Chapter 86: Rest
By the time Salva and the others parted ways with Tatsuro and Ai, the sun had already set. While in Obsul, the streets had become quite dark around this time; thanks to evenly spaced, faint orange-colored streetlights about three meters high and the light escaping from the buildings lining the streets, Lyadas had become considerably brighter. Tatsuro and his group rode in their carriage towards the red road leading to their inn, which they had learned about.
As it had turned to night and the number of pedestrians had decreased, Tatsuro swiftly stashed Jeanne and the carriage away during a moment when no one was watching. Walking through the town was more practical, and, given the moving sidewalks, just standing would get them to their destination. Riding through the streets on Jeanne wasn't a feasible option.
"But this is quite convenient, isn't it?" (Tatsuro)
"Yeah, I wish Japan had roads like these." (Ai)
"Although it might cause more people to become sedentary." (Tatsuro)
"True, it could weaken our legs. However, if these paths were spread throughout the entire town, it would likely require a significant amount of power" (Ai)
In Tatsuro's world, attempting to implement something similar would likely demand an enormous amount of energy. They arrived at the inn after switching sidewalks a few times, all while pondering over the advanced world's technology that allowed them to carry it out so quickly.
"It's near the Adventurer's Guild, and Jema said it's an inn with a bath" (Tatsuro)
"It's more like a hotel than an inn." (Ai)
Before them stood a towering, beige, smooth-surfaced structure that, when you looked up, felt like it would hurt your neck; it was a long rectangular building. The plot of land itself was pretty spacious, and the surrounding area seemed well maintained, suggesting good hygiene and facilities for the inn.
"Shall we go in, then?" (Tatsuro)
"Sounds good. Jema-chan mentioned that it was reasonably priced, but I wonder how much it is for one night." (Ai)
Lately, they had earned some decent money, so they didn't mind the cost too much. However, being raised as common folks, they couldn't help but be concerned about it.
As they entered, gazing at the front desk visible through the glass door, three men and women at the reception nodded in acknowledgment. After briefly returning the gesture, they walked toward the reception, and it seemed that the woman on the right would assist them.
"Welcome. Are you staying with us today?" she asked
"Yes. Can we book for one night, for now?" (Tatsuro)
"Yes, there are currently vacancies in all room categories."
"Room categories? Could you explain each of them, please?" (Tatsuro)
"Yes, there are four categories in total"Gẹtt the latest novels at n.o/(v)/e/l/bin(.)com
And so, the receptionist explained. There were four categories from fourth to first, and as the category went up, the price naturally increased, but the room facilities improved as well. Up to the third category, there were no private baths, but guests could use the communal bath on the first floor. From the second category and above, each room had its own private bath. Tatsuro and his companion wanted a room with a private bath, so they opted for the second category and above.
The second category was 85,000 Sis, and the first category was 150,000 Sis, according to the receptionist. After weighing the two options, and since there didn't appear to be a reservation system in place, they decided to try the first category for a night.
"We'll take the first category." (Tatsuro)
"Yes, please." (Ai)
Then, as they wanted to have a relaxed day tomorrow, they paid for a two-night stay and received the key. When they took a closer look at the key, they noticed that its tip didn't have the usual notches but had a shape resembling a minus screwdriver. They doubted whether this was really safe, but they accepted that some unfamiliar technology was probably being used. After receiving a brief explanation about their room, they headed to their accommodations.
"It looks like there's no elevator after all." (Tatsuro)
"Yeah, now it's all about the taste. Let's dig in right away." (Tatsuro)
After Ai had finished serving the meal on the table, she ignored the provided fork and knife, taking out her own chopsticks to begin eating.
"Delicious!" (Tatsuro)
"Having all three meals here is just fine." (Ai)
They had ordered a vegetable salad, a fish dish, bread, and soup this time. After spending several days eating only grilled meat, they ordered things they had been craving, and every dish had exceptional seasoning.
Once they had enjoyed the dishes that exceeded their expectations, they immediately checked out the bath. The layout had a dressing room that was quite spacious, and upon entering the bathroom, they found a wooden rectangular bathtub, about 1.5 tatami mats in size.
"It really feels like a bath." (Tatsuro)
"Yeah, this is nice too." (Ai)
In the corner, there were two tools resembling water spouts, almost identical in color and shape to what they had seen in the previous high-end inn. They started filling the tub with hot water while adjusting the temperature.
"What are we doing today?" (Tatsuro)
"Hmm. Since we have the chance, how about we take a bath together?" (Ai)
"Sure." (Tatsuro)
"Why are you blushing? You've seen me naked plenty of times, haven't you?" (Ai)
"I haven't seen you that much, and even Ai, who says that, has a bright red face." (Tatsuro)
"Liar!" (Ai)
Ai used both hands to hide her bright red cheeks and realized she was blushing even more.
Her innocent gesture and expression were endearing, and Tatsuro pulled her closer, stealing her lips forcefully. At first, she was surprised, but Ai quickly pressed her lips back against his.
"I'm sure I'll never get tired of Ai, no matter how long." (Tatsuro)
"Really, you think so?" (Ai)
"My bad, I misspoke. I meant definitely." (Tatsuro)
"Haha, I know, Tatsuro." (Ai)
Therefore, they lost track of time, seeking each other with passion.
T.N: This chapter makes me question why I don't have a girlfriend yet.
*Sob~*
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