Chapter 553
Ian’s prediction was slightly off. Long before the sun had even set, the tavern below their inn had already erupted into noise, loud enough to wake the group.
"Everyone’s so diligent, starting from the crack of dawn," Ian quipped, sitting on the edge of his bed.
As expected, the city was teeming with outsiders. The party had only found rooms on their third attempt, and even then, only the largest and most expensive suite was available. Still, for their group, that was almost preferable. The price was inflated beyond doubt, but Ian’s purse, fattened by merchants, made it no concern.
"Let’s go out, Ian. This place seems like it’ll be a lot of fun," Thesaya said, urging him on from the largest bed in the center she had claimed. Her eyes sparkled as she looked out the window, where bustling sounds and flickering lights were spilling.
Ian, calmly fastening his gear, answered without looking at her, "You’re staying here, Thesa."
"What? Why?" Thesaya’s smile instantly vanished.
"We’ll probably be moving through back alleys. I’d rather not deal with problems."
"Don’t worry, Ian. I’m not the same fairy I used to be. I’ll just follow you quietly."
"That won’t work. Your face is the problem."
"My face? What’s wrong with my face?" Thesaya asked, bewildered.
Ian replied without pausing his movements. "You stand out too much."
This was a city crawling with smugglers, drifters, and criminals who lived one day at a time, not to mention drunks. On the main roads, maybe she’d pass unnoticed, but taking Thesaya into the alleys was a guarantee for trouble. And she wasn’t exactly small for a fairy either.