Published: February 1, 2026
Rizel and the other two stood in front of the inn, fully equipped.
They weren’t heading to the guild; the day to depart Astarnia had arrived. Since they were leaving early in the morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten, but with few clouds, it was sure to be a clear day.
A perfect day for a journey.
“Here’s your bento.”
“Thank you very much.”
In front of them stood the innkeeper, her face breaking down in tears.
She seemed to be trying her best to hold back, the strained muscles in her face creating a grotesque expression, but tears and everything else were flowing freely, making the effort meaningless. Rizel deliberately avoided mentioning it and smiled gently.
“An innkeeper crying at the departure of guests is a bit embarrassing, you know.”
“I-it’s just... I didn’t expect you to leave so suddenly...”
Her words were hard to make out, but it was clear she was sad to see them go.
Rizel took the bento with both hands, holding it carefully. She knew the innkeeper had treated them to a better dinner than usual the previous night and had started making this bento from then.
“I’ll eat it carefully.”
“Please, just as always...”
“Yes, it was always delicious.”
“How could such wonderful guests always be here!!”
The innkeeper burst into wails, collapsing to the ground. Rizel looked down at her with the bento in both hands, unsure what to do. She was truly moved, but honestly hadn’t expected such an emotional farewell.
Once Rizel and the others left, she would have to face the reality of having zero guests. While Rizel was staying, there had been a steady stream of customers, but now there was none, and long-term stays with such cost-effectiveness were rare.
“Feels like we’re the center of attention.”
“Give me a break...”
By the way, they were just on the street. The innkeeper’s manly sobbing had certainly drawn a lot of attention.
“Hey, innkeeper, your knees are getting dirty.”
“S-sorry...”
Sniffling, the innkeeper stood up with a rough, old-man-like groan and seemed to calm down somewhat. Her bloodshot eyes were still a little scary, but Rizel smiled, feeling she would be sent off with a smile.
“Well then, thank you for everything.”
“No matter how much, please definitely come back and stay again. Seriously.”
“I can’t promise that.”
“They’re so honest about things like that, those noble guests! It’s tough!!”
The innkeeper covered her face with both hands. Rizel apologized as she handed the bento to Jill.
After all, there was even the possibility they might leave the entire world someday, so no one could make absolute promises. Rizel never gave false reassurances, and Jill sighed while holding the bento in one hand, thinking that was very “her.”
“But, yes.”
“Yes...”
“If you come back to this country, definitely come here.”
“That’s exactly why you give such a pretty smile!!”
Caught up in the mood of farewell, the innkeeper resumed her manly crying, breathlessly sending them off. Rizel and the others said their final goodbyes and began walking away from the inn.
Their destination was the royal palace. From there, they would depart Astarnia with a diplomatic escort.
“It’s nice when they say they want to meet again like that, isn’t it?”
“Definitely sounds sincere.”
The innkeeper was surprisingly socially skilled for her age, but since the chances were virtually zero, Rizel was genuinely happy. She was sensitive to human nuances and appreciated it deeply.
Of course, Jill and Eleven didn’t mind either, but they did pull back a little, thinking she should restrain herself a bit even when sad to part.
“Have you guys already said your goodbyes to someone?”
As they walked, they came out onto the main street lined with food stalls.
Rizel glanced sideways and noticed the owner of a stall selling candied flower petals had spotted them. She stopped preparing and gave a charming, feminine smile, waving lightly.
Rizel smiled back and waved. They had spoken a few times before.