Chapter 93
Chapter 93
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: Change of Pace (3)
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From the moment they first met, the image of the earth fairy in Galen's mind hadn't been bad at all. It stood out even more in contrast to the somewhat detestable humans.
Of course, after spending time with them, it turned out the Steelwall family or Beron weren't exactly bad guys... more like a chaebol dynasty and its spoiled heirs? Not squeaky clean, but not pure evil either—just your typical arrogant nobles, bland and unappetizing.
Even so, the earth fairy had been relatively easier to talk to, so some favorable feelings lingered.
"Akanksha!"
Lilia felt the same, greeting the guest with genuine delight.
"Have you been well?"
"What, do I have any reason not to be? You two look the same as ever."
Taking the time since they parted from Akanksha as a benchmark, Earth Bind and Territory March had maxed out to Gold rank, Vanity Inferno had evolved, and Water Flow Manipulation and Spirit Creation had each leveled up a few times.
Imagining such absurd changes in just over three months would be impressive in itself. Even if he spelled it out plainly, they probably wouldn't believe it.
Galen mulled over such idle thoughts as he ushered Akanksha into the room.
The suite boasted near-residential luxury, with two bedrooms, a living room, and an attached bathroom.
"Wow, this room is amazing. How much for a night in a place like this?"
"One gold coin."
"Kinda pricey for two sharing, but not really? Considering the money you pocketed."
"If we based it on that, what luxury inn would exist in this world?"
Even on the outskirts, renting a mansion inside a major city's walls for two months cost five gold coins.
No matter how top-tier the accommodations, a gold coin per night was insane by commoner standards.
It was just that the sum Galen had taken from the ruins was even more ridiculous.
Unlike the Steelwall family or the Red Rock alliance, this was Galen the individual who had claimed it.
Still, compared to his wealth, his spending habits remained modest.
He'd booked this room precisely because he endured hardships wandering the wilds—when in the city, he wanted to eat and sleep well.
"Anyway..."
Galen settled into the armchair opposite Akanksha, who had hopped onto one like a playful child.
"What brings you here?"
"Hm, first off, personally—thank you."
"Pardon?"
"Truth is, I ran into that Beron guy not long ago, totally by accident."
A flicker of discomfort crossed Akanksha's face. It wasn't pleasant, of course, but surprisingly less irritating than before.
"You think we wouldn't know two human villages near the border mines—where we clashed—burned to the ground? We scout that much regularly."
"Ah."
"Couldn't figure it out, so we approached cautiously... and there was Beron, right in the middle."
"Were... were you alright? You two never got along well..."
"Never good, sure. But he seemed less of a brat this time? A bit more manners."
Galen gave a quiet, wry smile at the ambiguous compliment—or insult.
He guessed the near-death experience had something to do with it. Arrogant types often got humbled after a big setback.
"Anyway, he mentioned you two. Didn't get details, but said he chased some crazy wizard and ran into your group?"
"Something like that."
"Said outright that if you hadn't chased him down and caught the perp, we'd be blamed for it. His tone grated a bit, but he didn't pick a fight."
"Glad to hear it."
"We are too. Would've sparked another war if we'd been fingered as culprits out of nowhere. Thanks to you."
"It just happened the guy we were chasing fled your way. Nothing to thank."
Galen shrugged it off nonchalantly.
"Lucky it didn't escalate. From what I know, Lord Beron is a hardliner even in Steelwall. If this softens him up, fewer fights all around, right?"
"If those guys stopped spouting nonsense and poking us now and then, we'd leave 'em alone."
Akanksha grumbled, then shook their head.
"Got sidetracked. Wasn't here just to say thanks. To the point: you two busy?"
"Not really."
"Not at all!"
"Until when?"
"Pardon?"
"How long you free?"
"Well, that's a tricky question."
Galen scratched his cheek.
"Guess I'd stay free till I start some job? Unless someone commissions us."
"No commissions yet?"
"Not right now."
"You're just saying you're twiddling thumbs the long way around."
"Dunno why you're asking. Why not cut to the chase, Akanksha?"
"Hm. Wanted to invite you."
Galen and Lilia tilted their heads in unison.
"Invite us?"
"Yeah. You know I'm with the Red Rock Alliance, right?"
"Yes. Though I'm not clear on what 'alliance' exactly means..."
"Think of it like human families or clans. Just not strictly blood-related."
"Ah."
"Families have heads; alliances have alliance leaders. Ours wants to invite you."
"Uh... so, we're going into Red Rock Alliance territory?"
"That's why it's an invitation."
"That's so sudden."
