The Traveller And Resting at an Inn!
"Me? Just your everyday average magic swordsman!" Yuna responded, her playful smile hinting at the layers beneath her words.
"Well, let's leave it at that," Zack agreed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The atmosphere oscillated between levity and seriousness as their gazes remained locked.
"Now that we've pinpointed the issue, it's time to take action," Zack's tone turned serious, aligning with Yuna's resolve.
"Yeah, lucky for you, I happen to be an expert in investigations," Yuna declared with a self-assured grin, asserting her capabilities.
"I'll take that as I've earned your trust. There will be a reward prepared for your efforts," Zack's smile returned, a gesture of appreciation.
"You may go," Zack concluded the conversation, signaling Yuna's exit. Yukki and Nerium followed suit, leaving the room.
"T-That was intense…" Yukki stammered, a hint of fear lingering in her voice. Suddenly, Yuna dropped to her knees, surprising Yukki.
"Y-Yuna?! What's wrong?" Yukki rushed to support her.
"T-That was really something…" Yuna's cheeks flushed slightly, her words cryptic. Yukki's confusion deepened.
"That was just a wild guess…" Yuna took a moment to catch her breath before standing up.
"W-What's happening, Yuna?" Yukki's worry was palpable.
"N-Nothing… It's just… I never expected Darkness to be behind all this…" Yuna's revelation left Nerium shocked, her expression giving away her surprise.
"Darkness?" Nerium echoed.
"Yes, she's quite a character... A troublemaker of a sister," Yuna's smile held a mixture of amusement and something more sinister.
"Your sister?" Yukki inquired.
"Yes, her name is Darkness. She was disowned by our family and returned with a malevolent entity," Yuna's demeanor turned more ominous, her words bearing weight.
"In another sense, we'll address the capital's issue first, and she'll come next," Yuna's focus remained resolute as she continued walking. Returning to the guild's main lobby, they were met with the receptionist's friendly greeting before departing the guild.
"Ughh!" Yuna stretched her body and yawned.
"Let's book an inn; it's already late," Yuna suggested, to which Nerium and Yukki nodded in agreement. After wandering through the bustling night streets for a while, they stumbled upon what seemed to be the ideal place for a night's rest.
"Is this... it?" Yuna voiced her uncertainty.
"Well, the old woman did mention it's the best inn around, so it's probably the one," Nerium reasoned as all three of them stared at the unassuming, average-sized inn.
"Alright, no need to overthink it. Let's just call it a night here," Yuna decisively declared. With that, she strode into the inn, her companions Yukki and Nerium trailing behind her.
"Wait up, Yuna!" Yukki's voice carried a sense of urgency. As they entered the inn, they were greeted by laughter and a palpable sense of contentment that hung in the air.
"Hey, over here!" Yuna called out, beckoning to Nerium and Yukki from the reception desk.
"Geez, Yuna, you shouldn't just leave us behind like that," Yukki pouted, clearly miffed by the sudden separation.
"Sorry, sorry. Anyway, we need a room with three beds for a week," Yuna addressed the inn's receptionist.
"Got it! One room with three beds, reserved for a week!" the receptionist responded with cheerfulness.
"Your room number will be 027," she added, handing Yuna the key.
"Thank you. Alright, let's go!" Yuna motioned for Nerium and Yukki to follow as they made their way to their designated room. As they entered the room, they was amazed on how spacious and very cozy it is
"Wow! This room is really nice," Yuna exclaimed, clearly impressed by the accommodations.
"Yeah, I think it's even better than most inns in Salvia Town," Yukki giggled, her mirth contagious as Nerium nodded in agreement.
"Well, you're probably right, but your home back in Salvia Town is still unbeatable," Yuna chuckled, her words causing Yukki to blush slightly at the compliment.
"Anyway, let's just get some rest for tonight and start our investigation tomorrow," Yuna declared as she stretched out on the bed and promptly drifted off to sleep.
"She's already asleep... I wonder how exhausted she must be," Yukki mused, her voice laced with concern.
"Yeah, I think I'll turn in as well," Nerium said, moving to climb into her bed. But before she could settle in, Yukki stopped her with a touch on her shoulder.
"Wait, Nerium, can we talk for a moment?" Yukki's expression was earnest as she held Nerium's gaze.
"Of course," Nerium agreed, taking a seat in a chair within the room, Yukki settling down nearby.
"It's... actually about the Demon Castle. You've been away for quite a while, right? Do you think everything is going well without you?" Yukki's question held a note of concern.
"I believe so. Every midnight, I teleport to the Demon Castle to check on things and provide a brief report," Nerium reassured Yukki.
"That's good to hear, but..." Yukki's expression turned serious.
"But what? Is something bothering you?" Nerium inquired, her concern mirroring Yukki's.
"There might still be demons who hold grudges against humans, right?" Yukki voiced her worry, and Nerium's reaction was palpable.
"Yeah, it's possible. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the demon generals were secretly plotting attacks behind my back. That's why I constantly keep an eye on them," Nerium admitted.
"I see. Well, it's already late at night. Why don't we get some sleep?" Yukki suggested with a warm smile.
"You're right," Nerium agreed, returning the smile before retiring to her bed and promptly falling asleep.
"Keeping her eyes on them, huh..." Yukki murmured to herself, remaining seated in the chair as she contemplated the challenges and responsibilities that Nerium carried.