From Eris, I learn that this world has two kinds of people.
Seventy percent of the population consists of humans—just regular, ordinary humans.
The remaining thirty percent?
Humans with animal traits.
They co in all kinds—cat people, wolf people, boar people, even lizardfolk and rmaids. So have fur, so have feathers, and so are covered in shimring scales.
Despite these differences, they all share the sa na—Furren.
Even the ones without actual fur.
———————————-
"NyaaaaAaaaaa~~~!!! I'm so full!!!" I owl, patting my now-round belly.
The amount of Filoan chicken I just devoured is outrageous.
Literally almost ten percent of my body weight.
Oh my god... I don't even know if I can walk right now.
anwhile, Eris lounges back in her chair, smiling with deep satisfaction. Her entire body is relaxed, her eyes closed in pure bliss. Her ears twitch slightly—too cute.
She ate three drumsticks, just like .
But she also crunched through so of the bones.
I watched it happen.
And it was terrifying.
And amazing.
I even tried to eat a couple of small bones myself, but—nope. My teeth weren't having it. I gave up imdiately.
"ALRIGHT!!!"
Eris suddenly sits up, her eyes lighting up with excitent.
"Felicia, are you ready for PIE???"
EHH???
PIEEE?????
"Wait! You're not full yet???" I shout, completely shocked.
"Full? What do you an full?" Eris laughs, tilting her head like I just said sothing completely ridiculous.
"There's always room for pie and milkshake! They're reaaaaally good, you know?"
I don't even know how to react.
Is Eris trolling ?
But then—
BAM.
The kitchen door swings open, and Lilly rushes out, carrying two plates—each with a big slice of berry pie and a tall glass of milkshake.
I watch in horror as she sets the plates down.
I... I don't think I can handle any more food.
But.
But.
The pie looks so good.
The milkshake looks so creamy.
They're literally begging to eat them.
The pie has a golden, flaky crust, the inside filled with dark, juicy berries, their syrup glistening under the tavern lights.
The milkshake?
Thick. Creamy. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream.
I tremble.
My belly is screaming no, begging for rcy.
However.
My mind says yes.
My sweet tooth is aching.
AAAAAA!!!
I'm internally screaming, agonizing over the decision.
"Enjoy your dessert!" Lilly chirps with a big smile.
"Thanks, Lilly!" Eris replies.
Then—without a second thought—she grabs her milkshake and takes a massive, enthusiastic sip.
"MMMMMMHHHHHMMMM!!!!! IT'S SO GOOOOOD!"
Eris purrs, her tail shooting straight up in joy. A white foam mustache forms on her upper lip, and she looks so smugly satisfied it's unfair.
Damn it.
Her reaction makes want to try it ten tis more.
I hesitate, staring at my milkshake.
A-alright.
Just a little sip.
I at least need to know what it tastes like, right?
However—
"MMMhhhhmmmmm!"
It's too good.
Too creamy.
Absolutely heavenly.
And the pie?
A masterpiece.
Crispy, buttery crust—perfectly tangy-sweet berry filling that lts in my mouth.
I succumb to the sin of gluttony once again.
My belly feels like it's about to burst—but I can't stop myself from indulging.
————————————
After finishing the amazing dessert, we sit back and relax.
Eris hums a soft, cute tune, her tail swaying slightly as she leans into her chair.
anwhile, I just stare at the ceiling, feeling every pulse in my now balloon-like belly.
The fullness settles in, and as the bliss of food fades, sothing else creeps in.
Guilt.
Those extra pies and milkshakes...
Definitely a mistake.
I'm so bloated right now.
But—
They're already in my stomach.
There's nothing I can do about it now.
I guess... I'll just make a ntal note to have more self-restraint next ti.
And to not let myself be swayed by good food again.
Probably.
Maybe.
...Okay, who am I kidding? That's never happening.
As we relax, ti seems to slow down.
Before I realize it, twenty minutes have passed.
