Book One Chapter Forty Five: Mass Hand In
Glad that the Chosen One had been so ready to accept her guidance, Qube hardly minded all the shopping he still made them do. This shopping, in accordance with her wishes, was conducted the traditional way, with the Chosen One pulling items out of everyones backpacks and attempting to haggle with various shopkeepers. Quite why he felt the need to haggle so hard when they had enough gold coins to fund a large army, Qube wasnt entirely sure, but she nevertheless applauded his prudence. Sewer Bard had sung several sagas about heroes who met sticky ends on one last quest, and money certainly seemed to be a motivating factor in many of the songs.
It wasnt until they got to the tailor for some waterproof clothing that she remembered her misgivings the last time theyd been there.Read latest chapters at novelhall.come! the tailor said, a truly excessive number of pins sticking out of their clothing. I see you have cleared the Fire Temple. Excellent, excellent, may I interest you in some exclusive outfits for you and your compatriots? Specially designed, theyll stop you from floating away and keep you from getting waterlogged. Theyll also give you the ability to breathe underwater for a short amount of time. Very powerful magic, not something I would dream of offering to just anyone, you understand?
Chosen One, that tailor has very large windows, she said discreetly. And their business practice makes no sense. The Chosen One seemed unmoved by her logic. Also, how do they know we have cleared the Fire Temple? We havent told anyone! Qube pondered for a second. Although, I suppose people could see the changes to the volcano from quite a distance, she conceded. Fine, I withdraw that one. But still! Why would they have
Ill take five, the Chosen One said to the tailor, who instantly handed him a single set of blue clothing.
Thatll be five hundred gold, the tailor chirruped.
What?
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You did the right thing, Chosen One, Qube reassured the Hero as the party sat around a table inside Cobbletowns only inn.
Sure, the Chosen One said glumly, staring into his mug of frothy juice. He sipped it and grimaced. Man, that doesnt taste right. Having said so, he tipped the mug of juice upside down and carefully watched it spill all over the table.
Chosen One! Qube exclaimed as the party scrambled to get away from the mini tidal wave of juice.
Nice, the Chosen One said, poking at the sticky substance slowly dripping off the edge of the table. They really aced their liquids.
Qube buried her face into her hands.
Chosen One, please dont take your anger out on the inn, she begged. The Chosen One sighed as the juice evaporated out of existence.
Sure, sure, he said, standing and stretching. Okay, Im gonna go hand in our mission to the Wonder Twins. The whole party made to follow him. The Chosen One held up a hand. You lot should probably stay down here.
Qube, wide-eyed and mute, stared at the Chosen One as he climbed the stairs. Hesitantly, she stepped after him. Surely he just meant the others, and not her, right? She took another step, feeling confidence return to her. Yes, clearly, he meant Sexy Screamy Spider Lady shouldnt follow, as she had issues with stairwells, Definitely Bad Guy couldnt have his connection with the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess revealed, and Sewer Bard well, Sewer Bard would just be more comfortable downstairs.
But she was a totally different matter!
Convinced by her own flawless logic, Qube happily trotted up the stairs after the Chosen One. The Chosen One, in the process of opening the dining room door, looked over his shoulder. As they made eye contact, he gave a big sigh.
Sure, sure, sure, he muttered. What could possibly go wrong?
Chosen One, you seem tired. Perhaps you should try refreshing yourself with a short rest? I hear you can get a special bonus from sleeping in a bed! Qube beamed. She couldnt exactly remember where she had heard that, or what the special bonus was. Maybe the ex pee boost the Chosen One had mentioned in the Forbidden forest? But why would she tell him about something he already knew about?
So, Qube said at the same time.
They looked at each other and laughed.
Water Temple, the Chosen One said over his shoulder.
It is located just north-west of here, the Exiled Princess said. I have marked it on your map. Please be careful, Chosen One!
Qube was so excited about finally getting access to the Royal Library that she couldnt even be bothered to mention that this was practically the exact same thing the Exiled Princess had said last time. And, once again, the Chosen One had no map and she had marked precisely nothing.
Okay, so, first stop, we hit up the kitchens and I shove everything I can into my mouth. Sounds like a plan? the Chosen One said, charging down the stairs.
Of course, Chosen One! Qube said cheerfully. But, if I may, there is quite a lot I feel we could learn at the Royal Library and that may take quite a while. Given time is of the essence, Qube actually wasnt sure it was, given how many years the Evil Emperor had been ruling, but there presumably had been some reason the Golden Prophecy had activated? She mentally added that to her list of things to research.
The Chosen One looked at her, that familiar glint of mischief in his eyes.
Well, why dont you go to the library and do that while I go to the kitchen? the Chosen One grinned at her.
Oh! Oh I would be whatever you want, Chosen One! I would be more than happy to go around Cobbletown on my own without you by my side! That would be fine! In fact, I would love it! Not that I wouldnt love you also coming with me. Theres its not I mean, Im happy to go around on my own without you, but that doesnt mean that I would prefer it. But you shouldnt feel pressure to join me! I prefer whatever makes you happy!
The Chosen One was just watching as Qube dug herself deeper and deeper into a social stress situation. He seemed to be trying very hard to not laugh at her.
You wanna take Definitely Bad Guy and Sewer Bard with you? he asked, controlling himself. I wanna see how all the food items respond to Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys clipping.
If thats what you want, Qube said, sagging in relief like a puppet whose strings had been cut. Then of course, I would love to do that.
Cool, the Chosen One said, stepping out of the warm inn into the comparatively cooler town proper.
Please dont forget to wear warmer clothing if you get cold! Qube called after him. He gave her a quizzical glance, before looking at Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, who was currently trapped in one of the benches.
You. [Follow]. The Chosen One ordered the Hunter.
And then the inn door swung shut behind him, leaving Qube with the two men.
Qube eyed the two of them. While it was rare that she would be left without the Chosen One, it was not unprecedented. She could handle this. Definitely Bad Guy liked books. A stray thought sparked in Qubes mind.
Or, she could override what the Chosen One had said and send Definitely Bad Guy off to check on his Wizard Tower in peace. And maybe Sewer Bard would like to go check on his home in the sewers.
For the first time since leaving the village, Qube could choose to be totally and utterly alone.