Warm light basked the city as the sun rose for yet another day. It was a normal day where the children frolic around the town, the merts sell their merdise, and the soldiers patrolled the streets. It was also the day of Grey and Yuna's departure.

  "Here, Grey. These are some of the dishes me and Gerd cooked this m. They're still hot so be careful in carrying them." ［Selia］

  "Thank you, Missis Selia. I'm sure they'll be delicious." ［Grey］

  Currently, Grey and Yuna are bei off by Helen and her family. While Grey received Gerd and Selia's packed lunch, Yuna was soling Helen whose eyes were overflowing with tears.

  Although Helen uood that the two will be returning back after a month or two, she still couldn't stop herself fr. She was like a little child whose best friend is going to go abroad.

  With a final hug from Yuna, Helen's tears finally started to slow down. She wiped away her tears with her hands and showed a bittersweet smile to Yuna and then Grey afterwards.

  "You better e back here once you're finished, uood?" ［Helen］

  "Yeah, yeah. It's not like we'll be going to another ti or something." ［Grey］

  "Don't worry, we'll try to e back as fast as we ." ［Yuna］

  "I see... Then... Dear ers, I hope you enjoyed your stay at the 'Rabbit's Den'! Our doors are always open for your return!" ［Helen］

  With a smile on her face, Helen finally regained her posure. She even had the energy to set off Grey and Yuna as she usually does to other ers.

  "Then, we'll be going now... Until ime!" ［Grey］

  "Bye～!" ［Yuna］

  "Take care～! Make sure to eat well!!" ［Selia］

  "Let's have another cook-off ime!" ［Gerd］

  As Grey and Yuna waved their goodbyes to Helen and her family, they slowly vanished into the horizon until they were o be seen, leaving behind the family of three to go about their daily lives.

  About 20 mier, the two were finally out of Galderia. They were greeted by a familiar sery of verdant fields and a long winding road. There were only a few man-made structures in sight.

  "So Grey, which dire are we heading?" ［Yuna］

  "Umm... We are heading to the town of Moterno, so that will be... eastward. But we won't be taking the highway. This time, we'll go by the forest." ［Grey］

  Normally, it would take 5 days by carriage on the highway to arrive from Galderia to Moterno, but if by taking the forest route, the process be sped up as much as Grey and Yuna's stamina allows and shorteravel time to a few hours.

  Of course, it would have taken even shorter on the highway, but if they use their speed on it, the horses pulling the carriages might be startled and cause an act. It was something they definitely o avoid.

  "Then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah." ［Grey］

  With a cheerful smile, Grey and Yu off and started their jourowards the town of Moterno. Sihey were using the forest route, there was o be reserved and they ran without restraint.

  And just like their first jourhey were able to enter some monsters along the way, but they were all no match to them. Of course, it also meant they dropped some things worth selling.

  On the way there, the two also gathered some herbs and rare materials. It wasn't because they hem but because they might be of use ter. They also have infie so, why not?

  They also entered some minor inveniences like muddying their clothes. getting chased by a y of bees, or setting foot in a quid, but in the end, they mao arrive at Moterno safely.

  It was te iernoohe two arrived in the viity of Moterno. And it might have been because of the opening of the Labyrinth, but there was a very long iion line from the entrance.

  It took more than an hour until Yuna and Grey finally arrived he front. Evehe sun was about to set, there was still quite a long line behind them.

  "!" ［Guard］

  With the guard's signal, the line moved along once again and it was Grey and Yuna's turn for the iion. The only difference right now from their first one was that they have ID cards now.

  "Your ID cards, please." ［Guard］

  ""Here"" ［Grey and Yuna］

  "...!!!" ［Guard］

  As the guard had requested, Grey and Yuna haheir cards over to him for an iion. The moment he received the cards, his eyes widened in shock as he looked bad forth between the cards at their owners.

  It was as if the guard had seen a ghost appear before him. Not only him, the uards who also saw the golden cards were in the same state. They didn't know how to respond.

