The Lunarea Inn.

  ?According to the locals, this was the crown jewel of Oryndel’s hospitality. Perhaps the most famous inn in all of Isen.

  ?Hearing such high praise, Aelira had imagined a palace of marble and gold in the city center.

  ?She was wrong.

  ?They stood at the foot of a gentle hill rising on the edge of the district. A winding stone path cut through the grass, leading up to the structure at the very peak.

  ?But it wasn't the height that caught Aelira's eye. It was what surrounded it.

  ?The entire hill was choked with strange, pale plants. They grew in thick clusters on either side of the path, their buds closed tight. They had no color. Their petals were translucent, waxy, and dull—like unpolished glass or frozen tears. Under the daylight, they looked ghostly, almost dead against the vibrant green of the grass.

  ?"What are these?" Aelira muttered, crouching to look at one. It didn't smell like anything. "They look... empty."

  ?"Maybe they're just waiting for the right time," Zaek said absently, his gaze fixed on the building ahead.

  ?As they ascended the path, the inn revealed itself.

  ?It didn't look like a typical Imperial building. It belonged to a different land entirely.

  ?It was a hexagonal structure built in the Edevry style.

  ?Pillars of dark, charred timber supported a wide, curved roof with eaves that swept upward like the wings of a bird. The wood was stained a deep, midnight black, contrasting sharply with the pale field of flowers surrounding it. The walls were set deep within the pillars, creating a spacious, wrap-around porch that offered a 360-degree view of the city and the plains beyond.

  ?It was elegant. Silent. Open to the wind.

  ?Zaek stopped for a moment, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana. His eyes traced the dark curve of the roof, a flicker of old pain crossing his face.

  ?This style...

  ?The wooden wind chimes swaying gently under the black eaves. The harmony with nature.

  ?It reminds me of her.

  ?He shook his head, pushing the memory back into the dark where it belonged.

  ?"It’s open," he noted, forcing a casual tone. "Airy. I like it."

  ?"It’s certainly... unique," Aelira admitted. "I've never seen a roof like that. It looks almost sad."

  ?"Don’t get distracted," Zaek murmured, nudging her forward. "Remember our goal. We get the mission from Tobias, secure our route, and go straight back to Marcus. Flora is waiting."

  ?Aelira nodded, her expression tightening. "Right."

  ?They reached the top, stepping onto the polished wooden veranda.

  ?The interior was just as open as the exterior suggested. There were no suffocating stone walls; sliding wooden panels and paper screens separated the spaces. The air smelled of polished cedar and herbal tea.

  ?"Welcome, customers! How can I help you?"

  ?A friendly woman in a crisp apron approached them, wiping her hands on a towel.

  ?"We are looking for a man named Tobias Herman," Zaek said. "We heard he was looking for guards."

  ?"Tobias? Ahh!" The woman’s face lit up with recognition. "You've come for the commission? Finally! He's been waiting upstairs. He practically lives on the balcony these days."

  ?She gestured to the wide spiral staircase in the center of the room but then held up a hand.

  ?"One small thing, though. House rules—no weapons allowed on the upper floors. We like to keep the peace alongside the view."

  ?Zaek frowned, his thumb brushing the guard of his sword. "Is that really necessary? I feel naked without it."

  ?"Strictly," the woman said with a pleasant but unyielding smile. "Whatever danger you think exists, I assure you, it won't reach the second floor."

  ?"Tch. Fine."

  ?Grumbling about "defenseless sheep," Zaek unbuckled his sword belt and handed it over. Aelira, following his lead, hesitantly surrendered her small dagger.

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  ?Feeling strangely light without their steel, they climbed the stairs.

  ?The upper floor was breathtaking. Since the walls were set deep inside, the outer rim was one continuous balcony overlooking the field of ghostly flowers and the city below.

  ?At a table near the edge, a man sat alone.

  ?He had long, curly blue hair that cascaded over his shoulders like a waterfall, and his clothes were far too flashy for a simple merchant—silk and velvet in shades of azure. He was sipping coffee with his pinky finger extended, gazing out at the scenery with a dramatic, melancholic air.

  ?"Sir Tobias?" Zaek called out. "We're here about the job."

  ?The man turned slowly, maintaining his pose.

  ?His eyes scanned them—first Aelira, then Zaek.

  ?He paused on Zaek. He took in the broad shoulders, the scarred hands, the sheer imposing presence of the man.

  ?The coffee cup clattered onto the saucer.

  ?Tobias shot up from his chair. The melancholic artist persona vanished instantly. Before Zaek could react, the merchant rushed forward and grabbed his hand with both of his own, shaking it vigorously.

  ?"Will you really be my bodyguard?!"

  ?His eyes were sparkling with excitement and sheer, unadulterated relief. He looked less like a wealthy merchant and more like a puppy who had just found its owner after being lost in the rain.

  ?"Y-yes..." Zaek blinked, trying to pull his hand back from the enthusiastic grip. "We came for the commission."

  ?"Oh, thank the gods! Finally, someone who looks like they can actually punch something!" Tobias exclaimed, beaming. "Thanks, Wilma! You can go now!"

