I Hate Systems

"Do you need any help?" Ephemella asked.

"Any plans involving saving General Artica in places frequented by people would definitely fail. We can't have too many variables at play. So, a Dungeon that no one enters would be the best." Compass Carburettor said, watching Ephemella's eyes widen in surprise.

Smiling, he explained, "I've been looking into the records about the perfect Dungeon to execute my plans. And, I've found one. Situated in the barren lands of the Great Megwest Empire, it's the perfect dungeon."

"No, I won't allow it. Don't mention creating a trap there, you'll simply die along the way. The Great Megwest Empire is teeming with monsters. No human who sets foot there can ever return alive." Ephemella shook her head, saying in anger, "Death is the only option if you tread there. Even the Heroica Empire dares not send troops into the Great Megwest Empire and only focuses on defending their borders."

"That's why it's the only option," Compass Carburettor nodded, "Anywhere else, there's a great chance of someone screwing up my plans."

He then stared at Ephemella, "It seems you have misunderstood something. I have never guaranteed success. Even if I put my life on the line, my chances of victory might very well be zero. So, I have to cut off any and every possibility of mishap. Only in such a precarious location can I at least guarantee something."

"And, I won't force you to make a decision." Compass Carburettor said, "I'll go alone if I need to. My daughter's survival depends on this."

"Hah," Ephemella sighed, massaging her forehead as she motioned for him to sit, "I'll at least hear out your plan."

…

Compass Carburettor stared at Fealta and Caithy, "This will be a risky mission. Are you willing to accompany me?"

"The Queen gave us orders. We'll execute it without fail." Caithy said curtly.

"There are two things you have to definitely follow in this mission," Compass Carburettor said solemnly, "First, never think about whatever I do or behave like. And, we'll follow a set of code names to address our targets while relating everything with General Artica in the centre."

"Second," He made eye contact with the two, "No matter the circumstance, never come into contact with any man. As long as your skin isn't touched, it should be fine. These are the two conditions you must ensure to follow."

"Alright," The two servants nodded, showing their resolve. Ephemella had commanded them to follow Compass Carburettor's instructions, so they did without asking anything.

…

It was evening as a certain inn in Peckle City was busy. A middle-aged lady was behind the counter, giving instructions to the workers under her. The workers made food in a hurry to serve the influx of customers.

"Kalluto, serve food to customers on table 24." The middle-aged lady shouted, watching a girl in her teens brush through the crowd, promptly serving food at the requested table.

"There you go! Enjoy your meal!" Kalluto said, watching the customers smile in response. She had a chirpy personality and spring to her heels. She was energetic, bringing energy to the exhausted people that began to arrive after work.

As the people streamed in, her workload began to increase. Though, as a couple more people were serving the tables, it was manageable.

As for the middle-aged lady, she socialised at times, exchanging pleasantries with the customers in an effort to make them loyal customers to her inn. While she was at it, she suddenly noticed an old man attempt to walk in, struggling in the process.

He seemed around eighty years old or even older, judging by his slight hunch. But, his clothes were fairly better than the average person, signalling that he had enough money to get by and splurge at times.

The middle-aged lady hurriedly arrived to help him, "Elder, let me help you."

"Bless you, child." The old man said, slowly walking as he was helped by the middle-aged lady towards a vacant table in the corner.

Upon seating him comfortably, the middle-aged lady asked, "Elder, what would you like to have?"

"Something warm to drink, and an Apricas Holpus." The old man said with a hint of nostalgia.

Upon hearing the name of the dish, the middle-aged lady was stunned, almost tearing up as she quickly controlled herself, saying, "Elder, we don't serve that here."

The old man looked at her in surprise, "Isn't this inn famous for Apricas Holpus? I've had it here many times in the past."

"Sorry Elder," The middle-aged woman said with a sigh, "It was my husband who specialised in that dish. And he…passed away three years ago."

"Is that so…" The old man was shocked for a moment before he shook his head, "A pity…a pity. Such a fine young man he was. To think he went on before I could repay his favour."

"What do you mean, Elder?" The middle-aged lady sensed something strange in his choice of words, "Did you know my husband before?"

The old man didn't answer her, instead replying with a question, "How old do you think I am?"

Even though she was confused by the question, the middle-aged lady answered truthfully, "Around eighty years old."

The old man sighed at her response, "Right, that's how I look like to others."

He then shook his head, making eye contact with the middle-aged lady, "In actuality, I'm the same age as your husband."

He then asked in all seriousness, "You sure you don't recognise me?"

The middle-aged lady was shocked before she scrutinised the old man's face, trembling in fear as she spoke, "Y-You are Parlut?"

"Indeed, I am," The old man sighed, "I feared that you wouldn't recognise my aged appearance."

"W-What happened to you?" The middle-aged lady asked in fear.

"It's a slightly long story that I experienced with Grister 10 years ago." The old man said, looking around a little as he whispered, "We'll continue once the crowd clears up. I can't risk anyone else hearing about this."

"Yes…" The middle-aged woman nodded, bringing him some food to eat while she busied herself with work. But all along, she was conscious of the old man sitting at the corner of her inn, silently eating her food like it was his last meal.