The Inn

The sound of horse hooves broke the morning silence.

Ophelia sat astride her steed, her golden eyes shimmering with a radiance seldom seen.

Her back was straight, but the corners of her mouth were turned up in a slight, involuntary smile—this was the first time Klein had seen her look so relaxed.

Her high golden ponytail bounced in rhythm with the horse's gallop, swaying alongside the horse's tail in the morning light.

That rhythmic motion created an inexplicable urge to reach out and grab it.

Klein followed behind her, his gaze involuntarily drawn to that bouncing golden ponytail.

'I really want to touch it.'

The thought occurred to him, and he quickly shook his head to clear it.

Now was not the time for such things.

But the ponytail continued to sway before his eyes, almost as if it were intentionally teasing him.

The golden strands shimmered with a soft luster under the sun, every bounce seeming to say, "Come on, touch me."

Klein sighed and urged his horse forward.

'Forget it, maybe later. No, I should say, I must find an opportunity—'

"Klein," Ophelia suddenly spoke, turning her head as her golden eyes met his. "What are you looking at?"

"Huh?" Klein was startled for a moment and instinctively averted his gaze. "Nothing, just... looking at the scenery."

"The scenery?" Ophelia followed his gaze, but there was nothing special there, only rolling hills and farmland.

She blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing her golden eyes.

Then, as if realizing something, she reached up to touch her ponytail. After confirming nothing was amiss, she withdrew her hand.

Klein let out a breath of relief.

Fortunately, the knightess was rather dense when it came to these things.

"I didn't expect you to know how to ride," Ophelia said suddenly, her tone carrying a hint of surprise.

Her voice gave Klein, who had just relaxed, a bit of a start.

He gave a somewhat guilty smile.

"Why would you think I couldn't?"

"Well..." Ophelia pondered for a moment, her golden eyes watching him seriously. "You just don't seem like the type."

"The type for what?"

"Like someone who would ride a horse," Ophelia said earnestly. "You usually stay in your study researching alchemy or tinkering with those jars and bottles in the courtyard. I thought you preferred carriages. Besides, you always take a carriage whenever you leave the manor."

Klein didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"I am a noble, after all. How could I not know how to ride?"

"But you've never ridden before," Ophelia said. "At least, I've never seen it."

"That's because there was no need," Klein shrugged. "The territory is only so big; everything is just a short walk away. Riding is actually more of a hassle. Besides, the servants in the stables take care of the horses. If I went to ride them, I'd feel like I was stealing their jobs."

Ophelia nodded in understanding.

Then she asked, "So, how is your horsemanship?"

"It's alright," Klein thought for a moment. "At least I won't fall off."

"Just 'not falling off'?" Ophelia's tone held a hint of skepticism as her golden eyes scrutinized him, seemingly evaluating his skill.

"Alright, it's actually quite good," Klein admitted. "My father taught me when I was young. Although I rarely ride now, the basics are still there. Want to race?"

Ophelia's eyes lit up.

It was the first time Klein had seen such obvious excitement in her eyes.

But soon, the light dimmed again.

"No," she said, a trace of regret in her voice. "Getting to our destination is the priority."

Klein noticed the fleeting anticipation in her eyes and let a smile play on his lips.

"We can race on the way back." He paused, then added, "I'll be serious then."

"Okay," Ophelia nodded, her voice carrying a hint of irrepressible anticipation. "I'll be serious too."

Klein noticed that while on horseback, Ophelia spoke much more than usual.

The knightess was normally a woman of few words, never using two when one would suffice.

But now, she was actually initiating conversation and even asking him questions.

This change felt very refreshing to Klein.

"Do you like riding very much?" Klein asked.

Ophelia paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes."

"Why?"

Ophelia was silent for a while, her golden eyes looking ahead.

"Freedom," she finally said, her voice softer than usual. "When I'm on a horse, I feel like I don't have to think about anything. I just have to run. The wind on my face, the hooves on the ground... that feeling is... very real."

"I didn't realize you had such a sentimental side."

The tips of Ophelia's ears turned slightly red.

"I'm just..." she paused, her voice tinged with embarrassment, "just speaking the truth."

"I know," Klein said, his tone turning gentle. "But this is the first time I've seen you like this. Ophelia on horseback is a bit different from the usual."

"Different how?" Ophelia's voice carried a hint of tension, mixed with a bit of expectation.

"More relaxed, more..." Klein thought for a moment before finally saying it, "more cute."

As soon as he said it, even he was surprised.

Ophelia didn't answer.

She simply urged her horse to go faster, causing her golden ponytail to sway even more vigorously behind her.

But Klein noticed that the tips of her ears had grown redder.

Not just her ears, but even the back of her neck was flushed a faint pink.

Klein watched her back, a smile tugging at his mouth.

That golden ponytail swayed in the morning light, as if waving at him, yet also as if it were running away.

