Chapter 86
Chapter 86
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: Aonia (5)
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The day room rental at the inn didn't take much time.
With the Azure Dragon Festival in full swing and people overflowing everywhere, the innkeeper had pulled a face like, "Daring to rent a double room at a time like this?!"
But he surrendered immediately to the money pouch I dangled in front of him.
Money really is the answer.
I placed one more order on top of that.
-I'll give you as much money as you want, so can you rent out the entire inn?
-Oh, young master. Of course I'd love to, but pulling off something on that scale would cost a fortune... I don't think it's feasible...
-Here, one more.
-Ah, absolutely! I'll chase out every last guest no matter what it takes. Don't you worry.
One little push, and adding another pouch made him compliant right away.
I waited a short while as the innkeeper went room to room, haggling with the guests.
He came back with an obsequious smile.
"All set, sir. The entire inn is yours—full access to every service. No other guests left. You've chartered the place."
"Thanks."
"Heavens, no—I'm the grateful one for hosting a gentleman like you. Come on in, make yourselves at home."
We followed his lead inside.
Then Yoru sidled up behind me, poking my side excitedly.
"Kline. Kline. How'd you pull that off?"
"Pull what off?"
"Why'd you pay extra? If we were just day-renting, a double room would've done. I didn't expect you'd charter the whole inn."
"You seemed like you didn't want to stand out. So I just spent a little more."
"Whoa... Kline, you're awesome. I admit it."
"If you're grateful, make me some food. Truth is, I've been popping into the kitchen too much lately—it's a hassle."
"Heh heh. Piece of cake. Fine, I'll whip up a special Kurotsuki Yoru dish just for you."
We traded light banter as we headed to our rooms.
I stopped in front of the single room, and Yoru tilted her head.
"What're you doing, Kline?"
"Doing what?"
"Why stop there? Aren't we going to the double?"
"...?"
What was this now?
Was she seriously suggesting we share a room?
Flirting, was she?
"...Sleep together?"
"It'd feel bad splitting up after you shelled out so much for a friend. Plus, you're a guy. Sharing a room feels like a good way to pay you back."
"Cut the nonsense and unpack. Make dinner later."
"Hmph. Can't even take a joke. Such a stick in the mud."
Yoru sauntered off to her own room.
For a joke, it sure carried a whiff of regret.
"Eh, whatever."
I shook my head and opened the door.
I wasn't in any rush to get a girlfriend just yet.
The Crimson Blood Cult and the Blood Demon were still out there.
I unpacked, rested a bit, then headed downstairs for dinner as evening fell.
Yoru must've already spoken to the owner, since no meal was prepared tonight.
"Stay right there. I'll blow your mind."
Yoru grabbed an apron from the kitchen.
Finally, that insane outfit—chest wrapped in bandages, everything else bare—was sealed away.
Not that I minded the view as a guy.
But too much of a good thing is... well, too much.
"What's on the menu?"
"Heh heh heh. Something you've never tasted before. Ever heard of miso soup?"
"Oh, for real? Actual miso soup?"
"...What's with the weird reaction? You already know it?"
"Eh, picked it up sampling cultures around the Empire."
"What kind of vague answer is that? ...Whatever, miso soup and simmered potatoes it is. Hang tight."
"Got it."
Yoru got to cooking.
I watched from behind, a wave of nostalgia hitting me.
'Reminds me of my past life.'
Of course, hers would be Aonia-style miso soup—basically Japanese miso soup.
Still, I couldn't deny the longing.
A taste from my past life I'd never had in this world.
If Yoru made it for me, it'd be pure bliss.
I pondered our next moves while waiting.
Current goals: three.
First: Crush the Crimson Blood Cult and the Blood Demon.
Hard to gauge progress on this one.
No clue where the Blood Demon was, or the cult's forces.
Not even if things were playing out like the original story.
This was decades before Shardia Academy.
Who knew if the cult's members were even all gathered.
