Raised in Dungeon

DRAFT / UNEDITED

Bedell was deeply touched by Vash's story. As Vash recounted the tale of Allen, who kept trying to save everyone's lives, Bedell found it almost too fantastical to believe. However, as he listened to the accounts of the individuals whose paths had crossed with Allen, Bedell couldn't help but empathize with their perspective. He imagined himself in their shoes; he thought if he were them when Allen unexpectedly rescued him. At that moment, Bedell realized that no matter what sins Allen may have committed in the past, he would wholeheartedly be willing to let go of any hatred toward him.

"Now, what does he do?" asked Bedell.

"Allen is the best cook in town. He lives in one of the best simple Taverns in town. Drugoymir Restaurant."

Without realizing it, they had arrived in front of the simple Tavern made of sturdy wood. There was a flowery design in front of it that made the restaurant look pleasant.

"So that person works here. I don't know why but I feel a little nervous now."

Vash opened the door, and as they entered, they were greeted by a red-haired girl about the same age as Vash.

"Welcome... Oh Vash, you came, do you also want to return the dishes this time?"

"Yes, and I would like to introduce this person," Vash said, pointing to Bedell.

"My name is Bedell, I am under the orders of Lord Boldenville, and I am looking for a boy named Allen, but it seems that the Allen I am looking for is different from the Allen here."

"My name is Susan. If you want to see Allen, you have to wait for a while."

"Is Allen at there again?" asked Vash.

"Yes, Lady Barkaley's condition is getting worse." Susan then looked at Bedell. "He'll probably be home this afternoon; do you want to wait?"

"Ah! Alright!" said Bedell.

Vash took the empty bag from Bedell. "Since I've dropped you off, I'll be back."

"Wait Vash, I want to thank you. I'll treat you to a meal."

"Yeah well, if you insist," Vash said, he immediately sitting down on one of the chairs faster than Bedell.

Bedell looked around. The tavern turned out to look more ordinary than he had imagined. Since Allen was probably a famous person, he thought the place would be a bit more luxurious and crowded.

"Is it always this... umm... lonely?" asked Bedell.

"It's a fire month, of course not so many want to sit around in this hot tavern."

"Oh right, since you said so, now I'm starting to feel the heat."

Susan then came and put two glasses of water on their table and said, "At least try to speak in a smaller voice. I can hear it all the way to the kitchen."

"Is there no ice?" asked Vash.

"Don't ask for anything strange. That stuff won't last until the middle of the month.

So, what would you like to eat?" asked Susan.

"What about the menu? What are the options?" asked Bedell

"Stews, bacon, pickled herring, north bread, south bread-"

"Is there any rice?"

"Rice? It's rare that anyone would eat rice. Are you from the south?"

"No, but I often try it once a month."

"I see, yes we have rice."

"Then add it with beef stew."

"Alright. What about you Vash?"

"I want trenches with mushroom and potato soup."

"Woah, you guys have a lot of things. Taverns in our area only serve three dishes at most," Bedell said.

Susan replied, "This tavern was also like that at first. But since Allen often creates new menus, somehow the demand for each menu gets higher and higher."

"Is Allen a talented cook?" Bedell asked Susan.

"Instead of talented, I prefer to say 'love'. Allen's food is always good, but he has to experiment with so many things that we run out of ingredients. If Master hadn't stopped him, we might have gone bankrupt."

Bedell immediately envisioned the Allen he knew, and he immediately felt a weird goosebump when he imagined Allen cooking with a smile while humming.

"Vash, now I'm fully convinced that this Allen is not the Allen I know."

"Yeah, we'll see."

Suddenly someone came and placed two plates on the table. "You're convinced of what?"

"Master Rodion, this man has come to look for Allen."

"Master? Are you the owner of this place?"

"I see. I've heard from Susan that you're looking for Allen. Now finish your food first; if there are no other customers, we can talk once you're done."

...

As soon as they finished their food, Vash excused himself.

"Thanks for bringing me here, Vash," Bedell said.

"Are you going to leave immediately when you find out that the Allen you're looking for is someone else?"

"No, to avoid bandits, I'd better go with the rest of the merchant carriage. The merchant wagon will leave in three days, so I'll stay for three days."

"I see... if you have no money you can stay at the orphanage. But for a fee you have to work with us."

"Don't worry, I have enough money.

The people who live here are all friendly, and the food is good too. Three days might not be enough for me to stay."

Vash smiled at Bedell and turned to the door.

-CLICK

Someone else opened the door from outside. As soon as he entered and saw Vash, he greeted Vash familiarly.

"Oh Vash.... It's only yesterday that you came. Do you have enough money?"

He wasn't alone; he were with a 2-year-old girl on his lap, and then a boy climbed on top of his head.

As Bedell caught sight of this person, a sudden chill ran down his spine, causing him to freeze in his tracks. Within him, a tumultuous blend of fear and surprise swelled, filling his entire being. The kid before him possessed a striking appearance, with dark black hair that contrasted starkly against his piercing red eyes. Allen, as Bedell remembered him, was always associated with a wicked aura that could easily induce faintness in others. However, the boy standing before Bedell defied all expectations. His once murderous eyes now radiated an unexpected tenderness. Furthermore, he cradled a small child in his arms with the utmost gentleness, presenting a heartwarming scene that sharply juxtaposed the menacing presence Bedell had anticipated.

"A-Allen! You're Allen?!" cried Bedell, shocked. There was no mistaking it; the Allen he saw in front of him looked very similar to the Allen he knew. The person in front of him was just a more juvenile version of the kid he used to see.

[ILLUSTRATION]

"Who is this uncle?" asked Allen in confusion.