Klein urged his horse to catch up, and the two horses galloped through the morning light, one after the other.

The road ahead stretched out under the morning sun, flanked by rolling hills and farmland.

Occasionally, they saw farmers working in the fields or merchants driving ox carts.

The air carried the scent of earth and grass, along with the distant sound of birdsong, making one feel refreshed.

But Klein knew this peace wouldn't last long.

The further west they went, the closer they got to the west coast, and the greater the danger became.

Raymond had said the situation on the west coast was complex.

The people who had lost contact, the anomalies on the night of the full moon, and that mysterious Silver Scale Chamber of Commerce.

Klein looked at Ophelia's back ahead of him, silently grateful that she had agreed to accompany him.

If they truly encountered anything related to sea monsters, at least having her there would ensure their safety.

Although the purpose of this trip was serious, Klein had to admit that he was quite happy to be on the road with Ophelia.

At the very least, he was finally seeing a different side of the knightess.

...

The empire's commerce was relatively prosperous, and the trade routes were well-maintained.

The small towns they passed through along the way all had inns, so they didn't have to sleep outdoors.

On the evening of the first day, they stopped in a place called Green Town.

The town wasn't large, but it was lively.

Various shops lined the streets—selling cloth, farm tools, and several taverns.

The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat and ale, mixed with the smell of horse manure and burning wood.

Klein led his horse in front while Ophelia followed behind him.

Her golden eyes scanned the sides of the street, alertly observing everything around them.

That guarded posture reminded Klein of how she had been when she first arrived at the manor.

"Relax a little," Klein looked back at her. "Danger isn't everywhere."

"Mhm," Ophelia nodded, but her hand remained on her hilt, her body held in a position ready to draw her sword at any moment.

Klein sighed.

A knight's occupational habit, likely impossible to change.

But he understood; after all, Ophelia had fought on the west coast for so long that her vigilance was carved into her bones.

They found an inn that looked reasonably clean.

The sign read "Green Leaf Inn," and a swaying oil lamp hung by the door. The proprietor was a portly middle-aged man with a very warm smile.

"Looking for a place to stay, you two?" the boss asked, rubbing his hands together while his small eyes darted between them. "Our rooms are very clean, and the beds are soft."

"Two rooms," Klein said with a nod.

"Eh?" The boss froze, his gaze shifting back and forth between them with obvious curiosity.

He looked at Klein, then at Ophelia, finally letting his gaze rest on the longsword at Ophelia's waist.

"Aren't you two... Seeing the young lady's outfit and your bearing, I thought you were a married couple," the boss said with a grin. "Besides, you two make quite a handsome pair."

Klein remained expressionless. "Two rooms."

The boss leaned in closer, lowering his voice so only Klein could hear. "Sir, how about I just say there's only one room left? You could just..."

He winked repeatedly, his expression practically screaming "you know what I mean."

"And let me tell you, the soundproofing in my rooms is excellent. You don't have to worry—"

The corner of Klein's mouth twitched.

"No need," he said bluntly. "Two rooms, right now."

The boss immediately caught on and nodded repeatedly. "Right, right, two rooms, coming right up. My apologies for speaking out of turn; please don't take offense."

He turned to grab the keys, muttering something under his breath about "young people being so reserved" and "nobles these days being so stuck on rules."

Klein turned to look at Ophelia.

The knightess stood behind him, her golden eyes calmly observing the furnishings of the inn lobby, as if she hadn't heard the conversation at all.

But Klein noticed her ears had turned red again.

And this time, it wasn't just her ears; even her cheeks were tinged with a faint blush.

Though the knightess usually acted as if she didn't care about anything, she was still shy when it came to these matters.

This contrast made Klein find her inexplicably cute.

The rooms were on the second floor, adjacent to each other.

The boss very thoughtfully handed both keys to Klein and specifically said, "The two rooms are right next to each other. If anything happens, just call out and you'll be heard."

He paused, then added, "The walls aren't thick; you'll hear if there's any loud commotion."

Klein took the keys without responding.

He just looked at the boss, somewhat speechless.

He really wanted to ask this proprietor if all innkeepers were this "enthusiastic."

At the same time, he also wanted to ask: were the walls thick or not?

"Would the two of you like dinner?" the boss asked. "Our stew is a specialty. We use local mutton, simmered for a long time until the meat falls apart and the broth is flavorful. It's guaranteed to lift your spirits!"

"Yes," Klein nodded. "Two portions, sent to the rooms. Also, a pitcher of hot water, enough for two."

"Coming right up!" the boss replied with a smile. "I'll have it ready immediately. Oh, would you two like some wine? We have excellent mead; it'll warm your bodies, and—"

"No thank you," Klein interrupted him. "Just the stew and the hot water."

"Right, right," the boss nodded, sensibly refraining from saying more.

Klein handed one of the keys to Ophelia.

"Rest for a bit. Dinner will be here soon."

Ophelia took the key and nodded.