'Blood Demon's the real issue, then.'
Even if the cult leaders weren't assembled.
The Blood Demon would still be kicking around fine.
Figuring out how to take him down was key.
Second: Win the Azure Dragon Festival.
I'd planned it to fulfill Master's wish anyway.
Now it was essential for Mother's medicine too.
I'd secured a special pass to make it happen.
'Gotta lay low for a while.'
The Hiiragi clan was gunning for me regardless.
Best to chill until the round of eight and enter then.
Finally, third: My little sister, Ariel.
Undergoing humanization treatment from the Sword Sage.
Unconscious now, but by festival's end...
Would I see a normal girl version of Ariel?
"What're you thinking so hard about?"
I snapped to—dishes were already on the table.
Steaming simmered potatoes, fresh greens.
Miso soup bowls steaming in front of our seats.
The sight tugged at my heartstrings.
Yes. This. This right here.
This is what I'd craved.
"Can't wait to try your cooking, Yoru. Too excited."
"Sheesh, Kline. You gotta learn some shame sometimes. Way too bold."
"I'm serious."
"Keep saying stuff like that and girls'll misunderstand. Better watch it."
"... "
Aren't you the one trying to mislead me?
We fell quiet and picked up our utensils.
Spoon into the miso soup, scoop, wait a beat.
Took a sip.
'Whoa.'
Nostalgic.
Not quite my past life's Korean miso soup.
But this evoked memories plenty on its own.
Clear broth, not hearty.
Simple chunks.
Japanese-style, but satisfying.
"Wow. You really like it, huh?"
Yoru, who'd been watching, looked surprised.
She scanned my face.
"Eyes are even misty... That good? I honed my cooking on the road, but this much?"
"Yeah. Tastes like Mom's."
"W-what?"
"You'd make a great mom."
"...Shut up and eat!"
She freaked out even at a compliment.
I'd meant it—her cooking brought back Mom's touch.
We ate in silence.
Me lost in memories, her embarrassed by the praise.
Conversation resumed only after we'd finished.
"Time to plan ahead? Submit the special pass first?"
"Yep. Hand it to the association, and we've got a round-of-eight spot."
"Mm. But no trouble, right? You're unaffiliated, and the Hiiragi have it out for you. Hope submitting doesn't start a fight."
"We'll slip in quietly, out of sight."
"So, rest here from round of 128 through to semis?"
"Yeah."
"Got it."
Silence settled.
Time to head up and crash. The trek here'd been rough.
As I opened my mouth to suggest it to Yoru, the innkeeper peeked in.
"You two. Fancy a bath?"
"Pardon?"
We blinked at each other.
Of course we'd bathe, but the room had a bathroom.
Watching us, the innkeeper bowed low.
"We have an onsen. Reserved for VIPs usually, but for gentlemen like you? Wide open. Interested?"
"What do you think, Yoru?"
"Me? All for it. Been ages since an onsen soak."
"Very good. This way, please."
He beckoned us to follow.
We trailed after him.
The onsen was tucked away, easy to miss if not paying attention.
"Neat spot for it."
"Heh heh. Reasons for that. Now, change here. Dressing rooms that way."
"Got it. Let's go, Yoru."
"Okay."
We followed to the changing room.
"Exit's the other way. Enjoy."
He handed over yukata and left.
Past-life memories surfaced again.
Not nostalgia like the miso soup—just anime scenes.
'So many shows with girls giggling in yukata.'
Hit me anew: I was reborn in fantasy.
I donned the yukata and headed out.
Yoru emerged from the women's side, heading the same way.
"Yoru, what're you doing?"
"Huh? They sent me this way too."
"What?"
What the hell?
Both of us directed to the same place?
Questions shoved aside, we reached the entrance.
A few lines were posted there.
[This is a mixed bath.]
[Private—no prying eyes, no sound leaks.]
[Relax and enjoy.]
We're still teenagers, you old perv.