Episode 2, Chapter 2: Neither Close nor Distant

Hold on, quiet! There, it's her!

Ack! She's looking this way! Hide!

Get into that chest!

Phew, that was close... Wait, why is she coming this way?

I thought I heard something in here... Friar Ragdoll?

No...? What could it have been? Oh, am I late?!

Ragdoll? Maybe an accomplice? We should capture them both at the same time!

Ah! She's running!

She's gone. What the heck?

Could she have noticed us tailing her?

We should've just jumped her back there!

Dang it, where did she go?

Oh! There!

Eek!

You look suspicious enough. Stop right there!

Waaaah! Why are you chasing me?!

Why are you running away?!

Why wouldn't I run? You're running after me!

Ugh! Hya!

Aaaaaah!

Got you!

Please, spare me!

Siamese!

Looks like you've got an accomplice. Hands up!

Wait! There's been some kind of misunderstanding!

You two are under arrest for ecological disrupt...

Be quiet.

Ouch!

Please.

Ugh.

Commotion is strictly prohibited in this inn.

Ahh... Huh?

Commander?!

Commander?!

Commander...? Commander Esther?

Sorry, you're mistaken.

Commander! Ugh, what happened? And what are you wearing?!

She left without a word. Disappeared...

Until we find her here, posing as a maid.

I'm not posing, I'm actually working as a maid.

...At any rate, causing a ruckus in the inn is not acceptable.

A ruckus?! We're on a mission.

We're here to arrest some cultists up to no good.

Are you referring to my guests here?

Wait just a moment. I'll serve some tea.

So you see, we're priests of the Feline Order, devotees of Bigcat.

What? A cat? Called it, cult.

But, what about that Minotaur...?

That was a ritual to purify the Void.

It failed, though... because somebody...

Why you...!

As I said before... don't cause a ruckus.

Ugh...

These two are guests, and well known at theMaid & Clover Inn.

They haven't caused any problems during their stay with us.

I will vouch for them.

Enough! How long are you going to pretend we're strangers?

What do you mean?

You left so suddenly, and now you're acting like you don't know us...!

I... thought of you as family...

Oh, Esther. Do we have more guests?

Huh?

Welcome back, Miss Nia.

Who's she...?

Who's she...?

I'm Nia, the owner of the Maid & Clover. Nice to meet you.

You must be guests of Esther.

They're just passing through.

All those who visit our inn are to be welcomed as guests.

I'll give you some space. Please, make yourselves comfortable.

Miss Nia...!

Esther, show these people proper hospitality.

Hm... Perhaps they'd like a tour of the town?

...Yes, Miss Nia.

Follow me. Miss Nia commands... and I must obey.

Afterwards, please leave quietly.

I can't believe you...!

Yo! Esther! My girl! Are you off for groceries again?

I'm giving some guests a tour of the town.

Oh, word, word. Uh oh, Esther! We might need some cleaning soon.

Cleaning...? What does that mean?

Don't worry about it.

Huh? Is this your first time visiting?

This town's got two eras: before Esther, and after Esther!

Garp?

Ahem. Alright. I'll chill.

We'll be off now.

Hmm... something's up... cleaning? Seriously?

...I don't know what you mean.

Esther! Thank you for that eel pie. It was delicious!

Eel pie? You cooked something yourself, Commander?

...Yes. Is there a problem?

N-no... No problem. I just... I-I didn't know you could cook.

Aha! Well, honestly, I had to get used to it, but I like it now!

...Andy?

Right. I'm shutting up!

Hmm...

Let's head back.

Do we have to go back already?

Don't you have a mission? I don't see a reason for you to stay here for long.

Commander. I won't ask you why you left.

But, are you really going to stay here?

...I'm no longer a knight. I left that title behind willingly.

Commander... The cleaning you do...

You're defeating dangerous monsters, right? That's just like what a knight does...

No. It isn't. I handle threats to the town, because it is my duty as a maid. Do you understand?

*Sigh* Commander... I understand that you live here in this town now, but...

My only ambition is a clean inn and a peaceful place to call home.

I believe I've made myself clear. Leave now, please.

Urgh...

Esther! Estherrrr!

Orcs! The orcs have attacked again!

They're kidnapping people!

Miss Nia...! She headed into town just a while ago!

What? Are you sure?

Yes, she wanted to buy some snacks to serve your friends.

Got it. Please stay inside the inn.

No, let us help you.

Yes! We can help lead people back to the inn.

...Alright. Let's go.

Aaaah! O-orcs!

I see orcs over there!

I guess I'll have to do more than just talk this time.