Chapter 110 – Relaxing Night
Chapter 110
Relaxing Night
Date : Day 15 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The Inn was quiet when Hyoren entered. A few patrons sat at tables—nursing drinks and meals. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted from the kitchen—warm and inviting. The familiar scent wrapped around him like a blanket—comforting after the long day. The hearth crackled in the corner—casting flickering shadows across the wooden floor.
He found Elise on the counter. Chatting with Martha. Their voices were soft—mingling with the gentle hum of conversation from the other patrons. She noticed him and waved—her silver hair catching the lamplight.
He approached her with slow and wobbly steps. His legs felt like lead—each movement requiring effort he wasn't sure he had. He slumped on the stool—the wood creaking beneath his weight. His arms hung limp at his sides—too exhausted to even rest on the counter.
Elise's lips curved into a soft smile. She reached out—her fingers brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. Her touch was cool against his flushed skin—a welcome relief from the heat that still radiated from his body.
"How was it?"
Hyoren closed his eyes. The darkness was a brief respite from the lamplight that seemed too bright for his tired eyes.
"I'm spent. You saw it. Ronald was harsh."
He shook his head. The motion sent small protests through his neck—the muscles stiff and unyielding.
"Hard. I had to unlearn everything I know about fighting. No more speed. No more evasion. Just... standing there. Taking hits. Being the wall."
He opened his eyes—looking at Elise. The lamplight played across her features—highlighting the concern in her expression.
"I'm terrible at it. My body wants to move. To retreat. To create distance. But Ronald says that's wrong for a tank."
Elise was quiet for a moment. Her emerald eyes studied him—reading the exhaustion in his face. Then she touched his shoulder. Her fingers pressed gently against the tense muscle—offering silent comfort.
"You're learning something new. Something that goes against your instincts. It makes sense that it's hard."
Her voice was gentle. Understanding. The words were like a balm—soothing the frustration that had been building inside him.
"And you'll get better. You always do."
Hyoren turned his head—looking at her. Her emerald eyes were soft. Trusting. She believed in him. Even when he didn't believe in himself. The sight of her—steady and unwavering—made the exhaustion feel slightly more bearable.
"Thank you. For supporting this."
Elise's hand found his—intertwining their fingers. Her skin was cool against his—still flushed from exertion. The contact was grounding—a reminder of why he was putting himself through this.
"You want to protect people. I think that's worth supporting."
She squeezed his hand gently. The pressure was light but meaningful.
"And I'll be here. While you learn. While you struggle. I'll be here."
But as she leaned forward a bit, she noticed something. Her pointed ears twitched. And she crinkled her nose. The gesture was subtle—but telling.
"But now I think you need a bath. You kinda stink! You sweat too much! Fufu."
She pointed at his drenched shirt. And the grime. The dust from the mock battle clung to the fabric—leaving grey streaks across the once-green material. Or when he buckled up when he couldn't take Ronald's attack—the dirt had ground into the fibers.
She then looked at Martha. Her expression shifted from affectionate to practical.
"Martha, please send our dinner to our room. It seems Hyoren needs to take a bath first."
Martha smiled at them. The expression was warm—motherly. Her round face crinkled at the corners.
"Okay, Dears. Wait a bit okay? I'm alone now that Reon was also in a similar state."
Elise smiled in understanding. A knowing look passed between the two women—the shared recognition of dealing with exhausted loved ones.
"No problem, Martha. This guy needs a bath first anyway. Fufu."
She then stood from the stool, and started walking towards the stairs. Her movements were light—graceful despite the long day. The contrast to Hyoren's own labored steps was stark.
"Let's go, Hyoren."
Hyoren couldn't argue. He just followed. His body moved on instinct—propelling him forward even as his muscles screamed for rest.
His legs carried him up the stairs. Each step was an effort. His muscles protested every movement—the burn in his thighs flaring with each ascent. The wooden stairs creaked beneath his weight—announcing his passage to anyone listening.
They reached their room. Elise opened their room with a brass key. The metal was cool against her palm—smooth from years of use. The door creaked open. The room which now felt like home greeted them. The familiar scent of clean linen and wood polish filled his nostrils—welcoming him back.
The suns continued their descent outside the window—casting long shadows across the room. The light was soft—golden and silver mingling as evening approached. The bed sat in the corner—its sheets neatly made, the pillows plump and inviting. The sight of it made Hyoren's legs ache even more—his body yearning for the comfort it promised.
***
The door clicked behind them.
Elise turned around and looked at Hyoren. Her emerald eyes swept over his form—taking in the slump of his shoulders and the heaviness in his stance.
"Now, go take a bath! Then we will eat."
