinking…”

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“No need to be shy. So, what were you saying?”

“Um, well…”

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About 30 minutes later, after non-stop beer drinking, the men began to collapse one by one onto the table.

“……”

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With a stern face, Luke glanced at the snoring men, then slowly stood up and gathered his things. As he approached the counter, the staff member who had originally solicited him came over, curious.

“Everything alright?”

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“Yeah. I was just sitting alone when these gentlemen offered to join. The locals here are really kind-hearted.”

“Is that so? Come back again then.”

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The staff member laughed heartily.

“Yes, I’ll pay now. Oh, and those gentlemen over there have covered the beer I ordered. Thanks to them, I had a good meal. Please pass on my thanks when they wake up.”

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“Will do.”

Luke paid only for his barbecue, leaving the restaurant. He had planned to just eat and find a place to stay, but his plans had changed again.

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Stepping outside, the dim moonlight now illuminated the street.

“Dare to talk about him. After all I did to support him.”

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But unlike before, Luke didn’t get angry about the change in plans. Instead, he felt relieved and continued his walk down the quiet street to find a place to stay.