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This magical power... I've felt it somewhere before...

Koai walked toward the castle gate, trying to recall the person whose magical power she sensed.

Unlike the other day in the castle town, the road leading to the gate was bustling with people coming and going.
People passing by turned to look back at Koai, each with their own thoughts, as she walked, guessing that this must be the kind of town the old man, Sody, had recommended for trade.

Utterly unaware of their gazes, Koai calmly proceeded onto the main street. After walking a short distance, she spotted a sign with a jug painted on it and a beer barrel with a tankard on top.

"Is this a tavern?"
Koai asked a woman nearby.

"That's right. Are you alone?"
"...Yes."
Being asked this by a slightly plump, middle-aged woman made Koai's spirits sink for some reason. Still, she managed to squeeze out a quiet reply.

"Welcome. There's an open spot over there."
The woman guided her to a seat around the middle of the counter. Seeing a row of three empty chairs, Koai decided to take the one in the center.

"Hey, look at that."
"What a pretty face. Is it a woman?"
"No way. Would a woman with a face that beautiful be out walking alone, let alone coming to a tavern for a drink? They probably just look like that but are a man."
"I wouldn't mind even if they were a man."
"Pfft."
"Hey, hey, give me a break."

The establishment was crowded with customers and seemed quite noisy. Koai tuned out the background noise and took her seat.

"What'll you have?"
A middle-aged man who appeared to be the owner asked from behind the counter.