Hyoren smiled wryly. The expression was tired—self-deprecating.
"Okay, Elise. Please wait for me."
His feet were still wobbly. Each step was uncertain—his balance threatening to give way at any moment. He entered the bathroom. The door swung open with a soft creak—revealing the familiar space beyond.
He quickly discarded his drenched shirt and trousers. The fabric peeled away from his skin—sticky with sweat and grime. Then he went into the shower. The cool tiles beneath his feet were a welcome contrast to the heat of his skin. He touched the orb of the heating magic tools. The device hummed beneath his fingertips—responding to his touch with a soft glow.
The shower of hot water felt good on his battered body. The spray cascaded over his shoulders—running down his back in rivulets of warmth.
"Ahh... a hot shower after strenuous activity was always heaven."
He flexed his fingers. They still ached—but not as much as before. The hot water had worked its magic—easing the stiffness that had settled into his joints.
"Five to six days of training for Sword Mastery and Shield Mastery..."
He recalled his memories. About the rules of this world—twenty-four hours spent on training before getting the skill he wanted. The rules of course were not strict. Sometimes skill could be gained from a life or death battle. Or the time could be shortened with a mentor. Just like Ronald.
"Then there is my Blessing."
His blessing. Divine Protection of Twin Goddesses would accelerate his progress of learning skill by twenty-five percent.
"Three days... maybe four. That's all I need."
He scrubbed his body. The soap was herb-scented—pine and something floral that he couldn't quite identify. The lather spread across his skin—lifting away the grime and sweat that had accumulated throughout the day.
"Ronald was right. My body wants to move. To retreat. Every time he came at me, I wanted to step back. Create distance. But that's wrong for a tank."
He rotated his shoulders under the spray—feeling the muscles protest and then slowly relax.
"A tank stands firm. Absorbs. Becomes the wall."
The words were Ronald's—echoing in his mind. He let them settle there. A new mantra to replace the old instincts.
"Elise almost died because I couldn't protect her. I won't let that happen again."
The memory surfaced unbidden—Elise falling, blood spreading across the ground. His jaw tightened. The water ran over his face—hiding the emotion that flickered across his features.
Slowly his muscles started to listen to him. The hot water made his recovery faster. And he was thankful for that. He quickly dried himself with a towel. And took the simple bathrobe which was provided for them.
He entered their bedroom. The door clicked behind him. He saw Elise sitting on the bed. Looking outside. Waiting for him. Her silver hair caught the fading light from the window—shimmering like moonlight.
She noticed him and smiled.
"Martha still hasn't sent our dinner. It seems without Reon's help, managing the inn is quite hard."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Anyway, are you really hungry or not, Hyoren? If you are really hungry, I will go downstairs to fetch our dinner."
Hyoren shook his head.
"Actually I'm not that hungry. Only tired. And my muscles ached."
Elise clapped her hand. Her pointed ears perked up with enthusiasm.
"Then, lay in bed. Let me massage you. To relieve tension of your muscles. While we wait for food. How about it?"
Hyoren smiled.
"I would love too, Elise. A massage would be really nice."
Elise patted the bed.
"Good. Now lay here and let me massage you!"
Hyoren did as she told. He lay on the bed—showing his back to her. The mattress dipped beneath his weight—soft and yielding.
Elise then started massaging his back. Her hands pressed against his shoulders—finding the knots that had formed during the day's training.
"How is this?"
Her knuckles met some of his back muscles which were hard. Knotted. The pressure sent a jolt of pain through his body—sharp and immediate.
"Ouch! That was painful, Elise. But, it felt good at the same time."
He felt his back started to loosen.
"Please continue."
Elise giggled.
"Your muscles were really tense, Hyoren. It seems the training was really harsh. Fufu."
She shifted her position—leaning over him to reach a particularly stubborn knot near his shoulder blade.
"Ronald didn't hold back, did he?"
Hyoren's voice was muffled against the pillow.
"He didn't. Every time I tried to retreat, he called me out on it. Said my instincts were all wrong for a tank."
Her thumbs worked along his spine—pressing into the vertebrae with firm strokes.
"Your instincts kept you alive in the forest. They're not wrong—just different from what a tank needs."
She found a knot near his left shoulder blade. Her fingers dug into the muscle—applying pressure.
"Argh... right there. That one's been bothering me since the afternoon."
Elise focused on that spot—working the knot with careful pressure. Her fingers moved in small circles—gradually loosening the tight muscle.
"You're learning something new. Something that goes against everything your body knows. It takes time."
She moved down to his arms—tracing the lines of his biceps and triceps.
"Ronald said the same thing..."