  The guards had already checked the authenticity of the cards with the magic tool he had in hand so there was no doubt that it was real. He just couldn't believe how two very young people mao achieve such a high rank.

  "I-I bid you wele to the town of Moterno, Your Excellencies, t Grey and tess Yuna." ［Guard］

  The guard quickly ged into a formal tone as he bowed his head trey and Yuna. Following his sudden as, the uards also bowed their heads respectfully.

  Seeing the guards bow their heads, the crowd behind the two started murmuring and asking each other about the two youths in front of them. After all, it was quite ag se.

  Thankfully, with the help of Yuna's 'Physical cealment', they were able to hide their identities. It would have been a problem if a rumor about them started spreading, after all.

  "Umm... Why don't we head to the barracks first." ［Grey］

  "A-As you wish!" ［Guard］

  As per Grey's request, the guard escorted them in the barracks while the uards loosened up and tiheir jobs. When they arrived there, with a signal from the guard esc them, the guards there stood up quickly and greeted Grey and Yuna with a bow.

  Although they weren't doing much, dealing with formalities made the two a little bit exhausted. It was mentally taxing. Even running hundreds of kilometers was better than dealing with it.

  "I apologize for my rude duct beforehand, I am called Gil, please feel free to ask if you need something." ［Gil］

  The guard once again bowed respectfully as he introduced himself to Grey and Yuna. It has beore annoying and unfortable as time passed.

  "Ah, yes... o meet you, but you don't o act so stiffly." ［Grey］

  "Un, it's really unfortable." ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes, if you wish sー I mean, sure!" ［Gil］

  With Grey and Yuna's request, the guards in the barracks loosened up and acted more rexed around them. But rather than request, to the guards' minds, it was more of like an order.

  While it was a good thing that Grey and Yuna had gotten promoted, dealing with situations simir to what they have just experienced made them rethink if it was really worth it.

  Well, no matter how hard they think about it, it ointless. What's done is done and they won't be able to ge it. After all, for every disadvahere is also a simir disadvantage.

  "By the way, Mister Gil, do you know a good inn around here?" ［Grey］

  "An inn? Yeah, I do know some, but what kind of inn are you looking for, Lrey?" ［Gil］

  Deg to let go of his previous thought, Grey asked Gil about things ing their stay. But even with a casual tone, Gil still addressed Grey as "Lord".

  Although it was better than before, the guards' mentalities couldn't be ged easily. They still showed resped politerey and Yuna. They still treated them as VIPs.

  "As long as it's a det pceー Wait! Actually, an inn with a hot bath would be great. Do you know of one?" ［Grey］

  "I miss hot baths..." ［Yuna］

  To Grey's statement, Yuna started to reminisce about having a warm and rexing hot bath. It was something she hasn't had for a while.

  During the days Grey and Yuna were living in the forest, the way to themselves was through a shower, a bath in a nearby spring, or bathing i bath Grey made. They were luxuries the two weren't able to enjoy after arriving at Galderia.

  A hot bath may not be a y to survive but it was something which healed the souls of those who experie. It makes the body feel refreshed. It was the reason Grey and Yuna loved it.

  "Sorry, I don't know of such a pce." ［Gil］

  Grey and Yuna initially had their hopes up, but the moment they heard Gil's reply, their hopes were harshly shot down.

  Although hot baths easily be made with the help of entments and magic tools, maintaining one costs quite a hefty sum. It was something only rich merts, the gentry, or the nobility could afford.

  Grey could also make a hot bath with his own ability, but the problem was, he doesn't olot of nd to do so. He still hasn't settled on building his own house just yet.

  "Ah, if it's a hot bath, I know of one." ［Guard 2］

  But just when all hope seemed to be lost, one guard standing behind Gil raised his hand and voiced out his opinion. He was a man who seemed to be the same age as Gil and had blonde hair.

  When Grey and Yuna heard his words, their attention was instantly shifted to him. The guard flinched a little after seeing them turn their heads towards him. It was as if a predator was eyeing him.

