What can I get for you?

With the source of the commotion gone, the entire tavern regained its composure.

Helmine and Sophie are back to serving customers and are in the middle of bringing in the food.

After taking a glance around, I sit down in a corner of the counter. It was a good place to keep an eye on the whole place, and I had been using it every time lately.

I observe my surroundings to the point of not becoming suspicious, but so far I haven’t seen anyone suspicious. I was relieved to see a group of adventurers, for better or worse.

「What can I get for you?」

I turned to the direction of the voice and saw Rosa standing there. The dull glow of her collar indicated that she was still a criminal slave.

The smile she forced on her face was awkward, and I could tell she didn’t want to talk to me.

Zelma had instructed her to work in the same place as Sophie.

Of course, as the employer, Pops had no right of refusal, but it wasn’t like he was going to lose anything since he was getting free labor.

Rosa was also happy to be away from the danger of being disposable, and unusually, it was a win-win situation for everyone involved.

「If you were here, you could have stopped that fight earlier, couldn’t you?」
「It’s my job to protect Sophie. I don’t have time to deal with idiots.」

It can be seen as a diversion planned by the assassins hired by the current Saint, which is a valid reason for not moving, but knowing her character, it sounds like an excuse to skip work.

Do you, really want to protect Sophie?

「What, are you doubting me? I don’t want to die yet. So I’ll protect her.」
「Please do. As long as she’s safe, I won’t complain.」

Otherwise, there will be no point in me promising to become a Knight of Zelma.

For now, there are only lowly adventurers here, but when the guild and church are completed, there will be more troublesome ones. I want you to get used to guarding them before then.

「Hmm.」
「Do you have a problem with that?」
「No. I just think you’re the same.」

She had a look in her eyes like she wanted to say something, but the conversation was over.

The fake smile was gone, and her expression became sardonic.

I guess she didn’t want to chat with me.

It’s not that she doesn’t like me, it’s simply that she’s uncomfortable.

The person who kicked her out was in a higher position than her, and she was saved from a group of goblins. Moreover, the relationship will continue. It will probably take some time to come to terms with it.

I don’t expect Rosa to be friendly, and I don’t feel comfortable being flattered by her, so this is just fine with me. I’m grateful for this.

「So, what can I get for you?」
「One set meal. No alcohol.」
「You’re as serious as ever.」
「That’s what I ordered. Just heat up the leftovers and bring them to me.」
「Yes, yes. I know.」

I can’t help but sigh at the messy service, but unbelievably, some customers say, 「This is good!」 And it seems to be fairly popular.

I don’t know how long Sophie and I will be able to keep our current jobs, so I’m not going to go into details, but I think we can try to be a little more polite.