"Fuaaaaaa~!"

It's good. The water's hot but not too hot, and the beer tastes pretty good.

"I love this bathhouse."

I soak myself up to my chest while I laid my back against one of the walls in the large baths.

It has been three days since that attack, and the town is still recovering. Well, no one really died thanks to Olivia, and no one had to live on with gruesome injuries, but evacuating the civilian population slowed down the process of thins here. For one, the banks are closed and that means no pay for all of us. All of us.

No adventurer, no receptionist, nobody got paid and that sucked.

Thankfully, the townspeople here that either stayed or came back offered various rewards for us. Some taverns offered discounts, others gave away cheep booze by the buckets, and the owner of the bathhouse offered Olivia a huge discount for reviving his son. There's that I guess.

Yes, that is the reason I kept visiting this place for the past three nights. The soap was luxurious, even by my world's standards and the water was mixed with therapeutic bath salts and herbs that "rejuvenated" the skin. To be honest, I didn't enjoy the fact that I smelled like peppermint and strawberries after I'm done, but it's pretty nice to feel the softness of my skin.

The only problem I have is the silence. No one's here, just me and my own thoughts. Mixed baths, a staple in all anime, light novels, and manga! I don't think it's as common in real life, but it's always present whenever characters have a scene in a bathhouse or something.

Well, it's not as if I'm expecting them to be joining me or something. Okay, I did but that's not the point. I'm not a pervert. It's lonely, but it beats having to carry Olivia back home after happy hour. Still, it would be nice if I was having some sort of conversatio-

"Achoo!"

I sniffle. The sound bounced off the walls for a few moments before disappearing.

"Okay. I think that's enough bathing. I might get a cold, somehow."

Can you even get a cold in hot water?

"Thank you for your patronage!"

I wave a hand at the girl behind the counter. She's the daughter of the owner and she was the one that gave me the soap I used. I gave her a curt nod before leaving.

The town isn't as lively as three days ago, but most of the shops have opened up at least. Some houses, a few buildings, and all of the banks and the market are still closed, but I think the merchants will be back tomorrow. The merchants and a handful of important people as well. I'm not really sure, I wasn't listening to Zel when she briefed us on what to do tomorrow.

"Good evening, adventurer."

"Evening."

"Thank you for your service, adventurer."

"No probs."

"Lovely nigh-"

"You too."

The people greeted many of the adventurers that walked by, me included. I didn't hate it, but it's pretty embarrassing. Well, at least the adventurers are being treated like heroes right now. I don't know how long it'll last though, but it's nice to be appreciated.

The town's still a bit quiet though. Three days ago it had a nice, vibrant feel at night with streets bustling with nightly activities and the occasional tavern brawl. Well, a bit of that is here but it's not the same. I think a quarter of the town's population is still on it's way back here and Zel told me that it's a about to get rowdy and wild in the coming weeks.

The guild comes into view as I walked up towards the tall building. I sigh and watch two adventurers get booted out through the doors of the establishment.

"Not as rowdy as this, hopefully"

I grumbled under my breath as I push through the group of hotheaded adventurers.

There was a line at the reception desk, a long one by the looks of it. I push through the crowd and hear snippets of various conversations and murmuring. Most asked about the pay and bounties regarding the Undead, some asked about quests and bounties, and I think I heard a group asking about when will the clogged toilets be fixed.

As interesting as that sounds, I continue moving through the loud yet cozy hall. Surprisingly, it was up and running like normal after everyone(mostly Rupert) organized the staff of the guild. I still remember Rupert's face while he frantically tore up the guild just to get everyone back in working order.

"Hmm... Grh, more letters from- Why do I have to handle this?!"

Ahhh, yes. The sound of Zel tearing up another letter from the local nobility. I walked over to the table currently being subjected to Zel's rare but amusing wrath. Everyone at the table was drinking some sort of booze except for Jin, she's drinking warm milk again. Everyone nodded at me and we all turn back to our party leader, Zel, while she opened up another letter.