  ?"Of course, Sir," the waitress called from the stairs, leaving them with the eccentric merchant.

  ?"Please, sit down."

  ?They took the seats opposite him. Tobias leaned back, crossing his legs elegantly.

  ?"First, let's introduce ourselves properly. I'm sure you gathered it from the waitress, but I am Tobias Herman."

  ?"Zaek Evarard," Zaek replied, keeping his voice even. "Nice to meet you."

  ?Tobias turned his gaze to Aelira. His smile was warm, inviting. "And you, young lady?"

  ?"I am Aelira Vi—"

  ?Aelira’s voice caught in her throat.

  ?The memories of the last two days flashed before her eyes—Flora screaming "Bloodsuckers," the adventurers in the inn making throat-slitting gestures, the hate in the neighbor's eyes. The name Viremont felt less like a title and more like a curse.

  ?"Aelira, huh?"

  ?Tobias cut in smoothly, his voice light. He didn't let the silence stretch into awkwardness.

  ?"You look a bit young for guard duty. Are you going to fight too if anything happens?"

  ?Aelira blinked, grateful for the interruption. She nodded firmly, though her eyes were distant. "Yes."

  ?"Excellent!" Tobias clapped his hands together. "It's a pleasure to meet you two! Hmm, hmm. I really am lucky to have such capable people by my side."

  ??

  ?Aelira frowned slightly. He didn't let me finish.

  ?Zaek narrowed his eyes. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

  ?"Are you just going to accept us like that? For all you know, we could be bandits trying to rob you blind."

  ?"I understand your worries, truly," Tobias said, waving a hand dismissively. "But worry not! If I can't trust a Hero, who can I trust?"

  ?The air at the table stilled.

  ?"So," Zaek said slowly, "you knew who I was."

  ?Tobias answered with a knowing smile, tapping the rim of his coffee cup.

  ?"And you, Miss Aelira Viremont, correct? I imagine that name carries a heavy weight these days. Sorry to interrupt you earlier, but I didn't want to force you."

  ?Aelira looked down at her hands. "It's... alright."

  ?He knows everything, her realization came same time with Zaek. He isn't just a flashy fool.

  ?"Since you know so much about us," Zaek said, his tone guarding, "it is only fair we ask about you. Who exactly are you, Tobias Herman?"

  ?"Me?" Tobias laughed softly. "I am but the son of a minor trading house. We have enough coin to buy a noble title for travel privileges, but not enough influence to matter in the grand scheme of things. I've simply... kept my ears open."

  ?Zaek studied him for a long moment. The man’s aura was clean, if a bit eccentric. He didn't smell of malice.

  ?"Where are we heading?" Zaek asked finally.

  ?Tobias took a sip of his coffee, his gaze drifting toward the northern horizon.

  ?"To the Capital."

  ?Zaek fell silent.

  The Capital. Aeliron. The heart of the Empire. The place where King Charles sat on his throne, watching, plotting.

  ?It was walking into the lion's den. And frankly, it was completely unrelated to their current goal.

  ?The answers regarding Lassandra were likely right here in Oryndel. Or, in the worst case, buried back in Isenvale. Going to the Capital felt like an unnecessary detour, a side quest too far from the main path.

  ?However...

  ?He looked at Aelira. She needed training. She needed to see the world. And they needed money and valid travel papers to move freely without being hunted as "runaway nobles."

  ?We will likely resolve the Lassandra case tonight after talking to Flora. Once that book is closed, we'll need a new direction.

  ?And if the investigation drags on? If they need to stay in Oryndel longer?

  ?Worst case scenario, Zaek thought, shrugging internally, I can always turn down the deal later. Nothing is signed in blood.

  ?It was a low-risk, high-reward option. An ideal backup plan.

  ?"It's okay," Zaek said after a pause, his decision made. "We take the deal."

  ?"You sure?" Tobias raised an eyebrow. "We haven't talked about rewards yet."

  ?"It's fine. I'm sure a man who recognizes a Hero on sight knows what his time is worth."

  ?"Hah! I like you," Tobias grinned. "Consider it done. You will be paid handsomely."

  ?He set his cup down.

  ?"Now that we know each other, it's time for logistics. I know I complained about waiting for guards, but... I'd actually like to stay in Oryndel for a few more days. The flowers here... they are quite special, you know? Is that okay with you?"

  ?Zaek and Aelira exchanged a glance.

  ?This was perfect. They needed time to handle Flora's situation.

  ?"It is actually what we wanted to hear," Zaek said, standing up. "We have some urgent business to take care of in the city."

  ?"How lucky!" Tobias beamed. "Then it's settled. Enjoy your stay, and meet me here in three days."

  ?"Three days. Understood."

  ?They said their goodbyes and retrieved their weapons from downstairs.

  ?As they stepped out of the inn and back onto the path lined with the strange, colorless flowers, Zaek glanced back at the hexagonal building.

  ?"He's sharp," Zaek muttered. "Don't let his innocent look fool you."

  ?Aelira nodded, her mind already drifting back to the blue cottage and the questions waiting there. "He knew who we wer e from the start."

  ?"Three days," Zaek said, looking at the city below. "Let's go. Flora is waiting."