Chapter 11

ELENA's POV

How I managed to convince James to hire our glorious elf king is a long story. But to put it simply, the story went like this...

I told him that Oswin was my childhood friend from when I was living at the orphanage. He came here to look for a job but was robbed of everything when he arrived. To make it even more sympathetic, I also added that Oswin was hit on the head when the thievery happened, making him suffer from partial amnesia. On top of that, I also mentioned that Oswin might act otherworldly and behave strangely because of his head's impact.

In short, I told James that Oswin was occasionally crazy.

However, I reassured James that he wasn't dangerous, so he wouldn't be a threat to the restaurant or the customers. I still vividly remember how James' eyes clouded with tears after listening to this tragic story as if he had just watched a soap opera. Thinking back, I wondered if I had a talent for writing dramatic fiction, the kind of heartbreaking story that puts readers to tears.

"Bring him to my restaurant right away, Elena. How unfortunate. The poor guy must have been so scared." That was what James said back then. He didn't take much time to decide to take Oswin in.

Of course, I felt so guilty for making him cry at my lie, but I had no other choice. I honestly didn't want to do this at first. I had thought hard about this. My conscience was gnawing at me for having to lie to the person who had always helped me like a father. Still, this was the best choice for Oswin. After all, there was no better place than here.

The reasons are:

1. Oswin and I could work together, meaning I would always be next to him to control the situation if anything was out of hand with the waitressing. Not to mention, I could keep our elf king's control in check in case he decides to act like a royal again.

2. No workplaces dared to accept Oswin without identification. James didn't ask for a resume or any documents because he trusted me.

"Anyway, don't worry too much." James' voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "I am sure he will do a great job."

I put on a weak smile. "Thank you, boss, for helping him. I would like to thank you on his behalf." I was about to bow again when he interrupted my action.

"Stop, stop," he said, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Stop bowing to me, Elena. You are like a family to me. I will do as much as I can to help you. Now, hurry up and go home. Get some rest. It is getting late," he said, patting my shoulders before turning on his heels toward the kitchen.  

I'm terribly sorry about lying to your boss; I don't have a choice. I promise to do my job well to make up for it. I sighed, reciting an apology as I watched him walk away, my eyes following his retreating figure until it disappeared from view.

*******

"Hey, servant. I'm done with cleaning the tables. What else do I need to do?"

I was so lost in thought that I had no idea Oswin had come to stand next to me. "Oswin..." I trailed off, turning around to find he was glaring at me, probably upset that I took more than three seconds to answer his question. "Do you remember your role today?" I asked with a voice full of worry.

"Of course. I'm a waiter, not a king," he said.

I didn't want to comment on his facial expression, but if I had to, it looked like he was constipated. Still, I should at least be satisfied with his words.

"Err... yeah, that's right. But what about another one? You know, the one boss and I just told you this morning." I asked, giving him a smile as if to encourage a child to do something good.

"That I am not to take orders and just serve the food silently," he said, his face showing complete dissatisfaction. "I feel like you are telling me to pretend to be a mute."

Of course! That's the intention. I almost blurt out, but thankfully, I managed to keep quiet.

"I don't understand what's wrong with my voice. Why do I have to pretend to be mute?" he frowned and turned away with a huff and a slight pout that I had never expected to see from the royal presence.

Once again, his action makes me unable to deny that this elf king has a cute side.

"Well, nothing is wrong with your voice. The problem is your speech," I replied, trying to console him.

"And what's wrong with that?" he asked, still not turning to face me.

"Well, how do I say this?" I taped my chin, hoping to find the proper words to explain to him. "Let's say that your figure of speech is way too sophisticated and creative. It makes us mortals difficult to understand. And so, to avoid misunderstanding, silence is the best measure."

"Really?" he turned back, and our gazes met. I must have succeeded in adding flattery to my words because it seemed to make his sulk less severe, given the untying frown on his forehead.

"Of course." I nodded.

"Fine," he muttered.

"How are your ears doing?" I shifted my gaze toward his ears, which were slightly red.

"What do you expect? They are uncomfortable, of course. I've never let anyone mess with them before." His eyebrows drew together, forming a frown again. It was clear how unsatisfied he was to have his ears robbed of their freedom.

"I'm really sorry, but to leave them unattended will surely bring attention. I have to tape your ears down so they at least don't look so pointed. But if you're uncomfortable, I can redo it." I reached out for his ears, but he brushed my hands away.

"No need. I will get used to it soon," he said. "But I thought the reason I had to get a haircut was to hide the ears."

"It did. But the pointed sides are just too obvious. Still, the hair did help a lot," I said, looking at his permed, blonde waves that cascaded just below his shoulders, brushing against his collarbones.

"My head feels weird," he commented, making me avert my eyes back to his face.

"Why? Do you have a headache? Let me adjust the tape for you." I tried reaching for his ears again, but he interrupted me.

"It isn't that," he said, reaching for the ends of his blonde strands and glancing down at them. "I am not used to this."

"Because you are used to waist-length, straight, and silky hair?" I asked, to which he nodded. "I am sorry for this, but that hair will make it difficult for you to blend in. Also, it won't help hiding your ears."

"I know. You already explained this," he sighed. "Anyway, that is enough about my ears and hair. What else do I need to do?" His eyes scanned the kitchen.

"How about you help to lift those piles of plates from here to there? Can you handle the weight?" I pointed at the piles of newly wiped porcelain plates fresh out of the steaming machines.

"Piece of cake," he replied with a hiss.

"Be careful. They're still hot!" I warned.

Ignoring my warning, he strode towards the designated place and lifted the piles with ease. Being an elf, he had always had the upper hand. He picked up the stacks of plates in one go as if it weighed nothing.

I looked from a distance and felt my heart skip a beat at the sight of the diligent king working in the kitchen. Never did I expect there to be a day when Oswin would offer to help me like this. Just the mere thought of it alone made my inside jitter.

That was right. Today marked Oswin's first official day as a waiter at James' restaurant.

When it was time for the restaurant to open, I prayed for everything to go well. I was so relieved that my prayer was heard, for customers seemed to like our new guy. Truthfully, when Oswin shut his mouth like this, he was actually likable. Several times, I caught some female customers sneaking photos on their phones when Oswin wasn't looking. This caused something inside me to want to walk over and snatch their phones to delete the pictures, but I knew better than to do that.

They only get to see him through the phone screen later at night, whereas I see him in real flesh and blood. There was no need to weigh out who was more advantageous. I smirked at the thought, feeling satisfied, as if I had won a competition, though I had no idea why I felt this way.

The first day at work went smoothly than expected, which was a good start. When the second, third, and fourth days came, the number of customers multiplied. With a rumor of a tall, handsome waiter with blonde hair spread across the neighborhood, James's restaurant welcomed two times their usual number of customers. And it was all thanks to female customers for this increase.

Five days had passed, and the number of customers was adding up day by day. On Saturday, given it was a weekend, there was even a long queue of customers waiting outside, which was totally unprecedented. Everyone, especially James, was elated beyond words at this success.

However, the arrival of three bulky men blew the cheerful air away just like dark clouds suddenly brought in by a strong wind, chasing the purely white fluffy things and switching to a somber mood. They cut the lines and strutted inside the restaurant with their eyes glowering at everyone as if looking for trouble.

.

.

.

<TO BE CONTINUED>