Her fingers dug into the muscle just below his elbow—a particularly tender spot.
"Ow! Careful there..."
Elise lightened her touch—working the area more gently.
"He's right. You survived the Forest of No Return. You fought a Servant of Gidol. This is just another challenge. You can do it."
She moved down to his legs—pressing into his thighs and calves. The heels of her palms dug into the thick muscle of his thigh—working in slow circles.
"I keep thinking about that fight. About how I couldn't protect you."
Elise paused. Her hands stilled on his thigh.
"You did protect me, Hyoren. You got me to Oria. You got me to the Church. I'm alive because of you."
Her voice was soft—earnest.
"But I failed. I couldn't keep Hifoppe from reaching you. That's why I need to learn this. So it never happens again."
Her hands resumed their work—kneading the tension from his calves.
"Then you'll learn. And you'll become stronger. We both will."
She worked in silence for a moment—her fingers finding another knot in his calf.
"You know, I was thinking... maybe I should train too. Not as a tank, obviously. But I was thinking how to be useful to you. We're a party. We should grow stronger together. It makes sense, doesn't it?"
Hyoren turned his head slightly—looking at her from the corner of his eye.
"What’s in your mind, Elise? What kind of training you want to do?"
Elise smiled—her emerald eyes catching the fading light.
"We will soon going to dive to dungeon right? I was thinking of skill which are needed on dungeon run. I will research more tomorrow. But I was thinking something like Trap Detection, or Trap Dismantling, something similar, or Mapping."
She moved to his other leg—working the muscles with practiced ease.
"Besides, I don't want to just sit around watching you suffer through training. Fufu."
Hyoren chuckled—a sound that was half groan as she hit a tender spot.
"Trap and Map. We definitely needed them when we going to dive to dungeon. But those skill took time to get right? I don’t even know how to get it."
Elise giggled again.
"I've fought goblins and demons. I think I can handle some training. I know some sources, guild reference room should have information too."
Hyoren nodded. Understanding.
This continued until finally all his muscles started to relax. The tension drained from his body—leaving him feeling loose and pliable. And at the same time, the door was knocked. The sound was sharp—interrupting the quiet of the room.
"Elise Dear, here is your Dinner."
Elise swung her legs over Hyoren's back, then getsout of the bed. And approached the door. She opened it and took trays with two bowls of squirrel noodle soup.
"I know Hyoren would be really tired. So I made a dish which was going to help him relax. Here."
Elise took the tray from Martha.
"Thanks for consideration, Martha. You are the best!"
Martha giggled.
"Okay, I will go now. The other guest is waiting for me. Tending Inn alone was truly a hurdle."
Elise smiled at her.
"Good luck, Martha."
She saw Martha go to the stairs. Before she closed the door and brought the tray to the table.
Hyoren already got out of bed and sat on the chair. He could move normally now. The stiffness had faded—replaced by a pleasant looseness that made each movement easier.
"That massage really helped. Thank you, Elise."
She set the tray on the table—the bowls settling into place with a gentle clink.
"Of course. I can't have my tank falling apart before he even gets his skills. Fufu."
***
They started to eat. The noodles were good. The broth was rich—thick with herbs and spices that coated the tongue. The squirrel meat was tender—falling apart with each bite. It was filling and warming Hyoren's body from the inside out. The heat spread through his chest—chasing away the last remnants of the day's exhaustion.
Hyoren enjoyed the noodle soup. He lifted another spoonful to his lips—the broth sliding down his throat like liquid comfort.
"Martha truly knows how to cook and take care of people."
Elise’s spoon paused halfway to her mouth—steam curling from the surface. She swallowed her broth and nodded.
"Yeah. This soup is definitely good for a tired body."
She scooped another spoonful of soup. The vegetables were soft but not mushy—carrots and onions that had simmered until they practically melted on the tongue.
"This family was truly all talented. Martha was good at cooking and domestic chores, and Ronald and Reon were good at fighting."
Hyoren nodded enthusiastically. The motion sent a pleasant ache through his neck—a reminder of the day's exertion.
“That’s right. Powell Family was truly something… Reon surprised me. I don’t know how long she already started training behind Ronald back, but she was good with her shield and sword.”
Elise chewed the squirrel meat and swallowed it. The flavor was rich—earthy and satisfying. She looked up at Hyoren—her emerald eyes reflecting the lamplight.
"She already trained alone for a long time. Fufu. Though it was mostly self training. So the result was still not good. She also couldn't train for long as she often needed to help her Mother."
Hyoren slurped another broth. The warmth spread through his body—settling into his bones.
"I see. That makes sense. But she was already much better than mine. Haha."
