''His name…  Is Chad— Perhaps it''s indeed a weird world I''m in…''


    Never did he think he''d be up so close which had a striking resemblance across his features.


    Terrifyingly so, it was the same despite the color therein. If not for his supernatural senses and the gut instinct that crept to him he isn''t of the same person, then he might''ve reacted differently.


    Someone who became his greatest ally in his past life, now turned into a person in front of him like a mere stranger— wore a different outfit with a vibe that was refreshing to see at least.


    The silence became evident, and their murmurs turned loud and clear; but Chad had his gaze up and down, several times, now softened the moment he opened his mouth.


    "I suppose you''re a new customer here?"


    ''Uhh— I''m afraid I don''t understand it well…'' His eyebrows scrunched up as he thought of the words of what Chad had to say.


    But then, after looking around, Athan knew that if he stayed a little longer, he would attract more attention, and he mustn''t afford to carry more burden than he already had in the bag.


    He was about to trudge away and leave when sudden chimes rang behind him as the door clicked to an ajar. Upon turning back, he was beyond surprised to find out it was none other than Clarice as she popped her head from the door frame.


    "Hello there, please do come in!" Pushing the door wide, she gestured her hand as he welcomed him regardless of what he was then.


    To his surprise, somewhere deep in him couldn''t refuse her hospitality.


    After pondering, not a single speck of hidden malice came from her. For he knew when he saw one, he wasn''t new to it, and this new person in front of him was being genuine.


    "Uhh— Nice to meet you; I''m Daisy and I own this cafe," Daisy uttered with glee as she reached out her hands. "What about you? Your name?"


    ''Her name… Daisy, I see. She''s asking my name as well then, is that it?''


    While he was familiar with the gesture, he thought he would reciprocate it as well. After shaking their hands, it brightened up her face as she sighed in deep relief.


    "... Athan..."


    Right now, her eyes widened, blinking, and bobbed her head slowly.


    Myriad emotions came to him, but he thought that it might be the nostalgia pricking him. For now, he needed to get together and learn more here while he had the opportunity to meet Arnold and the rest.


    Not dilly-dallying any further, he nodded and entered as he pleased.


    "Welcome to Cafe Evergarden! I hope you''re beyond pleased with your stay here."


    Athan stood upright as he looked around, and the nature motif within the spacious room.


    With a high ceiling, a draping array of light bulbs cast a little golden glow onto the numerous tables with couches in them. To the side found the stairs that lead to the second floor, and what seemed more spacious was beyond it.


    About several people stayed in their seats, getting all cozy and comfortable as they waited for the servers with their orders. While waiting, they chattered and chimed with harmony among their cliques. On the other hand, a few of them started to indulge in their treats.


    But it wasn''t noisy to think about it, very muffled and beyond tolerable for everyone in here.


    ''This is no different from a high-end restaurant at the Imperial Capital. Looking around, he had yet to find one person who wore shabby clothing and even the energy they gave off no less than a noble.


    Then all the more he had to be careful with his movements.


    The smell of roasted beans intensified, which wafted to his nose regardless, and it never swooned him that much for such an aroma. His nose began to tingle, craving for it, but he had to resist the temptation.


    For he needed to act poise and be respectful for welcoming him after a brief commotion.


    Unbeknownst to him, Daisy and Chad were beside one another as they began to whisper.


    "Miss, I think this man is a new person in this metropolitan city."


    "Oh, you sure have a sharp intuition. You think so?" Daisy added.


    "I do. He''s like one of those avant-garde foreigners or tourists who visit the place unknowingly, and ends up with the same plight— seems to have quite a trouble communicating verbally first and foremost."


    Even at that moment, he caught the sudden change in her demeanor.


    ''Was I that suspicious?''


    "But he looks like someone I''m familiar with… That voice, and that most of his profile…."


    When she trailed off her voice for a couple of seconds, she ended up shaking her head.


    Chad then mused out of curiosity, "Is something wrong, Miss?"


    "I don''t know… Let''s just say I agree with you plus he''s shy, to begin with… "Daisy''s gaze bore deep at Chad, musing, "Well pay no mind to it, as long as he does understand gestures, that''s alright. Do you want to help him while he''s here for a while?"


    However, Chad scratched his nape as he let out a dry smile. "I''m not sure if I''d be able to handle it well."


    "Stop it! I''m sure you do; you''re one of our best servers here!" She then nudged his waist right away.


    Meanwhile, Athan furrowed his eyebrows deep. Fortunately, he wore sunglasses but he sure was confused by what they said behind his back— with little to no information fed into his mind and feigned he was still in awe around him.


    "B— But, Miss—"


    "Incentive C—"


    "I''ll do the best that I can!"


    "Now, that''s the spirit! Get moving!" A subtle popping sound came as soon as she hit his back, making him cough a tad bit in the process. "I''ll still have to look over Nathalie for a moment, alright?"


    Out of all the words he picked up, his mind began to rev up as he picked up the pace in his thoughts.


    ''Nathalie? Have I heard of that name somewhere?''


    Daisy then strutted her way out of them and left Athan under Chad''s care.