Chapter 169: Another Mission Huh?
The morning rush at Mcronald’s had passed, leaving behind a gentle lull and the cozy scent of fried potatoes clinging to the rafters. The tables had cleared out, save for a few students huddled over scrolls and munching fries, and an elderly couple quietly enjoying the Morning Silog Bowl near the back corner. The kitchen had been cleaned to an acceptable level of "still busy, but not a disaster," and Inigo had finally leaned back on the counter with a satisfied sigh.
He wiped the sweat off his brow with a rag. "Alright. That was smoother than yesterday. We’re starting to find our rhythm."
Lyra leaned beside him, arms crossed, sipping from a wooden cup of soda. "Told you hiring help would make a difference."
"Riko nearly forgot to serve a soda to table four."
"And Maddy almost poured ketchup into someone’s tea."
Inigo chuckled. "But no fights broke out. No one died. That’s a win."
As if on cue, the bell over the front door jingled.
Lyra gave a sideways glance. "Another late customer?"
Inigo looked up. His smirk faded slightly into something more surprised. Two familiar figures stepped through the entrance—poised and out of place amid the grease and chatter of a humble fast-food joint.
Elise was the first to speak, her voice carrying its usual crispness as she walked up to the counter. "So this is the famous Mcronald’s. I’ve heard rumors about it for weeks now, but I didn’t think you were serious."
Guildmaster Thorne followed behind her with that same unshakeable presence—broad, calm, yet always a touch intimidating, like a storm cloud that hadn’t decided whether to pass or strike.
Inigo stood straighter and gave a half-smile. "Well, if I knew royalty was dropping by, I’d have rolled out the red carpet."