Many humans still feared demon folk. The Empire’s demon capital, which Salia was currently headed to, was the only place her kind could live safely and in peace.
“Y-you saw me, didn’t you?” she asked in a small voice. She was scared that the young man would chase her out.
“Huh? Is that a problem?” he tilted his head, looking confused.
Salia hadn’t anticipated his response. “Er…”
As his new customer gaped at him, the young man realized that she might be self-conscious over her somewhat unique eyes. He smiled. “Um…you have beautiful eyes. Like a cat’s, you know?”
This young man wasn’t particularly good at complimenting women. He couldn’t come up with anything smooth, a fact even his girlfriend had pointed out to him.
As if in response to his comment, the restaurant door opened, and a regular came in. “Hey! Get me a pork-cutlet rice bowl, now!”
The guest was about two heads taller than Salia, a giant of a man, and had a lion’s face. Unlike Salia, he’d clearly received a powerful demonic blessing.
“H-huh?!” Salia yelped, shocked.
“We get lots of unique guests here,” the young man added, hoping to put Salia at ease. “So, well, it’s fine.” He gently set the bread down in front of her. “Please, take your time and enjoy.”
The young man retreated into the kitchen, fetching his new guest more cabbage rolls.