Garp, go see how the East Blue has changed, then join us!
Inside the bustling tavern.
From the moment Roy arrived at the bar, it was as though an isolated space had formed between him and Garp.
Roy casually sat beside Garp, smiling as he watched Garp wolf down his food.
Garp paid no attention whatsoever to Roy's greeting. At that moment, the fried rice on his plate seemed far more appealing than Roy.
Garp's disregard did not anger Roy.
"Hello, sir. Your cola and sherry, along with these complimentary side dishes."
Dressed in casual home clothes, Makino placed the cola, liquor, and two small plates of side dishes before Roy.
As the tavern owner, Makino was naturally good at reading people.
So, when Roy called out Garp's name, she observed how Garp ignored him and kept his head down as he ate.
That made Makino realize that the two definitely knew each other, but their relationship was not very good.
Roy actually looked somewhat familiar to Makino, but the gap in their statuses was simply too great.
So Makino did not connect the young man before her with the ruler of the East Blue. She merely thought Roy looked familiar.
After bringing over the liquor, cola, and complimentary side dishes,
Makino's purpose was actually very simple. She merely wanted to break the silent atmosphere between Roy and Garp.
This young girl from a small town believed, based on her life experience, that there was no estrangement between people that could not be reconciled.
Sometimes, all it took was an opening to break the deadlock before people could make up again.
Roy thanked the young and beautiful Makino, then watched as another customer called her away and she turned to resume her work.
*She really is a kind girl. Shanks