Kazuki followed the villagers through the warmly lit streets of Eldenbury, barely keeping himself from grinning.
Food. A real bed. No monsters. All because they thought he was some kind of holy figure.
I should feel bad about this.
He did not.
The elder rowan, the village leader, led Kazuki toward a warm, small but not too shabby inning. Above the double-door a wooden sign swayed slightly, bearing the words "The Golden Hearth" in crude unpolished way. But carrying the mouthwatering scent of roasted meat and fresh bread.
"Come, chosen one!" Elder Rowan gestured grandly. "You must be weary, please allow our humble village offer finniest of delicacies."
Kazuki sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his chest as if burdened by his immense "divine" power. "Elder, you honor me. But I must warn you… a feast of such magnitude may strain even my celestial endurance."
The crowd begun murmuring themselves in awe. Perfect.
Pushing the double-door open the soft chime of bell rang out, attracting patrons attention, as they noticed him, their eyes went wide with curiosity.
The tavern's interior was humble but warm and cozy, vaulting ceiling with dark wood , rustic wooden beams with trinkets and other decorative hanged, the atmosphere was livelily. A large fireplace crackled at the far end, casting a golden glow over the room.
"A holy traveler?" one of the patrons whispered to the villager.
"He must have been sent by the gods themselves!"
Kazuki bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Too easy.
A round-faced innkeeper bustled forward, his apron dusted with flour. "Welcome, honored guest! We've prepared a feast most worthy of your presence! Please, sit!" He gestured to the grandest seat in the room—a plush, high-backed chair positioned at the best table.
Kazuki hesitated, only for a second. Then he gracefully lowered himself onto the seat, sighing as if merely existing took immense effort. "You are all too kind."
Just in few seconds, the table before him was filled with delicacies, a whole roasted boar its skin glistening with honey, steamed vegetables arranged in a smile and decorative fashion and the apple pie, its crust flaking with each slice. A fresh loaf of bread with butter melting into its warm surface.
Kazuki stared at it his mouth almost watering, but he held back.
Elder Rowan beamed. "We only wish to provide for the divine."
A young woman approached, carefully pouring dark red wine into a goblet of polished silver. She bowed. "For your sacred palate."
Kazuki took the goblet, swirling the wine like a seasoned noble before taking a slow sip. It was rich, velvety, definitely expensive. He hummed in satisfaction, letting his expression shift into one of quiet contemplation.
The crowd watched eagerly.
He set the goblet down, exhaling as if the mere act of drinking had required divine control. "Exquisite. Such refinement in a humble village—truly, the gods have blessed this land."
The room erupted into murmurs of excitement. People puffed up with pride, exchanging pleased glances.
Keep it going, Kazuki.
He picked up a piece of roasted boar, taking a slow, deliberate bite. His eyes fluttered shut, and he let out the faintest sound of approval.
Gasps.
Someone gripped their chest, whispering, "The chosen one approves!"
Another clasped their hands together, near tears. "The gods smile upon us!"
Kazuki struggled not to choke on his food. I need to be careful. If I praise them too much, they might start throwing festivals in my name.
A burly man, likely a retired adventurer, leaned forward. "Honored one, may I ask… what is it like to wield such divine power?"
Kazuki wiped his mouth with the provided linen napkin, taking a moment to appear thoughtful. "Power… is a burden," he said at last, voice heavy with feigned sorrow. "One must wield it with wisdom, lest it bring chaos to the unprepared."
Elder Rowan nodded sagely. "A lesson most profound."
The blacksmith from earlier, still skeptical, crossed his arms. "Then surely you have great battles to recount? Tales of valor? Perhaps a demonstration of your power?"
Damn it.
Kazuki sighed dramatically. "Ah… if only it were that simple." He gestured vaguely to the air. "You see, my power—should I unleash it carelessly—could… disturb the balance of the world. It is a force beyond mortal comprehension."
The tavern fell silent. Awe settled over the room.
Elder Rowan nodded gravely. "A wisdom beyond our own. Truly, we are in the presence of a being touched by the heavens."
