Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend
Chapter 188 - 188: I Apologize For Staring

Raegar watched as the barista set to work, her hands moving with practice as she adjusted the Aether machine. With a flick of a switch, the device whirred to life, the glowing liquids spiraling through the tubes.

Streams of shimmering shake poured into tall, frosted glasses, each drink sparkling as if infused with starlight. A faint mist rose from the Brightshakes, carrying a sweet, tangy aroma, making his mouth water.

'Definitely milkshakes,' he thought. 'Maybe another reincarnator? Or did someone get teleported here?'

As the barista slid the first glass, Rune's Strawberry Bliss, across the counter, the drink glowed faintly pink, flecks of silver swirling within like tiny constellations. He took a sip and let out a satisfied hum, her eyes widening.

''Worth every coin,'' he said, nudging him. ''You're in for a treat, and thanks for paying for this, I'll get yours next time.''

Raegar nodded and glanced at the young woman, asking. ''How much for the nine Brightshakes?''

''One silver each,'' she answered.

''Alright, give me ten of each flavor,'' he revealed. ''And ten of each pastry, please.''

When the barisa heard this, her eyes widened before he noticed her cheeks growing red for some reason. ''Can I talk to the owner? That's a big order and I have to run it by them,'' she responded.

Raegar agreed with a nod. ''That's fine, I'll wait here.''

Just then, the young woman rushed off. Once she was gone, Drusilla flew out of his pocket, stretching her little arms. ''Did you buy me one, Rae?''

''Yes,'' he grabbed a yellow one. ''This is called Lemondrop, it's an Aether Fruit that comes from the far south. Well past the Nytheria Kingdom.''

After the Dark Fairy heard this, she grabbed the glass and lifted it over to the nearby table as Zahara placed her hand on his arm. ''We'll wait over there, and I want some of those Brightshakes, this Emberfrost one is delicious.''

Raegar gave a curt nod of agreement as the group made their way to the largest table in the shop, settling into the wooden chairs with a sense of ease while they waited. The table, tucked in a corner, was scratched and scuffed from years of use.

The group chatted softly, their voices blending with the gentle hum of the bustling store. After about five minutes, an older woman emerged from the back, and Raegar's breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening in surprise.

She carried an air of ruggedness, her presence weathered yet commanding, as if life's trials had only sharpened her. But there was something else, a strength that radiated from her, hinting at a warmth beneath the surface.

Her long, black hair was swept up into a high ponytail, swaying slightly as she moved with purposeful grace. She wore a flowing white summer dress decorated with red embroidery that danced along the hem and sleeves.

One thing he did notice was her deep cleavage that caught his eye instantly, causing the woman to grin. ''Eyes up here, young Blackwood.''

Raegar glanced up to see her smiling at him before introducing herself. ''I'm Bella Jameson, owner of the Jameson Bakeries in Willowbank, Brightwater, and Westwatch.''

He shook his head, replying. ''I apologize for staring, and I'm Raegar Blackwood, but it seems you already know me.''

The older woman let out a soft giggle, leaning forward slightly, her movement drawing attention to the low neckline of her dress. ''I remember you as a boy, barely eight years old, at the Windy Isle festival your mother brought you to,'' she said, her tone warm.

Raegar's eyes widened as her words stirred a long-buried memory. The vivid image of his childhood journey to the islands aboard a grand Vaelthorne ship, arranged by his Grandmother Elysia, flooded back.

A faint smile crept across his scarred face, softening the rugged lines etched by years of hardship. ''I'm sorry, but I don't recall you,'' he admitted, his tone tinged with regret. ''As you might know, I've been through quite a lot since unlocking my Aether.''

Bella's smile broadened, a playful glint dancing in her vivid pink eyes as she leaned in closer, her presence both warm and disarming. With a delicate touch, she traced a finger along the jagged scar on his face, sending an unexpected shiver coursing down his spine.

''Oh, this little mark,'' she teased. ''It gives you the rugged charm of a seasoned warrior, quite striking for someone your age. And, my goodness, you've managed to fluster my barista! That's no small feat, considering she's usually only charmed by women. Quite the surprise, aren't you?''

