Today was supposed to be the inn’s quiet day.
I had just brewed a pot of hot tea, ready to sit back and enjoy a peaceful sip in the lobby—when the door was violently kicked open.
"Which idiot monster forgot to close the—"
My words died in my throat as a fiery red-feathered monster strutted in. It looked like a rooster, but stood as tall as me, with eyes burning like an edgy teenager’s fantasy flames. And, for some reason, it was wearing a pair of broken sunglasses.
"Hey—who’s the owner here? Get out here, now, immediately, this instant!"
I nearly spat out my tea.
"...That would be me."
It squinted. "So you’re the one who runs this so-called monster inn?"
"Yes, but we require reservations—"
"Reservations my ass!" It plopped down onto my rattan chair. "I don’t do reservations. I’m here to file a complaint."
"About what?"
"That tofu you served last time was disgusting! I almost thought I was the tofu, about to get braised alive!"
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "That tofu was a get-well gift from your friend… for your gastritis. You even cried and said you were touched."
It scoffed. "I cried because it was too spicy! I had gastritis, and you guys loaded it with chili peppers? Are you trying to murder me?"
At this point, I was convinced it had come solely to torment society. The other monsters in the inn were all watching the spectacle, not a single one willing to help me.
"Fine. How about I make you a fresh bowl of plain congee with some light side dishes?"
"Hmph. And I want extras." It crossed its legs. "Tofu skin, turnip cake, and an onsen egg—the kind where I can lounge next to it like a hot spring."
"Are you here for breakfast or a gourmet theater experience?"
Ignoring me, it rattled off its order before suddenly adding, "Oh, and I want the deluxe suite!"
I flipped through the registry. "The deluxe suite… is currently booked. Unless you’ve resolved three emotional grudges."
It immediately looked disgusted. "I don’t do emotional grudges! That sentimental crap isn’t my style!"
I smiled. "Then you’re sleeping in the woodshed."
It fell silent.
"Tell you what," I said, feigning sincerity, "why don’t you try explaining why you’re so mad about that tofu? Maybe that’s… an entry point for a grudge."
Its gaze flickered for a moment. "...I—I actually wanted to apologize to a friend back then. But eating that tofu… reminded me of the last meal he cooked before he left..."
I didn’t say anything. Just handed it a cup of hot tea.
It took the cup quietly, took a sip, and then… its eyes reddened slightly.
Not the fiery red from before. The kind of red that comes from sadness.
"...Do you have… that onsen egg?" it murmured.
I smiled.
"I’ll make you the warmest one."
ns216.73.216.168da2
and then Add to home screen.