Elliot picked up his knife and fork. Juice came seeping out of the steak when the knife went into it without resistance. The aroma grew stronger, making his mouth water.

  He forked a piece into his mouth and chewed down on the steak. Delicious meat juices immediately gushed into his mouth. The fragrance of the black pepper complemented the beef to perfection, and the delicious flavor dancing on the tip of his tongue put an involuntary smile on his face.

  This flavor was simply incredible. The gourmet food he had eaten in the Wind Forest couldn’t compete with this.

  He could tell from the tender meat that it had come from a strong Ironhide Bull.

  The scent of red wine mingled with the aroma of the steak, flooding Elliot’s nostrils.

  The delicious steak seemed to be capable of making him forget all of his worries.

  After swallowing the mouthful of beef, he felt as if a flow of warmth had slid down his throat, filling his entire body with a warm sensation. The steak was so irresistible that he simply couldn’t stop eating.

  “Ding!”


  The fork clattered on the plate. Elliot was surprised to find his plate already empty. He looked like he hadn’t had anywhere near enough.

  Never thought food could be this good. Now I know what’s keeping Sally here, Elliot thought to himself.

  Elliot put down his knife and fork and picked up the glass of beer.

  It was golden and translucent, a third of the glass taken up by white froth.

  Is it ale? Elliot brought the glass to his nose and took a sniff.

  Smells like ale, only milder. A refined version of ale? He took a sip.

  The beer was smooth and reinvigorating, but did not lack body. It carried with it a smooth bitter tang, but there was no bitter aftertaste, and he was drawn into drinking another large mouthful.

  Elliot tilted his head back and gulped down the rest of the beer, leaving only a layer of bubbles behind.

  Elliot burped, and said to Sally, “Can I have another steak and one more glass of beer?”


  Sally glanced at the clock on the wall and shook her head. “I’m afraid we’re closing.”


  Elliot looked disappointed. “Guess I’ll have to come early tomorrow.” Then he pulled out his wallet. “Can I get the check?”
……

  “I have something that I need to do tonight,” Sally said to Miya, Babla, and Firis after all the customers had left. “Don’t wait for me.”


  Miya nodded. “Come home soon.” She then left with Babla and Firis who had covered her face and ears with a silk scarf.

  Streams of water flowed around the restaurant, taking away every speck of dust.

  Mag stood there, looking kind of sad as he watched Sally use her water-type magic.

  When the water disappeared, the restaurant returned to the pristine condition again. The green plants flourished on the shelves.

  “Boss, I’m afraid I have to leave,” Sally said calmly as she looked at Mag.

  “Are you going back home?”


  Sally nodded. “Yes.” Then she looked around the restaurant and smiled. “I had planned to travel around the entire continent, but I ended up staying here. I had a very good time, though, and I made many new friends.”


  Mag looked at her. She rarely smiled, but she looked even better when she did.

  She was Mag’s second customer as well as second waitress. She was his cashier and responsible for all the cleaning work. She was his friend.

  Mag wished she could stay, but he knew she couldn’t, not when her father had found her. And she couldn’t run away again. She had no choice but to go back with him.

  Sally gazed at Mag for a while. “Thank you,” she said at last.

  Mag smiled. “Are you leaving tonight or tomorrow? I’m thinking about throwing a party for you.”


  Sally shook her head. “I’m not very good at saying goodbye. Please don’t tell them anything until I’m gone. I’ll attend the parent-teacher meeting with you tomorrow.” She blushed and looked away.

  Mag nodded. “Thank you.”


  “See you tomorrow,” Sally said. She then grabbed her clothes and walked out.

  You never know what life will throw at you. Mag locked the gate and turned off the lights. When he walked to the stairs and saw Amy sitting there with Ugly Duckling, he smiled……

  “Go home with me, Sally,” Elliot said when Sally walked out.

  “I want to stay here one more day,” she said calmly. “I still have some business to take care of.”