After scattering the Wyvern's pursuers and leaving the city, I took it easy and enjoyed the air travel.
　There was no need to rush back to my parents' house.

　It was especially nice to fly while lying on my back and looking out at the open sky.
　It was also interesting to see the sky upside down if you lift your head up a bit.
　Every once in a while, a bird-like demon will attack, but I will use the "flying blade" from my sword to put it away before it gets too close.

　Before I knew it, the sky had turned reddish-blue, and soon it was night.
　I would have liked to fly through the night looking at the stars, but I would have preferred to rent a place to stay for the day.

　The sun had been shining all day and the sun was strong, and I was sweating, so I wanted to wash up.
　A dip in the water would be fine, but preferably somewhere with a bathhouse.

　Just as I was thinking about this, I saw the city.
　I landed on the ground, thankful that the city wasn't as troublesome as it was yesterday.




　I was able to enter the city normally, without being rated according to my profession or having different gates available.
　Let's find a place to stay as soon as possible.

''Hmm?''

　Then I suddenly felt a look and I looked in that direction.

'Do you want an apple?　It's a sweet, fresh, delicious apple!

　A town girl, who seemed to be everywhere, was selling apples to people on the street.
　The apples in the palanquin were red and certainly looked delicious.

'Is it my imagination?'


　　　◇ ◇ ◇


Thank you for your purchase.

　While bowing to the elderly man, the apple-selling girl followed a certain young man out of the corner of her eye.

"Mr. Maple, Mr. Maple. This is Sakura from the city Rayen. I have just witnessed someone at the entrance of the city who I believe to be the target.

　Then, while covering his mouth with his hand, he muttered in a small voice.
　Its content was as if he was reporting to someone who wasn't here.

''Really?''
'Yes, sir. It matches the characteristics I'm hearing with a high degree of accuracy.
"...Elenella said she was in Carrion a day ago. It will take three days by carriage to get to Lehen. And you're sure of that?
It's true.... Well, it's still only an appearance check, so we'll investigate the name and occupation as soon as possible!
Okay, okay. Keep me posted on what you learn.
I'm awestruck, sir!


　　　　◇ ◇ ◇


　As I walked along at random, I found an inn along the road.
　When I walked in, a girl who was only about seven or eight years old at most ran up to me.

'Welcome!　One?

　I guess he is a helper at his parents' house.
　She's pretty solid for her age.

Yeah. But first, does this inn have a bath?
'Of course!　We have a big bathhouse!　Even my brother can swim!

　They respond cheerfully.

　To be honest, I wasn't expecting much since it was probably a small family-run inn, but I heard it had a large bathhouse.
　I don't know if they understood my inner feelings.

'There are hot springs in this town!　That's why bathrooms are a given in every inn!
I see.

　I'm convinced.

'Oh, but that doesn't mean I want you to go to another inn!　The building is small, but the hot springs are just as big!

　I said to the girl who hurriedly added that to me.

'Then let me stay the night,'
'Thank you!　How do you want to eat?　We have a reputation for cooking!
I'll take it. I'll take a bath first.
'Yes!　One person is invited!

　After being shown to my room, I quickly headed to the bathhouse.


　　　　◇ ◇ ◇


Oh, welcome!　Is it just you?
Didn't a young man by the name of "Arel" come to the inn a few minutes ago?
'What?　Oh, yes. You mean your brother from earlier?

　The girl checks the guest list.
　The name 'Arel' is written on it.

"Have you been asked about your occupation?
You know, I don't think we should...
Oh, yeah? No, it's nothing. By the way, do you have any rooms available?
Oh, yes!
Then let me spend the night. I don't need a meal.
I understand!　We have one more for you!




"Dear Mr. Maple. I'm Sakura from the city of Leyen. We've just received confirmation that the name is "Arel". As to his occupation, we are not sure. We will continue to investigate.
Copy that.


　　　　◇ ◇ ◇


Oh, come back to life...

　When I soaked in the hot spring, I couldn't help but hear an old man's smelly voice.
　Well, I'll be 20 years old in a little while, so it can't be helped.

　As the girl of the inn said, it was quite a wide bathtub.
　It's also an open-air bath.
　The heat is just right and it feels good.

But there are no other guests except me. It's a little late, have you finished getting in?

　Thanks to that, it was a chartered state.
　By the way, it seems to be a mixed bathing.

It's not a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　As I was playing with Mattie submerged in the hot water, I felt someone approaching.
　Soon a young woman comes into the bathroom.

'May I join you?'
Yeah, that's fine. I hear it's a mixed bathing establishment.

　You won't be able to see much because the hot water smoke is so strong anyway.

''Then I'll take your word for it...''

　She sat down on the opposite side of the large hot tub, just opposite me.

'It's nice hot water,'
Hm?　Yeah, I know.

　He asks good-naturedly, and I comply.

"How often have you been in town?
No, this is my first time. I've never even heard of a hot spring before.
'I see. I usually live in a city called Carrion, but I like the hot springs here and visit them from time to time.
Carrion?

　I think I've heard that name before.

'Yes. Do you know it?
I don't know if I've heard of it before.
"...a city with a very high level of professional discrimination.
Oh, there it is.

　You just stopped by yesterday.

Have you ever been here?
'There is. It was only yesterday that I got into a bit of trouble, so I had to get it out early.
...yesterday.

　She repeated my words somewhat meaningfully.

'But how did you get this far in just one day?　It will take you three days to get to the carriage, don't you think?
I've been flying.
...Yes?