"Mhm."

She pushed open the door and walked inside, paused for a second, then poked her head back out.

Her expression was still as cold as ever, but the golden ponytail that peeked out with her body swayed against the doorframe.

Looking at that ponytail, which seemed almost cheerful, Klein couldn't help but laugh.

"Klein."

Ophelia's voice carried a hint of confusion.

"What is it?"

"What time do we depart tomorrow?"

"No rush, we'll leave when we're ready," Klein thought for a moment. "We covered a lot of ground today, so we can leave a bit later tomorrow. Get some good rest."

Ophelia nodded. "Okay."

She hesitated for a moment before saying, "You should get some rest too."

Having said that, her face flushed again, and she quickly shut the door.

Klein stood outside, looking at the closed door, the smile on his face widening.

He turned and entered his own room.

The room wasn't large, but it was indeed clean.

The bed looked comfortable enough, with the blankets neatly folded. In the corner was a simple wooden table and chair, with an oil lamp sitting on the table.

Klein set down his luggage and walked to the window.

The bustling sounds of the town drifted in from outside.

People were haggling, someone was laughing loudly, and there was the sound of children playing.

This atmosphere of everyday life was quite relaxing.

Klein pushed open the window and took a deep breath.

The evening breeze carried a hint of chill, along with the sound of singing from a distant tavern.

He leaned against the window frame, watching the sky outside gradually darken.

The west coast.

He recalled the things Raymond had said.

The missing people, the anomalies on the night of the full moon.

And that Silver Scale Chamber of Commerce.

Klein pulled a small notebook from his coat, which contained the information Raymond had given him.

The missing persons all vanished on the night of the full moon.

Silver Scale Harbor...

If this truly was related to sea monsters, then someone in the chamber of commerce must know something.

Perhaps the chamber of commerce itself was the problem.

Klein closed the notebook and sighed.

He hoped it wouldn't be too much trouble.

But he knew in his heart that things wouldn't be that simple.

Matters involving sea monsters were never simple.

And if it really was related to sea monsters, it meant Ophelia might have to face those things again.

At that thought, Klein's brow furrowed.

He didn't want Ophelia to be in danger again.

Even though he knew she was strong, even though he knew she was prepared.

He still couldn't help but worry.

A knock came at the door.

"Sir, your dinner is here."

Klein got up to open the door. The boss stood outside holding a tray with a large bowl of stew, a piece of black bread, and a mug of ale.

"The other portion has already been delivered next door," the boss said, giving Klein a wink. "Enjoy your meal. Let me know if you need anything else."

"Thank you," Klein took the tray and closed the door.

The aroma of the stew was very enticing.

Klein sat at the table and took a sip with a spoon.

The flavor was indeed good; just as the boss had said, the meat was tender and the broth was flavorful.

The mutton was well-seasoned and went perfectly with the black bread.

Klein ate his dinner slowly, his mind still on the matters of the west coast.

Faint movements came from the other side of the wall.

Ophelia was likely eating her dinner as well.

It suddenly occurred to Klein that this was their first time traveling together.

Even though they were in separate rooms, they were only separated by a single wall.

The feeling was a bit strange.

After finishing his meal, Klein placed the tray outside his door. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and took out the small notebook to continue studying the information Raymond had provided.

He needed to figure out the layout of Silver Scale Harbor and the commonalities among those who had disappeared.

The night of the full moon...

Klein looked out the window.

The next night of the full moon was still some time away; there was plenty of time.

The night grew deeper.

The town's bustle slowly subsided, leaving only the occasional bark of a dog and the singing from the distant tavern.

Klein blew out the oil lamp and lay in bed.

The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

He closed his eyes, but his mind was still on the west coast.

And Ophelia.

And that golden ponytail swaying in the sunlight.

Klein sighed and rolled over.

The room next door seemed to have gone quiet as well.

Ophelia was probably asleep.

Klein stared at the ceiling, suddenly feeling a bit of insomnia.

He thought of how Ophelia had looked on horseback today.

That relaxed expression, that rare smile.

And the light in her eyes when she spoke of "freedom."

Klein suddenly wanted to see more of those expressions.

Not the cold knight, not the vigilant warrior.

But the truly relaxed Ophelia.

The Ophelia who could smile.

The Ophelia who could be shy.

Klein rolled over again, forcing himself to stop thinking about these things.

Sleep.

They had more ground to cover tomorrow.

But his brain wouldn't listen.

That golden ponytail kept swaying back and forth in his mind.

Klein sighed and resignedly opened his eyes.

Forget it, no sleep then.

Staying up late once in a while was nothing for an alchemist and mage like him.

He got up, walked to the table, and lit the oil lamp.

Since he couldn't sleep, he might as well look at the intel again.

Klein picked up the notebook and began to study it carefully.

The moonlight spilled over the town, and everything was peaceful.

But Klein knew this peace wouldn't last.

It was always quietest before the storm.