Reborn as a Dark Lord (A cozy-adjacent isekai)

"Would you look at that? Another new visitor to the tavern. How quaint," Lady Ophelia put in.

"Ohh. So it is. She's a comely lass," Sir Garin added from the peanut gallery.

I kept my eyes on Thalindra and ignored the two ghosts—something I was used to doing.

I hadn't had a chance to talk to the king about Penny/Thalindra. All I had known was that the duplication of the Heart of Shadows had been a success. How they had gotten Penny out of the dungeon was a mystery, one that I wouldn't be able to delve into anytime soon. Now here she was, and in a disguise, although the closer I looked, the more it became apparent who she was.

I motioned for her to come in and closed the door. I quickly leaned in and whispered, "Don't mention anything about who you are and how you got here. Okay? This is very important."

"Sure, Vin… Varix. Right?"

I pulled my head back and loudly said, "Yes. Varix Vel'Naris. Owner of the Shadow's Respite. So you're here about a job, eh? We certainly do have an opening. Let's go out back, and we can talk."

"Okay, Varix," Penny replied, then lowered her voice as she looked over my shoulder and asked, "Who the heck are those two? They look like ghosts."

My head whipped back and forth between Penny and my undead friends. "You can see them? Wow," I kept my voice quiet. "I used to have a ring that…" I trailed off as a hint of confusion crossed her face.

I lifted my hand and found the ring. What could have-

It didn't make sense until I remembered what had occurred during the Heart of Shadow's duplication. I had been in the skin of Morthisal, wearing the ring, and had lent his power to the process. Had the ring's properties transferred over? It was the only thing that made sense, but that was a question Elixander would have a better answer for.

"Save us, woman whom I have never seen before in my life. He keeps us as his slaves."

"Speak for yourself, Ophelia. I quite like it here." Sir Garin shushed her, then looked at Penny. "Ignore her. She's having you on."

Ophelia erupted in peals of laughter.

"Ooookay," Penny said.

"Chef Darius, I'll be right back. I need to run an errand. Can you and Lady Churl hold things down here?" I yelled back toward the kitchen.

"Of course, Chef Varix."

"Yeah, yeah. Go on and do your wossits," Lady Churl called, then lowered her voice. "Always runnin' off like he just spotted a shiny coin on the ground. Reckon he's only here half the time."

I ignored my sous chef and motioned for Penny to follow.

I tried to navigate through Everspring without stopping to chat with anyone, but Old Man Guslan flagged me down near the market.

"Varix! Good to see you back from your travels," he called out, waving his walking stick. White wisps of hair twirled around his head in a mini tornado as the wind picked up. I turned my head to the side and squinted against the sudden gust.

"Morning, Guslan. I need to run a quick errand, but I'm having a party at The Shadow's Respite tonight. You should come by." I blinked a few times.

His weathered face broke into a grin. "Wouldn't miss it for the world." Old Man Guslan patted his hair down and pressed it to his pate.

I picked up my pace, but Alic appeared dressed in his guard outfit, carrying a short sword but also sporting a smile. I introduced him to Penny, but stuttered on her name.

"Penelope," she interjected.

"Cousin?" He asked, looking between us.

"Alas, no. I am but a woman seeking employment with this gentleman's fine establishment."

It was Alic's turn to blink several times.

"Hey, Alic. Just off guard duty?"

"I am. I'm on my way to find some flowers for Mira. You wouldn't think she liked them, her being so tough and all, I mean, that's what she tells me. But yeah. She loves a bouquet."

"That's wonderful. You two seem really happy together. It could not have happened to two nicer people. Is everything going well at the new fortress?" I pointed toward the new structure outside of Everspring. "Are the orcs behaving?"

Alic grinned. "I must tell you. I was pretty leery of them setting up out there. We just fought them, and all. But they are…um…funny. They haven't tried to pull anything on us. We had an incursion of a half dozen or more bandits. Before the guard could get ready, the orcs came out in force and chased the bandits for most of the night. They came back laughing."

"That sounds about right." I chuckled.

"Thanks, Varix. While I have your attention, I understand you have been granted a new title. We should talk about it and what it means to Everspring. I believe the guard might fall under your command."

"Uh…."

"And I apologize. I should now call you Lor-"

"Just Varix, please. Yes. Let's discuss it another day," I said, face flushing. "Listen, I'm having a celebration tonight at the tavern. Bring Mira and anyone else who wants good food and drink. We can wait a few days and chat about the other matter. How does that sound?"

