Chapter 88

As I shook off the wyvern's pursuers and left the city, I enjoyed a leisurely flight through the sky.

There was no need to rush back home.

Especially, lying on my back and gazing at the vast sky while flying felt wonderful.

If I raised my head a little, the sky and earth would appear upside down, which was quite interesting.

Occasionally, bird-like monsters would attack, but I would take care of them before they got close with the "flying blades" I released from my hand.

Before I knew it, the sky had turned a deep crimson and eventually became night.

I could continue flying all night under the stars, but I would prefer to stay at an inn tonight.

I had been sweating all day due to the strong sunlight, so I wanted to wash my body.

A bath would be nice, but ideally, I wanted to stay somewhere with a proper bathhouse.

As I was thinking about this, I saw a city in the distance.

I hoped it wouldn't be a troublesome city like the one from yesterday, and I landed on the ground.

---

I was able to enter the city without any issues, as there were no class distinctions or different gates for different professions.

I decided to look for an inn right away.

"Hmm?"

At that moment, I felt a gaze and looked in that direction.

"Do you want some apples? They are sweet, juicy, and delicious!"

A girl who looked like any other townsperson was selling apples to passersby.

The apples in the basket were bright red and indeed looked delicious.

"Must be my imagination."

---

"Thank you for your purchase!"

The apple seller bowed to an elderly man but kept her eyes on a certain young man's back.

"Miss Kaede, Miss Kaede. This is Sakura from the city of Reen. I just spotted a person who might be the target at the city entrance."

Then, she covered her mouth with her hand and whispered in a small voice, as if reporting to someone who wasn't there.

"Really?"

"Yes, the features match with a high degree of accuracy."

"According to Elenela, he was in Carion just a day ago. It takes three days to get to Reen by carriage. Are you sure it's him?"

"Indeed... I've only confirmed his appearance so far, but I will investigate his name and profession as soon as possible!"

"Got it. Report back as soon as you have any information."

"Understood!"

---

As I walked around, I found an inn on the street.

When I entered, a girl who looked to be about seven or eight years old ran up to me.

"Welcome! Are you staying alone?"

She must be helping out at her family's inn. She seemed quite capable for her age.

"Yeah. Before that, does this inn have a bath?"

"Of course! We have a big bath! Even a big brother like you can swim in it!"

She replied enthusiastically.

I hadn't expected much from a small family-run inn, but it seemed to have a large bath.

Perhaps she could sense my thoughts.

"This town has hot springs! So every inn has a bath as a matter of course!"

"I see."

I understood.

"Ah, but I hope you won't go to another inn! Our building is small, but the hot spring is large!"

The girl added this hastily, and I replied.

"Then I'll stay for one night."

"Thank you! What about your meal? Our food is well-regarded!"

"Sure, I'll have it. After the bath, please."

"Okay! I'll show you to your room!"

After being shown to my room, I immediately headed to the bath.

---

"Ah, welcome! Are you staying alone?"

"Excuse me, but did a young man named 'Al' come to this inn earlier?"

"Eh? Oh, you mean the young man from earlier?"

The girl checked the guest register, where the name "Al" was written.

"Did you ask about his profession?"

"Well, not that far..."

"I see. By the way, do you have any available rooms?"

"Ah, yes!"

"Then I'll stay for one night. I don't need a meal."

"Understood! I'll show you to your room!"

---

"Miss Kaede. This is Sakura from the city of Reen. I have confirmed that the name is indeed 'Al.' His profession is still unknown. I will continue my investigation."

"Understood."

---

"Ahh, I feel alive again..."

I couldn't help but let out a middle-aged man's voice as I soaked in the hot spring.

Well, I'm almost twenty, so it can't be helped.

As the girl at the inn said, it was a large bath, and it was an outdoor hot spring.

The temperature was just right, and it felt great.

"But there are no other guests. It's a bit late, so they must have already finished."

Thanks to this, I had the bath to myself.

Incidentally, it was a mixed bath.

"Hehehe, what a disappointment, you were hoping to see some naked women, huhuhuhu!?"

As I was playing with Mati in the water, I sensed someone approaching.

A young woman soon entered the bath.

"May I join you?"

"Sure, go ahead. It's a mixed bath, after all."

The steam was thick, so I couldn't see much.

"Then I'll take you up on that offer..."

In the large bath, she sat on the opposite side, facing me.

"Nice water, isn't it?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah."

She asked casually, and I responded.

"Have you been to this town before?"

"No, it's my first time. I didn't even know it had hot springs."

"Is that so? I usually live in Carion, but I come here occasionally because I like the hot springs."

"Carion?"

It was a name I had heard before.

"Yes. Have you heard of it?"

"I think I have, but I'm not sure."

"...It's a city with very strict class discrimination."

"Oh, that place."

I had just been there yesterday.

"Have you been there before?"

"Yes. Just yesterday, but I left early because I had some trouble."

"...Yesterday."

She repeated my words with a meaningful tone.

"But how did you get here in just one day? It takes three days by carriage."

"I flew through the sky."

"...What?"