The guards didn’t bother checking or inspecting the carriage. The group was led into the city without a commotion. The city bustled in the afternoon. By the entrance were stalls calling towards travelers. It seemed even in this world, the tourist trap was still there. People could easily be roped into spending a gold coin without making it to the upper districts.

“Miss Hikari, do you have plans to stay in the city?” Esalda asked.

Hikari didn’t answer right away. She stared at the buildings they passed. They were surprisingly variable. Some were made of stone and wood as you’d expect from medieval society, but others were made of unidentifiable metals. The elf wondered if it would get hot inside those buildings. The malleable metals seemed like they’d trap heat. Maybe there’s a magic mechanism?

The elf let a small smile play on her face, but as she finally regarded Esalda, the glimpse of emotion dispersed. “Do you have any inns you’d recommend? We are short on currency at the moment.”

A bright grin reflected on Esalda’s face. The deep blue eyes—like a precious gem—radiated. It was a smile that would swallow most. “In that case, why don’t you stay with me?”

Before the elf could answer, a menacing aura spread out from her side. The dragon’s glare was as if she’d rip out Esalda’s soul. The temperature in their surroundings plummeted.

In that brief moment, many thoughts ran through Hikari’s mind. The elf put her petite hand on Kurayami’s thigh. She rubbed it back and forth, kneading it. The soft plushness was heavenly. There was some musculature, but it retained a healthy amount of fat. The elf did placate the dragon, but her hand kept going on its own. Kurayami has such a great figure.

Morticia cleared her throat. “Um, given that you are our saviors, it’s natural we’d pay for your lodging. I’m sure the queen will summon you in the morning. The events will be reported...minus your status, of course.”

Hikari felt this solution was still too much. Giving false reports could be punishable by death in Amalin. The solution they settled on was Hikari being a high-ranking adventurer. She looked over to her dragon. Kurayami’s face was slightly flushed, and Hikari quickly retracted her hand. Once again, she’d gone overboard. I should reward her properly for all the trouble!

She briefly glared at her own hand. The rest of the trip to the upper district was spent in silence.

Eventually, they stopped in front of an inn. The place was lavish, and a patterned metal fence surrounded it. The grass was trimmed, and the trees stood in a perfect row with intermittent hedges. The building was made of crimson bricks, and the black outcropping containing the entrance was a black metal. The same metal could be observed on the trimmings, along with the window frames. Unbelievably, the frames were made of glass. Maybe they’re more advanced than I thought?

Esalda handed Hikari a platinum coin and a pin. The pin held the insignia of the Duke’s family—a blue eastern water dragon. “If you encounter trouble, please make use of my family name. The platinum coin should allow you to have an extended stay.”

Hikari graciously accepted the awards. She wasn’t one to turn down money, especially given she had low funds. She didn’t think using [Gensuba] coins for everything would be wise. Hikari felt that hoarding the gold was the best choice. After all, it’s not like she had an infinite amount. It’s definitely not because I’m a hoarder!

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She looked at her dragon. “I’m not a hoarder, am I?”

“Hm? I think Master is quite generous. You gave that human a bracelet.”

“Oh, that’s true.” She ended her antics without giving Kurayami a chance to reply. Hikari walked up to the inn. She tilted her head at the name—Crimson Casket. “Doesn’t that sign give you a feeling of vampires?”

The dragon shrugged. “If one of those bloodsuckers tries to attack Master, I will respond with all of the power at my disposal.”

“Ugh, please don’t do that. I feel like there would be no capital left at that point.”

Kurayami deadpanned at Hikari. “It was a joke, Master.”

The dragon pushed open the gorgeous wooden doors, ushering her master inside. A chandelier twinkled with light, adorned in a gaudy golden frame. Magic lights illuminated the reception. To one side, an astounding dining room sat. Tables made of the same black metal stood on top of a brilliant crimson carpet. Fancy white tablecloths embroidered with a black rose graced the tables. The chairs gave a feeling of comfort with cushioned seats.

Several people ate dinner at the tables. The plates were topped with vivid course meals. Several waiters poured wine into detailed glasses. For once, Hikari felt her stomach rumbling, especially as she saw a waitress lift a metal lid. The scent of roast wafted over.

In her stupor, she ignored the guard who’d started talking to her. Realizing her mistake, she answered his query. “Here, this is the pin of Duke Ringa.”

The man in a tuxedo looked over the pin. “I have confirmed it’s authenticity.” He bowed and gestured towards the long desk at the back. “Please, proceed right away.”

Hikari’s expression betrayed nothing, even when faced with a crimson-eyed beauty. The receptionist gave her a motherly vibe, and the proportions matched. The black dress only barely let a small amount of cleavage show. Sensing the danger beside her, the elf stared into the woman’s eyes.

“I’d like a room for two.”

The woman was taken aback by the small girl. She looked at her as one would a cute doll, supporting her chin with her hands. “Aren’t you an interesting one? Of course, I can easily arrange the room.” The woman’s words remained undeterred, completely unaffected by the glare of her dragon. “I will even give you a discount for being so cute.”

“Master, can I kill it?”

The elf—feeling helpless—grabbed her dragon’s hand. She looked back at the vixen. “Please, don’t make those jokes. Can we get the room?” The elf looked back towards the diner. “How much is the dinner?”

The receptionist sighed. “The food comes with the room. You can also have it sent to your room.”

“In that case, can we have the food sent to our room?”

The woman smiled and nodded before handing them two metal cards. The display said 201.

“The first number is the floor, and the last number are the rooms. In your case, that’s floor 2, room 1.”

When they arrived at the room, it was just as luxurious as the rest of the inn. The mattress had drapes, and there was a small kitchen. The bathtub looked like it could comfortably fit 6 people. This place went beyond Hikari’s expectations, yet she couldn’t leave her dragon alone. Her mood was especially bad today.

The elf walked up to the dragon, gripping her arms. “After working so hard, you deserve a reward.”

Kurayami eyes widened. “Being by your side is a reward, Master.”

“No, I won’t allow you to think that way. I want to provide you anything in my power.”

The dragon thought for a bit before smirking. “In that case, I request a kiss from Master.” She placed a scheming finger on her lips.

Hikari felt a strange sensation in her stomach. Do masters kiss their pets on the lips? No, no, no!

Kurayami giggled and pointed to her cheek. “Master can just kiss me right here.”

As the dragon lowered herself, the elf retained her stoic expression. The inside was completely opposite. A wave of thoughts attacked her as she tried to calm herself. It’s just a kiss on the cheek!

She managed to convince herself and puckered her lips. Hikari pecked the dragon’s cheek, feeling the soft skin with her sensitive lips.

If Hikari saw the devilish look on Kurayami’s face, she’d have not been so bold, but their intimate moment was interrupted by a knocking on the door.

The perfect excuse arrived before Hikari! “Food!”