The Way Back Home's

Small Stall

Milo sleeps in the room after listening to half of Farrell's story and is forced to take medicine. At least now he and Libby know two important things. First, their inn was connected to the magical world. Second, they were currently in the magic world. Farrell wanted to tell me about their father, but Milo sneezed again. He decided to continue the story after Milo woke up. Libby chose to sleep with him.

“You don't want to rest too?” ask Christo to her.

Farrell was standing in the doorway of the room where his two sisters were asleep. He asked back, “How about you, not tired?”

“But.”

Farrell grunts amusedly.

Bliss emerged from behind the corridor and smiled at the two. “If you don't want to sleep yet, how about accompanying me to breakfast?”

Farrell and Christo obviously could not refuse the request from the owner where they were at the moment. The waiters prepared tea complete with breakfast at the table by the window. From there, they could enjoy a meal while looking at the cityscape. Farrell found the window covered in stickers. This means that outsiders cannot see what they are doing at the moment.

Their breakfast consisted of bread, eggs, sausages, ham, and peanut soup. Farrell won't comment on the taste. All of the food was delicious both in his eyes and tongue. Except for the peanut soup. Farrell chose to avoid the beans. Even more so in his hungry stomach. The tea that accompanied them that morning was scented with mint and a little vanilla. Christo tried to serve Farrell, probably because Farrell was the owner's son and his habit as a hotel clerk.

“We are very grateful for your help, Mrs Bliss. This place, breakfast, everything,” Farrell said. “I don't know what to say.”

Bliss shakes. She wiped the food marks on the tip of her lips using a napkin before smiling gently. “Don't say anything. It's only natural we help each other.” Bliss turned to Christo, “Moreover to Alan Eden's son. You should have told me earlier.”

Christo did not answer, only nodded. “Sorry, mistress.”

“You know my father?” ask Farrell.

“Sure, Farrell. I think almost everyone in this town knows your father. He's a good, honest, trustworthy man. Everyone wants to work for him. Too bad, not much work is acceptable because your father decided to use magic equipment. He helped me open this store.”

“Really?” Farrell and Christo asked.

Bliss laughed a little. “Hohoho... You want to hear the story?” After Bliss saw the nod, he continued. “That time, I was still innocent and innocent. Only young women open shop by the roadside just like everyone else. Once upon a time, a young man came to the store. He used to buy tea leaves from me. I'm happy to have a regular customer like him even if he doesn't buy much. I never knew he was a thief. Your father told me. He watched as the young man picked up another tea box when I was busy looking for change. Basic thief!”

“I don't think my father caught the thief,” Farrell murmured.

“No, of course not. Once the young man knew that his action was caught, he immediately ran away. Since then, he has never been to my shop. I cried after realizing that he had been the cause of my things often lost. I should have cast a spell around the stall like everyone else. You know what your dad did after?” Bliss' eyes twinkled as he continued, “He gave me a pie!”

“Pie? Not volcano pie, ‘kan?” guess Farrell.

Bliss chuckles. “Hohoho... How can you know?”

Farrell immediately gawked. “Oh.”

“Is he really that good?”

“You doubt your father's kindness, Farrell?” Bliss immediately ruffled his waist.

“Ngak. It's just—”

“That's funny! Where do you think your kindness comes from? He must have taught you, didn't he?”

Farrell was silent for a moment when he heard it. If Farrell had not known he had no blood relation with Alan Eden, he might have agreed. But, now that he knows he's not a real boy, Farrell doesn't know what to say. “I just met dad after so long,” he said. “At least since he went to jail.”

“Ah! The prison! That's ridiculous. A man as good as Alan Eden couldn't kill a man. It's bullshit! Your father must have been framed and that man bribed the police to imprison your father.”

“Do you know what happened?”

Bliss lowered his voice. “I heard that someone was killed at the inn, a stationery merchant. But, actually a false identity. Circulating news that in fact the person is one of the sellers in the black market. Such a person must have many enemies. Anyone can kill him.” Bliss looked at Christo. “How about you? Did you already work at Eden’s Lodge when it happened?”

Christo nodded. “That time was night. Mr. Alan just finished counting with me. We parted. I went back to my room and I should have been Mr. Alan, too. Shortly after, I heard a noise. Turns out there's a cop who's arrested Mr. Alan on murder charges. They said they found him in the room with the body. Mr. Alan said that he was returning to his own room when he saw one of the doors of the inn room open and there was a strange smell. While peering inside, he saw a man being killed inside. Then, the police came and arrested him.”

“See! That must be a trap. There is no way the police can come that fast,” said Bliss.

“Unfortunately, there is no evidence that can free Mr. Alan.”

“The police must have thought rather than not arresting the perpetrator at all, they better arrest your father. He's the only witness who can be a suspect. He was sentenced to twenty years in prison. He looks resigned. Maybe because he felt his sister could continue taking care of family and lodging,” continued Bliss. “I didn't think that it turned out that his sister was much different from Alan. What kind of person poisoned his nephew for money?”

“I think there are many similar events. The greedy humans think money is everything and can solve all problems. Very silly,” Christo imitated Bliss' speech. “So, how next? Want to report Denise and your uncle to the police?”

Farrell shook his head. “Entahlah. Should the police be involved—”

“Of course! I told you you were too nice, Farrell, just like your father,” said Bliss ended his smile. “I agree that family matters should be discussed carefully. But, using such a magic potion was already outrageous. A criminal offence. Your uncle should be taught a lesson!”

Farrell fell silent again and could only duck.

“Why Farrell? What are you thinking?” ask Christo.

“No.” That's what Farrell said. But deep down, he knew that things would not go easy.