“Here you are,” Bishamonten said as he laid a cup of tea in front of his customer. “Thank you very much,” she said as she took the cup and began to sip her drink. He could only smile as she did so before heading back into the kitchen. Today had been a fairly good day concerning the amount of customers he got today. About…more than ten he believed? There would obviously be more since the day was still young and all. A few moments later as he was trying to clean a cup, he heard the wind chimes tinkle, signifying that another person had entered. “Coming!” He finished cleaning the cup before going over to see who had entered. A young Pallum girl was taking in her surroundings, orange eyes narrowed slightly. Her gaze then turned onto the god. “Excuse me, is this where I can find Bishamonten?” she asked. He nodded. “I am Bishamonten. Here, have a seat. Do you want something to drink?” She shook her head. “No, I came looking for you.” He had to raise an eyebrow at that comment. “Oh? What for?” She took in a deep breath, as if she was preparing to drop bad news. “I-I want to join your familia!” Pause. “I’m sorry to say, but I haven’t made a familia yet. Why not go to another god and ask to join their familia instead?” he offered. She shook her head. “No, I want you. Do you remember Marie and Collen Anderson?” He blinked in surprise before regaining his composure. “I do, in fact. I remember helping them escape their country when it was in turmoil. They were one of the first ones I helped to escape, in fact, along with their daughter. How are they doing by the way?” “They’re doing good. They set up a shop back home and they’re doing pretty well. I, uh, guess I should introduce myself.” She cleared her throat. “I’m Lily Anderson, new adventurer. I’m here to join your familia- Oh, darn it, I already said that.” She took a strand of her white hair and nervously fiddled with it. “A-Anyway, are you interested in making a familia? I can join it and you’d have at least one member.” Truth be told, he had been thinking about that, to help bring in more money. He just hadn’t been sure if anyone would want to be a part of his familia, if he made one. He gave her a smile. “Well, I was thinking about making a familia. I suppose you’ll be its first member.” “Hah?! Really?!” she said excitedly. “Yes. But first, I need to lay down some rules. Rule number one, you will come to my aid whenever I call for you.” “Uh huh. What else?” The door opened again and the wind chimes tinkled, indicating that another person had entered. “One second.” He ushered the man to a seat and went over to get a menu for him. “Rule number two, if you’re helping me run this tea house, be kind and courteous to all customers, no matter what,” he said as he handed the man the menu, “Take your time, sir.” “It shouldn’t be a problem, since I helped my parents out with their shop. Anything else?” “Hold on one second, I think we should continue this talk in the kitchen.” “Okay!” He went into the kitchen with the young Pallum girl following after him. “Right, I also planned for members of my familia to train.” She blinked in surprise. “Train?” “Yes. The members of my familia need to train their body and mind if they ever hope to get anywhere. My next rule concerns that.” “Is it mandatory though?” she asked a little weakly. “That, I haven’t decided yet. But anyway, rule three. When sparring, know your limits. It would do no good if you push yourself too hard. Also, respect your opponent’s limits as well. Don’t continue to fight when they’re spent.” “Okay. Anything else?” “Rule four. If a fight gets too rough, I have every right to step in and end it.” “Okay. So that’s it for the training, right?” “Well, I could make you attend weekly meditation sessions…” He couldn’t help but laugh as he noticed the expression on her face. It was not a happy one. “Don’t worry, I won’t make that mandatory. Rule five, if you need a break, you’re welcome to sit down and have a cup of tea that I brew myself. And rule seven, if you decide to leave my familia, I won’t stop you. But I will welcome you with open arms if you decide to come back.” Pause. “I believe that’s all the rules.” “Wait, really? I thought there’d be more.” He shook his head. “No, this is good enough. Now if you’ll excuse me-“ He stopped as an idea popped into his head. “Actually, no, this will be a perfect chance for you to help me out with my customers. Can you take the order of the man I just gave that menu to?” “Wait, me?!” “Yes, you. I’m asking for your help right now.” “Geh…” She shook her head and took in a deep breath. “Alright, I’ll get the order right now!” He chuckled as she dashed out of the kitchen. Things were about to get more interesting around his tea house.
