"Good day, Madam," Aziel said, smiling politely. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. My name is Elias, and I'm hoping to find lodgings, I am new to Glenwood."
Madam Rosita turned to him, returning his smile with a gentle curve of her lips.
"Good day to you too, Elias," she replied, her voice soothing and melodic. "Come in, come in. You look like you've had a journey. What brings you to our village?"
"I'm seeking work, Madam. I'm hoping to settle here and make a life for myself." Aziel paused, adopting a slightly more somber tone. "Unfortunately, I... had some bad luck on the road. I was robbed, and now I'm penniless and need a place to stay."
Madam Rosita's expression softened with sympathy. "Oh no, that must have been really tough for you."
Aziel leaned forward slightly. "I'm without funds now, but I am in need of a place to stay. I was hoping I could ask for your kindness to let me rent a room here. I could work for you in exchange for a room, if that's possible? I can do chores, anything, while I find work."
Madam Rosita considered his proposition thoughtfully, tapping a finger against her chin.
"Hmm…I don't have any work that I require assistance with right now..." Her eyes lit up in a flash of inspiration.. "Aha! My daughter is currently looking for help, perhaps you could assist her."
Aziel's eyes brightened at the prospect. "I'd be honored, Madam. I'm willing to do any kind of job."
"Hmmm..." She considered him for a moment longer, her gaze assessing. "Tell you what, Elias. You can help my daughter out. We can take a bit from your first pay to cover your room and board for this month. Then, starting next month, you can pay your rent and meals from what you earn."
Relief washed over Aziel, and a genuine smile spread across his face. "That sounds perfect, Madam. Thank you so much. I won't disappoint you. I'm very grateful for this opportunity."
Madam Rosita chuckled softly, a warm, comforting sound. "I can see that in you. Come, let me show you to your room. You must be tired from your travels."
She led Aziel upstairs to one of the rooms.
Aziel checked into his room. After thanking her again, he was left to himself.
A simple space. But clean, and safe.
Nothing left to do, Aziel rested for the night at the inn.
**********
The next morning, Madam Rosita was already at work in her restaurant when Aziel descended the stairs. She spotted him from across the room.
With a smile on her face, she called for Aziel—or currently named Elias.
"Elias! Good morning!" she called out, waving him over to a particular table. "Come, sit. This spot is reserved for our lodgers. Meals are included, you know!"
She bustled over to the kitchen and returned moments later with a steaming plate.
Aziel's breakfast consisted of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a generous slice of buttered bread.
It was a simple, hearty meal, perfect for starting the day.
With a bright smile illuminating his face, Aziel eagerly plunged his fork into the steaming plate before him, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he savored the delightful aroma wafting up from the food. The smells alone were enough to make his stomach rumble in approval.
Madam Rosita looked pleased as she watched Aziel enjoy his food.
She was about to get back to her work when Aziel suddenly called to her, "Madam Rosita, if you don't mind me asking, could you tell me a little more about life in Glenwood? I only arrived yesterday, so I might encounter things I should know about."
"Of course, Elias," Madam Rosita replied. "Life in Glenwood... it's not much different from other villages, really. Day-to-day activities are pretty similar. Gardening, farming, trading at the market. But for the last few years... those Crazy Beasts have been appearing more often."
Aziel paused, fork mid-air. "Crazy Beasts?"
Madam Rosita nodded. "Yes. We rarely saw them wandering near the village before. But now... who knows? Maybe more of them are coming out of those Abysses. That's why the Village Chief decided to build the wall around Glenwood. And the watchtowers weren't there before, either. Now, there are always guards on duty, at all times."
"The wall and watchtowers… sounds like you guys are expecting a full-scale monster invasion, not just the occasional 'Crazy Beast' stroll. Are they really that bad?" Aziel asked.
Madam Rosita said, "Not that bad, no. But let's just say, without the wall, things would be… much less comfortable. It's more about being prepared, you know? Like wearing a good coat in winter. And the watchtowers... they give us peace of mind. Plus, it means our guards, bless them, can spot trouble early and keep everyone safe. They're a dedicated bunch, always looking out for us."
Madam Rosita chuckled. "Don't worry too much, Elias. So far, the Crazy Beast threat is still manageable. Our guards are well-trained. And villagers are used to this situation."
"The forest near Glenwood is still safe to enter. People can still go searching for wood or herbs... but they have to go with a guard. They can't go alone, and they can't go too deep. We tried avoid the areas that are really close to the Abyss."
Madam Rosita offered him an encouraging smile. "So, even with the Crazy Beasts, life in Glenwood is still peaceful. We're just more cautious, more vigilant. Our community is stronger too, we protect each other. You'll feel safe here, Elias."
She spoke with such passion.
Madam Rosita's eyes brightened with another thought. "Oh, I almost forgot! Are you free later? If so, you could go see my daughter about the job I mentioned yesterday. Just tell her that I sent you."
"Okay, sure. But before that, could you tell me more about the job?"
"Oh! Haha, I forgot to tell you!" Madam Rosita exclaimed with a laugh. "My daughter is a doctor. She opened a clinic here in Glenwood, so she needs an assistant to help her out. But I don't think the tasks she needs help with require any deep medical knowledge."
Madam Rosita briefly explained how to get there while gestured in the general direction Aziel should go to find the clinic with her hand.
Aziel listened closely, trying to remember every detail of the directions. He didn't want to get lost in this new town, after all.
Once he finished his breakfast—which was surprisingly delicious, Madam Rosita sure knew how to cook—he headed towards the clinic of Madam Rosita's daughter.