Enter the Party's Rest.

Such an inn attracts adventurers of all sorts. There are men, women, and all else clad in armoured plates as well as skimpy skirts or risque dresses. While you're used to seeing a colourful assortment of folk within the diverse Empire of Tivera, a place for drink and rest with a focus towards adventurers leads to fewer eyes turned to you. Until your identity begins to be recognized, you're just another dramatically garbed slayer of hobgoblins and slimes. Granted, Nyllia looks far more illustrious, and her charisma alone radiates in a aura without a single word exchanged, but she could easily be seen as a sorceress in such a dress, especially without her blade.

There are a few waitresses serving various mugs of frothing beverages and plates of food to the dozen patrons which populate the tables and stools throughout the main room, each with a bar maiden's attire which certainly draw in your eyes--frilly white tops, skirts which flutter just beyond their thighs. By the stairs, there's a small stage, and this time you can first hear and then see a performer filling the inn with a soothing melody--an adorable gnome with curly hair and a lute to match her size. Between the sound and the scent, it's quite alluring the moment you pass through the front door.

Across the room and behind the counter is not the catfolk you remember. While that isn't a surprise, you still felt tense for a moment. It would have been quite the awkward exchange to see her again. Though now, you do somewhat wish you could. She worked for a terrible man, and the things she said to you were unforgivable. Regardless, Bella is not present.

It's a devil. Her skin is vibrant red, and her horns first protrude up but bend almost perfectly straight backwards in a smooth curve. One is adorned by a thick silver ring. Like all devils you've seen so far, her eyes are vibrantly gold, though only one can be seen. Her left eye is entirely covered by raven black bangs--hair which curls down around her neck. There's the slightest hint of crimson, especially near her roots. The sleeveless dress she wears is such a dark shade of blue that it often appears black, apart from when the light from flickering magic lanterns hits the fabric just right to reflect a shimmer of colour.

"Things much different here so far, Xue?" you ask.

Xiaoqing shrugs. "Not in the ways that matter."

You approach, though the devil's gaze is already locked upon you.

"Now what can I get for a couple such as yourselves?" asks the devil as you near. She leans her elbows down against the counter. "Perhaps... three shots of Succubus Surprise? Mmm. Cocktails instead, maybe. How about three glasses of Horny Unicorn? A popular drink for newlyweds."

Her voice has a rasp, and she speaks with a soothing confidence. By her demeanour, she was born for a job like this one, far more than the previous employee. The way she looks at you, however, suggests to you that she's hiding something. Maybe it's your Kitty Sense, or your experience, or the fact that it happens often, but clearly this woman knows more than she lets on.

"Are those drinks real?" you ask.

"Both, yes."

"It's a little early for a drink. I actually came here for--"

She raises a finger to her lips to hush your words. Her nails are long, and the paint on each appears almost metallic, like claws of silver. "Sorry. I do know why you're here. Not to silence the great Kyle Warren, but I don't want to waste your time either. I did my research. One of the previous barkeeps here was a naughty girl, but no, I don't know where she went after the Demon King fell. Ah, and I should pass this message along as well. Rose sends her regards."

"Ah. You're... I see." You nod gratefully. "If you see her again before I do, tell her that we'll have to get together again soon. But this is a clever move. Having a direct connection to a bar popular among travellers must do wonders for gathering information."

"That and I enjoy the job. I would likely have applied regardless. Adventurers are fascinating creatures. They also tend to spend a lot more money than even wealthier city folk."

"Makes sense, yeah. Who do you think spends more money? A prissy noble, or a guy who just finished clearing out a dragon hoard? I'm guessing a lot of people come in here just to drop a chest of coins."

"Some have no proper sense of value. Or self control."

"If you already know why I'm here, and you knew I was coming, does that mean the muffins are already packed and good to go?"

She stares back at you dumbfounded. For the first time in the conversation so far, she seems confused. "Did I miss a joke?"

"Oh I see," Nyllia speaks up.

You explain. "This place has a pretty famous house recipe for muffins. They're delicious, and a friend of mine's favourite treat. Part of the reason I came here was to take a bunch home. They're pretty big, so I'm thinking six for now. Gotta be able to carry them."

A subtle smile curls the corners of her lips as she ponders your words. "I admit, that reason was unknown to me. I was told you may appear to ask about Bella, and that you'll be standing alongside the queen tomorrow evening. Suddenly I'm reminded of something Rose told me before I left Tolis."

"And what was that?"

"In regards to Kyle and his allies, expect the unexpected."

"Hey. I feel that way about everything and everyone else. I'm not the odd one out."

"Perhaps you're right. Either way, you're just ordering some muffins?"

"Mhm. The Party's Rest Double Hazelnut Banana Chocolate Fudge Extra Thick muffin. Like I said, six of them please."

"Consider this one on the house. Repaying a favour."

"From Rose?"

"Me. My family would have been killed during the Demon King's invasion if not for your people." She pulls herself back up straight. "I'm not usually so kind, so take that for what it's worth. Excuse me. I'll be back shortly with your order."

As she turns, you can see that the entire back of her dress is open. Her toned, smooth, red back leads all the way down to the start of her tail, which sways left and right in the wake of her sashaying hips as she steps towards the back door. The clicking at first you think her heels, but the sound is too loud and heavy. You glance down past the counter to see that she has no footwear, but instead has legs which shift into hooves. The clopping is muffled into silence when the door shuts behind her.

When she's gone, you look to Nyllia. "Devils can have those?" you ask.

"You remember Flame General Ithic, yes? His proportions were quite different than Yin's. And then there were his imps, which were also devils. There is quite a bit of variety, though there is certainly a type you see most often, especially away from the Realm of Flames. Mm. Perhaps I should be your teacher."

"I wouldn't mind that."

"You know many people," Xiaoqing comments.

"It's been quite the adventure," you respond.

The door swings open with a push of the devil's hoof. Accompanied by the sound of clopping, the devil returns to the counter and places down a rather large box. Each treat inside is nearly twice the size of your usual muffin, so even after being tightly packed, six is quite the haul. The box is shut, though the mouth-watering scent still wafts up to your nostrils. You know Niki is going to be stoked to receive this present.

You lift the lid to peak inside, and your eyes catch a small piece of paper down the side. It only takes a glance to notice it's a recipe.

The devil puts a finger to her lips. "I've heard you have a cook who is skilled enough to learn."

"Thank you. Oh, I didn't get your name."

"Call me Shura."

"Well, Shura. Is there anything I should know about tomorrow? Any weird surprises on the radar?"

"On the what?" she asks.

"Sorry, I mean on the... Nevermind. Just figure y'all should tell me if you know about any sort of planned shenanigans."

"No shenanigans known. I would hope this to mean that at the very least, nothing substantial is going to occur. No large attacks on the queen's life. But we don't know everything. Always keep your eyes open for trouble. You're strong, but with fame also comes danger."

"I'm very aware of that. Thanks, Shura." You pluck the box from the counter and hold it close. "I hope to see you again, especially now that I can freely come to Avana like I used to."

"I look forward to it."

Nyllia bows and you nod as the three of you make your way towards the exit.