Episode 16
Andel knew exactly how persistent and single-minded Enoch could be. Even just looking at someone the wrong way could be creepy — so he understood how hard it must be for Rania to deal with being stared at on purpose.
Andel already felt some responsibility for Rania, so her request wasn’t a big deal to him.
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it,” he said.
“T-thank you. Lately, I’ve noticed more people on the street who I didn’t see before, and it makes me nervous,” Rania answered.
Her café was closed for interior work right now, but people had started appearing around the street. They weren’t wearing obvious guild symbols, but some of them walked in full black robes or gave off a weird vibe. Yurion had told her guild members tend to peek around when a new branch opens — but actually seeing the crowd made Rania uncomfortable.
“And they stare at me so much my face hurts when I walk by…” she added weakly.
Andel smiled a little, trying to be reassuring. The truth was, the guild hadn’t officially confirmed Branch No. 8 yet — Plumeria Street was only a candidate. Still, rumors and curiosity would cause folks to watch her. Most of those black-robed types were shy around strangers; they gawked but didn’t approach. Kanel was the oddball who actually tried to talk.
Seeing Rania so down made Andel feel sorry for her. He decided some gentle policing might be needed. He refilled her empty teacup and spoke kindly.
“I heard Branch No. 8 is under renovation, right?”
“Yes. I think we’ll open next week…”
“They’ll install communication mirrors inside. They link to all branches, so if you need anything, don’t make the trip — just contact us.”
“Is that… for surveillance?” Rania asked.
“Well… hmm. Not exactly that,” Andel stammered, clearly dodging a lie. Rania noticed and nodded, a little bitter.
He cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Anyway, day or night, if something bothers you, ask. And if guild members get too annoying, just say ‘I need to check with Andel’ — they’ll quiet down.”
Rania brightened so much she felt grateful. Since she’d shut the café and only talked to Enoch and Yurion, Andel’s kindness felt like a huge relief.
“Thank you so much. Um — could you call me by name? I’m Rania,” she asked.
Andel already knew her name, but he smiled when she offered it. “Alright, Rania. Nice to meet you properly.”
“Um, that guy earlier — he’s a guild member, right? The one who kept saying ‘the pretty’…”
“Kanel, yes. He’s a branch leader too — he runs No. 5 on Baroque Street,” Andel said.
Rania thought about Baroque Street — its tailor shops, jewelry stores, fancy ready-made boutiques, and upscale restaurants. If a guild opened a place there, it showed real influence. She realized how powerful Night’s Eye must be.
Andel explained more. “Each branch generally runs as a tavern. Your café already has a liquor license, right?”
“Yeah. I originally thought of opening a small bar — but I drank all the stock myself,” Rania said sheepishly.
Andel laughed, and Rania felt embarrassed remembering the bottles in the room she’d been in with Enoch. To avoid making things awkward — especially for Enoch — Andel smoothly changed topics.
“Because the guild repeats branches, if you tell the Master, he’ll probably supply you with premium drinks you can’t easily buy.” Rania brightened at the idea of rare liquor and felt guilty over how easily tempted she was.
Noticing Rania’s expression change every few seconds, Andel asked, “Is something bothering you?”
“You said all branches are taverns — I wondered why. Adventurers and taverns fit, sure, but is there another reason?”
“Oh, of course. For one, the Master likes alcohol a lot,” Andel said, then added, “And also — having a legal cellar is possible.”
Rania slowly nodded. Alcohol often needed cool storage, and many suppliers sold by crates, so having a cellar made sense. Her café already had a storage cellar — something normal cafés usually couldn’t build.
She swallowed hard and asked in a nervous voice, “So… is my café chosen because of the cellar? As in — the branch is here because of the cellar?”
Rania had at least done some local research as a shop owner. She knew her café was the only place on Plumeria Street with a license to sell alcohol. The area normally didn’t support a bar, so it was unusual. Now that she realized it, she felt uneasy — had the guild picked her place for convenience?
Andel smiled but didn’t say much. Rania forced a rueful laugh. She didn’t want to pry further — maybe it was better not to know everything.
