LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 35: The Town of Moterno
Warm light basked the city as the sun rose for yet another day. It was a normal day where the children frolic around the town, the merchants sell their merchandise, and the soldiers patrolled the streets. It was also the day of Grey and Yuna's departure.
"Here, Grey. These are some of the dishes me and Gerd cooked this morning. They're still hot so be careful in carrying them." ［Selia］
"Thank you, Missis Selia. I'm sure they'll be delicious." ［Grey］
Currently, Grey and Yuna are being set off by Helen and her family. While Grey received Gerd and Selia's packed lunch, Yuna was consoling Helen whose eyes were overflowing with tears.
Although Helen understood that the two will be returning back after a month or two, she still couldn't stop herself from crying. She was like a little child whose best friend is going to go abroad.
With a final hug from Yuna, Helen's tears finally started to slow down. She wiped away her tears with her hands and showed a bittersweet smile to Yuna and then Grey afterwards.
"You better come back here once you're finished, understood?" ［Helen］
"Yeah, yeah. It's not like we'll be going to another continent or something." ［Grey］
"Don't worry, we'll try to come back as fast as we can." ［Yuna］
"I see... Then... Dear customers, I hope you enjoyed your stay at the 'Rabbit's Den'! Our doors are always open for your return!" ［Helen］
With a smile on her face, Helen finally regained her composure. She even had the energy to set off Grey and Yuna as she usually does to other customers.
"Then, we'll be going now... Until next time!" ［Grey］
"Bye～!" ［Yuna］
"Take care～! Make sure to eat well!!" ［Selia］
"Let's have another cook-off next time!" ［Gerd］
As Grey and Yuna waved their goodbyes to Helen and her family, they slowly vanished into the horizon until they were nowhere to be seen, leaving behind the family of three to go about their daily lives.
About 20 minutes later, the two were finally out of Galderia. They were greeted by a familiar scenery of verdant fields and a long winding road. There were only a few man-made structures in sight.
"So Grey, which direction are we heading?" ［Yuna］
"Umm... We are heading to the town of Moterno, so that will be... eastward. But we won't be taking the highway. This time, we'll go by the forest." ［Grey］
Normally, it would take 5 days by carriage on the highway to arrive from Galderia to Moterno, but if by taking the forest route, the process can be sped up as much as Grey and Yuna's stamina allows and shorten the travel time to a few hours.
Of course, it would have taken even shorter on the highway, but if they use their speed on it, the horses pulling the carriages might be startled and cause an accident. It was something they definitely needed to avoid.
"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah." ［Grey］
With a cheerful smile, Grey and Yuna set off and started their journey towards the town of Moterno. Since they were using the forest route, there was no need to be reserved and they ran without restraint.
And just like their first journey, they were able to encounter some monsters along the way, but they were all no match to them. Of course, it also meant they dropped some things worth selling.
On the way there, the two also gathered some herbs and rare materials. It wasn't because they needed them but because they might be of use later. They also have infinite storage so, why not?
They also encountered some minor inconveniences like muddying their clothes. getting chased by a colony of bees, or setting foot in a quicksand, but in the end, they managed to arrive at Moterno safely.
It was late in the afternoon when the two arrived in the vicinity of Moterno. And it might have been because of the opening of the Labyrinth, but there was a very long inspection line from the entrance.
It took more than an hour until Yuna and Grey finally arrived near the front. Even when the sun was about to set, there was still quite a long line behind them.
"Next!" ［Guard］
With the guard's signal, the line moved along once again and it was Grey and Yuna's turn for the inspection. The only difference right now from their first one was that they have ID cards now.
"Your ID cards, please." ［Guard］
""Here"" ［Grey and Yuna］
"...!!!" ［Guard］
As the guard had requested, Grey and Yuna handed their cards over to him for an inspection. The moment he received the cards, his eyes widened in shock as he looked back and forth between the cards at their owners.
It was as if the guard had seen a ghost appear before him. Not only him, the other guards who also saw the golden cards were in the same state. They didn't know how to respond.
