6. Dungeon Agales
We left the guild and headed straight back to the inn. Cheong-ah and I hadn't forgotten anything or needed to repack since we'd grabbed most of our gear on the way to the guild—it was just that old saying about hating someone but still going along one more time. Even a damn drunk like her was part of the party, so we had to pick her up, right? Not that I hated Bella or anything. Sure, the memory of her trying to kill me made things a bit awkward on a human level, but we'd spent two months together now, a full month as comrades. That was enough time to brush off some of the resentment and mutter something like, "There's a fine line between love and hate."
Thud thud. I knocked on the door of her room—the same one I'd pounded on before leaving for the guild. No response, even after several tries.
"Haa..." A sigh escaped me unbidden. Of course. No way this lush would still be sober. Waking up earlier had been a miracle.
I turned to Cheong-ah, who was waiting patiently behind me. "Cheong-ah, got the key?"
"Yes, darling. Right here." We'd asked the innkeeper for duplicates of each other's room keys as a precaution—just in case. She pulled a silk pouch from inside her chest wrappings and handed it over. My eyes couldn't help drifting to the bandages and the generous curves still visible despite the tight binding.
"You always pull stuff out from there, Cheong-ah."
"Pardon? Oh, this? Where else am I supposed to keep it? You know my clothes don't have pockets. Hehe... want a peek?"
She fluttered her eyes playfully and tugged at her collar, teasingly exposing more. What the hell, here of all places? I gently caught her hand, fixed her clothes, and whispered in her ear.
"Later, in the room. Don't flash like that."
"Hng... Why not? No one's around."
"'Cause you're mine, Cheong-ah. I don't share, and I don't like anyone else getting a look. Makes me jealous."
I stared straight into her eyes as I said it. Her face flushed crimson in an instant.
"Eut... R-Really?"
"Why?"
She shook her head, fanning her cheeks and turning away sharply. "N-Nothing. Whew... It's kinda hot today. I'll head down first. You come with Bella."
"Uh, yeah."
Her footsteps pattered hurriedly down to the first floor. She always melted at words like that. I shrugged, watching her go.
"Alright then."
I unlocked Bella's door with the key. Click. The bolt slid free, and I pushed it open. A thick wave of alcohol stench hit me, mingled with a sharp, tangy scent.
"Ugh."
What the hell is that smell? I instinctively covered my nose with my collar. The tang wasn't outright repulsive—it primal, stirring something deep and masculine. Not a fragrance, but exciting in a raw way. Like the scent a female animal emits to lure a mate. If it were just that, fine, but mixed with the booze, it triggered a psychological recoil. Frowning, I scanned the room and spotted Bella sprawled half-naked on the bed.
"Good grief."
Her tank top was hiked up, exposing her underboob and chiseled abs. The panties slung low on her hips looked damp at the crotch—clearly the source of that musky aroma. Should've sent Cheong-ah in? Too late now; she'd gone downstairs, and I was already inside.
I grabbed the fallen blanket from the floor, draped it over her to cover the exposed skin, and shook her gently. "Hey, Bella. Bella, wake up."
"Mm, ugh... What? Ian?"
Her breath reeked of liquor as she spoke.
"Fuck."
I swore and stepped back. Bella rubbed her eyes groggily and sat up. The blanket slipped down to her chest.
She clutched her forehead and whined. "What? Why you cursing right off the bat?"
"Look at yourself and this room. Jesus, the smell. How much did you pound last night, alone?"
I yanked open the curtains and window for some air. Cool breeze poured in. Bella shivered and wrapped the blanket tight.
"Brr... cold. Not much. Lemme see—one, two, three... six bottles?"
"That's not much? Get it together, you idiot. We got a quest."
"Quest? Oh, right, you said you were going. What's the job?"
"Dungeon."
"...Dungeon?"
Her one good eye widened. "You mean that kinda dungeon? Ones crawling with monsters that drop magic stones?"
"Yeah."
She looked surprised. "Whoa, what's the occasion? Dungeons usually get subjugation teams or free access for guild-backed adventurers, not handed out as quests."
"Kinda dangerous. Main monster inside is honkrodile—gold badge extermination rank or higher."
"Honkrodile? Oh, that croc. Lizardman-looking one?"
"Yep. Upper variant, they say."
"Heh, figures. Gold badge+ boss means the big one's even tougher. Sounds good. I like it. Hey, pass the water jug?"
"Sure thing."
She was bossing me around now. Still, I handed her the bottle, cap off.
"Nice touch. Thanks. You alone? Where's Cheong-ah?"
She chugged it down. I pointed downstairs and turned to leave. "Down there. Get dressed quick. I'll wait below."
"Wait, Ian! Hold up."
"What now?"
I glanced back; she was sliding off the bed. "Uh, help me out a sec."
"What, dress you? Me? You?" I arched a brow.
She shamelessly pressed. "Why not? C'mon, help a disabled girl out. One arm makes it tough."
"Well, I mean..."
Even for me, a guy—this felt off. She stared blankly, unfazed.
"What? You can do it, don't be a dick."
"Heh."
So much for being considerate; now I'm the cheapskate. Fine. "At least change your own panties."
Her expression shifted oddly. She rolled her eyes. "Huh? Nah, wasn't gonna ask that much."
"Whatever. Just do it. I'll turn around."
"Yeah."
I faced away. I ignored her mutter of "Wasn't planning to change anyway." Filthy woman.
Swish swish—the sound of fabric on skin. No arousal, just numb. Cheong-ah changing always got me hard...
Soon, Bella poked my back. "Ian, done changing. Help now."
"Alright?"
I turned. She stood with her back to me, in just panties. I yelped. "You crazy bitch!"
"What now? You said you'd help, then just curse? Hypocrite."
"Still, just panties is too much!"
"Why? You know my armor? Gotta wear it like this. Extra layers bunch up and suck in a fight."
"Hah, fine."
She nodded at her gear—a skin-tight leather leotard thing. Fair point. Still... "Should I grab Cheong-ah?"
"Nah. We're in a rush. Hurry, it's cold."
"...Got it."
I picked up the armor and approached carefully. Was it because she was a woman? The scent at my nose was sweet feminine musk, not the sour booze tang. Ignoring it, I helped her into it.
"Legs in. There, good."
"Ugh... 'Good'? Pervert. Hehe."
"Shut up. Just get in it."
"Hehe... moron."
Dressed, I stepped back. Some grandmotherly worry hit me. "Hey, next time ask Cheong-ah for this stuff. No idea how you've managed before, but asking a guy? Not cool."
"This what?"
"Dressing you."
"Oh, this? I don't ask just anyone. First time ever for you."
"...Huh?"
My face blanked. What? She glanced, shrugged casually. "Don't worry. Not into you or anything. I know better than to chase another woman's man."