Raegar's features softened further, a mix of embarrassment and intrigue flickering across his face as he processed her words before answering. ''I did nothing apart from make a big order, I don't flirt with people I don't like.''

Bella leaned back slightly, folding her arms. ''Seeing as you've got the coin, I'll let you order the large amounts,'' she said, her tone warm but laced with a hint of something he didn't understand. ''But, if I find myself needing a hand with a shipment, one that might get held up outside the city by bandits or a swarm of monsters. Would you be willing to lend your skills? I'd make it worth your while, of course.''

When Raegar heard this, his brow furrowed, his scarred face showing a flicker of hesitation. ''How would that work?'' he asked skeptically. ''I'm in school. Classes keep me tied up every day.''

The older woman gave a knowing nod, her red ponytail swaying as she tilted her head. "I've got that covered,'' she replied confidently. ''Once you're done with your lessons, I can have the mission details sent straight to Drakenwood. I'm on good terms with the headmistress and several of the professors there.''

''Alright, I could always use more coin,'' he replied before Bella said her goodbyes and headed to the back.

''I'll get the barista to bag your order,'' she revealed. ''It will cost you one gold.''

Raegar reached into his pocket, carefully counting out the coin and leaving it on the counter while thanking her. ''Thank you, I like having a stockpile for school.''

Bella's face lit up with an appreciative smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she nodded in gratitude. With a slight bow, she turned and disappeared into the backroom of the shop, her footsteps fading into the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses.

He turned back to his friends, who were already waving him over with grins. Dominique and Zahara, their eyes sparkling, pulled him into the empty seat nestled between them at the worn wooden table.

Their enthusiasm was infectious, and Raegar couldn't help but chuckle as he settled in, their warmth wrapping around him like a familiar cloak. Across the table, Selene and Drusilla exchanged knowing glances, their giggles bubbling up like a shared secret.

The Demoness leaned forward, her dark curls bouncing as she teased, ''Well, look at you, Rae, the center of attention!''

Drusilla, stifling another laugh behind her hand, winked playfully, her amusement only adding to the lively energy of the group. Just then, Caspian turned to him and curiously questioned. ''How are you finding classes?''

Raegar glanced at the dark-haired boy and noticed everyone was paying attention to him before he responded. ''I'm enjoying them if I'm honest, but thanks to all this fighting, I've been distracted from learning.''

''Hopefully you get a break,'' Rune commented with a mouth covered in pink shake.

He let out a laugh, the sound mingling with the lively chatter of the tavern, as he took his first sip of the Moondrop Brightshake. The purple drink, shimmering faintly under the afternoon light, caught him off guard with its flavor.

The sweet, tangy burst of ripe blueberries danced on his tongue, laced with a subtle, creamy undertone that made his eyes widen in surprise. ''This is good,'' he declared in disbelief as he glanced at his friends, who watched him with amused grins.

Unable to resist, Raegar took another sip, then another, the refreshing sweetness pulling him back for more. The giant glass, frosted with condensation, seemed to empty faster than he'd intended.

Each gulp was a burst of summery bliss, the kind that evoked memories of picking berries under a warm sun. Before he knew it, the straw gurgled against the bottom of the glass, signaling its end.

Raegar leaned back in his seat, a satisfied grin spreading across his face as Dominique suddenly wiped a stray drop from his chin, causing his entire body to stiffen, making everyone laugh.

''Well,'' he said, chuckling. ''Guess I didn't expect to finish that so fast.''

Dominique nudged him playfully, while Zahara raised her glass in a mock toast, her laughter echoing as Selene and Drusilla chimed in with teasing remarks about his newfound love for the Brightshake.

Just then, the brista called out. ''Young master Blackwood! Your orders are ready!''

''What did you get now?'' Caspian questioned.

''More Brightshakes,'' he answered before standing up. ''I bought a lot and had to talk to the owner, Bella, who offered me work after classes.''