The guards had already checked the authenticity of the cards with the magic tool he had in hand so there was no doubt that it was real. He just couldn't believe how two very young people managed to achieve such a high rank.
"I-I bid you welcome to the town of Moterno, Your Excellencies, Count Grey and Countess Yuna." ［Guard］
The guard quickly changed into a formal tone as he bowed his head towards Grey and Yuna. Following his sudden actions, the other guards also bowed their heads respectfully.
Seeing the guards bow their heads, the crowd behind the two started murmuring and asking each other about the two youths in front of them. After all, it was quite an eye-catching scene.
Thankfully, with the help of Yuna's 'Physical Concealment', they were able to hide their identities. It would have been a problem if a rumor about them started spreading, after all.
"Umm... Why don't we head to the barracks first." ［Grey］
"A-As you wish!" ［Guard］
As per Grey's request, the guard escorted them in the barracks while the other guards loosened up and continued their jobs. When they arrived there, with a signal from the guard escorting them, the guards there stood up quickly and greeted Grey and Yuna with a bow.
Although they weren't doing much, dealing with formalities made the two a little bit exhausted. It was mentally taxing. Even running hundreds of kilometers was better than dealing with it.
"I apologize for my rude conduct beforehand, I am called Gil, please feel free to ask if you need something." ［Gil］
The guard once again bowed respectfully as he introduced himself to Grey and Yuna. It has become more annoying and uncomfortable as time passed.
"Ah, yes... Nice to meet you, but you don't need to act so stiffly." ［Grey］
"Un, it's really uncomfortable." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes, if you wish sー I mean, sure!" ［Gil］
With Grey and Yuna's request, the guards in the barracks loosened up and acted more relaxed around them. But rather than request, to the guards' minds, it was more of like an order.
While it was a good thing that Grey and Yuna had gotten promoted, dealing with situations similar to what they have just experienced made them rethink if it was really worth it.
Well, no matter how hard they think about it, it was pointless. What's done is done and they won't be able to change it. After all, for every disadvantage, there is also a similar disadvantage.
"By the way, Mister Gil, do you know a good inn around here?" ［Grey］
"An inn? Yeah, I do know some, but what kind of inn are you looking for, Lord Grey?" ［Gil］
Deciding to let go of his previous thought, Grey asked Gil about things concerning their stay. But even with a casual tone, Gil still addressed Grey as "Lord".
Although it was better than before, the guards' mentalities couldn't be changed easily. They still showed respect and politeness towards Grey and Yuna. They still treated them as VIPs.
"As long as it's a decent placeー Wait! Actually, an inn with a hot bath would be great. Do you know of one?" ［Grey］
"I miss hot baths..." ［Yuna］
To Grey's statement, Yuna started to reminisce about having a warm and relaxing hot bath. It was something she hasn't had for a while.
During the days Grey and Yuna were living in the forest, the way to clean themselves was through a shower, a bath in a nearby spring, or bathing in the hot bath Grey made. They were luxuries the two weren't able to enjoy after arriving at Galderia.
A hot bath may not be a necessity to survive but it was something which healed the souls of those who experienced it. It makes the body feel refreshed. It was the reason Grey and Yuna loved it.
"Sorry, I don't know of such a place." ［Gil］
Grey and Yuna initially had their hopes up, but the moment they heard Gil's reply, their hopes were harshly shot down.
Although hot baths can easily be made with the help of enchantments and magic tools, maintaining one costs quite a hefty sum. It was something only rich merchants, the gentry, or the nobility could afford.
Grey could also make a hot bath with his own ability, but the problem was, he doesn't own any plot of land to do so. He still hasn't settled on building his own house just yet.
"Ah, if it's a hot bath, I know of one." ［Guard 2］
But just when all hope seemed to be lost, one guard standing behind Gil raised his hand and voiced out his opinion. He was a man who seemed to be the same age as Gil and had blonde hair.
When Grey and Yuna heard his words, their attention was instantly shifted to him. The guard flinched a little after seeing them turn their heads towards him. It was as if a predator was eyeing him.
