Chapter 18
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
After our audience with Viscount Hirte, we spent the whole day running around the dairy city.
We visited over a dozen places, including the Adventurer’s Guild, the Merchant Guild, the Carpenter Guild, and various other relevant institutions. At each stop, we brandished the same pitch: “a hopeful future and a present crisis.” With that, we set in motion the plan to funnel massive amounts of materials and manpower into Marhas.
“I… I can’t walk anymore…”
“What happened to your healing magic?”
“My mana’s nearly gone too…”
“Come on, stay with me.”
I wrapped my arm around Fimia’s slim waist as she staggered. Normally, anyone might’ve felt lucky and enjoyed the moment—but I was just as exhausted as she was.
Seriously, how the hell is Saran still standing like it’s nothing?
“You mustn’t, Yulg… Rolo would be upset.”
“You’re in no position to say that when you’re about to collapse.”
Though I could understand what she meant. It probably wouldn’t sit right with either Rolo or Fimia herself to be touched by another guy, even if it was out of concern.
But Rolo, walking beside us, looked like he was about to drop too. He hadn’t said a single word in a while—he was that far gone.
The whole party was completely spent. Even when we were adventuring with Silhasta, we rarely got this worn out. Turns out Saran was tougher than any monster. Who would’ve thought?
“Hmm. That should do it.”
Finally, Saran emerged from the Grain Management Guild and gave the words we’d been waiting to hear. The sun was already sinking behind the mountains.
“We’ll stay the night and leave in the morning. In this condition, camping out would be too risky.”
“You don’t say. And whose fault is that?”
“I told you, didn’t I? This is a race against time. We have to run several plans in parallel or we won’t keep up.”
Saran narrowed his eyes and let out a small—yet long—sigh.
…So, you’re tired too, huh? Pretending otherwise like always. Real tough guy.
“Come to think of it, what happened to Albert?”
“Don’t care. I didn’t see him in Marhas—probably went back to Advante.”
His reply was so cold, even I felt a little sorry for Albert. Sure, I never liked the guy either, but we still worked together for eight years. You’d think Saran could muster some interest, at least.
“Well then, Yulg. You choose the inn.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you.”
He suddenly threw the decision at me, and I was caught off guard. Since we were staying in the dairy city, I wanted to pick a place with good food. Even better if they served cold beer.
Plus, we were all drenched in sweat and covered in road dust. At the very least, we needed access to wash tubs. Preferably a proper bath.
“There’s a good inn a bit off the main road. Pricey, but secure, with great food—and a bath, too. …Sound good?”
“Oh! You mean Hotel Madrena, right?”
Rolo perked up with a smile, recognizing the name instantly. It was a well-known luxury hotel in the area… but hey, once in a while, it’s okay to splurge.
“Alright, let’s go. Looks like Fimia’s hitting her limit.”
“Yeah. Rolo, carry her.”
Ahead of our gaze, the “Saint” had completely wilted and slumped down onto the cobblestones like a ragdoll.
◆
“This whole thing’s gotten pretty wild, huh?”
“Yeah… I’m too dumb to even understand what’s going on anymore…!”
As I lathered up Rolo’s hair with soap, I let out a deep sigh. Signing on to Saran’s plan might’ve been the right move, but at this rate, we might die in a decidedly un-adventurer-like way.
“Any itchy spots, good sir?”
“What’s that? Sounds like one of those fancy salons in Advante.”
“Unlike over there, they don’t even have proper bathhouses here.”
Still, I wondered, how many years had it been since I last washed Rolo’s hair like this? Back in the day—when we were still in Marhas—I’d wash his hair at auntie’s request. Once we settled in Advante, he started going to hair salons through the adventurer guild’s perks, and I stopped doing it altogether.
“This really brings back memories.”
“Yeah. I’ll wash your hair afterward too, okay?”
“Nah, mine’s not worth the effort.”
Rolo’s fine, silver hair deserved the care, but my stiff, wiry mess of hair didn’t need that kind of attention. A quick Clean spell to get the stink off would be plenty.
“You always say that.”
“Because it’s true. My whole body’s built like a castle—I don’t need any pampering.”
As I rinsed out the bubbles, I ran my fingers through Rolo’s hair under the warm shower. Being able to use hot water freely like this—definitely the mark of a luxury hotel. They used all kinds of artifacts to make it possible. I wondered, could we build something like this in the new Marhas?
“What’s on your mind?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking… I’d love for the new Marhas to have a bath like this.”
“That’s a great idea. Let’s build one at your house!”
“Hey now, how long are you gonna keep dragging that joke out?”
“It’s not a joke. I’m serious.”
Rolo stood up, took my hand, and gently guided me to sit down. Even though I let my guard down, his movements surprised me. Probably some hand-to-hand combat technique adapted for casual use—smooth as hell.
“Your turn. I can’t be the only one getting pampered.”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Nope. You worked hard today too, Yulg.”
Before I could protest, Rolo poured soapy water over my head. Aah, no use resisting. Guess I’ll just accept it. Seriously, he can be so stubborn sometimes.
“Maybe I’ll ask Saran to build us a mansion—one that doubles as our party base.”
“Don’t. He might actually do it.”
“Then it’s not such a bad idea, is it?”
Behind me, Rolo giggled as he lathered up my head. Come to think of it, this might be the first time he’s ever washed my hair. When we were kids, I always did it myself.
“I want to build a place where you belong, Yulg.”
“Thanks. I mean, I don’t need a mansion, but… I appreciate the thought.”
“Then let’s at least have a nice bathhouse. Sharing a bath really brings people together, y’know?”
“Always comes back to that, huh?”
I chuckled at Rolo’s comment.
But… yeah. Having a place like this to share peaceful moments wouldn’t be so bad. With that thought, I silently thanked my best friend from the bottom of my heart.
