Ascendance of a Bookworm

I am Gunther.

A 32-year-old standing guard at the South Gate today as always, protecting my beloved family.

Today, Otto is extremely annoying. His smile is all over his face, grinning foolishly, making it impossible for him to focus on work. He must have received some good news from his dotingly overprotective wife. Even though I understand, his grinning face makes me want to hit him a few times.

"Otto, tighten up your face a bit. Can you really serve as a guard with that expression!?"

"I'm tightening it, sort of."

When I pointed it out, Otto slapped his own cheeks a couple of times, trying to firm up his face, but it had no effect at all. His cheeks turned slightly red, but his expression remained goofy.

I sighed in exasperation. From behind me came a low chuckle. When I turned around, the sergeant was standing there, shaking his shoulders with laughter.

"Do subordinates really take after their superiors? Your absent-mindedness about work looks just like when something happens to your daughter."

"?! No, Sergeant, I..."

"You should listen to him a bit. It's just the opposite of usual."

He patted my shoulder a couple of times and walked away.

I was aware that sometimes Otto had taken care of me, listening when I was down after Tulli’s baptism ceremony or when it came to matters concerning Myne.

It can’t be helped. Though it weighs on me, I decided to fully oblige Otto today... But when I talk with that guy, his lovey-dovey stories really drag on.

I sighed, never imagining that people around me would have the same impression, or that they’d wish these two love-stricken men who are dotingly overprotective parents to get along well.

After finishing our shift change and handover, I took Otto with me toward the East Gate.

The East Gate connects to the main road and is the busiest gate, lined with inns and eateries. Shops also fill the side alleys and backstreets near the main street. Most residents of this town have their favorite shops.

Since it’s summer, all the shops had their doors wide open, and the sounds of loud revelry among people drinking inside echoed here and there. We carefully avoided bumping into passersby as we headed to our usual tavern where gate soldiers often gathered.

Stepping into the tavern filled with the aroma of alcohol and food, two long tables in the center were occupied by groups of customers loudly chatting and arguing. Several round tables along the walls, meant for smaller groups, were almost all taken.

"It's pretty crowded."

"Let's hurry."

We passed through the noisy groups and spoke to the owner at the counter, who was pouring drinks.

"Hey, Ebbo. Two Berea beers, please. And some boiled sausages, just a few."

"You got it."

I ordered two Bereas from Ebbo, the tavern owner. Since becoming a soldier and gate guard after the baptism ceremony, I knew most townsfolk here—except for wealthy nobles or merchants who traveled by carriage without showing their faces—like acquaintances.

I placed a large copper coin on the counter to cover two Bereas and some sausages. Ebbo poured the Berea into wooden cups until full. Holding the cups carefully not to spill, we searched for an empty table and moved to a round table in the back.

Although some dishes from the previous guests were still there, a serving girl quickly cleared the wooden cups and forks as soon as she noticed we were about to sit.

Only the hard bread used as plates, soaked in meat juice and a bit soggy, remained on the table. I wiped the table roughly with the bread and dropped it to the floor, where the tavern dog happily wagged its tail and began devouring it.

Placing our cups on the cleared table, we sat down with a clatter.

"Thanks to Vantor."

We expressed gratitude to the god of alcohol and lightly clinked our wooden cups before taking a sip of Berea.

I gulped down most of the cup at once—the best way I believe to enjoy Berea. The refreshing sensation of the beer cutting through a dry throat after work is irresistible. The tingling carbonation and Berea’s unique bitterness and aroma spread in my mouth a moment later.