Eris suddenly gets up, stretching her arms.
"Alright, let's go settle the bill."
I nod and follow closely behind as she heads toward the bar.
Lilly is already there, waiting for us with her usual cheerful expression.
"Thanks, Lilly!" Eris says with a bright grin. "The food was aweso as always!"
"I'm glad you liked it!" Lilly chirps.
"So, how much do we owe?"
"That will be one hundred and twenty-three crowns in total," Lilly replies, her tone polite and professional.
"Alright!" Eris says, pulling out so coins from her pouch and handing them over.
I stand by, watching the transaction closely.
So, the currency here is called crowns...
Over a hundred crowns for just two people?
I have no idea if that's expensive or cheap.
I don't really have a sense of money in this world yet.
Still—
A thought crosses my mind.
"Eris, may I ask, how much does it cost to rent a room here?" I inquire, curious.
"Oh, it's fifty crowns per day for one person," Eris replies casually.
I blink.
That's... not helpful.
I still have no idea if that's a lot or not.
But wait—
That ans...
I do so quick ntal math.
50 crowns per day x 30 days = 1500 crowns per month.
Then add food...
50 crowns per al x 3 als a day x 30 days = 4500 crowns per month.
Oh.
Ohhh.
"Wait... with here, that ans it'll cost you an extra six thousand crowns per month!!!"
I whirl around, staring at Eris in horror.
"Hey!" Eris frowns, cutting off before I spiral any further. "We're friends, and friends help each other. You don't need to worry about it! I'll take care of you until your mories co back."
"No! I can't let you do that!" I protest, shaking my head firmly.
"What if my mories never return?! And besides, because we're friends, I can't just take advantage of you like that!"
There's no way I can let her carry this burden alone.
Yeah, I can't just leech off her like this.
That wouldn't feel right.
That would make a terrible person.
I refuse to be a freeloader.
I take a deep breath and turn to Lilly.
"Lilly, your inn is hiring more kitchen staff, right? Can I apply for the position?"
I know this because I saw a poster on the wall earlier.
The Gilded Horn is looking for soone to chop vegetables and butcher at—basically, a prep cook position.
The job pays 50 crowns an hour, with an 8-hour workday, 6 days a week, starting early in the morning.
Lilly blinks, looking genuinely surprised.
"Y-yeah!" she stamrs. "But... I can't decide that myself since I'm just a waitress. Give a few minutes—I'll ask my boss!"
"Yes! Thank you so much, Lilly!" I reply gratefully, bowing my head slightly.
The sheep-girl waitress gives a quick nod before disappearing into the back to talk to her boss.
Now we wait.
I can feel my heart starting to race again.
I'm nervous.
Really nervous.
Eris leans against the counter, watching carefully.
"Felicia, are you sure about this?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, one hundred percent!" I reply, forcing confidence into my voice.
Back on Earth, I worked as a prep cook for a while after graduating university—finding a job in my field back then was nearly impossible.
So, I actually have plenty of experience.
With this job, I can finally take care of myself without having to rely on Eris!
Just a minute later, Lilly returns.
I imdiately straighten up, my stomach twisting with anticipation.
"So... am I accepted?" I ask, my heart pounding harder.
Lilly smiles.
"My dad—ah, sorry, my boss, the owner of this place—wants to talk to you first. Are you free right now?"
"Oh! Absolutely!" I respond eagerly.
"Alright, follow !" Lilly says, motioning for to co along.
As I step forward, Eris suddenly chis in.
"Lilly, is it okay if I co too?"
Lilly tilts her head.
"Hmmm... I don't think there's any problem with that. But..." She turns to . "Felicia, are you okay with Eris coming along?"
"Well, of course!" I nod quickly.
In fact, I'm relieved.
My nerves are already on edge.
I have no idea what this interview is going to be like.
Having Eris by my side makes feel so much more reassured.
Reviews
All reviews (0)