Luca shuddered when the shop Zhijiru in mind had come into view. The Crimson Cottage. The most expensive shop in the village, and one rightfully so. Steaks worth the price of slaves in old tales, and drinks that bathed the tongue in wondrous yet sensible flavours that hurt the purse more than a talented bandit.

The bell's ring made him cringe, though more of a surprise than anything else. Zhijiru's enthusiasm was quite appreciated, but Luca didn't expect them to eat [i]here[/i] of all places.

No one was here, other than the man managing the counter. A man called Bill, and probably someone who could beat up Zhijiru and Luca both with his bare hands in normal circumstances. Luca spent a moment to pray that the situation would never get that far, before following Jiru into the store proper.

Bill's introduction to the store wasn't necessary (Luca's former mentor used to eat here once or twice, usually after a good deal), but the explanation calmed down Luca a bit. Perhaps Jiru wouldn't do anything risky.

"Yeah..." Luca decided to let Zhijiru do the talking. A bad move would make him [i]persona non grata[/i]. "Jiru... what do you intend on getting? I'll just have that."