  "Ah, I apologize for my intrusion!" ［Guard 2］

  "o fret over that. Now, did you say you knoce?" ［Grey］

  "Yes, it's a new inn called "Blue Spring". Its prices are higher than usual, but many of its ers say that it's worth it." ［Guard 2］

  As soon as Grey heard its name, he quickly engraved it into his memory. Now, the problem regarding where they will be staying has been resolved.

  "Blue Spring, huh... I'll remember that. Thank you, umm..." ［Grey］

  "Hal. Call me Hal." ［Hal］

  "Then, thank you, Mister Hal." ［Grey］

  "Un! Thank you very much!" ［Yuna］

  "It was my pleasure." ［Hal］

  With the matter of their stay settled, Grey and Yuna then proceeded to ask the guards about important locations in Moterno, such as the adventurer's guild, the marketpce, and the entrao the byrinth. They were locations that the two o know no matter what.

  Of course, other than those locations, they have also asked about hy pces to visit and iing things to do in Moterno. After all, while they may be there for advehey also wao enjoy their stay before then.

  "I think that's all. Thank you for your help." ［Grey］

  "Yay～! We finally enjoy a hot bath!" ［Yuna］

  Excitement was showing on Yuna's face as she hummed while imagining herself rexing in a hot bath. She was ag so adorable that Grey couldn't help himself but chuckle.

  "Everyone, we'll see you ter." ［Grey］

  "Bye～!" ［Yuna］

  ""Please enjoy your stay!"" ［Gil and Hal］

  Having said their goodbyes, Grey and Yuna then headed towards the dire of the inn as they observed the town along the way. While it wasn't as big as Galderia, it was equally beautiful.

  And like the time they entered Galderia, Yuna's eyes were sparkling as she curiously looked at the buildings, stalls, and signboards she saw. She really looked like aed child.

  Few minutes after the two left the barracks, they arrived in front of the "Blue Spring". Uhe "Rabbit's Den", the "Blue Spring" inn was a little rger. Its appearance was also on a different theme pared to the surrounding buildings.

  "It really stands out..." ［Grey］

  "So blue..." ［Yuna］

  It wasn't just the size, the color of the building really stood out like a sore thumb. Grey and Yuna didn't know how to describe it other than "amazing".

  The moment they stepped foot inside of it, a bath-themed lobby greeted them. The fl, the walls, even the furniture were bath-themed. It was really different from the "Rabbit's Den".

  "Wele, how may I serve you?" ［Receptionist］

  And as per usual, Grey and Yuna were greeted by a young aiful female receptionist. She looked to be around the same age as Helen.

  "Umm... We heard you have hot baths here?" ［Grey］

  "Yes... We do have them. While it may be a little expensive, I guarahe quality of our services." ［Receptionist］

  The moment Grey and Yuna heard the firmation straight from the receptionist's mouth, they became even more excited. They could finally have their long awaited hot bath after more than half a month.

  "Then we would like to che. How much is a night here?" ［Grey］

  "It depends on the room you are taking. For a single room, it would be 120 kiels a night, and for both double and rge rooms, it would cost 180 kiels a night. An additional 25 kiels for a person's worth of breakfast and another 25 kiels for a bath per person." ［Receptionist］

  The receptionist briefly expihe prices within the inn trey and Yuna, and like Hal had previously said, it was quite more expehan normal inns. The lodging alone was almost double that of the "Rabbit's Den".

  Of course, to Grey and Yuna, paying for such a sum was worth it. With the amount they are earning in every quest, they could easily afford a week's worth of lodging and it wouldn't make a dent in their bance.

  "Hmm... Then we'll have two single rooms, breakfast and bath included for two people. We'll have that for a week." ［Grey］

  "Uood. Then that would be... 2,380 kiels in total!" ［Receptionist］

  Hearing the price again, Grey couldn't help but pare it to their weekly expe the "Rabbit's Den". It really was expensive.

