Chapter 82

“Nngh—mmph.”

“Shhhhh.”

I stopped Mila from saying my name out loud so that it wouldn't be heard by the other people in the carriage, who were staring at us.

I glance back at them and say. “Sorry.” Then, as everyone stopped staring at us, I looked back at Mila, who was for some reason in the same carriage as me.

“Mila, what are you doing here?”

“Nyyy—”

Covering her mouth again. She was about to say my name, which was my fault since I hadn’t told her not to say it.

“Sorry, but could you not say my name? I’m in a situation where I need to keep it private.”

Whispering that, Mila was surprised and a bit confused. I pull back my hand, covering her mouth, and she takes a moment or two to think and nod her head up and down.

“Umm… right, umm… What are you doing here?”

“Reasons, specifically ones I can’t disclose. How about you?”

Looking like she had been caught in something, she was like an open book.

“Let’s see, let’s see, ummm… I’m going to see my dear little sister Mable. Umm… I wanted to check up on her. It’s been a while, you see.”

Hearing that, I sense part of what she was saying was off, like there was another reason she is leaving Acton. Opening my mouth, I was about to probe her for more information, but I stopped myself from instinctively doing that because it was not my business to do so, and I wasn’t a noble anymore.

“Huh… What are the odds? We’re also going to Farsbarrow.”

“Really?!”

Shouting that out, we drew the attention of the people inside the carriage again, and I had to apologize for the ruckus again.

Seeing that happen, Mila scratched her head, a bit embarrassed, so she tried to change the conversation. She asks.

“By the way, who is that person behind you? You seem to know each other.”

Glancing at Clare behind me, I began introducing Mila to Clare, where I made up a cover story since I didn’t expect to run into her here. Clare immediately caught on and played along smoothly, telling Mila that she was on her way to Farsbarrow after being hired as an adventurer guild receptionist there and was passing by Acton to see me, to which I added that I was simply escorting her because I didn’t want to see a close friend of mine be attacked on the way there.

With everything explained, our carriage began to move; it was finally time for us to depart.

Passing by the gate, I still had my hood down, and when we were far enough, I looked back out the carriage, looking at Acton in the far-off distance, where the walls seemed extremely small to the point where the other carriages and wagons were blocking my view of Acton.

Clare, Mila, and I then began chatting, mostly about how we went to her shop to pick up my knives and to buy a book, only to see that she wasn’t there, to which Mila responded, a bit surprised, telling us that if we had come just a bit earlier, we would have seen her.

Seeing that it was going to be another long journey, I pulled out a book from my backpack and began reading it.

It was quite thick, but it should last me around a month if I take my time. I read, and eventually, we were in Larethmere.

Coming back here and seeing the lake was strangely nostalgic. Since we were in a carriage, it only took us a day to get here.

Night had already set, so we all just went to an inn, got something to eat, and went to bed.

The next morning, we woke up early, had breakfast, and set out, leaving no time to do anything in the town because we were on a tight schedule, so we had to leave early to make it to our next destination, which was a village, the same one I went to on the way to Acton.

Back in the carriage, I glanced out the window, my hood still pulled up. Mila sat across from me, looking utterly exhausted—her head bobbing up and down as she tried to sleep but was prevented by the bumpy, rocking carriage.

Huh… I guess she stayed all night reading. We didn’t see her in the tavern downstairs, and she didn’t respond when we knocked on her door, so we had to get a spare key from the innkeepers to get in.

She’s exhausted after just trying to pull an all-nighter, which was rookie numbers. In my past life, I could stay up for a whole week without sleep and be fine, mostly. In this life, I could and have stayed up for three days straight once. The only reason I don’t is that I’m a growing child, meaning it would be to my own detriment if I don’t get enough sleep, since I’m not a named pilot anymore, and more importantly, Clare would definitely not approve of it.

Thinking that to myself, I felt an exasperated gaze directed toward me. It was Clare’s, and I looked to see that she had a look like I had done something wrong.

Oh… shoot, I let my thoughts slip out again.

“It isn’t good to make it a competition.”

Whispering that to me, disapprovingly, I meekly responded, “Yeah…”

Looking away from her gaze. I quickly turn back to looking out the carriage for the rest of the journey till we stop at a village, also the same one I went to on the way to Acton, like with Larethmere.

Reaching the village, it was late into the afternoon, meaning we had some time left to kill before it got dark, but because I had to keep my identity hidden, I couldn't leave the inn I was staying at. Instead, I just read my book, with Mila next to me in her room as company, and do the occasional small talk.

I really wanted to ask her about magic, about how to do the basics, but I cannot because that would lead her to know that I can use magic, which I want to keep a secret.

Telling too many people about my secret isn’t a good idea. I’d learn from last time that I need to think ahead, far ahead, because I was too naive in thinking that just hiding myself away in some place would be enough. I need countermeasures if it ever happens again.