Galen blinked in bewilderment. Akanksha nodded understandingly.
"I get it. But the ruins expedition was over three months ago."
"True."
"Sudden for you, but we've been mulling it over since. Not impulsive."
"Then the reason for the invite..."
"You saved our subjugation force. Sure, you took a fair share as reward, and we profited big from the treasures too. Owe you one, so we're hosting. Can't deny our leader's personal curiosity either."
"I see."
"And if you're up for it... there's a festival soon."
"Festival?"
"Said alliance is like families, right? Not just one per region. Earth fairies belong to different alliances by area. They gather once a year for a festival. You could watch if you want."
"Hm."
Galen glanced sideways, delaying his answer.
Lilia's sparkling eyes made asking her opinion unnecessary.
He chuckled softly.
"Give us a moment to talk it over, and we'll reply right away."
The one he discussed it with wasn't Lilia.
Galen sought out Dymerus for advice.
True to form as grand bishop, Dymerus knew plenty.
"Alliance invitations aren't that rare."
"R-really?"
"Earth fairies trade with humans too. If fully self-sufficient, why raid ruins for treasure? They value coin, that's why."
"Oh, makes sense now..."
"Merchants who deal with them already enter their lands somewhat. Counts as a kind of invite. Of course, you're guests of the alliance leader himself—different level."
"Safe to accept, then?"
Usually leaving talks to Galen while listening quietly, Lilia was unusually proactive today.
Dymerus nodded with a vague expression.
"The invitation itself, yes. The festival part is iffy."
"Some issue?"
"It's purely an earth fairy event. Humans rarely get invited. I've only heard tales, never met anyone who's gone. Honestly... I'd love to see it."
"...Pardon?"
Galen blanked at the grand bishop's earnest face.
Wasn't this the cue for 'smells fishy, stay cautious'?
But Dymerus was dead serious, no jest.
"Once-in-a-lifetime chance, right? And they suggested it first. Perfect chance to enjoy fully."
"Well, sure, but..."
"If you decline, Bishop Lilia looks ready to go solo."
"N-no, I'm not!"
Lilia startled and denied it, but couldn't hide her stigmata fluttering in her eyes.
A mischievous urge struck Galen; he stared silently. She averted her gaze, mumbling.
"I-it's true I'm curious about the festival... but if Brother doesn't go, neither do I."
"No need to go that far."
"The invite was for the ruins. You did more than me, Brother. Can't go alone if you don't."
"Akanksha would understand that much."
"...Still not going solo."
Lilia said stubbornly, a bit downcast. Galen burst out laughing.
"We'll go together, then."
"Huh?"
"Why?"
"Thought you hated the idea..."
"Why would I? Sounds fun. Just wanted to test the waters first."
"So we're going? For sure?"
"Yes."
"Yay!"
Her mood flipped from cloudy to sunny in an instant.
Galen turned to Dymerus, watching fondly.
"You said you'd like to go too, Your Excellency—so it's fine, right?"
"What trouble could there be? Earth fairies plotting via festival invite? Overthinking it."
Dymerus nodded.
"Might be to enlist you for fun or requests needing a wizard or priest. No malice, though. At worst, some favor."
"We can handle that on the fly."
"Also... Akanksha came to me first asking your lodgings. I let slip how much the church values Bishop Lilia. Akanksha's no fool—got the warning. Won't try anything funny."
"Y-you went that far..."
Lilia squirmed bashfully. Dymerus chuckled heartily.
"So go worry-free and have fun. Ah, no need to come back. Play hard, and we'll meet if chance allows."
"In your debt to the end. Thank you."
"Debt? Just doing what's right. Tell me how it goes later."
With safeguards in place, no hesitations left.
Back at the inn, they informed waiting Akanksha.
"Great choice! I'll get you there safe."
"Anything special to prepare?"
"Just pack like normal travel. Got horses or a carriage?"
"Sold 'em all. Buy or rent as needed."
"Money makes life easy. When to leave? I'm good anytime."
"Tomorrow's fine by me. Lilia?"
"Even today!"
"Sun's setting soon..."
"Tomorrow it is. I'll come after breakfast. Feels like heading to the ruins again?"
Not just the departure vibe—the destination too.
Akanksha led them toward Oklane, the small city near the ruins.
"Thought I'd never go back, but here so soon."
"Could take the long way. But from Mezaya, it's a huge detour."
Akanksha shrugged.
"Bit risky, but shortest is comfiest, yeah?"
"Risky how?"
"Some fiends pop up."
"I see."
Yeah, risky it'd be.
Those fiends.