Saya and Julius were exploring Marcus Valley together. The town wasn't very large, but it still had a wide variety of shops—from weapon stores to flower stalls.
The houses were all made of wood, and the roads were paved with smooth cream-colored stones. Julius, feeling hungry, began looking around for an inn.
But something was bothering him. Really bothering him.
He leaned toward Saya and whispered,
"Saya, you feel it too, right?"
"Yes, Master. Someone's keeping a very close eye on us."
Despite the tension, both of them continued acting normal.
An old man walked toward them from the other end of the road, dressed like a regular villager.
Julius approached him politely.
"Ah, hello, sir. Do you know if there's an inn nearby?"
The old man looked slowly at Julius. He was walking with the help of a wooden stick. His beard was long and white, eyes barely open, head bald, and his back slightly hunched as he moved.
"The building just to your right is the only inn around here."
"Ah, thank you."
Julius turned to his right. The structure was made entirely of wood—three stories tall, with a beautiful, welcoming design. The first floor had a balcony, and the rooftop was styled like a traditional Chinese house. Several flower pots lined the front of the gate.
The wooden gate creaked as Julius knocked on it.
"Hello? Is anyone there?"
The door opened from the inside.
Standing there was a middle-aged woman. She was beautiful—though not as much as Saya. Her breasts were large—but not as large as Saya's. She had curves—but not quite like Saya's.
She had short, pink hair and matching pink eyes. Her eyelashes and eyebrows were the same hue. Her lips were a perfect shade of red, and a natural blush graced her cheeks.
"Welcome, sir. How can I help you?"
She wore a long white dress with a pale green apron over it. Her sleeves were rolled up, and she wore sturdy leather boots. Despite the apron, her cleavage was clearly visible.
"Um, ma'am, we'd like a room for two—and something to eat, please."
It was already late morning, and after their intense encounters with the Aunguru tribe and the Solvarin, both of them were exhausted, hungry, and thirsty.
"Of course, sir. Please come in."
Saya and Julius stepped inside. The inn's ground floor had wooden flooring, with several wooden tables and chairs neatly arranged. At the front was a counter lined with shelves full of wine bottles. Behind the counter stood another girl—around 19 years old—who looked almost like a younger version of the middle-aged woman.
She was busy serving wine to the other customers.
The inn wasn't fully packed, but it was still lively.
The right wall had shelves full of flower pots, and the left wall was lined with books. Near the counter on the right side was a staircase that led to the upper floors.
The innkeeper gestured politely.
"Please, follow me."
She led them to a cozy window seat along the left wall. They both sat down. A door behind the counter probably led to the kitchen.
There was a menu on their table. Julius picked it up.
"Saya, have you ever had spaghetti before?"
"No, Master. What kind of dish is it?"
"It's really good. Want to try it?"
"Yes, Master." Saya replied with a soft, radiant smile.
Julius raised his hand slightly and called out,
"Ma'am, could you please take our order?"
She walked over with a small notebook and a pen.
"Yes sir, please tell me what you'd like."
"Two plates of spaghetti, and two glasses of Merlot wine."
"Certainly, sir. Please wait a moment while I get your order ready."
While waiting, both of them took in their surroundings, admiring the cozy and calm atmosphere.
Then, Julius looked at Saya—she was looking exceptionally beautiful in that moment.
He gently stretched his leg under the table and began brushing it against Saya's.
Saya turned to him, her cheeks slowly turning red.
He slid his foot up further—toward a more sensitive spot—and began softly rubbing it.
Saya bit her lip to suppress her voice. Her entire face turned crimson.
Julius grinned.
Saya, overwhelmed, leaned forward, resting her head and both arms on the table. She was struggling to keep quiet.
Just then, a fat man from a nearby table approached them.
He was completely bald and very overweight, with overly chubby cheeks. His clothes were way too small for him—a tight yellow plaid T-shirt and shorts. The shirt barely covered his belly and stretched at the seams. He held a glass of wine in one hand, and his skin was slightly dark.
He leaned toward Saya and said,
"Hello, miss. Why don't you come celebrate with me? It's my birthday today. How about we head to my place... just the two of us?"
Suddenly, several thin cuts appeared on his right arm—as if sharp wind had sliced across it. He gasped in pain.
"You know... you're starting to really annoy my girl. Why don't you take your fat ass and go back to your table?"
Of course, the sharp wind blades were created by Julius—but they were small, meant only to cause light cuts, just enough to send a warning.
"What did you say, you little—"
The man moved to punch Julius with his wine-holding hand—
—but before he could swing, a black katana appeared at his neck.
"Think twice before touching my master. I don't show mercy."
He broke into a cold sweat.
"I-I was just kidding... it was just a harmless prank..."
He stepped back and hurried out of the inn without looking back.
"Thank you, Saya."
"Anytime, Master."
Julius smirked, then slowly began teasing her again under the table, foot trailing softly.