"Explanation- That fool is demanding an explanation?! H-How dare that fat, womanizer demand an explanation like this?!"

Zel crumpled the parchment and threw it over her shoulder. It bounced off a bald guy's head and he turned to glare at the person whoo threw the litter. She glared back and the guy instantly shrank away and put his nose back into his mug.

"Yo. What's up?"

"Eh, not much. Zel here is being bothered by the lords and nobles to give them an explanation on how Nehuet managed to get here."

"Yes, and a few of them are also demanding for her to report at the Capital at once to explain herself."

I'm gonna order more wine!"

We looked at Olivia as she stood up unsteadily, then fumble and bump her way towards the bar.

"Okaaaaaay.... Anyways, what are you gonna do about it, Zel?"

"I would like to ignore this summons, but..."

She slid an envolope over to the three of us and sighed. Jin and Maria gasped and looked back at the Knight while she sipped some wine from her large mug.

"N-No way... That's t-the fucking-"

"The Lockhart Family's Seal."

"Lock- What? What? Who's that?"

Everone turned to me while I stared at the red seal on the envelope. 

"The Lockharts are an important noble family that has close ties to the Royal Family."

"Ooooh, politics! Count me out."

I grumbled loudly. Everyone just sighed at me while I flagged down a Barmaid and ordered some ale for myself. 

"It's not about politics, you fucking idiot."

"What is it about then?"

"W-Well, the Lockharts are part of the Five Houses. A-And-"

"I'm a Lockhart."

Zel sighed a bit and stared at her mug. She looked pretty irked at the sound of the name.

"Woah. Woah. I guessed you were some noble but- Okay, I'm interested in the story now."

"Maria, please tell Arthur about the Five Houses. I'm not in the mood, sorry Arthur."

Zel sighed and leaned back in her chair while everyone stared uneasily at her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"O-Okay then... The Lockharts are part of what we call the Five Houses of the Kingdom. The Five Houses are second only to the Royal Family in terms of nobility although they do not own much land or wealth. But they're still powerful and influential nobles due to their services."

"Services? Like what?"

Maria was about to answer when Jin chimed in for her. Maria breathed a sigh of relief and went back to drinking her wine.

"Oh, you know... Advisers, personal guards, generals in the army, basically anything that is close to the Royal Family. Basically, they're fucking secretaries or helpers to the King."

"S-Seriously?! Wait, so what's Zel doing here?"

"She ran off to be an adventurer. Everyone in the town knew her, of course, but we still treated her like a fucking adventurer. Ain't that right, Zel?"

"Ugh... Please do not remind me of the first day I came here."

"Why? What happened?"

"Oh! Oh! Are we talking about Zel's first day here?"

Olivia came bursting into the conversation, carrying 5 mugs as she slid into her seat with a wide smile. Zel groaned and glared at everyone at the table, her face flushed bright red.

"S-Shut up! Why the hell did we even get to this topic?! Stop talking about that day and get back to- You know what? I'll just tell Arthur myself!"

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"Awwww.... I'm sure Arthur would love to hear how your father came rolling up to the gates with a parade of knigh-"

"Shut up, Jin! Anyways, my family is known for being the King's shield and advisers. We're not as rich as some of the other nobles, but I don't think any of the Five Houses are. Back to the topic, that letter is most likely my father asking me to visit our estate at the Capital to see if I'm not hurt."

Everyone, including me, looked at Zel. Then we grinned at her to tease her while she hid her face behind her hands.

"Stop grinning and just listen! Geez! If my father sent for me, I must go. I'll probably do it after a month since I still have a month to prepare, I think. He's probably curious about all of you."

"Ooh, will there be a ball? Or some sort of party?"

"No, no. I don't think there will be anything like that."

"Are we going there by road or by [Teleport]?"

"By roa- That'll take us a month or two. I think [Teleport] would be good, although it will be expensive."

Jin and I just watched from the side, their talks didn't really piqued my interest that much. Jin looked pretty bored as well, I mean, who wouldn't be? It's just some noble's home, what's so special about it?

