Chapter 14: The Tipsy Solberry
The cheers of Eldwood's townsfolk still rang in Leon's ears as he followed Saria back toward the church, his legs heavy with exhaustion and his mind buzzing with the surreal weight of being called a savior.
The smooth stone in his hand, now cool to the touch, felt like a tether to the magic he'd barely begun to understand.
Saria led the way, her black ponytail swaying with her steady strides, her leather tunic streaked with soot and blood from the battle.
Her face remained a blank mask, her dark eyes fixed on the church's looming silhouette, its steeple cutting through the thinning fog.
The distant sounds of rebuilding—hammers on wood, voices calling out—filled the air, a stark contrast to the war drums that had haunted the night.
grrrrrrrr!
Leon's stomach growled loudly, a rumbling protest that echoed off the stone walls as they entered the church's cool, incense-scented interior.
Saria paused, her head tilting slightly, though her expression didn't change.
"You're hungry," she said, her tone flat but with a faint edge of surprise, as if she'd forgotten he was more than a summoned tool. "I... apologize. You're human, not just a summon."
Leon's face flushed, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, uh, turns out saving a town works up an appetite," he said, forcing a shaky grin. "I haven't eaten since... well, that Solberry, and that was more magic than meal." His stomach growled again, louder, and he winced, glancing at Saria. "Any chance this fantasy world has, like, a burger joint?"
Saria's eyes narrowed slightly, the closest thing to amusement he'd seen from her. "No burgers. But the Tipsy Solberry(a tavern) has food." She turned, gesturing for him to follow. "Come. We'll train after you eat."