Reincarnated Into A Dead Woman's Body In Another World-Chapter 291: Interlude - 10: Talk of the Town

"And anything else to drink?"

"Just that thank you," the man in a suit petted a grey cat on his lap whilst his daughter played with a couple of kittens on the floor next to the table, careful not to dirty her school uniform.

Jotou wrote down two breakfast sandwiches and took the menu away with a polite smile, "I’ll be back with your order in a bit," she turned, her black tail swaying through the gap in the uniform.

Daylight sparkled into the café, allowing the cats and small dogs to bask in the sunlight’s warmth inside the otherwise chill interior.

Meows and barks were not scarce and most of the more active pets were out in the gardens rather than inside the café. An adequate amount of customers had come before work would begin, leaving the waitstaff to scurry around the tables.

Only a few tables were vacant and as Jotou glanced her notepad of three tables’ orders, she came to a halt on the dark wood. She realized she hadn’t written which food went to which table... ’I’ll... figure it out.’

"Ana," Asobi popped up in front of her. Jotou glance to Asobi’s cupped hands, hiding something within. "Look, it’s a bamster!" she hushed and opened up her palms.

Within her palms emerged a small grey creature with a tiny pink nose and wings curled up around its hamster-sized form. With its fingers at the end of each wing, it had a small berry it munched.

It paused and glanced up with its beady eyes as its nose sniffled up. It chirped at Jotou and continued to eat its berry faster. "Cute, but we’re supposed to be taking orders."

"I was supposed to feed him a little."

"Oh," Jotou stared at it. "Bats and hamsters are both nocturnal, you sure this thing’s supposed to be awake?"

"I didn’t bring him here; and he was playing with a little boy and his mom just now," Asobi shrugged.

"Fwish! Flap! Flap! Flap!"

Jotou ducked and Asobi recoiled, both their ears and tail going up in shock as the bamster took off into the air and chirped away. "...I believe you," Jotou steadied herself.

"I should probably catch him," Asobi kept an eye on it.

"Yeah, preferably before it thinks a spinning ceiling fan looks interesting. Good luck, I’ve orders to get to," Jotou rushed past as Asobi rushed the other way to catch the critter.

_

While the food was served from the kitchen, the drinks came from a bar to the side, where a single bartender mixed juices and alcohols alike.

In front of the wall of various colourful fruit and bottles of booze, the dog-man shook and stirred drinks, glancing around for those looking for refills.

However, none needed it, for the hour became half past ten; the customers had dwindled significantly. "Happy New Year," the last customer bade, leaving a tip of five copper on the table.

"Thanks for visiting and happy New Year," Jotou waved with a smile before letting out a sigh of relief. ’This was more exhausting than I would’ve thought...’ No doubt the lunch hour would be more hectic.

Jotou picked up the plates on the table and put them on the serving tray. "Anastasia, Ana!" Jotou turned to Asobi hopping over. "Do you need some help? I’m done with my stuff."

"Sure, just some tables to clear up."

As the two went about their business, they realized no customers were present in the vicinity. "One moment busy, next moment empty," they were in the company of lazing cats while the dogs had been returned to their kennels.

"Gives us time to rest at least!" Asobi fished coins out of her pocket. "I made five silver in tips!"

"Five silver...?" Including the ones just placed on the table, Jotou had a total of, "I only got twenty-four copper... I’ve been to almost every table here, how many tables did you wait?"

"Not much here," Asobi glanced around. "There’s more café over there," she pointed down the inner left hallway. "And through there, you can go up to the second floor!"

"...Well knowing that would’ve helped... I thought that’s where the pets came from."

"They do, just more down the hall," a coworker from behind heard their conversation. A chestnut-haired cat-girl smiled to them, "Newbies, right? Heard rumour you won’t be working for long though."

"Everything’s up in the air really," Jotou’s ears pricked as she turned to greet.

"Well, hope you’ll be in it for the long run," she approached closer, "You two seem like good people."

