PRB | Chapter 10

It was the third day since Ketron settled at the inn.

The festival was also on its third day, making the inn quite peaceful at midday. Unless someone was nursing a hangover from the previous night, most people were out enjoying the festivities.

Thanks to the tourists, income was decent for now, but eventually, both tourists and regulars would need to frequent the inn.

Hmm. To achieve that, activating the restaurant and pub seems necessary.

After placing the ingredients in the kitchen, Eddie set them aside and began warming up the porridge he brought.

Though Ketron had accepted the banana milk, he hadn’t left his room since.

In other words, he hadn’t eaten.

In “The Hero Doesn’t Hide His Power Well,” Ketron once went over a week without sleep, water, or food, pushing himself to the limit in a mad march. Despite the grueling ordeal, he managed to take down one of the Demon King’s generals, even with Augustine’s divine power by his side.

It was probably the most painful part for readers, especially since it was set in the desert.

Arthur caused a lot of trouble there, ignoring his companions’ warnings and chasing mirages, getting lost, or dropping the only water bottle, losing their supply…

Usually, if the group faced trouble, Arthur was often the cause.

Well, he was the cliché character who initially envied and resented Ketron but eventually accepted him as a companion.

Not particularly skilled, but adept at improvisation, he was the comic relief.

Perhaps his antics were part of the author’s grand plan for the ending.

Of course, that doesn’t excuse the ending.

[Ughhh, I told you to ditch Arthur ages ago!!!]

I remember someone leaving that desperate review.

While thinking about this, Eddie realized the porridge was warm. Carefully placing the bowls on a tray, he headed to Ketron’s room.

Some guests on the first floor sniffed the unfamiliar, savory aroma and glanced at Eddie, but since it wasn’t a menu item for them, he ignored the looks and went upstairs.

Though it was right next to his own room, the door seemed permanently closed, as if it were a separate space.

Eddie knocked politely on the door.

Without waiting for a response, he opened it, as if that was the extent of his courtesy.

Ketron, in the same position as two days ago, tilted his head slightly toward the bed and opened his eyes wide.

“Did you sleep well?”

Eddie greeted cheerfully.

“…”

Though he was indebted, Ketron looked incredulous as Eddie invaded his space.

Unaware, Eddie had a knack for visiting Ketron just as his consciousness was about to sink into the abyss. This time was no different.

Purely coincidental, Eddie didn’t know this as he lifted the tray and entered the room naturally.

“Whew, heavy.”

Though it wasn’t that heavy, Eddie exaggeratedly complained, placing the tray in front of Ketron. The three bowls of steaming porridge emitted a savory aroma.

Not knowing what you’d like, I prepared a variety, I guess?

There wasn’t a table, so Eddie carefully scooped a spoonful from the hot bowl and brought it close to Ketron.

“This is porridge, made with finely ground rice, so it’s easy to eat. Try it.”

Even after days without food, porridge should be manageable. But despite the savory abalone innards porridge in front of him, Ketron only furrowed his brows, not opening his mouth.

“Don’t like this? It’s really savory and tasty despite its color.”

Eddie knew the taste wasn’t the issue. From Ketron’s perspective, the innkeeper’s actions were baffling.

But Eddie had learned that being shameless was the best approach with Ketron.

“Don’t like this one? How about this?”

He tried offering beef porridge instead. Still, Ketron’s mouth remained shut.

Beef porridge should be less divisive… Eddie tried a few more times, but Ketron’s lips stayed firmly closed.

“Hmm.”

Eventually, the beef porridge returned to the tray. Ketron watched Eddie with wary eyes, almost as if glaring.

But Eddie knew how often Ketron’s unique gaze led to misunderstandings and awkward situations in the novel.

To Eddie, he looked like a cautious cat.

Of course, there’s no cat this big! But still.

Leopard, jaguar, tiger… Other big cats came to mind, but somehow, the wounded creature looked like a cat to Eddie.

“Guess you like sweet things, huh?”

Finally, the pumpkin porridge. Unlike before, the bright orange, sweet-smelling porridge was irresistible, and Ketron’s mouth opened.

“What are you doing?”

“Hmm? Feeding you.”

Eddie tilted his head, as if Ketron was the odd one.

“You keep fussing about food, so I had no choice.”

But this time, Ketron didn’t waver. Though he had been caught off guard and accepted the milk before, he wasn’t going to let the man have his way again.

“I never asked for this.”

Ketron eyed the pumpkin porridge warily, fearing the spoon might invade his mouth like the straw had. Eddie chuckled at his cautious glances.

“You smell.”

“…!”

Ketron’s eyes widened at the unexpected comment. Before he could recover, Eddie continued.

“I like things clean. All our guests must be clean. I’m feeding you so you don’t faint from washing on an empty stomach. Eat this and wash up.”

After washing, let’s check those wounds, okay?

Eddie brought the spoon to Ketron’s mouth again.

Smell, wash up, eat and wash.

The shocking triple hit left Ketron feeling ragged.

Of course, Ketron looked rough. He was in such a state that even a beggar would have a hard time standing next to him.

Unable to believe his companions’ betrayal, he crossed the desert, sold his valuables, and teleported repeatedly to reach the Empire.

In such a situation, he had no time to clean up. Though it was the third day at the inn, he remained in one spot like a statue, still looking shabby.

Ketron wasn’t usually this unkempt. He was quite neat, even by modern standards, but given the circumstances, any explanation would sound like an excuse.

It felt unfair.

The pumpkin porridge was offered again.

“Eat up and wash.”

Eddie emphasized eating and washing, delivering the final blow. Ketron’s mouth opened weakly.

Eddie carefully fed him a spoonful of the hot porridge, ensuring he wouldn’t get burned. Ketron mechanically accepted it, chewing slowly, then widened his eyes.

“How is it?”

His reaction was similar to the banana milk. But unlike before, Ketron quickly regained his composure and didn’t readily admit it was sweet.

Though Eddie missed hearing the cute expression of sweetness, watching Ketron eat the pumpkin porridge like a baby bird was satisfying in its own way, making Eddie smile secretly.

After a few bites, Ketron could have taken over, but neither Eddie nor Ketron considered that option.

The porridge wasn’t a large portion, so the bowl emptied quickly.

“Now, let’s wash up, kid.”

Ketron jumped up as if waiting for those words. The comment about smelling had bothered him, making him eat without realizing it.

Lost in thought, he hadn’t noticed how itchy his unwashed body felt after weeks of neglect. Though Eddie’s comment about the smell was exaggerated, it didn’t matter now.

However, the nickname was annoying, so Ketron addressed it.

“I’m not a kid.”

“Then?”

Eddie’s face was relaxed, as if asking for a new nickname.

“…”

Since becoming known and famous, Ketron had avoided revealing his identity as the hero with the holy sword, often wearing a hood and not sharing his name.

Though his large sword, impressive height, and intimidating presence made it hard to hide his identity.

He almost kept silent out of habit but realized few remembered his name now, so he spoke slowly.

“…Ketron.”

“Ah, a pretty name.”

The man acted as if he’d never heard it before. Most people would react this way now, and Ketron’s expression darkened slightly, reminded that he was forgotten.

“Then hurry and wash up, Ket.”

The strange nickname made Ketron’s eyebrow twitch.