Chapter 98: Quiet Bonds and Loud Entrances
Shiao Yi wore his on his right ear, and the captain wore his on the left.
Aaron had told them that the person in the "wife’s" position traditionally wore it on the right ear.
Since Shiao Yi didn’t have any magical power, it was Captain Dominic who channeled magic into both cuffs to fix them in place.
The whole scene had a soft, heartwarming feel to it.
If this small moment could help lift Captain Dominic’ mood and allow Shiao Yi to focus better on his training, then it was well worth it.
And so, as the sky began to turn a deep shade of red with the setting sun, their group finally arrived in front of the gates of the Mitromica.
...
The fields stretched out and the houses stood close together as if huddling for warmth.
On the hills nearby, there were livestock grazing and a poultry farm.
Compared to the neglected farmland they had seen along the main roads, this land was well cared for.
The space between the forest and the town was used to its fullest.
The crops harvested from these fields were probably absorbed into Mitromica Town.
At the town gates, the guards were checking the identities of those entering and leaving.
While lining up their wagon in the lane for carts, Dominic switched places with Rex and helped Shiao Yi climb into the back of the vehicle.
Even though Shiao Yi had dyed his hair brown, his black eyes were still rare and could attract attention.
It was best to keep him out of sight.
Once Dominic took his seat, he immediately pulled Shiao Yi onto his lap.
It had only been half a day since they were last together, but it somehow felt like a long time.
He ended up holding Shiao Yi tightly without thinking.
"Did your training go well?" Dominic asked.
"Yeah, I think I managed to get most of my senses back. Thanks, Dominic," Shiao Yi replied with a smile.
Shiao Yi reached up and touched the cuff on Dominic’s left ear with a pleased expression. When Dominic kissed the cuff on Shiao Yi’s right ear, Shiao Yi gave a little shiver and giggled, his shoulders shaking slightly.
"My, my. Such a sweet sight," said Aaron with a chuckle as he stepped down from the wagon and moved up to the driver’s bench to talk to the gate guard.
Whether it was thanks to the merchant papers from Pristina or the quiet bribe Aaron had slipped into the guard’s hand, their cart passed through the gate without any trouble and entered the town.
Mitromica was only two days by carriage from the capital city of Rabanastre and unlike the smaller towns and villages they had passed through so far, it was a lively, bustling place.
The houses stood neatly side by side and there were even some large impressive-looking buildings.
A tall church steeple stood near the center of town, catching the last light of the sunset and gleaming faintly.
It was the time of day when many people were out and about.
Carefully maneuvering the horses between the crowds, Amal brought the wagon to a stop at their lodging for the night.
He was in charge of logistics and was skilled at handling the wagon.
Their inn for the night looked like one of the expensive, high-end places.
Although Mitromica seemed lively at first glance during their journey, there was still a rough and worn-out atmosphere in certain parts.
The closer to the outer wall they got, the clearer it became. The damaged homes, abandoned buildings, even some inns that had clearly shut down. Spending extra money for safety seemed like the smarter choice.
As usual, they rented the rooms in the same way as before. Everyone spread out individually throughout Mitromica for dinner.
Aaron headed to the church carrying a sack of Moongrain.
Amal and Rex blended into the crowd.
Louis made his way to a tavern—if any agents from Quintus were around, they would likely try to make contact there.
Dominic carried the food up to the room and stayed behind to wait with Shiao Yi.
They had hot water brought up to fill the bathtub attached to their room.
Taking turns, they each bathed and cleaned themselves up.
Just as they were finishing, the lively sounds began to echo from downstairs.
"You’re a good guy, I like ya! Let’s drink some more!" shouted Louis’s drunken voice, it was loud and clear enough for everyone to hear.
"There ain’t no proper booze in this place! It’s way too fancy, feels like we’re being watched!"
It sounded like his companions were equally drunk.
"Let’s keep drinking in my room!"
"That’s sounds good! Hahaha!"
The loud footsteps came stomping up the stairs. It was getting a bit too noisy.
When the footsteps stopped in front of the door, Dominic quickly opened it and pulled the two men inside.
He glanced down the hallway and, using his magic to sense for any nearby presence, confirmed there was no one around. Then he shut the door and locked it.
"You went too far. Don’t attract unnecessary attention," Dominic said sharply, his gaze cold.
At his harsh glare, Louis and the man with him shrank back, clearly realizing they had been too loud. Shiao Yi handed them each a glass of water, and the two started to sober up a little.
"My name is Stuart," said the man sitting beside Louis on the small two-seater couch. "I’ve worked for years in Dalmasca as a registered hunter with the guild. I was contacted by the Supreme Commander."
Dominic listened from a single armchair across from them. Shiao Yi, of course, was sitting in his lap. After all, where else would he sit?
Louis gave him a resigned look, while Stuart looked genuinely surprised at the sight.
However, Dominic acted like it was the most natural thing in the world.
When Shiao Yi started to move, as if trying to get off, Dominic tightened his arms to hold him in place—restraining him, or rather, pulling him closer.