Chapter 281: Unease
Inside the carriage on our way back, it was just us. Retze had gone up to the driver’s seat, saying he would chat a bit, so he was out of earshot.
Despite Retze and Ash looking pretty worn out from the Chain Climbing, they had gone ahead to pull up the luggage. It was clear they were struggling. My physical abilities were off the charts, so I was fine, but it was definitely tough for them.
Karn and Dinoss, despite their size, climbed up effortlessly like cats, which surprised me. The two of them, along with the butler, moved without making the chains sway too much, which felt a bit strange.
Since I was the one making the most noise, it seemed like I needed some training. I was managing through sheer strength, but it was a bit embarrassing.
The shallow layers were a day trip, entering in the morning and returning late in the afternoon, and since we had to pay for the carriage, it was rare to come back early.
At this hour, with the sun so high, only those staying overnight would be returning. But right now, we were being held up at the Guild. The carriage at this time was meant for those who had been working on the Twentieth Layer.
“I want to eat something delicious, but I also want to take a bath.”
“The only baths that meet your standards are at a brothel or an inn where the Hero is staying, right? Chris and I are heading to the brothel, though.”
Dean teased, clearly intending to poke fun.
“I just want to borrow the bath.”
When I replied, I was met with loud laughter without any restraint.
More than being laughed at, it was the butler’s warm smile and nod that made me feel a bit awkward!
Basically, I had just been listening to others in the Labyrinth, so it felt nice to banter back and forth. Without conversation, I felt like a mere observer, and the sense of alienation was intense.
As the carriage swayed, I chatted about trivial things with everyone.
Upon arriving at the Fortress City, we stopped by the Guild to assess the materials from the Earth-Burrowing Serpent and briefly explained the situation in the Labyrinth. I left the rank-up matters to Dean and Chris.
I decided to come back once my glasses were returned, receiving a receipt for the materials I handed over. This was where Dean and Chris faded out. This is why those two never save up! They might as well be thoroughly fleeced!
“The Hero has returned. You could stay at an expensive inn if you want.”
Retze said, definitely teasing!
“If no one else is going, then that’s fine. I’ll just go home and take a bath.”
The “Heavenly Bliss,” where the False Hero stayed, was Chris’s favorite brothel.
It had a bath, air conditioning thanks to a Magic Circle, and everything from the sheets to all the linens was freshly changed for each guest—a level of cleanliness unimaginable in this world. I wanted to check it out just once for reference, but I was wary of Ash’s gaze.
“Why did he suddenly return? I thought he intended to continue conquering the Labyrinth.”
The butler looked puzzled.
“Probably because it was his birthday, and they called him back.”
Ignoring my brother’s circumstances and opinions entirely.
“Hmm. He does have a heart for celebration.”
I shrugged slightly at Ash’s words.
My sister binding me on my birthday wasn’t to celebrate but to prevent anyone else from celebrating me.
Ah, but now that I’m a puppet for her entourage, would the owner celebrate me?
Once I agreed to name the Spirit, the Gods occasionally provided detailed information about the Hero as a form of compensation. It’s a mystery why my sister’s entourage made a puppet of me.
Given my sister’s personality, I can’t imagine she’d tolerate someone else owning something she claimed as her own, even if it was a fake. Well, I don’t really care if they have their internal squabbles.
After picking up bread, eggs, and apples from a stall, we headed to the inn. I asked the innkeeper for a washbasin and hot water before going to our room.
It wasn’t the inn where the False Hero stayed, but it was a bit pricier, with a living room that had a fireplace and two adjoining bedrooms. By my standards, it felt like there weren’t enough rooms or beds.
“You sure are diligent.”
As I started burning some insect-repelling herbs, Dinoss looked at me with a mix of exasperation and admiration. I really hate itching!
Leaving Ash and the butler behind, I took the rest of the luggage to the well. The washbasin was for Ash.
“How can you stand it?”
I splashed cold water on myself and scrubbed vigorously.
“It’s all about getting used to it. Heating water is a hassle.”
Dinoss and Retze seemed fine with it.
I had taken off my clothes, but I lacked the courage to douse myself in water. The two of them splashed in and quickly started drying off.
“You’re being stubborn. The sun’s going down.”
Retze urged me.
“Karn is part of the cold group, my ally!”
“Hmm…”
The Desert King didn’t show it on his face, but he looked cold! His movements were a bit sluggish.
“Fine, fine. Here.”
Dinoss plunged his hand into the bucket, and steam rose. It seemed he had asked the Spirit for help.
It was a sunny day, so this was safe. Karn still looked cold, though.
As we returned, the butler headed to the well. Once everyone was refreshed, we ventured into the city for dinner.
The Fortress City was famous for its roasted wild chicken and Wild Boar dishes. There were regular options too, but both were delicious because they were Demon Beasts. People are sinful for deliberately releasing them into the Forest to turn them into Demon Beasts. But I still eat them.
“Thanks for your hard work!”
We toasted with wine and dug into the food.
The butler carved the perfectly roasted wild chicken. It seemed to be stuffed with mushrooms and onions. There was also a large chunk of Wild Boar meat waiting, which I was looking forward to. Even though Dean, the meat lover, wasn’t here, he was probably enjoying something delicious elsewhere.
“This place only serves Demon Beasts that have been transformed, so you can rest assured.”
The butler said.
Apparently, many places falsely serve regular meat as Demon Beast meat. They say that selling bird or pig legs with feet proves they aren’t fakes, and some Demon Beasts even come with their horned heads on display. I’d rather not deal with that.
The whole roasted wild chicken was more moist than I expected. It seemed to have a bit of maple syrup brushed on the skin, giving it a slight sweetness.
“Ah, it’s nice to be able to talk normally.”
Delicious food and free conversation—pure bliss.
“Yeah, now I can finally ask what I’ve been wanting to know.”
Dinoss said with a smile.
“Huh?”
“Well, it’s not the time here. We’ll talk once we get back to the room.”
Retze smiled too.
“Indeed.”
Karn nodded.
Everyone was nodding? This feels ominous!