"Ah, I apologize for my intrusion!" ［Guard 2］
"No need to fret over that. Now, did you say you know a place?" ［Grey］
"Yes, it's a new inn called "Blue Spring". Its prices are higher than usual, but many of its customers say that it's worth it." ［Guard 2］
As soon as Grey heard its name, he quickly engraved it into his memory. Now, the problem regarding where they will be staying has been resolved.
"Blue Spring, huh... I'll remember that. Thank you, umm..." ［Grey］
"Hal. Call me Hal." ［Hal］
"Then, thank you, Mister Hal." ［Grey］
"Un! Thank you very much!" ［Yuna］
"It was my pleasure." ［Hal］
With the matter of their stay settled, Grey and Yuna then proceeded to ask the guards about important locations in Moterno, such as the adventurer's guild, the marketplace, and the entrance to the labyrinth. They were locations that the two needed to know no matter what.
Of course, other than those locations, they have also asked about noteworthy places to visit and interesting things to do in Moterno. After all, while they may be there for adventure, they also wanted to enjoy their stay before then.
"I think that's all. Thank you for your help." ［Grey］
"Yay～! We can finally enjoy a hot bath!" ［Yuna］
Excitement was showing on Yuna's face as she hummed while imagining herself relaxing in a hot bath. She was acting so adorable that Grey couldn't help himself but chuckle.
"Everyone, we'll see you later." ［Grey］
"Bye～!" ［Yuna］
""Please enjoy your stay!"" ［Gil and Hal］
Having said their goodbyes, Grey and Yuna then headed towards the direction of the inn as they observed the town along the way. While it wasn't as big as Galderia, it was equally beautiful.
And like the time they entered Galderia, Yuna's eyes were sparkling as she curiously looked at the buildings, stalls, and signboards she saw. She really looked like an excited child.
Few minutes after the two left the barracks, they arrived in front of the "Blue Spring". Unlike the "Rabbit's Den", the "Blue Spring" inn was a little larger. Its appearance was also on a different theme compared to the surrounding buildings.
"It really stands out..." ［Grey］
"So blue..." ［Yuna］
It wasn't just the size, the color of the building really stood out like a sore thumb. Grey and Yuna didn't know how to describe it other than "amazing".
The moment they stepped foot inside of it, a bath-themed lobby greeted them. The flooring, the walls, even the furniture were bath-themed. It was really different from the "Rabbit's Den".
"Welcome, how may I serve you?" ［Receptionist］
And as per usual, Grey and Yuna were greeted by a young and beautiful female receptionist. She looked to be around the same age as Helen.
"Umm... We heard you have hot baths here?" ［Grey］
"Yes... We do have them. While it may be a little expensive, I can guarantee the quality of our services." ［Receptionist］
The moment Grey and Yuna heard the confirmation straight from the receptionist's mouth, they became even more excited. They could finally have their long awaited hot bath after more than half a month.
"Then we would like to check in. How much is a night here?" ［Grey］
"It depends on the room you are taking. For a single room, it would be 120 kiels a night, and for both double and large rooms, it would cost 180 kiels a night. An additional 25 kiels for a person's worth of breakfast and another 25 kiels for a bath per person." ［Receptionist］
The receptionist briefly explained the prices within the inn towards Grey and Yuna, and like Hal had previously said, it was quite more expensive than normal inns. The lodging alone was almost double that of the "Rabbit's Den".
Of course, to Grey and Yuna, paying for such a sum was worth it. With the amount they are earning in every quest, they could easily afford a week's worth of lodging and it wouldn't make a dent in their balance.
"Hmm... Then we'll have two single rooms, breakfast and bath included for two people. We'll have that for a week." ［Grey］
"Understood. Then that would be... 2,380 kiels in total!" ［Receptionist］
Hearing the price once again, Grey couldn't help but compare it to their weekly expense at the "Rabbit's Den". It really was expensive.
Grey then handed the payment to the receptionist, and in response, the receptionist handed them the register to write their names unto and gave them the keys for their rooms.