They continued to gush about visiting Zel's home. I think the two wanted to visit for their own reasons, but I'm not really sure. I was tuning them out while I drank the ale in my mug. It was sweet. It had that kick to it though, and it had a slight, burning sensation while it flowed down my throat.

"What are ya' planning to do with the reward money?"

I raise a brow at the Thief beside me. She rested her chin on her hand while she chewed a small piece of jerky.

"Dunno. Buy a house? Wait, no. I'll probably get some better gear then buy a house. Maybe."

She scoffed, then she stared at the three girls. They were in a world of their own.

"Hmmm. I'm planning on getting some more fucking daggers. I want somthing fancy, but not too fancy, ya' know?"

"Cool. That's cool, I guess. Don't you have any hobbies beside cutting things?"

"Stealing. Wait, is stealing shit a hobby?"

"It's a crime. That's what it is. Anyway, why are you talking to me?"

She blinked at me once. Then twice. Then she snorted and let out a laugh.,

"It's not a crime if you don't get caught. Anyways, I'm bored and I don't want to hear any of that crap about Zel's home. Too... political for my tastes."

"Cheers. I'll drink to that."

I raise my cup before taking a large swig of ale. 

Jin chuckled and finished her milk. A thick layer of foam covered the top of her lip, but she wiped it away with the back of her leather glove.

Zel was still talking with Maria about how she should handle the situation while Maria just pestered her with questions about her family's wealth or something. Jin and I listened quietly while Maria suggested that maybe she should just take a break instead of going to the Capital.

Of course, Zel disagreed and excused herself from the table. Everyone watched Zel walk towards the bathroom covertly, but not before being assailed by questions and greetings by other adventurers and a hectic-looking Ehlri. My eyes dart back to the letter on the table, then back to the Elf girl waiting the tables next to us. Sure, it was a tempting offer, but it's a breach of privacy. Zel's privacy. A noble's privacy.

"Let's see... Dearest Daughter... Audience with the King and Queen, glorious exploits, dinner with your- Oh! It's an invitation for us to visit!"

"Pffffffffftttt!"

"*Cough* W-What?!"

"You fucking idiot! Did you open the- Oh shit."

Everyone looked at the torn envelope and the expensive looking parchment in Olivia's hands. Maria grabbed for it immediately and her eyes scanned the paper.

"I-I know it is wrong and presumptous fr me to read a letter not addressed for me, but.... It is an invitation from her father to meet us! And he is asking Zel if she is... no longer sing-"

"Shh! Zel would beat the crap out of us if she heard we knew that! Quick! Give it back to Olivia!"

"Hold on, hold on!"

Their eyes turned towards me as I reached for the letter in Maria's hands. She gave it to me and I felt the soft and delicate feel of the paper in my fingers. It also had a faint whiff of flowers to it.

"I'll put it back in the envelope and we will all-"

"Oh, you're reading it."

My hands trembled at the sound of such chilling words. No, it was the tone that was scary, not the words. Everyone else shrank away from me while Zel hovered behind me, her crimson eyes staring at the piece of parchment in my hands.

"I-It was-"

"Olivia, yes.... Give it to me."

She sighed and I handed her the letter.

"I just wash my hands and you guys are going through my letters.Anyways, I have some things to take care of."

"Hmm? Like what?"

"Oh, you know., paperwork. Rupert needs a report on what happened with Nehuet since the Guildmaster will be here by tomorrow morning."

"Oh. Oh."

"Mhm. Anyways, have a nice evening. Don't drink yourself to death, Olivia."

"Burn it all."

She left without saying another word. We waved her goodbye and watched her walk out of the door but not before shoving away a drunk stumbling near her. The poor guy crashed onto the wall and we watched him fall to the floor, unconscious.

We all sighed and I stood up. Or is stumble the right word for it? Anyways, I looked at them and they all looked up at me.

"Want to walk around town?"

"Sure."

"Gladly."

"Let's go!"