Looking out the window, I occasionally glanced outside, seeing if Clare was back yet. She said she needed to do some errands. I asked to come with her, but she declined, saying that she could handle it herself.

I trust her, but after all that has happened, I can’t help but worry. The intervals of my glance outside steadily increase, so now I can’t go by every minute without checking if she is back.

It got to the point where Mila started to notice and ask what was wrong, and I told her that I was worried for Clare and that she wasn’t with anyone to protect her.

“I’m sure she is fine. Didn’t she say that she would be gone for less than an hour? It’s only been 30 minutes.”

Gently smiling at me to reassure me that everything was fine, it didn’t help, but I tried listening to her because what else was there to do?

“Okay.”

“Yeah, she’ll probably be back before you know it.”

Nodding, I put down my book and looked out my window. And eventually, Mila was right, and Clare came back.

I sigh in relief seeing that she was fine, but also wonder what kind of errand she had to do to even go alone at night.

Coming into Mila’s room, Clare said. “I apologize for worrying you. Something came up, but I’ve fixed the issue.”

“I’m glad you are back and safe. Do you mind telling me what the issue is?”

“Oh, it seems that I’ve forgotten something in Acton. I was sending a messenger back to the inn I was staying in to see if they still had it.”

Listening to that, I sense that there was something she was not telling me about, like she was keeping me away from it. I wanted to know, in private, with nobody to hear, but I trust her, that she could handle it and would tell me in time.

Now knowing Clare was back, I said to Mila.

“Alright, I guess it’s time to go to bed. You should do that too, Mila. Don’t try and stay up late.”

“Do I have to?”

Hearing her complaint, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but “Yeah, it’s bad for your health, you know?”

Mila pouted and begrudgingly said she tried.

Leaving her room, I made it back to mine, and Clare to hers. I said goodnight to Clare, and she did the same.

Then, early in the morning, Clare was by my side to wake me up, already ready to go.

Helping me get ready for the morning, I wash my face with a small tub of water as Clare combs my bedhead, and we make our way to Mila’s room to wake her, but she didn’t respond like last time, which was why Clare had already gotten a spare key from the innkeepers to her room.

Helping her get up, I dragged her out of bed, but Clare did most of the work getting her ready for the day as she grumbled for 5 more minutes of sleep.

Making our way to a tavern close by, we ate something quick and simple, which was porridge, and then we made our way back into the carriage.

The carriage moved, and we left the village, still following the same route I had taken to Acton but in reverse. And eventually, we made our way back to Farsbarrow. It was uneventful, which was a good thing, and fortunate, especially since we didn’t encounter any monsters on the way here.

Approaching the gates of Farsbarrow, we step off the carriage and present our IDs to the guard as they inspect the carriage.

Giving them my adventurer guild card, they examine it, but for some reason, instead of giving it back to me, they wave over another guard, who, from his equipment and clothes, looked to be a guard captain.

Seeing their response, I grew weary. Is there something wrong?

Approaching me, Clare was about to step between us, but I stopped her.

“Ah, you must be him. Ms. Emma was expecting you.”

Oh, so Emma notified him of our arrival. Thank goodness.

“I see, we’ll go to her after finding a suitable inn to stay at.”

Handing me back my card, I turn to Clare and Mila.

“Mila, are you going to see your sister first?”

Enthusiastic, she said, Yeah, giddy with excitement to see her little sister.

“Okay, we’ll meet you there after we find an inn.”

Nodding up and down, then with a quick goodbye, Mila ran off.

Seeing that, I turned to Clare and said. “Let’s go.”

Picking up our luggage, we make our way inward into the town, passing by the familiar streets and buildings as we did.

Clare had already picked out an inn we could stay in, which was close to the adventurer guild, but it was somewhat pricy. Since I have a decent amount of coins on me, it shouldn’t be a problem, as it should last us around half a year.

So following the direction Mila was going, we took a right turn—a detour to the inn. When we were there, I saw it was a fancy-looking two-story building with rows of clean, glass-paned windows.

It stood out compared to the other buildings next to it because of how clean it was and how almost modern it looked, with a mixture of a countryside or rustic design to it.

Even looking inside from the window, I saw it was like a lobby with a reception counter like every other inn I’ve been to, but it just looked really bougie and fancy. It kind of felt like they were trying to have the essence of what it’s like to be an inn for adventurers, but not by making it look like it to some rich person with all the grime, noise, or danger of what it’s like to be an adventurer.

With all that in mind, I wasn’t too keen on staying here because this feels too conspicuous. I was expecting something much less bougie, but I trust Clare in her decision.

Going inside, I open the door and walk to the reception counter.

“Good evening. I welcome you to the Velvet Ember. Ah, you must be the special guest Ms. Emma informed us about. How may I be of assistance?”

“I’m here for a room, two people.”

“And how long will you be staying?”

Reaching into my coin pouch, I took out some coins and said.

“A month, but we might stay for longer.”

“I see.”

Receiving 6 large silvers, she took them and then gave us two keys to our room.