She also briefly explained the rules in the hot bath and soon after, gave the two a pass which allows them to enter the bath anytime of the day. It was a pass which was renewed everyday to prevent reuse.
"So it's Mister Grey and Miss Yuna, huh..." ［Receptionist］
The receptionist mumbled in a low voice as she read the names Grey and Yuna placed on the register. But with Grey and Yuna's hearing capabilities, they were able to hear it loud and clear.
Thankfully, their cards weren't needed, otherwise, they would need to go through another troublesome scene. It would have been a repeat of the scene in the town gates.
"Oh, by the way, I'm Mira, nice to meet you." ［Mira］
"It's also a pleasure to meet you. I'm Grey." ［Grey］
"And I'm Yuna. We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］
"Well then, Mister Grey, Miss Yuna, I hope you enjoy your stay!" ［Mira］
When the two finished their short exchange with Mira, the two then headed to their respective rooms and arranged their belongings. Their rooms were just opposite of one another.
Like before, they were also on the third floor where you can view a lovely portion of the town from the windows. It was exactly because of that scenery that Grey and Yuna decided to pick a room on that floor.
Unlike the lobby and the outside appearance, the rooms weren't bath-themed and looked somewhat similar to the ones in the "Rabbit's Den". Because of that similarity, the two were able to familiarize themselves quite quickly.
Knock Knock Knock
Upon finishing the arrangement of his things, Grey then went outside of Yuna's room and knocked on her door. He has quite the proposal towards her.
"Grey, do you need something?" ［Yuna］
And with Yuna's heightened senses and familiarity with Grey, she was easily able to tell that it was him knocking on the door.
"Yeah. Are you done with your things now?" ［Grey］
"Un, I'm done... Ah, wait a second, I'll be opening the door now." ［Yuna］
As Yuna neared the door, her footsteps also became clearer, and seconds later, the door opened and a familiar face of an adorable girl was revealed. She had already changed to her casual clothing.
"Oh, you've already changed..." ［Grey］
"Un... We traveled quite a lot, after all. I at least need to clean myself before heading in a public bath. So... what did you want to say again?" ［Yuna］
"Ah, right. Tomorrow, do you wanna go on a date?" ［Grey］
When the word "date" was mentioned, Yuna's face instantly turned from normal to beet red. It was so sudden she didn't know how to react.
As for Grey's reason why she suddenly asked Yuna on a date, it was because of the events back in Galderia when he invited Yuna for an outing. Since it became a date, he thought he might as well just say it directly and formally invite Yuna.
But of course, even when he was fully prepared about what he said, he still couldn't help but get flustered from saying it too directly. He was so flustered that he didn't notice Yuna's much redder face.
"T-Then, I'll have you treat me to a lot of food, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, sure... Then I'll be heading to the bath now." ［Grey］
In order to hide his flustered face, Grey quickly gave an excuse and escaped from the awkward situation. He didn't even notice that Yuna was in a much severe state of being flustered.
While Yuna fully knew that Grey only meant it as a date with a friend, her heart still wouldn't slow down from racing. After all, it was the first time Grey had formally invited her out on a date.
When Grey arrived at the baths, two doors greeted him. One was for males and one for females. Of course, Grey headed in the bath for males. He wasn't a pervert, after all.
Grey was a little bit uncomfortable since it was a public bath, but the moment he headed inside, there was no one there. It was like he had the bath all for himself. It was pure luxury.
It may have to do with the fact that not many people bathe at night in Merusia, but all that mattered to Grey was that he could enjoy the large open hot bath solo. It was like he was in a dream.
Slowly, Grey dipped his whole body into the hot bath, starting from toes, to my knees, to the legs, and eventually until my shoulders were submerged. And the relaxing sensation then overtook his body.
Feeling the familiar sensation, it took him back to the times when he and Yuna had their own private baths in their house back in the Haltea Great Forest. They were peaceful times.
"Haah... Hot baths really are the best..." ［Grey］
CHAPTER 35 END