Kazuki poker face almost cracked. This is ridiculous
More wine was poured. More food was served. Kazuki basked in the sheer luxury of the situation.
I should be worried about how long I could keep this facade.
Instead, he took another bite of the boar and let out a small-sweat burp.
Covering his mouth he dismissed.
I'll worry about it tomorrow.
For now, he had a feast to enjoy.
Kazuki leaned back against the highchair, creaking slightly under his weight, he took a sharp breath letting his nerves relax. The warmth of the fire, the satisfied hum of conversation, the rich flavors of the meal-this is life, not running away from orc or destroying hydra from the chicken nukes.
Just now he has somehow deal with this "Chosen One" nonsense.
Then he noticed Elder Rowan smiling expectantly at him.
Kazuki paused mid-bite. Oh no.
The elder gestured toward a young woman standing near the fireplace.
She had mesmerizing rare purplish eyes, her black hair was braided over her shoulder, she stepped forward with practiced grace of a noble lady and curtsied toward Kazuki.
"This is my daughter, Lillian," Rowan announced proudly. "She has studied many things and possesses a keen mind. She is honored to be in the presence of one so… divine."
Lillian kept her expression demure, hands folded in front of her. "It is truly a blessing to meet you, Chosen One." Her voice was soft, filled with devotion.
Kazuki gave a satisfied nod, relieved. Good. Another believer.
Lillian approached the table with slow, graceful steps. She spoke just peeking her head slightly as if shy. "I'm humbled to be in the presence of the Chosen One," she said, her hands rose slightly above her chest, as if touched. "Your arrival has brought great joy to our humble village."
Kazuki lifted the goblet with dormant hand, tilting his head slightly, swirling the deep red wine. "It is not I who brings joy," he said smoothly. "It is the gods who have chosen to bless you."
Elder Rowan beamed at that. "Such wisdom. Lillian, you must learn from the Chosen One while he is here. His knowledge is surely beyond mortal comprehension."
Lillian bowed her head. "I would be honored."
Kazuki merely inclined his head, maintaining his air of composed divinity.
She stepped forward, shyly lifting a delicate tray with both hands. "Please, allow me to serve you, Chosen One."
Before he could protest, she reached out gently filling his goblet, Lilan movement were graceful, almost ceremonial, with a thud she put the bottle back down, then lifted a small dish of fruits and set it before the chosen one.
"A delicacy of our village," she murmured. "Said to restore strength to the weary."
Kazuki picked up one of the fruits, biting into its sweet, syrupy flesh. It was delicious—bursting with rich, floral notes and just a hint of citrus. He hummed in approval.
Lillian's lips turned into a crescent shy smile. "Does it please you, my lord?"
He nodded. "Your village truly has been blessed with fine gifts."
Elder Rowan clapped his hands together. "Ah, I knew it! The gods must have led you here to partake in our bounty!"
Lillian's smile lingered, her gaze settled on Kazuki just a moment too long, with intesnstiy as if she would devor him.
A chill ran in his back.
Then a flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes before she finally stepped back.
"It would be rude to disturb the holy ones meal further." She gave one last look. "Please bless our village."
Kazuki smiled and gave her nod, muttering sure, before turning his attention back to the feast. The hushed conversation, villagers toasting and praising the joyous occasion continued.
Except—every now and then, he caught Lillian, those purple mesmerizing eyes watched him from the corner of eye like a hawk locking at the prey.
After the meal had stretched late into the night, Kazuki finally rose, stifling a feigned sigh of exhaustion. "I must retire," he announced, offering a weary smile. "Even one blessed by the heavens must rest."
The villagers murmured understandingly, some even bowing as he moved toward the stairs leading to the guest chambers.
As he passed, Lillian, still seated by the fireplace, looked up. Their eyes met briefly, and for the first time, Kazuki saw it clearly—the glimmer of sharp intelligence behind her composed expression.
She lowered her head respectfully, her voice soft and smooth. "Rest well, Chosen One."
Kazuki nodded, but a thought nagged at the back of his mind as he climbed the stairs.
That girl is watching me too closely.