Chapter 32: Shopkeepers(2) Her ears perked up instantly, tail giving a subtle wag. She retrieved a cloth bundle from the shelf, unwrapping it with careful precision. "Barley cakes with honey," she announced, arranging the golden-brown rounds on a wooden tray. "And dried apple slices. Simple but filling." The aroma filled the small shop—warm grain, sweet honey, and the comforting scent of home cooking. "Smells delicious." Noah grabbed the tray and placed it on the floor, settling down cross-legged. Kip and Alissa remained standing like dutiful servants, hands clasped behind their backs. He paused with a barley cake halfway to his mouth. "What are you both doing?" "Nothing?" Kip’s innocent expression fooled no one. "Sit down." They both dropped to the floor, their backs straight as if soldiers awaiting inspection by their commander. They look like cute little statues. Noah sighed. "Eat. Don’t just sit there." Kip’s hand twitched toward the food before Alissa’s gentle pinch stopped him cold. "Ouch!" He rubbed his arm, looking aggrieved. "Sir, you should eat first." "Once you’re finished, we can eat whatever remains—if you allow us." They think I’m some kind of tyrant who hoards breakfast. Noah’s mouth twitched. "What are you saying? Let’s eat together. Do I look like such a big back to you?" Alissa tilted her head, confusion evident. "Big back?" "Heavy eater. Glutton." Noah waved his hand dismissively. "Anyway, eat with me. Otherwise, I’ll be upset with you." The threat, hollow as it was, made Alissa’s ears flatten with worry. Her tail curled around her legs protectively. "We... we can eat together?" "Of course." Noah broke a barley cake in half, offering pieces to each sibling. "Shop rule 1: We share meals." Kip accepted his portion eagerly, but Alissa still hesitated. Her amber eyes darted between Noah and the food like she was solving a complex puzzle. She’s overthinking this. "Alissa." Noah’s voice carried a gentle tone. "That’s an order from your employer." Finally, her shoulders relaxed. If it were a command, she could accept it without guilt. They ate in comfortable silence. Honey sweetened the air while contented munching sounds filled the air between them. This is nice. It’s like having a family breakfast. I haven’t shared a meal with someone in a very long time... ... As the three of them ate in silence, the door swung open with its familiar chime of the bell. Valeria stepped inside. Her eyes swept the scene—Noah sitting cross-legged on the floor, with two cat-kin sharing breakfast like some bizarre family portrait. "Ohh? What do we have here?" Her eyebrow arched with interest. Alissa’s head dropped immediately, shame radiating from her hunched shoulders. He was caught eating with us... his reputation is ruined now. Slaves were never allowed to eat on the same table as their owner. To be seen doing that by others might cause issues to that owner as he is out of the ordinary. "We have food here. What else?" Noah rolled his eyes at Valeria’s dramatics. "Do you want to join us?" The guild captain didn’t need to be told twice. Her nose twitched as she caught the honey-sweet aroma, and she dropped onto the floor without ceremony, snatching a barley cake. One bite. Two. Her expression shifted to genuine surprise. "This is actually delicious." She turned toward the cat siblings, crumbs dusting her armor. "Did they make it?" Noah nodded, mouth full of an apple slice. "Did they also clean this place? It’s no longer dusty." Another nod. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦 "I see." Valeria’s gaze fixed on Alissa with new interest. "What’s your name?" "Alissa." The response came barely above a whisper. "Valeria Nightwind, Captain of the Silver Wolves." She gestured toward Kip, who was trying to make himself invisible. "And the shy one?" "K-Kip," the boy stammered, his ears flattened against his skull. Poor kid looks terrified. Valeria’s expression softened. "Relax, little one. Anyone who can cook like this is welcome in my book." She turned back to Noah. "So, hired help or ...?" "Hired help," Noah replied firmly. "Smart." Valeria grabbed another cake. "Good help is hard to find. Especially help that comes with cooking skills." Alissa’s tail gave a tentative wag at the unexpected praise. Her ears perked up slightly, anxiety slowly draining from her posture. After finishing her food, Noah extended his hand toward Valeria. "One gold coin." Her eyebrow shot up. "Huh?" "For the food? You think it’s free?" "You..." Valeria’s mouth hung open. "I underestimated how shameless you can be." Noah’s composure cracked. Laughter bubbled up from his chest. "I’m joking." Got her. Valeria shook her head in disbelief. "I wouldn’t be surprised if you weren’t. Anyway, I want to buy a loaf of bread and another iced tea." "For your guild again?" "No." Her cheeks reddened slightly. "I took a sip last time to try it out. The taste was... out of this world. This one’s for me." Even guild captains have a sweet tooth. She placed eleven golden coins on the counter. "Same deal as before. Eleven coins and swordsmanship practice." Noah nodded, pocketing the payment. Despite the exhaustion, he’d genuinely enjoyed their training sessions. The burn in his muscles felt like progress. System, can I sign Alissa or Kip so that I could leave them here to work while I’m out? [No. The host cannot contract others for shop sales. However, the option does unlock at Shop Level 2 with randomised shop assistants.] Random assistants? That sounds... unpredictable. "Alright, let’s go." Noah retrieved the bread and tea from his shelves before handing them to her. "Shop’s usually quiet this time of day anyway." They stepped outside, leaving Kip and Alissa standing like loyal sentries beside the shop door. Noah paused mid-stride. "What are you doing?" "Waiting for your return," Alissa replied with perfect sincerity. They’re going to stand here like statues until I get back. Noah facepalmed. "If you don’t have anything to do, come with us." Their eyes widened in unison. Permission to leave their post seemed revolutionary. "We can do that?" Kip’s voice carried wonder. He turned towards Valeria and asked. "They can come with me, right?" Valeria nodded. "Yes, they can." Noah turned back to the siblings and said. "You heard her, let’s go." He gestured with his hand.