Blue Rose

Chapter 2

It took him until the evening and still haven't found it. He had already asked people around about a wanderer with a rose tattoo. Kusanagi even went to the noisy market on Silver District to gain information yet nothing from it. As he proceeded further, he found himself on Chapel Street.

In Chapel Street, it was packed with restaurants and food stalls probably where the townspeople fill up their hungry stomach. Customers calling out waiters to place orders can be heard from outside. The aromas from various kitchens entered his nose, slightly stimulating his sense. It didn't help the situation when his stomach growled.

He didn't intend to eat again since he just ate earlier that afternoon. He was sure that the inn will provide food for dinner time. Then, he saw a girl with shoulder-length, light blue hair in a waitress outfit standing in front of a bar called The Latin Sugar.

"Evening, dear traveler," she waved at him, "Would you like to drop by to our bar?"

"It's okay." he shook his head and walked along.

"But today's special is our finest tea that can surely soothe your digestive system."

Kusanagi stopped in his track. He hasn't had tea for a while since his departure. He turned to the waitress to accept the offer. She simply smiled cheerfully and opened the door for him to enter. As he got inside, the bar's internal decoration seemed simply yet calm. The bartender was behind the bar counter at the left doing his job; preparing customers' drinks. Seats were placed in the opposite.

Seconds later, another girl in waitress outfit saw Kusanagi and approached him. This time, she looked slightly older and wearing glasses. She had her long blonde hair tied with the classic ponytail with parted bangs.

"Welcome to Latin Sugar. Let me bring you to your seat."

Blonde led him to a seat near a window. He leaned his concealed katana against the wall and sat down.

"What can I get you, hun?" she asked.

"I heard that today's special is tea." he looked at her.

"Black, green, and white are available for today. Which one do you prefer?"

"Black."

Blonde smiled and walked towards the counter. On his left, four men were having a drink for their reunion. He could hear them talking about their happy marriage lives and how one would say his wife was better than the others. In the center of the bar, a group of people was playing cards. Some customers were at the bartender having their own drinks up front.

Kusanagi turned to face the window on his right, not looking anything particular outside on the road. He took a deep breath and exhaled in gratitude.

"Here you go, hun," the blonde's voice broke the moment, "That would be six irings." she placed the black tea on the table.

He rubbed his side to reach his supposedly a bag that kept his currencies. He searched all over his body then he remembered he didn't take it with him. Kusanagi was so hungry that time he simply went downstairs to get lunch and didn't even thought of using it for the time being. For that, he hated himself.

"Forgive me," still patting himself just to make sure, "I believe I left my money at the inn. I'm sorry, but I can't afford this. I should leave."

As soon as he stood up, Blonde pulled him back on his seat.

"In that case, it's in the house." she smiled lovingly.

"What? Why?" confused by her words.

"Once in a while," she shrugged, "Besides, not many people drink tea much. You're actually the very first customer who ordered. Now drink up."