In big cities like Norvale, even the areas right outside the city gates have many inns and are just as prosperous as inside the city.

But here on the outskirts of Makalan, it felt much quieter. We didn't see many buildings, not even decent stone roads. Even if there were places to stay, the locals probably took them already after the city shut its gates.

"Are we going to have to sleep outdoors?"

It had been a while since I'd done that. Suddenly it felt a bit uncomfortable. The last time I slept outdoors was probably just after I got transported to this world!

Luckily we had Carl who was experienced with this stuff. After some trouble, he found a normal house willing to let out a room to us for one night, for 1000 silver.

That was clearly overcharging! But we had no choice. And it wasn't like we lacked money, so we decided to stay there.

"The three of us are going to squeeze in this little room?"

Seeing the narrow single bed in the less-than-10-square-meter room, Cyra asked helplessly.

"It's late, let's bear with it for one night! Still better than sleeping outdoors right? Look at poor Carl, he has nowhere to sleep but the carriage!"

I sighed. Nothing could be done. Though, this room really was too small. Even if the other two slept on the floor, it would be hard to fit.

"Feliciana, you can take the bed if you're tired!"

Nicola frowned and shook her head before walking out without another word.

"Looks like she wants me to sleep on the floor?"

Seeing that, Cyra was a bit unhappy.

"Why should I? I paid for the room! The floor is so cold! And these people didn't even give us any mattresses!"

"Uh... Or you can take the bed? I don't really mind."

I quickly offered.

"You're willing to sleep on the floor?"

Cyra looked at me suspiciously, then said generously,

"Alright, though it'll be a squeeze with two people on the bed, I'll make an exception and let you share it with me. We might even get a chance to 'get closer'!"

"Go away! Who wants to 'get closer' with you!"

I kicked her in annoyance.

"More importantly, what about Nicola? She doesn't seem to want to sleep here with us."

"Then just ignore her! She's so capable, she'll figure something out. Let's rest early. It must be past midnight already..."

Yawning, Cyra got into bed without another word. She must be exhausted.

But where could Nicola spend the night? Even if she slept in the carriage, the coachman would be there. Would she rather be with Carl?

If it was the past, I might've thought she wouldn't care. But after the landlord incident, though Nicola was only harassed a little, I could tell she was warier of men now.

"I'll go check on her and be right back..."

Cyra didn't respond, seemingly already asleep. I was worried and had to go after her.

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"Huh? Where is she?"

When I got outside though, I didn't see anyone. Carl was also tired and snoring away in the carriage. Nicola had mysteriously vanished without a trace!

"Could she be..."

I looked up at the sky. Though it was deep night and I could barely see anything except some faint starlight, I could vaguely sense a blob of light elements quickly flying toward Makalan.

No choice but to spread my wings and chase after her.

"Nicola, what are you doing?"

Luckily she wasn't too fast. I shouted after her.

"What do you think? Going into the city to take a look of course!"

Nicola's voice came from ahead. She obviously sensed me already but didn't turn back as she replied.

"Many people fled the city, but plenty must still be inside. The inns are probably mostly vacant. Rather than squeeze in that small room, I'd rather find a room in the city!"

"But isn't the city going to have a huge fire? Aren't you afraid of danger going in like this?"

I anxiously retorted. What's the point of getting that expensive room? If we wanted to go into the city, we wouldn't have needed to.

"Alone I'm not worried at all. Don't you remember me from the future? No way I'd die from something like this!"

To my surprise, she suddenly stopped midair and sighed at me.

"So aren't you just making trouble for yourself by following me? You should've stayed in the room with Cyra!"

"It's just one night! We could've squeezed a little! Why make things so complicated?"

I also felt frustrated. She made such a big fuss just to sleep a little more comfortably. Going from thrift to luxury is easy, going back is hard!

"I just can't stand squeezing three adults in that little room!"

Nicola pouted and said no more, descending straight to the ground.

"If you insist on coming then do so. With a six-winged angel's powers, there shouldn't be big problems right..."

We were now above the center of Makalan. Though it was late, many houses below still had magical lights on, including some inn signs.

Landing on the streets, we didn't see anyone around. Just as Nicola was about to push open an inn's door, I quickly stopped her.

"Wait! This city is pretty small. If we stayed up tonight watching, do you think we could change the prediction?"

"That was at least 80% probability! You really don't want to sleep?"

Nicola rolled her eyes at me. Logically we should recover our energy by morning, but right now I was also dead tired, yawning nonstop and wishing I could just pass out on the ground.

"I think it's hard to say whether this world's future can be changed. Best not to try casually!"

After saying that, she shoved the door open. The large lobby only had one dim magical light left on. No one was behind the front desk either.

"Anyone here? Need a room!"

Nicola yelled loudly.

"No way anyone would come for a room at this hour right?"

Turns out I was wrong. Someone was still keeping watch—a man's head emerged from behind the counter, staring at us for a good while.

"Didn't they seal off the city already? Only exit, no entry. Where are you two from?"

The owner looked puzzled as he asked.

"You don't need to worry about that!"

Though she said that, Nicola still reluctantly "explained" a little to dispel his doubts.

"We had some things to take care of in the city this afternoon, only finished up just now. But when we came out, we heard rumors everywhere about a coming great fire. Considering we might not find a place to stay after leaving, we decided to remain in the city!"

"I see. Actually I have some guests who chose to remain for similar reasons..."

Hearing that, it seemed he didn't expect new guests after the lockdown. So he didn't doubt us and immediately processed our check-in.

"Just one room? I'll put you on the first floor for easy escape! Also stay alert when sleeping, don't sleep too deeply! I don't really believe the fortune teller's nonsense either, but if you notice anything wrong, leave the room immediately, even jumping out the window is fine! I don't even dare lock the front door and am only sleeping at the entrance as precaution!"

"Got it..."

Facing his well-meaning reminders, I smiled and expressed thanks. Looked like even commoners didn't really believe the fortune teller.

After all, no matter how accurate the prediction, they were still just prediction. Real fortune tellers didn't seem common.

Notably, the room here were so cheap, only a few dozen silvers a night, and each room even came with complimentary tea and snacks.

"Angie, we've got guests, hurry to serve them!"

After we took the room keys, the owner pulled a rope hanging from the ceiling. A faint bell rang out from the depths of the house

"No need, Room 102 right? We'll head over ourselves!"

Nicola waved her hand and pulled me along into the inn.

"See? My idea's not bad right? Much nicer than that rundown place outside!"

As expected of a proper inn. Not only were the rates low, the facilities were great too! Seeing the spacious bed, I nodded in agreement.

"Then why didn't you say so earlier? We wouldn't have wasted 1000 silver for nothing!"

"I was forced to come up with this..."

Nicola helplessly shrugged, then smiled smugly,

"What's there to fear? Cyra's rich now anyway, let her pay 1000 silver for a room herself, it's not undeserved!"

Looks like she was still a little envious Cyra earned so much so quickly...

"Room service, tea and snacks!"

Just as we were talking, a knock came at the door as a girl's voice called out from outside.