"Both sound perfect. We'll be there, and we can certainly chat in the next few days."

"See you later tonight, Alic. Send Mira my best."

He snapped a quick salute and set off.

Penelope drew up close and quietly said, "You've been busy."

I nodded, but kept quiet.

I managed three more steps before Ragna appeared, pushing a wheelbarrow filled with raw iron chunks down the cobblestone road. The metal clanked with each bump.

"Need help?" I offered.

She waved me off with one muscled arm. "This is nothing. I've hauled twice this weight before breakfast."

"Right. Well, there's a party tonight at my place. Come hungry. Spread the word."

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Wouldn't miss your cooking, Varix. Glad you're back," she said, continuing down the road without slowing.

Finally, I reached the Everspring Gem Emporium and pushed the door open. Glass display cases lined the walls, filled with gems that reflected rainbow fragments across the walls as I closed the door.

"I'll be right out," Seraphina called from the back room.

"Hey, Seraphina. I'm sorry to barge in, I know you're busy, but we need to talk."

Seraphina emerged from the back room, her raven-black hair braided with thin silver chains. She wore a deep purple dress with flowing sleeves, embroidered with silver thread that formed subtle patterns that resembled constellations.

"Talk about what?" She stopped when she saw Penny beside me and tilted her head to the side.

"We need to keep things quiet, if you know what I mean," I said, and put my hand next to my belt and made a digging around gesture, hoping she would get the hint that we needed to use a silencing stone.

Seraphina's eyes darted between Penelope and me a couple of times before her eyes lit up. "Oh! Lock the door. We'll go in the back."

We proceeded to Seraphina's private workroom, where she crafted her enchantments at a large wooden table. I glanced around, looking for Glimmer, the crystal chameleon that acted as her advisor, but didn't spot him. He probably went into hiding when a new person came in the back. The little creature perfectly blended in with the gems in her office.

Seraphina dug around in a bowl of stones and came up with a silencing stone. She held it close and focused. The strange silence overcame us like a thick blanket.

Penny shook her head at the sensation.

Seraphina smiled and offered her hand. "I'm guessing you're Penny."

"I am!" Penny said, then paused. "But I would like to go by Penelope now."

Seraphina nodded. "When we have to discuss anything about the other world, we do it in private with a silencing stone. I'm glad you're here. It was nice to meet you in Crownforge, even though the circumstances were not ideal."

"Not ideal. That's one way to put it," Penelope said.

"I'm glad they got you out of jail. How did they manage it?" I asked Penelope.

"All I know is that they found a body that had been charred in a fire. I didn't ask questions about that part. She was placed in the cell, and Kara helped me get out. I guess they'll come up with some story about how she was burned to death in the cell. I was just happy they got me out. King Alister gave me some money and had Kara help get me out of town. Put me on a coach that was heading to Everspring. He told me to find you. He said you'd be able to help me."

I exchanged a glance with Seraphina. "That was generous of him. It's also true. I'm happy to help."

"We both are." Seraphina slipped her hand in mine and squeezed.

Penny took a step toward me and smacked my chest with the back of her hand. "You too are so damn cute together."

I laughed. Seraphina side-eyed me and winked.

"You look great," Seraphina told Penny.

"Thanks. I feel a lot better than being in Thalindra's skin. This is similar to how I appeared on Earth, although I might have made a few changes. Elixander was so patient while he helped get the stone tuned for me. It took a lot of effort."

I nodded because I had somehow tuned into the Heart of Shadows when I had first been dropped into a corpse pile. The amulet had initially refused, but some lingering portion of Morthisal must have been present. Words had come to me, and the next thing I knew, I had been in my own skin.

"Whatever you do, don't mention the name Thalindra to Lady Churl."

"Who's that?"

"My sous chef. She's the goblin who stabbed Thalindra in the back."

Penny winced and touched her lower back. "A healer worked on Thalindra's body before I got into it, but that area still aches in the mornings."

"Thalindra came to kill me. Lady Churl was the one who saved me."

"She sounds nice. A goblin, huh? Like a little green creature?"

"That's right." I nodded.

"What sorta work were you looking for in Mythralon?" Seraphina asked Penelope. "This place must seem very different from what you're used to."