"Are you psychic?" Asobi’s eyes bubbled in amazement and worry at the same time. Their cover could be blown!

The cat-woman giggled. She stood the same height as Asobi, "Yes~"

Asobi gasped and Jotou’s brows knitted.

"Just kidding," she shook her head. "I just have a sense about these things."

"Good, cause we’re obligated to kill all psychics we see," Jotou glared.

"Ana, we’re not supposed to tell them that!" Asobi caught on.

"What...?" their coworker slowly inched her head back as her ears began to fall.

"Kidding~" Jotou stuck her tongue out and gave a wink. Asobi giggled behind her.

The cat-girl’s chestnut tail relaxed as she sighed with a hand on her chest, "Got me." She smiled with her fangs poking out, "Guess sisters think alike. Serene. You’re Anastasia and you’re Amelia," she pointed to each guess.

"Yup-yup! Nice to meet you Serene," Asobi took her hand to shake.

Serene shook politely. "Didn’t think the serious sister would be the prankster," she looked to Jotou.

"Oh yeah, she’s all kinds of spiteful!" Asobi cheered.

"I’m right here... and why am I the serious sister?" Jotou crossed her arms.

"Sorry. You’re all smiles with the customers, but the second you turn you’re back on task. Meanwhile, Amelia’s hopping all over the place with smiles to spare. There’s already some chitchat going around about you two."

"Great... The staff gossip behind our backs, how swell."

"It’s nothing major, don’t worry," Serene brushed aside with a smile. "You can take your break whenever, the breakroom’s right next to the stairs.

Buttt, if you’re working to get as much as you can for today, there’s still customers in the inner lounge. There’re always people in there—even after we close sometimes. They tip much better though."

"What about upstairs?" Jotou queried.

"Same as downstairs. You two really came on at a lucky time; Mr Mahajan ups the pay during holiday seasons. I bet he’ll lower it again in a couple of weeks."

"Worked here for long then?"

"Since last August. So, I’m just giving some senior advice. Guests in the lounge are more of the thoughtful types. The quieter pets are kept there cause it’s really calm- Uh, don’t prioritize those tables over the rest though, Waqar’s already warned us about that."

"The people there are really nice! The bunnies even nicer!"

"Mhm, they like to talk and discuss; they like to toss a coin for your thoughts, so if you’re more talkative or share your opinions, the more likely they’ll tip better; or you can just smile and nod like me," Serene gave a nervous chuckle.

"That’s what I did!"

"I’ll have to check it out then." ’I came here to experience it all; no point in avoiding something now.’

"Good luck. There’s still a few customers upstairs to take care of, so I’ll be off. They like the higher view and the birds on the balcony, so if you wanna check that out," Serene bade with a wave to the two. "Nice meeting you two."

Asobi waved back, "You too!"

_

While the room before was pleasant with its panel windows and flora upon the tables, the warmer lighting and scent of floral teas and fresh coffee relaxed Jotou’s shoulders just as she entered with a stack of menus.

The smaller windows allowed just the right amount of sunlight and a view of the gardens outside where people and pets played. Less tables and with a smaller capacity; however, more booths and sofas were present.

And it was true; everyone who chatted here did so much quieter. A large aquarium filled with colourful fish was against the left wall, rabbits roamed the floors, hamsters and ferrets slept in their cages while some were out to play.

’Somehow it still smells fine in here. I could’ve been working here all morning?’ "Ohp, sorry there buddy," as Jotou walked in, she felt the front of her toe knock into a large tortoise with a tray strapped safely on its back.

It kept moving on as if nothing had happened. "Well, time to start here I guess," she said with the hint of a smile.

_

"Yeah, but apparently she isn’t the real princess?"

"I think rumours’re spreading cause of the name change and amnesia story."

"I mean, say if it’s true, that’s a big deal; the princess isn’t the princess anymore?"

"The royals went to the front lines. She’s the only survivor and got shot even. You know how many things screw with your psyche out there? Even if it’s true right, who cares? It was a great year with her."

