43. Misty Rivers Inn
After walking for what felt like an eternity, they found themselves standing in front of a large stone wall. It was very high up, reaching several meters above the ground and surrounding the entire town inside.
There were two heavy metal gates that opened outwards, allowing people to enter and exit from the front, while guards stationed next to each side were tasked to monitor everyone coming and going through here.
Many wagons and carts were coming and going from the entrance too, creating a steady stream of traffic as merchants, adventurers, farmers, and others alike visited the town.
Seeing such activity made Nova's heart race, and he couldn't help but hold Hilda and Alicia tighter. "Hilda, Alicia... We've finally arrived."
Alicia hugged Nova back, pressing her bust against him. "Indeed. I still can't believe it, even though it feels like we've been on the run forever now."
"Me neither." Hilda responded to her with a gentle smile as she enjoyed being held tightly in Nova's strong arms, "This whole journey made me realize that anything can happen in life. And no matter how careful or cautious you are, it won't do much if you don't have the strength to change your fate or protect what you hold dear."
She closed her eyes and continued speaking softly to herself in a whisper, "...And that is why I must get stronger in order to protect myself and my new family, too."
Nova heard what Hilda said and smiled at her. "We will become much stronger together. So strong that nobody could ever threaten us again."
"Yes! Let's do it!" Alicia cheered as she raised her fist into the air with a triumphant expression on her face. "Now, we have a goal."
Then Hilda led the way towards the town gates. "I'll take you to the inn I always stay at. It's not big or luxurious, but the owners are kind people, and it's not expensive at all, either."
Alicia and Nova followed her without saying anything else for the time being, as they didn't know anything about the town anyway.
Soon they got to the town gates, and after Hilda gave the guards some coins, they were given tokens as entry passes that allowed them inside.
Alicia was looking at everything around her with great curiosity, while Nova had a neutral expression. The surroundings were crowded with people, and the sounds of various conversations and vendors crying out their products filled the air.
Nova noticed that many of the people were wearing armor, carrying weapons, and had bags and packs or carts and horses full of items. 'They must be adventurers.'
"This town is always filled with adventurers coming or going to quests in the nearby regions. Most of them are just novices trying to gain some experience." Hilda explained as if she read his thoughts, "A few stronger and more experienced parties have set up their bases in the major cities, but they are rare here."
They went into a small backstreet where there were a few wooden buildings built side by side. In front of one of the houses, there was a sign that read "Misty Rivers Inn."
"It's here. Come." Hilda opened the door to the inn and guided Nova and Alicia inside.
It was a small wooden building that was only three stories tall and looked like it had been built several decades ago.
However, once they entered the lobby area, they noticed that despite the poor external appearance, it looked clean and well-maintained on the inside.
There was a counter where a young woman in her early twenties stood behind, writing something down on a piece of paper using a feather quill dipped in ink.
She glanced up at them as they entered, and her face broke out into a smile as she greeted the three newcomers. "Welcome to Misty Rivers Inn, travelers. Are you planning on staying here overnight or for a few days?"
"I want a large room for three people." Hilda stated without hesitation, "And we'll stay for three days."
"Three days?" Nova looked at Hilda in confusion. "We don't have a place to stay. Shouldn't we rent for more days and decide how to continue later?"
"Don't worry; I know what to do. Just follow me." Hilda smiled and leaned onto Nova, giving him a peck on the cheek. "I've been to this town many times, so I have many friends and know the ropes."
Nova didn't say anything else, as he trusted Hilda and followed her lead.
After paying for the inn, the young receptionist led Nova and others up to their room. It was on the top floor, and unlike what Nova had expected, it was very spacious and had everything needed for living.
"Enjoy your stay, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need anything. We also provide meals for all of our guests here, so you can just call the attendant and order whatever you like to eat. Of course, the meals cost extra." The young receptionist said after showing them around the room and how everything worked.
"Okay, then please bring me your most nutritious meal for three." Nova replied immediately, remembering that they hadn't had any decent food ever since leaving the caravan.
"Very well, I'll bring your orders to you as soon as possible."
The receptionist said with a nod before turning around and leaving their room. Once she had left, Alicia instantly closed the door behind her and locked it before jumping onto Nova and kissing him.
Nova, who wasn't expecting it, almost lost balance but managed to support himself against the wall while holding onto Alicia's ass cheeks with both hands.
He lifted her up so that they could continue their make-out session without any trouble. She wrapped her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist for added support as their lips moved together.
Alicia's tongue snaked inside Nova's mouth with an aggressive hunger, swirling around his own tongue and tasting every inch of it she could reach.
"Haaa, Nova... I thought I wouldn't be able to enjoy your company again. I love you." Alicia moaned after separating their mouths slightly apart, giving them some air.
"I love you too, my sweet, loving, and beautiful wife. I swear that nothing will ever separate us." Nova's eyes burned with passion as he spoke those words from the bottom of his heart before capturing Alicia's lips again in a deep and loving kiss.