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Chapter 326

The sudden appearance of Lenia was deeply suspicious for the fugitives, Earthima and Hadiya. However, the immense and overwhelming power she had just displayed was enough to make Earthima feel that not even a gathering of all the warriors, priestesses, and spirit users she knew could match her. Amidst their dire situation, Lenia’s offer was too sweet to refuse.

As the two followed Lenia, they expected to be led to a hidden lodging in the less frequented parts of Desarta. However, their expectation was completely overturned.

Ignoring the danger of being discovered by their pursuers, Lenia boldly headed to the luxurious inn, the 『Cool Crescent Inn』a place even the upper class and wealthy seldom used. Earthima, beginning to regret her decision, noticed Hadiya looking around curiously at the inn’s decor and the foreign-dressed guests.

Although the other guests didn’t react to Earthima and Hadiya, Lenia was aware that their pursuers were among them. She welcomed the challenge, much to Earthima and Hadiya’s dismay.

「Hey, those two behind me will stay in my room. I’ll pay for a month in advance,」 Lenia told the young receptionist, pulling out several gold coins from her wallet and placing them on the counter tray. A single gold coin in this country equated to a commoner’s monthly living expenses.

After glancing at the dirty fugitives, the young receptionist smiled and nodded at Lenia.

「Understood. I’ll arrange for staff to prepare for their stay.」

「Thank you.」

It was astonishing to hear Lenia utter 「Thank you」, showing how much she had softened and grown tolerant through her life at the Garoa Magic Academy and her encounter with Doran.

Lenia added more gold coins and made another request.

「These two have been through a lot and need rest. Let them relax for three hours. Clean up, drink, eat, and regain their strength. Inform any visitors to come after three hours. If anyone tries to force their way in before that, I won’t care what happens to them. I won’t harm the inn’s staff or damage the facilities, so rest assured.」

The young receptionist did not laugh at Lenia’s confident and anticipatory demeanor.

「Do you not wish for us to stop them?」

「You have your connections. These two’s whereabouts are already known by the time they arrived here. Inform whoever you need to, but relay my message about the three-hour rule.」

「To clarify, you want us to inform visitors to come in three hours, and we don’t need to stop them?」

「Yes, that’s the compromise.」

「Understood. I will inform the manager.」

「Good. Three hours start now. Just relay the message. Earthima, Hadiya, let’s go to the room. Drink, eat, bathe, and rest.」

Ignoring the bowing staff, Lenia led the two further into the inn. Earthima remained cautious, while Hadiya was overwhelmed by the rapid changes in their situation. Unhindered, they reached Lenia’s room.

「This is my room. You should first clean yourselves. There’s a bathroom over there. The sun heats the water, making it convenient.」

Lenia, remembering how her homeland used firewood or fire spirit stones to heat water, removed her veil and sat quietly in a wicker chair, her movements graceful yet imposing. Her presence was oddly compelling, like an ancient being despite her delicate appearance.

「There’s a bath!」

Hadiya seemed more intrigued by Lenia’s words than her aura. Despite maintaining cleanliness as best as they could, Hadiya’s clothes and body had become filthy during their escape.

「The baths created by someone in my homeland are superior, but this one has a charm unique to this country. I’ll keep watch so you can relax in the bath. Don’t hesitate.」

Seeing Lenia smile softly as she thought of her homeland, Hadiya was surprised, having not expected such gentleness from her.

「Is something surprising you?」

「No, I just didn’t know you could smile so kindly.」

「Hmm?」

Lenia touched her mouth, realizing she was indeed smiling.

「I do have emotions. We’ll get to know each other over time. Now, go take your bath. Don’t forget to hydrate before and after bathing. Water and salt are provided in the bathroom.」

After ensuring the two headed to the bathroom, Lenia sighed and poured herself a glass of cold water from the pitcher on a small table.

「In a place like this, water is more valuable than gold or silver. I wonder if their problem is related to this…」

She mused, looking at the water. Obtaining water through large-scale rituals or unethical means was possible, though controlling natural sources like oases and rivers was more feasible.

「And Hadiya’s strong blessings and name’s significance… Seems like this will turn into a big uproar, just as I hoped.」

Listening to Hadiya’s happy voice from the bathroom, Lenia stood and went into the hallway, sensing the approach of the inn’s staff. She greeted a woman pushing a cart with fresh clothes and refreshments.

「Thank you. Bring them inside. They’re bathing, but don’t worry.」

「Y-yes, certainly.」

The staff woman, noticing the contorted bodies of men and women on the floor, visibly stiffened. The bodies appeared twisted but were alive, though unconscious.

