Chapter 24

Locking the door, I went down to the dining hall, where the members who had been guarding were already gathered.

"Toya, you're late!"

I bowed to Lumina and the others and sat in the empty seat. The orders had already been placed, and ale was quickly distributed to everyone. After confirming that everyone had been served, Lumina stood up to give a toast.

"Here's to a safe arrival at Dambler! Tomorrow is free time, so let's drink today! Cheers!"

"Cheers!!"

With the toast, everyone started drinking from their mugs. But it was lukewarm... In this world, room-temperature ale is the norm, but having known ice-cold beer from my previous life, it wasn't satisfying. I secretly used magic under the table to cool my mug before taking a sip. Cold ale was indeed better, and I couldn't help but smile.

Noticing my satisfied expression, Lumina called out to me.

"Toya, what are you doing over there?"

At her words, everyone's gaze turned to me. Of course, they would notice if I hid my mug under the table...

"Nothing... just nothing..."

With that attitude, Lumina took the mug from me.

"You... what did you do to this mug!?"

Surprised by the cold mug, Lumina brought it to her mouth. She was taken aback by the cold ale and then silently brought her own mug to me.

"Here..."

Sighing, I cooled her mug. She took a sip and looked satisfied.

"What did you do!?"

The other members couldn't help but be curious. Their mugs were lined up in front of me, and they looked at me with hopeful eyes. Resigned, I cooled all the mugs.

"What is this!? It's delicious!?"

"Cold ale is this good..."

While nibbling on the food, they drank the cold ale. The cold ale, tasting better, was consumed more quickly. After about two hours, everyone was drunk, and Milka was already passed out.

"Toya! You have to come with us every time and cool my ale!"

I was given a headlock by the cheerful Lumina and given an unreasonable request, but I could only laugh wryly.

After a while, we dispersed, and everyone staggered back to their rooms. I, too, feeling the effects of the alcohol, fell into bed and lost consciousness.

I woke up to the sunlight streaming through the window. Feeling the effects of the hangover, I cast a detoxification spell on myself, got out of bed, and cast a body-cleaning spell. In this world, there is a life magic for body cleaning, which anyone with a certain level of magic power can use. Therefore, baths are luxury items for nobles and wealthy merchants. Even if you can't use magic, there are always staff members at inns who can cast it for a fee.

"This magic is convenient, but nothing beats a bath... I want to go home soon..."

Thinking about this, I finished breakfast and decided to go out since it was a free day. No one woke up while I was eating, which was to be expected after drinking so much.

I chuckled to myself and told the inn staff I was going out before leaving.

Dambler is a smaller town than Fendy, with a population of about three thousand. It has no notable products but thrives as a trading post between Fendy and the southern town. As I walked through the town, looking at the goods on display, I saw a sign that I recognized from Fendy. It was the adventurer's guild, symbolized by a shield and a sword.

I had no intention of taking on a difficult quest, but I was curious about the available quests and went inside. The guild's structure varied in size, but the basic layout was the same. In the morning, the guild was filled with adventurers taking on quests. I leisurely looked at the quest board. As expected, with a forest nearby, the main quests were for materials and escort missions, with young, low-ranked adventurers carefully examining the board.

As I watched them from behind, I was suddenly tapped on the shoulder. Turning around, I saw a young child, who looked no more than ten years old, with a tearful expression. His clothes were ragged, and his face was dirty.

"What's wrong? This is the adventurer's guild..."

I crouched down to meet his gaze and asked. He took out three copper coins from his pocket.

"Big brother, are you a healer? My sister is sick. Can you help her with this money? No one else will..."

I stroked the boy's head, who was pleading with tears in his eyes.

"Sure, I'll help. Can you show me the way?"

"Really!?"

I stood up, smiled, and nodded. The boy wiped away his tears and beamed. I gestured for him to lead the way, but suddenly, someone grabbed my shoulder from behind.

"Hey, don't bother with a slum kid. And you... I don't recognize you."

Turning around, I saw three adventurers with a slightly shady look, smirking.

Thank you as always.