Another Stupid Isekai

The next thing we did was pick up Tihana's clothes from Irina's house, where she lived when I was away, just like, for the most part, she did even when I was around.

Boris's wife was happy to see me, as The Great One included her among the people who got their memories back. I gave her a whole report of what happened to me, omitting the grand battle and the trick my alien friend made to become the High Queen, as she didn't really need to know that. The information was simply too dangerous.

It reacquired me to do a bit of mental gymnastics, to explain the change of mood in the High Queen behaviors, but I somehow managed to make it work.

Meanwhile, Tihana and Vitalij, together, packed her things. The boy was sad that his almost-sister was leaving, but she managed to somehow cheer him up.

Transportation was very easy, as I just stored all the items in my vault, and then released them, back in the house. Then Tihana changed into some nice clothes. To my surprise, she actually had a dress. It was black, skin tight, and looked expensive.

I didn't dive into how she got it, because it was definitely not from me, but there were enough wealthy people around who could easily gift it to her, Irina included.

I didn't have anything nice, so I went in the same stuff I was normally walking around. The black combat pants and my black hoodie - a new pair, since the old one got destroyed despite it being magical.

- You need to invest in better clothes - she said to me, as we left the house. - You look like...

She cut short, suspecting that the words she was about to speak out could hurt me.

- Come on, finish - I encouraged her, as I found the whole interaction funny.

- No - she gave me a sour smile. - Actually, I was wrong, and it's your choice what you are wearing.

- Wow, I'm surprised how diplomatically you resolve your mistake. I was about to point out some hypocrisy of a certain female wearing a beanie on her head almost constantly...

She repeated the smile, and then averted her face, embarrassed.

- But I didn't - I, also very diplomatically, pointed out.

Fifteen minutes later we reached the city center, heading straight to the training complex to catch William, but as we soon learned, there was no need for that, because he was already waiting for us. Surrounded by a crowd of people, which almost made me miss him because I didn't really give a shit about what people were so thrilled about, which is why I didn't pay attention. Tihana did, though, and she pointed out to me, that he was standing there and trying his best to fend off the annoying crowd.

- Will! - I yelled.

It didn't work immediately, but after a moment, the crowd slowly opened, revealing my friend, who was trying to, diplomatically, leave the circle, and join us. It took him a moment because for some reason he really needed to be polite.

- Sorry for that - he said, as we were finally standing face to face. - There is a bit of fame linked to being the strongest hunter in the city. Officially, that is.

- Yeah. I'm hungry, so stop delaying - I nagged.

He smiled in response.

- This way - he said as he turned around and pointed with an open hand toward one of the restaurants located in the center of the city.

We had to push our way through an annoying bunch, asking for pictures or autographs, but very slowly we achieved what we wanted. Inside the local, it was much easier to move.

We were stopped by a fancy-looking porter, who was standing behind a stand, a few steps deep into the restaurant. He asked us for a reservation, but after noticing William, straight up led us to our table.

The whole place had a wooden floor, and walls covered by wooden panels. There was a lot of browns inside, overall. Only a few tables, most of which were already occupied, and a bunch of personnel walking around, attending to the customers. Everything was very fancy.

Our spot was deeper inside the local, separated by - again - fancy velvet rope or whatever that thing is called. It got unhooked by the porter, who allowed us through, and then hooked it back. Shortly after a waiter came offering us the menu.

I chose a steak. Tihana preferred some fish, and Will got all 'fancy' on us and ordered some seafood, with a ridiculous name.

- How private is this place? - I asked him after we finally were left alone.

- Enough so you can speak your mind - he assured me with a smile.

- Good. Tihana wants to start hunting, and I promised to teach her everything. Can you book us the goblins, as back in the day? - I asked.

- Sure. I'll put you on tomorrow if you want.

Instead of saying yes or no, I looked at my fake daughter, clearly pushing the decision on her. She picked up on that.

- Yes. Tomorrow will be great - she smiled.

- So... Now, as payback, I want to hear everything. And I mean everything - Will said.

I sighed, as repeating the whole story was already making me feel tired, and I only did that a couple of times. This time, though, it was slightly different, as I could do a deep dive into what happened with The High Queen because Will belonged to a very small group of people, who actually should know the truth.

It took a while, and I even had to pause in the middle, because our food got delivered, and I didn't want the waiter to hear anything, but eventually I walked my friend through it all. Not dropping anything.

- Wow - Will said with a mouth full of 'some' oysters. - If I heard this from somebody else, I would say it's bullshit, but you, Peter, I believe. Even if you say something this ridiculous... Any idea what we should do next? Did The Great One contact you?

I shook my head.

- He is still figuring it all out, but I bet he will send me a message, or appear here himself, if he wants something. In the meantime, we should enjoy our break.

- Tell me if I can help with anything.

I nodded, then I switched the topic to something lighter. We cracked some jokes, finished the dinner, and then, after escorting Tihana back home, grabbed a few drinks so I could hear what was happening in Arc when I was gone.