Apollo stepped into Filly's restaurant. The aroma struck him imdiately—succulent ats seared to perfection, scrambled eggs dancing with butter, and fish glazed in Earthly spices. Every scent mingled in the air, forming a mouthwatering blend that teased the senses and pulled at the hunger within.
He had already eaten back at the Mayor's manor, yet the slls here stirred his appetite as if he'd been fasting for days.
Golden-red light spilled from the lanterns above, casting a warm glow over the interior. Candles flickered gently with the soft breeze that slipped in through narrow openings, adding a subtle shimr to the air.
The aesthetic reminded Apollo of a restaurant from his previous life. The sound, the atmosphere, the lingering comfort in the air—it was all too familiar. And yet, Filly's place was more refined, a fusion of rustic charm and quiet elegance. Every surface glead with wealth: jade-polished floors, walls made from Qi-saturated wood. Nothing here ca cheap.
Filly had spared no expense. Whether you wore silk or rags, you were treated the sa. Her restaurant welcod nobles and paupers alike, allowing them to eat without the burden of status. For once, everyone was just… human.
Despite rarely being crowded, Filly's restaurant had beco one of the most revered establishnts in all of Belthias. Its fa had spread beyond the city's borders, even drawing comparisons to the renowned Skyline Savory.
That thought stirred a mory—Skyline Savory's enigmatic owner, Theo. A man cloaked in mystery. Not even the Mayor or the Headmasters knew much about him. Apollo was curious, but not enough to pry. As long as Theo didn't pose a threat, he would leave the man alone.
His eyes swept across the room. Every gaze turned toward him.
The mont they recognized him, their expressions shifted. Gratitude. Awe. Joy. And sothing deeper—a reverence that bordered on worship.
The entire restaurant had been reserved for the people of Slumstreet. Tonight, they would eat like royalty. Tonight, their bellies would be full, and their hearts would rember.
Apollo gave them a small smile before heading to the table with an empty seat waiting.
He didn't enjoy being looked at like so divine being. He disliked excessive formality. That was why his talks with the Mayor and the Headmasters were always short and to the point. He avoided places where decorum suffocated the air. Fortunately, they understood. They knew how to speak around him—and when to say nothing at all. That, he appreciated.
Drawing the enemy's gaze toward himself was, perhaps, the best way to shield the city. But even so, he needed to tie off every loose end—make sure Belthias could stand strong, even in his absence.
He pulled out the chair and sat. Around the table stood Don and the others, all rising in unison to welco him. He looked at them and shook his head.
"Don't act so uptight. I don't like it," he said calmly. "Just sit down and eat your al."
The dishes before them remained untouched, steam rising in soft curls from plates piled high with food. Still, Apollo made no move to eat. There was sothing more pressing than hunger.
Seated at the table were his two disciples, Don and Rachel, as well as the restaurant's owner, Filly, and her ever-watchful bodyguard, Gail.
"What's wrong, Master? You look troubled," Don asked, worry in his voice.
Apollo didn't hesitate.
"Don, we leave the city tonight," he said, voice steady. "We're going to Manida Land."
Silence fell over the table. Filly and Gail exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with quiet conflict.
Mr. Yoma was the reason their restaurant stood tall. Without him, Filly's bold choices would have crumbled under the pressure of competition. Savory Skyline was a growing beast, and without Apollo's backing, it would've swallowed them whole.
Manida Land was close—geographically, at least. But for a Wanderer, distance wasn't asured in steps. Once they leave, the road has a way of pulling them in strange directions. Sotis, they never return.
If Mr. Yoma left… who knew when they'd see him again?
But knowing the Wandering Beggar, Filly and Gail didn't have much choice. Their fate, like many others', was already written around him.
"We'll miss you," Filly said, her voice soft. Tears threatened to spill, but she held them back with a shaky breath.
Apollo exhaled, caught slightly off guard by her reaction. He hadn't expected sentintality—especially not from Filly. But when he placed himself in her shoes, it made sense.
Still, he had to leave.
Apollo had long accepted that he made his decisions with a cold heart. Most of the ti, it was about survival. But sotis, those sa decisions ended up helping others too. This one was no different.
That gnawing feeling inside him—the sense of being watched, hunted—had only grown. A warning. A premonition. If he stayed, disaster would fall, not just on him, but on those around him.
And if Belthias fell… so would the Beggar Spot. No Beggar Spot, no Alm Points. Which ant his foundation would collapse.
He had to protect this city, even if it ant doing so from afar.
Sentintal? Maybe. Conflicted? Absolutely. But above all, Apollo was certain: this was the right move. For himself. And for Belthias.
"A-Are you really leaving us?" Rachel asked, her voice trembling. Tears stread down her cheeks.
"Yes," Apollo replied, his tone calm. "But I'm not leaving you all defenseless. You'll beco the hidden daggers of Belthias—the unseen protectors of the Beggar Spot. Even without , your strength will grow. Trust ."
Filly and Gail blinked, surprised by his words.
Was that even possible? Could disciples soar without their master?
A strange yearning flickered in both of them. Just for a second, they wanted to be part of that small faction. But they pushed the thought aside. They knew their place. They had already gained more than enough just from being close to a powerful Wanderer. To ask for more would only unbalance what they had.
Rachel wiped her tears away and raised her chin. "I'll protect this city! And the Beggar Spot too! Even if it costs my life!"
Oh, right. I haven't even introduced them to the Beggar Spot yet, Apollo thought, making a ntal note to explain everything later.
"Just eat. We've got a serious lesson after this," he said with a wave of his hand.
"Can we watch?" Filly asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Sure," Apollo answered lazily, finally reaching for the utensils. He'd already eaten earlier, but letting good food go to waste wasn't exactly good manners.
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