----------------------------------------

The light was already shining on my face when I woke up. It wasn't a soft bed under me, but a cold, hard floor that made my back ache. The floorboards groaned as I hauled myself up from my spot on the floor. Beside me are a few, no, a lot of empty wine bottles and a snoring Olivia passed out in the middle of it all. 

"What happened last night?"

The inn wasn't familiar to me, and guessing by the knives strewn about and stuck on the walls, I think I know whose room is this.

An Archmage was sitting in a chair, her chest rising and falling while she breathed softly. The Archpriest was scratching her belly as she splayed her arms and legs on the floor. On the bed is Jin, sleeping soundly while she cuddled a small pillow. She was wearing pink pajamas that didn't much her usual aesthetic and disposition. For once, I thought that she was...

"Cute."

I shook my head and look away. It's rude to stare at a girl while she's-

"Oh! Jin looks pretty cute in her pajamas!"

"Ga- I thought you were asleep!"

Olivia smiled wryly at me while I  looked around the room.

"I was but... I saw you waking up ater I did so I though I'd play a prank on you."

Her grin made me scowl at her, only for a moment though. The sheets began to move and a tiny girl sat up slowly and blinked at us a few times. She still had that sleepy and sluggish look in her emerald green eyes, and her hair was a lso a mess. 

"Hmmm. Mornin' Olivia, Arthur."

We both nodded at Jin as she climbed out of bed. She dragged her feet across the floor while she mumbled and moved groggily. 

We watch her fumble over her items to get her toothbrush, then she moved over towards the chair where Maria was sleeping on. She stared at the Archmage and her hand rose. Then it landed, softly, on top of Maria's head and she gently patted the sleeping Archmage.

"I'll just brush my teeth then I'll wake her up."

She waddled out of the front door, her eyes half-open while she practically dragged herself out of  the room and towards the bathroom.

"You know, she was the one who carried you here when we passed out."

"What?! Wait, what happened?!"

Olivia shrugged and walked towards the door, kicking a bottle gently to the side before turning back to me.

"Secret~!"

"You can turn around now."

"You do know that even if I look, there's nothing to see-"

"Shut up!"

She threw a soft and fluffy pillow at me. It kinda hurt, but it's fine.

Knives jingled under her cloak while she glared at me. The other two went ahead to the guild while I stayed beheind to watch over Jin. For the past 10 minutes, I've been staring out her window and down onto the noisy streets below. The streets are packed with people today, some carried large wagons and carriages filled with the things they evacuated four days ago. 

There were moments that tempted me to turn my head around, but...

"Oi, what are ya' looking at?!"

"Like I said... I'm not looking at any- Oh, your vest is unbuttoned."

I pointed to the glaps that covered her non-existent chest. She nodded and immediately closed it, her eyes glued on the button as it keeps slipping from her grasp.

"Tch. I need new clothes. Button's too loose now."

"Ahh... Wanna go clothes shopping with me then?"

She blinked at me a few times while I struggled to button up her vest. Finally, I managed to close it up and I can't help but smile triumphantly.

"Sure, we're getting our rewards today."

"Wait, rewards?! When? Now?"

"Mh- Wait, Zel didn't tell- And, she's gone."

I watched as Jin jumped out of the window and somersaulted onto the roof a the inn. She was now jumping from place to place nimbly, and no one below noticed her.

"So I'm on my own then."

The party is a mess right now. Whatever happened last night was still taking its toll on Maria. She was groaning in discomfort on our table while Jin snacked on the jerky beside her. Zel was nowhere near us, she was running around frantically with paperwork in her arms and Olivia is still drinking this early in the morning.

"A mess of a team."

I grumble as I snack on the fries Ehlri made for me. This time, it has honey, bacon, and some sauce that tasted pretty meaty. It's pretty good.

I looked around the guild and watch quietly as every receptionist around scrambled to clean the place or file stacks of paperwork. The adventurers themselves are also tense, and it feels as if only our group is the only one lounging about. Everyone else looked like they're being chased by something and some party leaders have that manic and fearful looks on their faces as they scribbled something on the stacks of paper near them.