「Oh, them. I was inside and heard groans, then silence. It seems they ignored the receptionist’s warning.」

In reality, Lenia had used telekinesis to wring out the intruders, leaving them alive but in excruciating pain.

「Ignoring the warning deserves punishment. They’re lucky to be alive. The one who punished them is merciful. I suggest you tell them to leave before they get wrung again.」

As Lenia spoke, the bodies returned to normal, gasping for breath. She gave them a cold smile.

「You’re lucky to be intact. Report your failure and leave. Staying will only inconvenience the inn and might result in worse. Who did this? I wouldn’t know.」

Terrified, the intruders fled. Lenia watched, pleased, as the inn staff trembled, realizing the source of the nightmare.

Once Earthima and Hadiya finished their bath, Earthima remained vigilant, gripping her sword, while Hadiya looked around.

「Finally cleaned up. The bath might tire your body, but it’s refreshing mentally. Now eat and rest. Need a taster?」

A table adorned with plates of light snacks, sweet treats, and cold drinks awaited them. Hadiya’s eyes sparkled, while Earthima stayed wary. Lenia suggested a taster, but Earthima declined with a bitter smile.

「No, I apologize for doubting you. It’s for Hadiya’s sake.」

「I understand the sentiment of wanting to protect someone. I’m not offended. You look like you haven’t eaten properly while protecting Hadiya. Eat and rest. It’ll get noisy again later.」

「You can still back out. There’s time.」

「Their pursuers already know I’m helping you. I won’t back out now.」

「Understood. We’ll accept our fate. Hadiya, let’s enjoy this warm meal.」

「Thank you, Lenia. We’ll eat now.」

「Eat without hesitation. I’ll have some fruit.」

With Lenia’s cue, they began eating. Hadiya, initially hesitant, quickly dug in, her body craving nourishment. The meal, though simple, was nutritious.

「The inn’s care is thorough. I’ll use this place again.」

Lenia watched Hadiya eat while Earthima gently supervised. Though not blood-related, they shared a strong bond.

After eating, Hadiya grew sleepy and was escorted to bed by Earthima, who kept a light sleep to stay alert. Lenia’s prediction was accurate; after an hour of rest, a few minutes past the three-hour mark, the receptionist arrived to announce a visitor.

Lenia responded calmly.

「Lenia, someone wants to speak with you and your guests. What should we do?」

「Let them in. I promised to listen. Earthima, Hadiya, okay?」

「Yes, we think it’s better to have others know our situation.」

「You’re a clever one, Hadiya. I like you more.」

「Um, thank you?」

As Lenia invited the guest, a woman in ornate orange attire entered, adorned with numerous jewels. Tall and graceful, she exuded a gentle yet firm presence. Earthima’s wariness increased, amusing Lenia.

「Nice to meet you, foreign guests. I am Maffa Zebe. I wish to discuss Earthima and Hadiya.」

「Hmm. I haven’t heard their story yet. I’ll listen if you explain. They agree.」

「Good. I prefer peaceful resolutions.」

Despite coming alone, Zebe showed no fear. Whether confident in her abilities or uninterested in fighting, Lenia welcomed her boldness.

「Are you the mayor’s representative?」

「Yes. Your escape is known to all clans. Earthima’s escape with Hadiya is a major incident affecting our nation’s future.」

「That makes sense, but…」

「Earthima, let’s sit first.」

「You’re kind, Hadiya. A rare gift.」

「I…」

「You dislike being called a gift? You survived and returned, a first for a gift.」

This brief exchange confirmed some of Lenia’s suspicions. The concept of gifts and survival pointed to significant rituals.

「So, Hadiya is a sacrificial gift, and Earthima her guardian. Such rituals typically involve weather control, water creation, mineral generation, rare medicine production, or divine contracts.」

「You’re knowledgeable, Lenia.」

「Some even involve old facilities mistaken for divine. I hope yours is not such a foolish one.」

Lenia’s mocking tone made Zebe laugh. Mistaking ancient facilities for divine would make their entire nation a joke.

「Yes, it would be amusing. Chandra’s prosperity is built on the gifts’ sacrifices. Hadiya survived, returning with great interest from many. She’s the first to survive.」

「Hmm. Like priests who survive divine possession. What do you want, Hadiya? Speak freely. I’ll be involved anyway. Sending assassins for me is a minor issue.」

Zebe showed surprise at Lenia’s bold declaration, while Earthima and Hadiya sensed her sincerity. Hadiya took a deep breath.

「I initially accepted my role as a gift, understanding the luxury I received. But surviving and returning, they wanted to use me again.」

Lenia laughed.

「Typical and absurd.」