Chapter 29

  The inn closest to Sword Smith Villa was nearly as glamorous as the Villa itself. It was built like a small mansion with glazed ceramic tiles for a roof and walls made out of dark engraved wood. The sign hung at the entrance read, “Legend’s springs”.

  Drakkel didn't remember this inn being here the last time he visited Joyous Encounters and he guessed that it wouldn't be cheap to stay at.

  Frowning, he said, “Maybe we should find a different place to rest for the night.”

  Rillian Adore shook his head. “I have the funds and it will only be for one night. Besides, it's already getting dark. Let's just stay.”

  Drakkel didn't want to take money from Rillian Adore, but he was right. The place was the closest one to the Villa and there didn't seem to be any other inns around it.

  “Fine,” He said. “But I can't pay you back yet.”

  “No need.” Rillian Adore replied. “Consider it repayment.”

  Drakkel was confused. “Repayment for what?”

  Drakkel wanted to know what he was talking about, but Rillian Adore ignored him.

  Since he didn't want to talk, he could only follow him as he walked into the inn.

  The inside of the inn was more luxurious than the outside. The floors were lined with decorated red carpet and the fixtures were all expensive and clean. The place was what he had imagined the inside of the imperial palace to look like. The scent of vanilla and sandalwood pervaded the air. People were talking and eating all around. The space was packed to the brim. The setup was similar to the other inns except for the fact that the rooms seemed to be located to the sides instead of up a flight of stairs.

  They went over to the innkeeper who stood behind the counter. She was a beautiful young woman, wearing expensive silk garments, embroidered with beautiful designs.

  As he and Rillian Adore approached, she patted her hair and straightened her clothes.

  Her bored expression extended into a welcoming smile. “What brings you handsome young men here?”

  “We need a room with two beds,” Rillian Adore answered.

  The lady covered her face with her hand, a seductive undertone appearing in her voice as she gazed at Rillian Adore especially, “I apologize. But this is the most popular inn in Joyous Encounters. With so many people here, I hope you understand. We only have one room left. It's the most expensive couples suite.”

  She paused, “Umm, if you two don't want to use it, I won’t blame you.”

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  Rillian Adore answered without even batting an eye. “No, it's fine. We’ll make do.”

  The woman's face turned a bright red. Then her eyes narrowed as her gaze shifted from Rillian Adore to Drakkel.

  Drakkel wasn't sure if he did it on purpose, but at that moment, Rillian Adore chose to pick a fallen leaf off his hat, leaning in a bit close. Upon seeing this, the woman dropped her hand from her mouth. Her eyebrows knitted together as the corners of her lips curled down.

  “I understand,” she said with a bitter tone. “It will be three gold coins.”

  Rillian Adore took out the bag hanging from his waist and fished out four golden coins.

  He handed them all to the innkeeper and her sad expression lifted, her mood seeming to improve instantly.

  “Thank you kind sir,” she said with a bright smile.

  She handed him the keys and informed them. “The room will be at the back of the inn. It’s the only one with double doors. If you would like me to explain the rules, I can do it now.”

  Rillian Adore shook its head. “I’m aware of them.”

  The woman laughed nervously before saying, “Alright then. I hope you two enjoy your stay.”

  After thanking the woman, Rillian Adore and Drakkel used the right door to exit the main room. It led to an open corridor adjacent to a rectangular courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard was a fountain. The rest of the yard contained trees and grass that appeared well taken care of. The place had a certain energy to it that would make anyone feel calm.

  The open corridor that surrounded the garden was lined with doors. People flowed in and out, walking around them and chattering with each other or going about their individual businesses.

  No matter who they were, they all seemed untroubled, which really displayed the good state of the inn.

  Drakkel and Rillian Adore walked past these people to make it to the room the innkeeper mentioned.

  When they finally arrived and opened the doors, Drakkel understood why it was called the couples suite.

  The place was gaudily decorated. Heart shaped gold thread embroidered red pillows sat atop a large bed with red sheets on top. Red and gold curtains hung from the canopy, packed together neatly. If one were to draw them out, they would surround the bed in a thinly veiled cover. There was a door that sat to the side of the room that said, “Outdoor hot springs” and another door on the opposite side labeled, “Lavatory.” On the walls of the room were candles that lit up the place. The room itself was massive. Even the large bed that sat at the center took up only one fourth of the space.

  Rillian Adore seemed indifferent as he placed his items at one end.

  Afterwards, he looked at Drakkel. “You should probably set your things down.”

  Drakkel slowly nodded and placed his items down as well.

  Rillian Adore sat down on the bed and got into a lotus position.

  Meanwhile, Drakkel could only stand there, feeling awkward staying in the room with Rillian Adore. It was hard to ignore what the room was decorated for and with what happened the last time they slept in the same bed. He was feeling wary.

  However, as his thoughts nearly drifted, he felt a slight itch on his skin. He suddenly realized that it had been a while since he had a proper bath. He looked at the “Hot Springs” sign and weighed whether he should go or not.

  With his eyes closed, Rillian Adore said, “I’ll rest here. You should go bathe. It will probably do good for your injuries too. I noticed you suffer from body aches.”

  Drakkel couldn't disagree. His muscles really did ache. But how did Rillian Adore notice?

  “Alright.” He replied. “I’ll go first then. You can bathe after if you want.”

  Rillian Adore went quiet, not nodding or responding, but Drakkel knew that probably just meant that he had already begun his cultivation.