A few of them went inside. The tavern was not large, and half the seats were already occupied. The decor matched its exterior perfectly: the aged wooden floor, tables, and chairs carried a rustic air, while several modernist paintings hung on the two walls near the bar, lit by cool white spotlights like exhibits in an art gallery.
Only two young women were working in the tavern hall. One poured drinks and coffee behind the bar and prepared simple snacks that could be eaten after a bit of plating. The other swiftly weaved between the tables, carrying an astonishing number of glasses and plates.
Eucali made a full circuit of the place but still could not find the restroom entrance. She had no choice but to steel herself and ask at the bar. She could tell both women were run off their feet, so she felt a little embarrassed about using the restroom without buying anything. With only a few steps left before the counter, she was about to suggest to Hesta, "How about we order something to drink?" But when she turned around, Simoya and Hesta were already ordering from the hall's only server.
Eucali let out a quiet breath and hurried over to the counter. "Excuse me, could I ask—"
"Need the restroom?" The woman behind the counter did not look up. "It's behind me. You'll need to come around through the side entrance, and I'll point it out."
Eucali looked around and quickly spotted the side door to the bar on her left.
A whole row of men sat at the bar. As Eucali passed in front of them, the seven or eight men all turned to look at her at once. Eucali could practically feel the weight of their stares.
"It's right behind me." The woman