“Please enjoy your stay.”

We walked to our rooms after she said that, and I thought, so… Emma informed them of our arrival, but I guess it’s to be expected. I’m just honestly surprised that Emma knew which inn we were staying in.

Up to the second and third floors, we were on the fourth floor, in front of the door to our room.

With the key in my hand, I put it in the lock and opened it. Stepping in, I was mildly impressed by the interior.

It was much more spacious than the inn I usually stayed at and much cleaner, too. It’s honestly not that bad, despite how much it costs per night, which costs way less than a silver per night.

Closing the door, I walked to my side as I explored the room. Clare said.

“How is it, my lady? Is it to your liking?”

Looking around and placing my hand on the bed, which felt soft and similar to the bed I slept in at my house in Acton, I said.

“It’s fine, but I don’t know why you chose this inn out of all the other inns.”

I looked at Clare, wondering that, and she smirked a little like there was a surprise for me.”

“Then let me show you, Lady Rita.”

Walking to a door that was in the room, she turned the knob and opened it.

Huh… okay, never mind, I could definitely see why she chose this place. This place has a bathroom and, more importantly, a bathtub.

Seeing me react in surprise, Clare was delighted by my expressionless face.

“That is amazing.”

Almost running in, I stare at the bathtub with the urge to take a bath after days on the road right there and now.

I could really use one, but I, disappointingly, had to control myself because there were things I needed to do today.

So, with a heavy sigh, I step back out of the bathroom and head out because it was time to meet with Emma and Cade in the adventurer’s guild.

Going straight to the Adventurer Guild, I was hoping to meet with Rain again since I haven’t sent her a letter in quite some time.

Entering the guild building, I walk to the reception area like I always did when I was here for a while.

Going to the line Emma was usually in, I saw her and walked to her, a bit eager to talk with her again.

Noticing me and Clare, she smiled and spoke first.

“Oh, it’s been a while, Nyx, and you too, Clare. Did you experience any bumps on your way here?”

“None, other than Mila, who I didn’t expect was also traveling with us.”

“Yeah, her. I also didn’t expect that we would come as well. If you're wondering where she is, you can find her in the library with Mable.”

Turning to face Clare. “It’s been a while; let’s talk. We have much to discuss and preparations to be made.”

Nodding, “Yes, shall we go then? To somewhere much more private.”

“Okay, one moment, please; let me get a coworker to cover for me.”

Seeing Emma getting off her chair and going to get someone, Clare whispers.

“There is no need to wait; please go see your friend, my lady. I’ll take care of everything and will tell you everything once it’s over.”

Hearing that, I said. ”Okay, but how long will that take?”

“Around a few hours, plenty of time to talk with your friend.”

“Yeah, I guess you're right. I’ll be going now.”

Trusting whatever Emma and Clare were planning, I made my way to the basement and to the library. However, as I was approaching there, I heard what seemed to be shelves and books falling, followed by one big, exasperated sigh.

That voice… has the most emotion I've ever heard out of it; how odd.

I walked to the door and opened it to see that the small room, filled with books, was a mess, with Mable at the center.

“Umm… Hi there, Mable. Do you need any help?”

Her calm demeanor was fraying at the edges, and her patience, from what I could tell, was at its limit.

So, facing me and taking a deep breath, “Yes, please help my sister out of the pile of books that fell on her.”

We both looked at the one specific area of the room, where I heard someone groaning in pain. Without a word spoken, I dig through that pile to find Mila while Mable begins to clean up the mess her sister made.

Digging through the books and pushing away a bookshelf on her, I checked her vitals, and she was fine, just knocked out.

Pulling her out, I drag her out of the room by her shoulders and ask Mable, who was stacking her books outside by the walls, what to do with Mila.

“Oh, her? Just take her to the infirmary. She should be out for a while. It should be enough time for me to fix everything.”

“I see. Do you want me to help after I take Mila to the infirmary?”

“No, I will suffice, and please, if she is awake, just make sure she doesn’t leave till I come to you after I'm done.”

“Really?” Sensing what she was thinking inside, it kind of felt like this happens quite a lot.

“Yes, my older sister tends to make a mess of things, but anyway, sorry that I can’t talk with you right now. Is there anything else you need?”

Well, that is a shame. I wish that we could have a chat, but oh well.

“Umm… yeah, do you have a book about magic? Specifically on how to use magical powers?”

Hearing that, she said okay and went back into the room, and a minute or two later, after going through the pile, she handed a book to me.

“Here, but out of curiosity, why do you want it?”

“For research purposes, did Mila tell you about my engraved knives?”

“Engraved knives? No, she didn’t.”

“Huh… that is strange, but okay… I’ll be going now.”

Taking Mila over my shoulder, I took her to the infirmary. And once the doctor looked over her and gave her a bed, I pulled up a chair next to Mila’s bed and began reading the book I requested from Mable, titled Beginner's Guide to Controlling Magic.