Ragunna.
Margherita's Restaurant.
Ray sat at the table in silence, staring at the chat history between Cantarella and Carlotta on his terminal. An inexplicable sense of dread crept into his heart.
Sure...
he was also a "victim" in this situation, but would the Second Young Miss, in her fury, care about such trivial details?
He could almost imagine the expression on Carlotta's face when she was angry those eyes, always full of laughter, once they turned cold, were more piercing than the winter sea breeze of Ragunna.
"Dear guest, haven't decided what to order yet, tchuuu~?" Margherita's voice came softly, her gaze drifting to the clock on the wall. "We'll be closing soon."
After returning to Ragunna City from Porto-Veno, he should have gone straight home.
But his feet had unconsciously taken him to this familiar restaurant.
After placing his order, he suddenly didn't want to leave.
Or rather, he was afraid to open that door.
"Two signature pizzas and three seafood pasta dishes, all to go." Ray paused, a tremor in his voice. "No rush, take your time. Even if it takes until tomorrow… I can wait."
"You seem really strange today, chirp." Marguerite had known Ray for a long time, but this was the first time she'd seen him so flustered. "Did something happen?"
"N-No." Ray forced a smile, but it was as pale as the fading dusk outside the window. "I just want to be alone for a while."
"I understand, tchuuu~." The confusion in Margherita's eyes disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, and she nodded gently. "I won't disturb you then."
Watching her figure disappear behind the kitchen door, Ray let out a soft sigh, his heart still uneasy.
So, what should he do now?
He couldn't just keep running forever.
Just as Ray was anxiously awaiting his "judgment," a golden figure unexpectedly entered the restaurant.
"Miss Margherita, one signature pizza, please."
The sweet voice made Ray look up.
"Phoebe?" He called out the name instinctively.
The golden-haired young woman turned at the sound. The moment she recognized him, a sweet smile lifted the corners of her lips. "What a coincidence, Mr. Ray. You haven't had dinner yet either?"
For some reason, seeing Phoebe's pure smile, the unease and dread in Ray's heart gradually subsided.
"I've been busy all day and haven't had time to eat dinner yet." He sighed softly.
"That won't do," Phoebe frowned with concern. "The Sentinel said the body is the temple of the soul. No matter how busy you are, you shouldn't neglect yourself."
"Alright, alright, Priest Phoebe is right." Ray propped his chin on his hand, looking at the serious young woman before him, a gentle smile unconsciously curving his lips. "But I recall someone saying that besides Pizza Day, she would stick to the rules and not eat pizza. What's the special occasion today?"
"Well..."
The young woman's cheeks flushed instantly, her slender fingers unconsciously tightening around her cane.
"To-today just happens to be the day we receive our stipend, and because of work, I haven't eaten all day, so..."
Her voice grew softer, like flower petals scattered by the wind, carrying the shyness of having her thoughts seen through.
"So Phoebe hasn't been eating properly either."
"...I was really busy today."
"Relax, it's just a slice of pizza. No need to blame yourself like this." Watching the young woman's flustered expression, Ray's voice unconsciously softened. "The Sentinel is merciful. How could he be angered by such a small thing? It's people like me who..."
He hesitated, his gaze falling on Phoebe's pale golden hair. "Speaking of which, Phoebe, do you live alone now?"
"Huh? Me?" Phoebe blinked her violet eyes. "The Order of the Deep provides each of us priests with a private room. Why do you ask, Mr. Ray?"
"Well..." He leaned forward slightly, a note of helpless pleading in his voice. "Could you take me in for the night?"
"Huh—?"
The young woman's eyes widened in surprise, her fingers unconsciously clutching the folds of her skirt.
"Spend the night... at my place?"
Her voice trembled slightly, clearly startled by the sudden request.
'Wh-What is Mr. Ray saying...
Why would he suddenly make such a request...
But if it's Mr. Ray... maybe... it wouldn't be impossible...
Wait, that's not the point!
I-I'm a priest of the Order of the Deep! How could I let a man stay overnight in my room!
I can't, absolutely can't!'
The young woman's long lashes fluttered, her gaze darting around. Her lips parted and closed for a long time, but she couldn't form a complete sentence.
In her heart, the answer was already no.
But when the words of refusal were about to leave her lips, something seemed to hold them back, making it impossible to say.
She unconsciously tightened her grip on her cane, turning her flushed face to the side, and murmured in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "If... if Mr. Ray really has nowhere else to go... I-I suppose it's not impossible..."
The words were as light as morning mist, she could barely hear them herself, let alone Ray.
Watching the young woman's ears turn red, Ray couldn't help but smile. "Alright, I was just teasing you. I understand the Order's rules, and I wouldn't want to put you in a difficult position. Besides... sigh, running away isn't the answer either."
Running away might be shameful, but it was useful.
Even if...
that usefulness didn't last long.
"I-I didn't..." The young woman hurriedly looked up to explain, but the words caught in her throat, finally escaping as a nearly inaudible sigh.
She lowered her head, staring at her chest, twisting her fingers in frustration, why hadn't she mustered the courage just now to say what was on her mind?
"Ray, your order is ready, tchuuu~." Margherita leaned out from behind the counter and gently pushed forward the beautifully packaged paper bag.
"Coming." Ray stood up, taking out his wallet, and smiled tiredly at Phoebe. "Anyway... Phoebe, I hope we're both still in one piece the next time we meet. Farewell."
Phoebe watched his figure disappear into the streetlight shadows, blinking in confusion. "What's gotten into Mr. Ray today? How puzzling..."
"Phoebe, your pizza is ready too, tchuuu~."
"Yes, I'm coming."
When she approached the counter, she noticed a dark wallet lying quietly beside her fragrant pizza. "What's this?"
Margherita shrugged helplessly as she wiped a glass. "Ray must have left it behind. Would you mind dropping it off on your way? You two know each other well, right, tchuuu~?"
"You want me to deliver it?" Phoebe's fingertips lightly touched the lingering warmth on the wallet, a knowing smile blooming in her violet eyes. "Yes, I'd be happy to."