Morning sunlight slanted across the slightly old but clean counter of the inn, where Sophia and Gauss were chatting idly.
Suddenly, the light and shadows at the entrance shifted, and a figure walked in with light steps.
"Welcome." Sophia greeted her out of habit.
The newcomer's gaze passed straight over her, settling on Gauss with a faint smile.
"Yo, morning, Gauss."
"Good morning." Gauss replied.
"This is my partner, Alya. She's the person I said I was waiting for."
Gauss introduced the two.
"Sophia, the innkeeper, and also a friend who's always looked after me."
Alya shook Sophia's hand generously, while Winnie silently watched them from behind the counter.
Gauss's partner?
Sophia couldn't help sizing up the guest carefully.
She wasn't the kind of beauty who stunned people at first glance, but she possessed a unique air as clear as morning dew in the forest, tempered by a wild resilience.
Her light-blue hair hung loosely over her shoulders. Her face was smooth and firm, with balanced, gentle features.
Her build was well-proportioned and strong, and her steps were vigorous. The smooth muscle lines on her calves alone showed that this was a healthy body shaped by years of traveling through the wilderness and living alongside nature, not a frail one.
Even Sophia could tell that this blue-haired woman was no pushover.
Thinking this, she felt somewhat reassured.
Having a partner to work with in the future would be much safer for Gauss than fighting alone.
"Come by for a meal next time you're free."
"Sure, Big Sister Sophia."
After a few simple pleasantries,
under Sophia and Winnie's watchful eyes, Gauss and Alya left the inn side by side.
"Boss, are you all right?" After the two left, Winnie looked cautiously at Sophia.
What she received in response, however, was a