Chương 40: Anteiku Café

The Manager of the 20th Ward not only advocates for peaceful coexistence with humans, but also willingly helps weaker ghouls.

However, the 20th Ward is a joke in the eyes of ghouls from other areas. To them, it's nothing more than a haven where old, weak, sick, and frail ghouls huddle together for warmth.

It is precisely because of their lack of strength that they cling to such absurd ideals of coexisting peacefully with humans.

Moreover, hunting in 20th Ward is severely restricted. To be more precise, ghouls are prohibited from hunting altogether and can only consume the corpses of deceased humans. This is something most ghouls find unacceptable.

Many ghouls aren't just seeking to stave off hunger, they crave strength.

Consuming the corpses of the deceased, which lack freshness, can only sustain basic strength and, over time, might even weaken them. The reason lies in the reduced RC cell activity in stale human flesh.

...

At this moment, Byakuya and his companions had arrived at the 20th Ward via subway.

"I've heard some things about the 20th Ward, but do you really think the ghouls here will help me?"

Minami voiced her concern.

In her mind, the 20th Ward was a gathering place for weak ghouls — a notion that made her skeptical about the reliability of seeking help here.

She had never considered coming to the 20th Ward for help before.

Of course, Rika's impression of the 20th Ward was entirely based on word of mouth among other ghouls. She had never personally visited the area to verify its reputation.

If she knew that the "Manager" of the 20th Ward was actually an SSS rated ghoul, she would definitely have a different opinion.

"They should be willing to help. Besides, we have no other options" Byakuya replied.

He deliberately avoided sounding too certain. If he appeared too familiar with the ghouls of the 20th Ward, it might raise suspicion. According to the records of both the "V" organization and the CCG, he had never been here before.

"You're right..."

Minami resolved to take the chance.

"By the way, how much do you know about the 20th Ward? For instance, where we might find someone willing to help?" Byakuya asked, feigning ignorance.

He had to maintain the appearance of someone unfamiliar with the area.

"But don't worry, Minami. The ghouls here are quite restrained. We won't be causing them any trouble" he added.

"Well... I think there's a place called the 'Anteiku' that might help" Minami answered.

"Got it"

After a brief investigation, Byakuya pinpointed the café's location.

"When we arrive, you should pretend you don't know us" he advised as they approached the café. "After all, both Arima and I are ghoul investigators. If they find out, it could cause problems for you."

"I understand" Minami nodded.

She then entered the café ahead of them.

The café was small but exuded a cozy atmosphere.

Its staff, including the manager, were all ghouls. Even most of its patrons were ghouls.

On the surface, it was just a café, but in reality, it was a sanctuary led by its manager, Yoshimura, a ghoul known as the Non-Killing Owl. It provided a social hub for weaker ghouls and helped those willing to integrate better into human society.

Occasionally, unaware human customers would visit, but they were never harmed by the ghouls.

At that moment, a middle-aged man reading a newspaper glanced at Minami.

Seeing the delicate and attractive human girl, he couldn't help but feel tempted to taste her.

Unfortunately for him, the rules of the 20th Ward prevented such actions, so he reluctantly withdrew his gaze.

Evidently, this ghoul mistook Minami for a human due to the strong human scent masking her ghoul odor.

"Excuse me, can we get two cups of coffee?"

Byakuya's voice drew the attention of several patrons. For a fleeting moment, their gazes fixed on him.

Although they quickly averted their eyes, Byakuya's sharp senses caught their reactions. They likely assumed he was a human who had wandered into the café by mistake.

Feigning ignorance, Byakuya acted as if he didn't notice the attention. Arima remained equally composed, showing no sign of concern.

"Of course, sir. Your coffee will be ready shortly" said a tall, kind-looking man with mostly white hair and a few remaining streaks of black.

This was Kuzen Yoshimura, the manager of Anteiku.

Byakuya nodded politely, silently marveling at the legendary ghoul before him. This was ten years before the events of the original timeline, so Yoshimura didn't look as aged as he would later.

[Ding! Host has encountered an important character: Kuzen Yoshimura. Hidden quest "Non-Killing Owl" activated!]

[Quest 1: During the third attack on the 2nd Ward CCG, repel the Non-Killing Owl]

[Reward: 100 Attribute Points]

The 'Owl' during the third attack would be Kuzen disguised as his daughter. Completing this quest would not be easy.

Byakuya pondered the challenge ahead. Though Yoshimura wasn't at his prime, he was still formidable—arguably stronger than the injured Eto in the original timeline. Even a decade later, it took multiple senior investigators to defeat him, and that was only because Yoshimura held back, seeking death.

Now, standing before Byakuya and Arima, his presence served as a subtle warning to the other ghouls in the café not to harm these "human" visitors.