"Gods... I believe it was unwise of me to eat that much Boar Skewers last night."

"Ehehe. Come on, come on! I know you know you enjoyed yourself last night!"

"Y-Yes, last night was enjoyable but today is not. I think I have food poisoning..."

There was an audible gurgling sound from Maria and she immediately clutched her stomach. 

I ignored the sound and debated whether or not to ask if she was okay. In the end, I decided to just keep my mouth shut. I was still trying to remember what happened last night, and what I did. I remember a tavern, Jin and Olivia buying me some pork on a skewer, whiskey, lots of it. Yes, I think that's what fucked me over.

"Whiskey..."

"Hm? You say something?"

"No. Just muttering nonsense to myself." 

Jin raised her eyebrow and stared at me while I drank my tea.

"Anyway, what's happening?"

"Oh, you know. Bounties and rewards are being handed out later, I think everyone that fled is coming back today, and... Oh! Fihr's coming back!"

Everyone in earshot of Olivia shuddered and shot her a glare. She didn't see it, of course, but everyone looked unnerved at the sound of the name.

"Who is that?"

"He is the Guildmaster."

Everyone looked at Zel, and glanced away. She looked... tired. Her hair was disheveled, there are bags under her eys, and she had that manic look in her eyes as she dropped the pen on top of the large stack of papers she carried over to our table.

"Up all night?"

"Yes. I needed to focus on the paperwork that I... putoffforthepastmonth."

She blushed after mumbling out the last part.

"Ooohhhhh... crap. Fihr's not gonna fucking like that."

"I know! I know... But I'm done! The income, the quests, and reports for the last month! I finished it!"

She glanced at the stack of papers proudly, before laughing.

"Took me the entire night to write up, but I did it! I'm... I'm the... the..."

Zel's head crashed onto the table with a loud thud. It shook the table, but not by much. Zel didn't say anything else after that, she just snored. She was snoring loudly while Olivia picked up the scattered papers around her.

I asked them about this "Guildmaster" and all they said was that he was competent, a huge jerk at times, and a fluffy bunny most of the time. I sank back into my chair and stared out of the window. Thoughts ran across my mind while I sipped my tea. What was he like? Is he scary? Am I getting paid? Should I order some more fries to snack on?

I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. I should buy more fries. I nodded to myself and looked around for a barmaid. I was about to call one over to order when-

"G-Guildmaster Fihr!"

The doors flew open and silence descended upon the entire building. Everyone watched in trepidation as the figure entered through the doors with heavy footsteps. His chestnut hair was tied into a short ponytail behind him, and a pair of blue bunny ears sprung from his head and twitched from time to time. He wore something that an adventurer would wear; practical pants that looked like it was easy to move around in, a chestplate that looked light and manueverable, leather gloves and leather boots designed to last, and a simple green shirt.

"G-Guildmaster! You have returned! Earlier than expected!"

Rupert and the other receptionist bowed at the imposing figure in the doorway. 

"Of course! The earlier I return, the sooner I can get back to work."

The figure stepped forward and beamed at everyone.

"Good morning, adventurers! Your beloved Guildmaster has arrived!"

I can finally take a good luck at the man that called himself the Guildmaster of Lorren. And he was...

"A kid?"

I mutter softly under my breath as I looked at a kid that looked like he was just younger by Jin by a year or two. She shushed me quickly and I bit my tongue gently to hold in my chuckle.

His gaze swept across the room and he had a wide and happy smile on his face.  He smiled like a kid, and he looked just like a kid as well. But I'm not sure why-

"Oh right! I almost forgot! Everyone inside this room is gonan do community service for a week!"

Everyone looked like they wanted to groan, but no one did so. Not even the idiot beside me made a sound. Wait, is she eating something? 

"And where's Zel? I'm going to have to speak with their party!"

"Huh?!"

Zel shot up and straightened herself quickly, her eyes darted across the room and onto the small figure near the door. Her eyes bulged and she trembled slightly at the sight of the kid.

"Fuck."

For the first time since I came to this world, I heard Zel cuss loudly.