"Eh, that’s true."

Jotou eavesdropped on what seemed to be two businessmen catching up with each other. With a smirk, she cleared up the table she was attending to and walked past the table of the two men.

The lunch hour had arrived and like the main café, the inner lounge was packed as well. The chatter of guests from the outside rivalled the soft music within the lounge.

Jotou kept her work up, perhaps a little tired. But the atmosphere was enough to liven her up. The little rabbits that crowded her feet for attention had her smiling at every step, before they’d disperse to other guests and waiters.

She brought drinks to a table and a chicken with rice meal that smelled heavenly. The two women chatted over already finished fruity drinks.

They paid no mind to Jotou as she set their meals. One woman looked to the excerpt on the newspaper before her.

"They got an interview? Seriously?"

The other woman passed the newspaper to prove, "Aldous Woddard states that the Trailonian army’s presentation was underwhelming in the Last Stand of the Ufaedari Plateaus."

"Not much of an interview, just a few words for last year," the other replied, taking the drink from Jotou with a polite smile to her.

"The Cindering Brimstone was to keen on fame, glory and bloodlust," the woman read the words in bold.

"I’m sure it’s just an excuse for their shortcomings."

"What do you think?" the woman lifted her gaze off the newspaper and onto the waitress serving them.

"Me?" Jotou queried.

"Sounds like an excuse, right?"

Jotou paused for a moment, "Hm, well I’m sure it is. With how many soldiers died, I think calling it a presentation as opposed to an unnecessary massacre shows who the Trailonian president is."

"Yeah, you remember that whole memorial day thing. There were thousands of names," the woman passed the newspaper back.

"What a waste of space."

"Happy to pass the blame and responsibility to someone else. Even to blame the fallen when it’s one of your own soldiers." Jotou added.

"And he killed the king of Luxinor didn’t he?"

"Yeah, rest his soul, but I don’t imagine that was an easy thing. The king even fought in the war, this president barely gave a statement."

"Hm," Jotou spared a chuckle for the king. "Imagine blaming your forces that killed countless people while you sat in your comfy office.

Honestly, the people of Trailon deserve better than some idiot trying to win a dick measuring contest," Jotou blurted out. "Sorry, didn’t mean to curse," Jotou picked up the other two finished drinks.

The two women laughed. "Finally, someone who speaks their mind." After the two left, Jotou found a generous tip of three silver on the table.

An hour passed and she only caught a glimpse of Asobi going past the entrance of the lounge. It seemed she was serving the front portion in lieu of Jotou.

’Maybe I should really take a break. I bet Asobi’s not taking one till I do... Last table then.’ She picked up the dishes and drinks off a man’s table.

He had a newspaper covering his face before he scoffed.

Jotou raised a brow, "Is there an issue?"

The man lowered the paper, "Issue? Have you seen the papers? The Altanor wrote another puff piece about her. Thundering Blade this, Thundering Blade that," he groaned.

"Hm? I don’t read the paper much, but surely it’s not that often," Jotou replied. "They don’t have much to write about, she hasn’t done much recently."

"Oh that won’t stop them. The president of Trailon made a statement and they somehow fitted her in. Praising her efforts, then mentioning her work in Kria.

It’s every other week, the same thing, we get it. At least this time they have the king and the princess involved too, not that it makes it better. They’re overselling her."

"Well, what do you think about her?"

"She’s some privileged adventurer who got lucky enough to meet the princess. But I mean, when you’re already at the top, I guess everything comes easier."

"Really?" Jotou tightened her lips.

"I’ve seen her pictures on the papers from the gala last year, she’s well-off; has the face of a noble and everything. She’s taking the spotlight from all the hardworking Cravoltan forces.

But adventurers always do that, don’t they? Play hero after playing dress up, just cause they’ve got some fancy magic. Put none of the effort in and got to places like the palace," he sighed, shaking his head.

Jotou furrowed her brows, "I’m sure the news is just pandering to the people. Having the Thundering Blade on the pages probably sells more."