Hyoren smiled wryly. He felt embarrassed losing to girls who are few years younger.
He put down his spoon as his squirrel noodle soup was empty. The bowl was nearly dry—only a few dregs of broth remaining at the bottom.
"Ahh. This was really good. I love Martha’s cooking."
He looked at Elise. The lamplight played across her features—highlighting the silver in her hair and the curve of her pointed ears.
"So, tomorrow's plan. You're going to the guild, Elise?"
Elise also put down her spoon. The metal clinked against the bowl—a soft sound in the quiet room.
"Yes. I want to read about what kind of skill we might need for dungeon diving. Trap. Mapping. Scouting. Then start to learn it."
Hyoren nodded. He remembered the guild reference room he visited before. With Ina. The cat-eared Vice Guild Master slash Clerk. The memory surfaced—the rows upon rows of books, the smell of old paper and leather bindings, the helpful way Ina had guided him through the collection.
"The Guild reference room is really good. But the collection was massive. Maybe you should ask Ina for help. She helped me before to get a good book to read."
Elise tapped her chin. Her pointed ears twitching—a habit he had come to recognize as a sign she was thinking.
"Right, I never actually went to the reference room myself. Never bothered. Fufu."
She looked out the window. The three moons of Kresneger—Azure, Crimson, and Ebony—were visible. They hung in the sky like three jewels—casting their colored light across the landscape. Azure—a pale blue orb that dominated the heavens. Crimson glowed softly beside it—a deep red that seemed to pulse with inner fire. And Ebony—a dark sphere that seemed to swallow the light around it.
"Okay then. I will drag that cat to help me find a good book. Fufu."
Hyoren smiled wryly. The expression was knowing—he had seen Ina's work ethic firsthand.
"Please give her a break. Ina was helping Oria take care of us when we fainted. She didn't sleep for two days. Relentlessly taking care of us."
Elise smiled warmly. The expression was teasing—her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Oh, did you fall for that cat charm already, Hyoren? You kept mentioning her. And you seem to be fond of her already just because of those two moment."
Hyoren waved his hand dismissively. The motion was quick—almost frantic.
"No, not like that Elise! I mean, she is actually a good and kind girl! Not like I fell for her! Truly!"
Elise giggled. The sound was light—musical. Her shoulders shook with amusement.
"Fufufu. I'm just teasing you, Hyoren. Though, if you truly did fall for that cat, please do tell."
Her smile was mysterious. It was as if she were saying she was fine if he truly fell for her. But Hyoren knew he should not fall for Ina. He would not cheat on Elise. The very thought made his chest tighten with something close to panic. He didn’t want to face another crisis which threatened their relationship.
"No, Elise. I already said multiple times. I love you. Not Ina."
Elise's mouth corner curled. She seemed to be satisfied with his answer. The tension in her posture eased—her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"I love you too, Hyoren."
She stood, then walked to the bed. Her footsteps were soft on the wooden floor—barely making a sound. She sat on the edge—the mattress dipping slightly beneath her weight.
"Okay, Hyoren. You must be tired. We should sleep early."
Hyoren nodded and stood. He approached the bed—his legs still slightly unsteady but much better than before. He lay on the mattress—the sheets cool against his skin. Then Elise snuggled close to him. Her body was warm—fitting against his side like a puzzle piece finding its place.
He took the blanket to cover them both. The fabric was thick—soft from years of use. Winter will come in about two weeks. He didn't want both of them to catch a cold. The thought of Elise shivering through the night made him pull the blanket higher—tucking it around her shoulders.
He looked at Elise, then kissed her. And she kissed him back. It was a light kiss. A good night kiss. But the intimacy was palpable—the warmth of her lips lingering on his even after they parted.
"Good Night, Elise."
Elise settled closer on him. Her head found its place in the crook of his neck—her silver hair spilling across his chest like moonlight.
"Night, Hyoren."
Not long after, both of them fell asleep. The room was quiet—save for the soft sound of their breathing and the occasional creak of the old building settling. The lamplight flickered—casting shadows that danced across the ceiling.
Elise might be still recovering from her wound as she slept easily. Her breathing was deep and even—her body relaxed against his. The rise and fall of her chest was steady—a comforting rhythm that matched his own.
While Hyoren was tired because of the whole day's training. His body ached in places he didn't know could ache—but it was a good ache. The kind that came from hard work and progress.
Tomorrow, training would continue. Elise would also start her own training. The thought drifted through his mind—distant and hazy as sleep crept closer.
But tonight, the warmth of the room and blanket enveloped them. The three moons cast their colored light through the window—painting the floor in shades of blue, red, and black. The world outside was quiet—peaceful.