Chapter 270 First Stop-Tavern
Location Brief: Elmshade, a modest town about two days' travel from the Hestia Empire's capital, serves as a crucial resting point for travelers on their way from Solstice to Eshmera. Nestled between hills and bordered by a gentle river, Elmshade offers a simple and warm atmosphere.
The town's cobblestone streets are lined with charming cottages and shops, creating a welcoming vibe. Elmshade's primary function is to provide a haven for weary adventurers, offering inns, taverns, and market stalls for rest, supplies, and socializing.
With a bustling market in the town square, Elmshade contributes to the empire's economic network by facilitating trade and commerce. The local economy thrives on agriculture, providing fresh produce and sustaining both the town and passing caravans.
**"
A screech of some kind of bird was heard in the background as I felt someone tap me on my shoulder.
I looked back to see Erik waiting for me to move, and Aron behind him pressuring him with his eyes, making him more nervous.
I moved, letting the boy walk past me but stayed as I saw Aron freeze.
"What? Walk down, prince...you were quite in a hurry, right?" I said in a serene tone as I saw him flinch a bit, but soon he went past me.
My eyes went back towards Adam, or now the whole group of Professor Night, Isolde Holloway, Vexa Velcrow, and Adam Stales who were mostly looking at us.
The carriages sprinted off immediately, leaving us without anything....our luggage is still in the carriage.
"Now Now! We are going to rest for tonight here in this beautiful town before starting again tomorrow morning. Look behind, this is the tavern we are going to stay at." She clasped her hands together.
I could still see Adam's gaze on me...he has something to say, I guess, but since he didn't, I too didn't say anything...
"Let's go....why is everyone so..... silent?" As if it hit her just now, Professor Night asked.
Most of the students here are—well, not in good terms with each other.
Especially Isolde and Aron.
She never liked the prince because of his behavior, and who doesn't know what Aron does behind the walls...so yeah, even I can't say that hate towards him is not justified.
I looked inside my robe and saw that Blaze was still sleeping soundly. According to him, in the past two days after the selections and between the departure, he hunted a lot. It got me a lot of mana points and him the experience.
The carriages came to a gradual halt in front of the rustic tavern, its wooden structure adorned with flickering lanterns that cast a warm glow on the cobblestone path. Vines snaked their way up the sides, creating an enchanting atmosphere that contrasted with the tension lingering among the passengers.
Professor Night, with a smile that hinted at hidden wisdom, announced, "Welcome to Twilight Haven! Our haven for the night."
The group stepped onto the worn wooden porch, the boards creaking beneath their weight. The door, a heavy oak portal, swung open to reveal the inviting interior. The scent of freshly cut wood mingled with the aroma of hearty meals and burning candles.
The tavern boasted a cozy common room, its walls adorned with aged tapestries depicting magical creatures and landscapes. A large fireplace crackled in one corner, casting dancing shadows across the room. A long wooden table stood at the center, surrounded by mismatched chairs, each with its own tale to tell.
As the group entered, the atmosphere remained strained. Isolde exchanged icy glances with Aron, while Adam's gaze occasionally flickered towards me, carrying unspoken words. The unease lingered until Professor Night approached, holding a set of old-fashioned keys.
"Here are your room keys. Make yourselves at home," she declared, her eyes reflecting a knowing awareness of the undercurrents within the group.
I snatched my key and immediately headed towards my room, eager to escape the palpable tension. The door creaked open, revealing a quaint space with a comfortable bed, a small writing desk, and a window overlooking the town's quiet streets.
I landed on the bed as I looked up till-
"Nyaan!!!!!!!!!!"
I turned to side, letting Blaze get out from the suffocation.
"You bastard!!!! You did it on purpose!!!!" He screamed in my mind.
"You were sleeping awfully a lot today." I said as I removed my robe and placed it besides me.
"I am tired! Let me rest before I can actually gain my mana back!" He hissed as he jumped down the bed.
I sighed as I laid my back on the bed again, thinking-
Knock*
Till I heard a knock on the door.
Opening the door, I found Professor Night standing there with an awkward expression while Erik stood behind her... and Vexa. Vexa's presence caught me off guard, making the situation a bit weird.
"Any problem, Professor?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"It's not a problem, per se," she began, "but there have been some minor changes in the plan. It seems there's not enough room. After they gave out the keys, we realized the rooms are... not as good as expected. So, I was thinking if you could share—"
"How many?" I interrupted, my eyes scanning the room behind me.
"Huh?" She seemed momentarily stunned, then responded, "Oh, two."
"Hmm," my gaze fell on Vexa. She held a small chit in her hand, reading it intently. The more I looked at her, the more out of place she seemed to be. For a brief second, our eyes met, and she didn't break the eye contact, as if contemplating something.
"Ren!" I was nudged back to reality.
"Yeah," I blinked, wondering why Vexa's eyes looked so... peculiar.
"So?" Professor Night gave me a questioning look.
"Oh, it's fine. I can share—" I agreed, thinking this might be the only chance to talk to Vexa like this, ignoring Erik.
But my words halted as Aron dragged his feet on the wooden floor, joining the conversation.
"Why not share with me? I'm fine with sharing," he interjected, throwing a curveball into the situation.
.....Aron....fine with sharing?
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