  Grey then hahe payment to the receptionist, and in respohe receptionist hahem the register to write their names unto and gave them the keys for their rooms.

  She also briefly expihe rules i bath and soon after, gave the tass which allows them to ehe bath anytime of the day. It ass which was renewed everyday to prevent reuse.

  "So it's Mister Grey and Miss Yuna, huh..." ［Receptionist］

  The receptionist mumbled in a low voice as she read the names Grey and Yuna pced on the register. But with Grey and Yuna's hearing capabilities, they were able to hear it loud and clear.

  Thankfully, their cards weren't needed, otherwise, they would o gh aroublesome se. It would have been a repeat of the se iown gates.

  "Oh, by the way, I'm Mira, o meet you." ［Mira］

  "It's also a pleasure to meet you. I'm Grey." ［Grey］

  "And I'm Yuna. We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］

  "Well then, Mister Grey, Miss Yuna, I hope you enjoy your stay!" ［Mira］

  Whewo fiheir short exge with Mira, the two then headed to their respective rooms and arraheir belongings. Their rooms were just opposite of one another.

  Like before, they were also ohird floor where you view a lovely portion of the town from the windows. It was exactly because of that sery that Grey and Yuna decided to pick a room on that floor.

  Uhe lobby and the outside appearahe rooms weren't bath-themed and looked somewhat simir to the ones in the "Rabbit's Den". Because of that simirity, the two were able to familiarize themselves quite quickly.

  Knooock

  Upon finishing the arra of his things, Grey the outside of Yuna's room and knocked on her door. He has quite the proposal towards her.

  "Grey, do you need something?" ［Yuna］

  And with Yuna's heightened senses and familiarity with Grey, she was easily able to tell that it was him knog on the door.

  "Yeah. Are you doh your things now?" ［Grey］

  "Un, I'm done... Ah, wait a sed, I'll be opening the door now." ［Yuna］

  As Yuna he door, her footsteps also became clearer, and seds ter, the door opened and a familiar face of an adorable girl was revealed. She had already ged to her casual clothing.

  "Oh, you've already ged..." ［Grey］

  "Un... We traveled quite a lot, after all. I at least o myself before heading in a public bath. So... what did you want to say again?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, right. Tomorrow, do you wanna go on a date?" ［Grey］

  When the word "date" was mentioned, Yuna's fastantly turned from normal to beet red. It was so sudden she didn't know how to react.

  As frey's reason why she suddenly asked Yuna on a date, it was because of the events ba Galderia when he invited Yuna for an outing. Si became a date, he thought he might as well just say it directly and formally invite Yuna.

  But of course, even when he was fully prepared about what he said, he still couldn't help but get flustered from saying it too directly. He was so flustered that he didn't notice Yuna's much redder face.

  "T-Then, I'll have you treat me to a lot of food, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, sure... Then I'll be heading to the bath now." ［Grey］

  In order to hide his flustered face, Grey quickly gave an excuse and escaped from the awkward situation. He didn't even notice that Yuna was in a much severe state of being flustered.

  While Yuna fully khat Grey only meant it as a date with a friend, her heart still wouldn't slow down from rag. After all, it was the first time Grey had formally invited her out on a date.

  When Grey arrived at the baths, two dreeted him. One was for males and one for females. Of course, Grey headed ih for males. He wasn't a pervert, after all.

  Grey was a little bit unfortable si ublic bath, but the moment he headed ihere was no ohere. It was like he had the bath all for himself. It ure luxury.

  It may have to do with the fact that not many people bathe at night in Merusia, but all that mattered to Grey was that he could enjoy the rge open hot bath solo. It was like he was in a dream.

  Slowly, Grey dipped his whole body into the hot bath, starting from toes, to my ko the legs, aually until my shoulders were submerged. And the rexiion theook his body.

  Feeling the familiar sensation, it took him back to the times when he and Yuna had their own private baths in their house ba the Haltea Great Forest. They were peaceful times.

  "Haah... Hot baths really are the best..." ［Grey］

  CHAPTER 35 END