Penelope crossed her arms. "Honestly? Everything here is different. The food, the clothes, the money. Even the way people talk. Back on Earth, I ran a shop that sold crystals, tarot cards, and incense. Pretty much anything mystical." She laughed. "It looks like real magic is way more complicated than I thought."

I nodded. "It takes getting used to. The first few weeks were confusing for me, too."

"How long have you been here?" Penelope asked.

"Seven or eight months now," I said.

"And in that time, you bought and opened a tavern?"

I shrugged. "Speaking of which," I said, "I need to head back soon. I'm having a mini-festival at the tavern tonight. Just something small to celebrate being home."

Seraphina's face brightened. "Really? That sounds wonderful. What time should I come by?"

"Whenever you like. " I stepped closer and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I can't wait to see you later."

"Me, neither." She kissed my cheek. "It will be lovely to have a proper celebration after all that business in Crownforge. Not to mention later."

Seraphina turned to Penelope. "Where do you plan to stay while you're here?"

"I don't know. I guess an inn. That's the right term, right?"

"It is." Seraphina nodded. "You can always sleep here. I have a guest room." Seraphina trailed off. "I mean, I will have an extra room. My mother and father are leaving tomorrow."

"They are?" I asked.

Seraphina nodded.

"Huh. I like having Elixander around," I said.

"You and Elixander really hit it off. He talks about you a lot."

"That makes me happy," I told her and squeezed her hand again. "For now, I have a few extra rooms at the tavern. You can take one for as long as you need."

Penelope breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. "You're both so kind. Thank you!"

"I need to get back to it," I told Seraphina.

"Same. I'm so behind on orders. I should be caught up in two more days." She gave me a quick hug. "I'll see you in a little bit." Then turned to Penelope and said, "Want to stay here and help me close up? I'll fill you in on some of the things you need to know about Everspring."

"Thank you. Thank you, both."

I waved her off, and bid Penelope and Seraphina goodbye.

I hustled back to the Shadow's Respite, but kept my head down in case any others needed to stop me to chat. As I approached the tavern, I noticed the portal had changed color and was now a shimmering green that allowed a clear view of the underground city. Through the stone archway, a pair of ferrokin children wandered past, laughing, and threw a strange, square object back and forth.

Some of the supplies I had ordered were arriving at the tavern when I got back. Two young men carried sacks of flour and vegetables toward the kitchen door.

"Right this way," I called out and helped them bring in the goods. They stacked everything neatly against the wall.

As I walked into the tavern, I found Triolux standing near the bar.

I greeted him happily. "Triolux! Good to see you. How are things in the city?"

"Excellent, my friend." Triolux grinned. "I bring good tidings."

"Oh?"

"The portals, did you not see it? It is open, and the ways have been cleared. The city is ready for visitors. We welcome all to come down, as well, as to gaze upon the Earthheart. A feast is planned for tonight. Please, come down. All are welcome."

My face fell. "Triolux, I would love nothing more, but I'm also having a celebration and have bought a lot of food for it."

"Truly? Can you not save the food supplies for later?"

"I could, but I'm not sure I have enough room."

Darius stepped out of the kitchen as he wiped his hands with a towel. "Hello. I'm Darius Goldenspoon, the cook at the Wandering Boar. I would be interested in learning about Ferrokin City and its food and drinks. The fresh supplies could be moved to the Wandering Boar. It will help to get the tavern set up with your recipes all the faster."

I was torn. I had been spreading the word about the mini-festival tonight all morning. People were expecting it.

"A wonderful idea, new friend Darius." Triolux's voice rang like struck bronze. "We have been getting supplies from Crownforge and are making enough food for hundreds of people."

"Crownforge?" I asked, my eyebrows raised. "Did you…"

"Aye. The king was keen to open a portal into the capital as well. Imagine the trade that will take place. These are things that can be discussed later. I must hurry back to the city to assist with the preparations. Please say you'll attend, Varix. Bring Lady Churl and anyone else from Everspring."

I looked up at Triolux, still thinking. "I look forward to meeting the other ferrokin and trying your cuisine. But will the food be okay for us to eat?"

Triolux assured me with a nod. "All of the food will be perfectly suitable. There may be a bit of a metallic taste, but it's all healthy and filling." He paused and added, "We got a lot of ale from the capital. My kin are going to find dwarven ale enlightening."

That made me wince. I shoved my memories of a dwarven hangover to the side and said, "Can't wait."