Saturday, eight o’clock in the morning, at an inn in the city of Elfier.
Fyar sat at a table in the inn, waiting for his party members to pick him up. He occasionally covered his mouth with his palm to stifle a yawn. Last night, he had only gotten two hours of sleep.
After studying with Laura, Fyar realized that dungeons in this world were far different from what he had imagined. Initially, he thought a dungeon would be a place like ruins or a cave with many rooms inside. However, his theory was proven wrong.
I’ve memorized the core of the monsters’ abilities and their weaknesses. Even though it’s outside my expectations, I should be able to handle it, Fyar thought, leaning his head on the table. He fought hard not to close his eyes, battling against a heavy wave of sleepiness.
Fyar then heard the sound of light footsteps approaching from behind him. When he turned, he saw Laura walking toward him, holding a wooden box similar to a lunchbox.
"When are you leaving, Fyar?" Laura asked, placing the lunchbox on his table.
She doesn’t look tired at all. Fyar slowly lifted his head and looked at the lunchbox in front of him. "You didn’t have to do this. You should be resting," Fyar said, his voice a bit hoarse. He took the box and placed it inside his bag.
Laura just smiled gently and replied, "No, Fyar! You have to be fit! yeah fit!! Just consider this a gesture of goodwill from me!"
Laura then brought her face close to Fyar’s. They were so close that Fyar could feel her warm breath. Her expression softened. "Don’t die, okay? And don’t forget to tell me about your journey later."
Fyar returned her smile and answered, "Of course." He then gently touched his forehead to Laura’s and said, "Thank you for keeping me company yesterday, and for making me lunch."
"It’s no problem," Laura whispered, nodding softly.
After waiting for nearly fifteen minutes, his party members finally arrived to pick him up. They boarded a horse-drawn carriage rented by Illya.
The carriage had four large wooden wheels with iron rings for reinforcement. Its body was painted a maroon red with neat gold trim. The golden-yellow roof was flat with a slight curve.
On the right side were two rectangular windows and a single door with a simple handle. The entire carriage looked sturdy and luxurious, designed for long-distance travel while providing comfort for its passengers.
The rental fee for this must not be cheap, Fyar thought.
At the city gate, they were briefly stopped by a few guards who asked some difficult questions. However, thanks to the noble’s crest on the card Illya presented, everything went smoothly.
Inside the carriage, Fyar sat beside Illya, across from Rasie. Zaefal sat beside Rasie, across from Illya.
"Have you studied everything?" Zaefal asked. His gaze was fixed on Fyar, who was staring blankly out the window.
Fyar snapped out of his daze and looked at Zaefal. "Yes, I’ve studied the core parts, like the monsters’ weaknesses and the layout of the place."
"Good," Zaefal nodded.
"I hope you don’t become a burden, purple hair," Rasie chirped with a smirk.
Fyar just gave a small laugh. He leaned back and turned to face the window again. "Yeah, yeah." Before long, he unconsciously closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Seeing Fyar asleep, Rasie could only sigh. "This idiot fell asleep. Should I wake him up?"
Zaefal, who was reading a book, glanced at Fyar and answered, "He’s probably tired from studying all night. Let him sleep. The dungeon is still about four hours away from here, and it could be dangerous if he’s drowsy when we go in later."
"Alright. You have a point," Rasie replied.
A few minutes later, Fyar was jolted awake by a violent shake as the carriage went over a large rock.
"Monsters?!" he exclaimed instinctively. He looked around and realized he was still in the carriage. Fyar sighed in relief and leaned back again. "How many more hours until we arrive?"
"About four more hours. Just go back to sleep," Rasie answered, opening a novel she was holding.
Illya then gently tapped Fyar’s arm. "Fyar."
Fyar turned. "Yes, what is it, Illya?"
Illya shifted her position, leaving a little space, and then patted her thighs. "Sleep here, Fyar. Sleeping in that position can hurt your body."
Huh? Fyar shook his head quickly. "No, no, no. I don’t want to trouble you, Illya. I’m used to sleeping in this position, you don’t have to bother!" Fyar turned his face away from Illya and leaned against the window.
However, Illya gently pulled Fyar’s head and placed it on her lap. "Just listen to me, Fyar."
Fyar’s face turned slightly red. He didn’t know what to say. His heart was pounding fast. He could feel the warmth and softness of Illya’s lap, and he could also clearly smell her floral perfume.
"Illya?! Wha-wha..." Fyar wanted to get up, but he was afraid of hurting Illya’s feelings after her kind gesture.
"Just give up, Fyar," Zaefal said flatly, his eyes still on his book.
Rasie, who was watching Fyar’s reaction, had to hold back her laughter.
They’re not surprised by what Illya is doing? Is she always like this? Heh, now I’m curious if people often mistake her kindness for flirting, Fyar thought.
In the end, he sighed and resignedly accepted his position, though he was secretly enjoying it. Illya began to gently stroke Fyar’s hair, lulling him back to sleep.