Volume 4 Chapter 20 The End And The Beginning
Cain and the ten members of the Maintenance Bureau had gathered inside a quiet dining hall tucked into the heart of the city. The lunch hour had already passed, leaving the space empty except for them. With no other customers in sight, it felt like a private gathering—an unofficial feast held just for their team.
Everyone sat around a long table, their drinks resting in front of them. One man stood up from his seat. It was Doughton, the large man with a strong back and a friendly smile. He looked around to make sure all the glasses were filled before he spoke.
"Alright, have everyone received their drinks? Well then, Sir Cain, please."
His deep voice carried across the room like a light command, respectful yet direct.
Cain blinked, startled.
"Eh? Y-yes."
He stood slowly, his chair scraping gently against the floor. He raised his cup, clearing his throat as he looked at each face one by one.
"Well then, everyone... thank you for the past month and a half. We were able to finish the work without trouble and without accidents. That alone is worth celebrating. It's just a small thing, but I'd like to begin this appreciation party. Cheers!"
He lifted his cup high.
Everyone echoed the word together in a cheerful burst.
"""Cheers!"""
Laughter followed as the group lifted their cups. Cain and Barvish sipped on fruit juice, while the members of the Maintenance Bureau enjoyed something stronger—alcohol, but limited to just three drinks each, thanks to Doughton's prior permission.
As the noise of clinking glasses faded, the kitchen staff began to serve the restaurant's most famous dish. A savory smell drifted through the air, warm and inviting. Cain's face lit up when he recognized the plate.
He leaned forward slightly, taking a deep breath.
"Ah, it smells so good. I really wanted to eat this again."
A smiling man, who seemed more like a waiter than a guest, nodded proudly as he served the plate in front of Cain.
"I'm very glad you like it. Since last time, we've added two new items to the menu. I hope you'll give them a try."
The man continued speaking with the kind of excitement only a true food lover could manage.
"The first one is Sprout Sauce Pasta. The crunchy texture makes it hard to stop eating."
Cain shifted his gaze toward Doughton, who was now explaining the dish with passionate hand gestures. It looked like he could sell food for a living.
Cain's inner thoughts stirred, dry and unimpressed.
(It's just pea sprout yakisoba, isn't it?)
But then he listened more closely. Doughton talked about how much work went into growing those bean sprouts especially for this recipe. There was even a greenhouse involved.
Cain took a bite. There was definitely more bite and chew than the sprouts he had eaten back on Earth. For him, it tasted simple—but properly made. Next to him, Barvish and the others were munching away with wide eyes, marveling at the strange, firm texture.
Then came the second dish. The plate arrived, filled with bright sauce and strong smell.
"The second one is Hot Sauce Pasta. It's spicy, but once you start eating, you'll get hooked."
Doughton gave the same kind of passionate explanation, his tone as excited as if this were a sacred ritual. Cain gave him a thankful nod, then turned his attention to the new pasta in front of him.
Red rings—clearly chili slices—were scattered throughout the sauce.
Cain stared at it with a nervous smile.
(I know this is going to burn.)
But he steeled himself and took a bite.
At first, a pleasant flavor spread across his tongue. The umami was rich, almost sweet. He let out a small sound of approval.
"Oh, it's not that spicy. Wow, this is good, Mr. Doughton."
But then—
"Ah, wait—it's spicy!!"
The heat hit him like a surprise punch. The tingling ran across his tongue fast, and he panicked, reaching for his juice to cool his mouth. He gulped it down in a rush.
Across the table, Doughton's face turned solemn.
"Was it a bit too spicy for Sir Cain? That's unfortunate."
His voice was soft, almost like a disappointed sigh.
Cain waved a hand quickly and forced a smile.
"It's a little spicy, sure, but it's really good. Thank you for letting me try it."
His words seemed to cheer Doughton up a bit. Meanwhile, Barvish and the rest were happily munching away, saying things like "Delicious!" and "So good!" between mouthfuls.
The party went on in high spirits. The food was praised, the drinks kept flowing, and laughter filled the hall. Even though Cain was a noble, he blended in with everyone easily. Of course, he was the one who paid the bill—such were the rules of nobility.
When it came time to leave the dining hall, Cain took his time saying goodbye. He shook hands, nodded, and smiled at each person, one by one. What stood out the most was the way everyone thanked him.
"I want to work with you again."
That single phrase came from every mouth. Each person said it with warmth.
Cain bowed his head gently.
I want that too.
He truly hoped to work again with the Maintenance Bureau of Margrave Shield someday.
A few days passed. Three, to be exact.
The wide stone courtyard in front of Margrave Shield's mansion was now filled with noise. Wooden carts, covered wagons, and well-groomed horses stood ready. Servants shouted orders. Knights moved about quickly. Everyone was busy preparing for the journey.
"Hey! Is this luggage okay over here? Get those water barrels moving! If we don't hurry, we'll miss our departure window!"
Cain stood near the wagon's cargo area, watching the flurry of movement. Today was the day they set out for the bridge construction project. Will would serve as the on-site commander this time, and Cain would be at his side. Knights and butlers would also join them for the trip.
A voice came from nearby.
"Sir Cain, it looks like departure will take a bit more time. Would you like to return to your room and rest?"
It was Lala, calm and dependable as always. She adjusted the strap on her travel pack as she spoke.
Cain shook his head, still watching the organized chaos in front of him.
"It's fine. I'll wait here. If I go back to the room, someone will call for me again anyway. Too much trouble."
Lala nodded.
"Understood."
She turned back toward the wagons and began double-checking the bags and crates. Cain stayed where he was, letting his thoughts wander. He focused on the bridge he would build, shaping the design inside his mind.
One image at a time.
One piece at a time.
And so, their new journey began.
Character Notes:
• Doughton - Project leader for the stone pavement project; practical and resourceful, knowledgeable in engineering and magic tools, serves as Cain's assistant or subordinate.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Will - Margrave Shield's son, Aisha's brother, and Cain's uncle. He is playful and enjoys teasing his father. He is a fan of Cain's 'hamburg' recipe.
• Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
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