"And that’s all she’s good for."

"It’s what the people want; no point slandering her is there? She did help massively in the war; Trailon’s been fighting Cravolta for how long now?" Jotou rhetorically asked as she placed the used utensils onto her tray.

"Obviously, that’s just how adventurers are. How much do you think she got paid after? She even lives in the palace, barely showing her face.

Did you hear how many soldiers she killed in that last stand? She’s nothing more than a genocidal maniac who cares only about herself; killing’s second nature for these adventurers.

Happy-to-be-murderers would be would be more fitting for them; especially for the Thundering Blade. She sleeps peacefully in Tamara Palace, while papers like the Altanor sing her praises.

I’m sure the brave soldiers who fought in the war and are hardened by what they saw, just love hearing about the Thundering Blade’s efforts every time, tch."

Jotou averted his gaze—her ears folded down. Fortunately he was too engrossed in his paper to notice. Jotou took a deep breath, "... Well, I’ll get the bill for you.

Word of advice, if the papers keep mentioning her, why not just skip reading that part? It’s not on the first page or a headline."

"It keeps getting into topics and headlines I’m actually interested in. Journalism is slowly marching to death it seems," he flapped the paper back up to his face.

Jotou rolled her eyes and got her duties over with. Surprisingly, there was a five silver tip left behind which she had no remorse pocketing.

"Must’ve been the first person to talk to him. Wonder why, he seems like a barrel of laughs," Jotou muttered under her breath with a huff.

’Happy to be a murderer...’ Her eyes started to feel blurry. ’Does anyone honestly think, I enjoy killing? Sure, I logically move on, it’s stupid to have regrets. But who does he think he is? No effort? NO Effort!?’

Picking up the empty metal tray, she walked away from the table with a shake of her head. ’Shut up Jotou. Don’t let one asshole get to your head. Ugh... It’s a perfect time to take a break.’

"Excuse me miss," a man in a secluded booth had his hand up.

’Ai, ai, ai...’ Jotou put on a smile and walked over, "Anything I can get you sir?"

"Ah yes, a pot of jasmine tea with a plate of cinnamon vanilla wafers. Also, something with a milky mist and to taste a little of the past—or something new even," he requested with a smile.

Jotou knitted her brows, "I can get the first two..."

The man glowered, "Look, I’ve been having a rough week and it’s supposed to be the start of the year."

"Sorry to hear that?" Jotou squinted.

"I’m willing to wait a bit; is it available or not?"

"The number to the hospital? I can get you that right away."

The man groaned, "Either you’re new here or the code’s changed... Has it?"

"It’s... my first day here," Jotou replied.

"Oh. Sorry then, forget I said anything. I’ll just have the tea and wafers."

"For lunch? Alright..." Jotou remembered the order as she turned.

"Actually, can you just tell some other waiter what I asked? I really need it," he pleaded.

"I’ll, ask I guess," Jotou walked away. ’Is there some drug trade going on? In a pet café of all places!?’ She walked up to the bartender outside, "Hey, how long have you worked here?"

"About two years now," the dog-boy replied, shaking drinks.

"Uh great. Someone’s asking for something with a milky mist and a taste of the past?"

"Or something new even?"

"Yup, whatever that is." ’They’re selling drugs... Do I tell Daiyu...?’

"Did they order a pot of jasmine tea with a plate of cinnamon vanilla wafers before?"

"Yeah..." ’What is it though? Cocaine? Weed? Milky mist... Heroin? Is that white? Wait, isn’t that injected? Not much of a mist; I think...’

"Just tell them, the Iridescent Special is occupied right now."

’It’s meth—definitely meth.’ "He said he’s willing to wait a bit."

"You’re new right? It’s fine, ask him to wait twenty minutes. I’ll go check for you later; what did he look like? Which booth?"

"Uh tall guy, big moustache, light blue shirt; I wasn’t checking, but booth seven I think?"

"Alright, leave him to me."

"I’ll inform him and go on break then..."