I Became a Barista in Another World! Volume 1: New Beginnings [Completed]

Cup 22: Fundamentals at the Lord's Manor

Mathias sighed. Even with his scheming, he had been utterly defeated. "It's my loss," he said, mustering a half-hearted smile.

"A loss is a loss. You don't have to pretend to be happy," Ryu stated, patting him on the back. Your father knew what I was doing the moment I started doing it. I think you can still learn a lot from him."

"Of course, I can. One doesn't become a Master Brewer by accident," Mathias stated, relieved that he didn't have to put on a face.

Sir Reginald made his way over to the competitors, extending a hand to Ryu. "That was an excellent display, Mr. Hirano. My boy, skilled as he may be, still has much to learn about the world of coffee."

"We were just talking about it, Father," Mathias complained.

"Really? Well, it is my duty to make sure," Sir Reginald replied, his eyes crinkling. "Mr. Hirano—"

"Ryu is fine, sir."

"Very well. Ryu, would you and your party do me the honor of attending my home as guests? I would like to discuss a few things with you and I feel it is my duty to accommodate you after my son and I have given you a less-than-ideal welcome into Kopi City. Sir Agrius, you are free to join as well."

Agrius wore a serious expression. "Count me in. I have to make sure my beloved and this miscreant stay far apart—"

"I would like to request a room on the opposite side of your estate from wherever this lunatic is sleeping," Sylfie stated, pointing to Agrius.

"Sylfie, please!"

"Granted."

"Sir Reginald?!"

"As much as it pains me to say, Sir Fullbright, you are not to be trusted around this elf," Sir Reginald replied.

Agrius fell to Ryu's feet, begging. "You have to promise me that nothing is going to happen between you two tonight!"

"Man, you're the hero! Get a hold of yourself!" Ryu grunted, struggling to loosen Agrius' grip around his ankles.

Sir Reginald sighed, snapping his fingers. A group of knights emerged from the crowd grabbing hold of Agrius and carrying him away to the estate.

Sir Reginald addressed the rest of the group, beckoning for them to follow. "Now then, shall we?"

***

The estate was beautiful. Filled with verdant gardens and fields of flowers, the yards were tended to by a number of servants. They all raised their heads to pay respect to the lord of the manor as he arrived with his guests. Sir Maxwell opened the door, leading them inside a sprawling manor with a lavish interior, decorated in a way that made it appear refined, yet exuded a homely feeling.

"This way," Sir Maxwell stated, showing them to their rooms.

Ryu dove into his bed, sinking into the plush mattress gratefully. He had it all to himself. No more sleeping on the floor...at least for tonight. Aurora bounded around the room, checking out her new surroundings.

"This place is bigger than Gramma Hazel's café, nya!" she chirped excitedly.

"I will come to collect you in an hour, Mr. Hirano. Please take this time to freshen up. There is a change of clothes in the closet," Sir Maxwell said.

Ryu jumped in the shower, washing away the stress of the day's events. He stepped out of his room with a neatly ironed pair of clothes, meeting Sir Maxwell at the door. Aurora scampered off on her own, eager to explore the rest of the manor.

The butler led Ryu down a winding set of mahogany stairs, through a hallway lined with paintings and busts of former Huxleys. Sir Maxwell opened the door at the end of the hallway, behind which was a large room lined wall to wall with bookshelves that reached the ceiling. He closed the door behind Ryu, leaving him with Sir Reginald.