Published: February 1, 2026
It was the day after the three of them had finished the host's so-called kindness—a meat feast that lacked any trace of genuine care.
Rizel stepped out of the bath changing room with a wry smile, admitting the meal was indeed a bit heavy. Although it was mostly meat, some dishes had been prepared to be fairly easy to eat, which was a relief.
Still drying the water droplets from her hair, she walked through the inn. When passing by the dining hall, she noticed the door was slightly open and caught a glimpse inside.
"(Ah.)"
Curious, she quietly approached and peeked in.
Inside, Jill and Eleven were sharing drinks. They didn’t seem drunk, but since they were strong drinkers, it was hard to tell how much they had consumed.
Since they had rested their heavy stomachs after dinner before heading to the bath, it was now quite late. Rizel wondered if this was their nightcap. Suddenly, their eyes turned toward her.
"What’re you looking at, leader?" Eleven called out.
"What is it?" Jill asked.
"Nothing, just... passing by," Rizel replied.
Wiping her hair with a towel, she glanced around the dining hall but saw no sign of the innkeeper. Probably already asleep. Many inns close their dining halls at night and see no obligation to keep company with guests who are still up.
But judging by when Jill and Eleven started drinking, the innkeeper had been there earlier. Some snacks the innkeeper often prepared sat on the table. Rizel was impressed by how caring the innkeeper was despite the fear he showed, unaware that he considered the snack money he received each time as unexpected income.
"Well, if you’re coming, come on," Eleven teased.
"Alright then, I will. I’ll just leave my clothes here," Rizel smiled, waving lightly at Eleven, who was resting his chin on his elbow.
Although she didn’t drink, she often joined their nightcaps. Usually, it was in her or Jill’s room, so spending the night in the dining hall was rare.
After such a big dinner, Rizel wondered how she still had room. She opened the unlocked door, hung her clothes on the chair back, and dried her hair again. She couldn’t afford to catch a cold.
"Phew."
Pausing to check if she was fine, she exhaled while gazing upward to disperse the heat lingering inside her.
She tidied her messy hair with her fingers, buttoned up a single undone shirt button, and left the room with the towel still in hand.
Descending the stairs, she passed the dining hall once more and returned to the bath area to place the towel in the basket inside. The innkeeper would wash everything in the basket by morning.
Then, retracing her steps, she stepped into the dim dining hall, where light spilled warmly.
"Ah, you're here," Eleven greeted cheerfully, beckoning Rizel over.
Dragged along to the seat next to him, Rizel had no choice but to join, laughing at the amusement of it all.
"May I join you?" she said.
"Mm," came the reply.
"Thank you," Rizel accepted the cold tea offered by Jill across the table gratefully.
A cold drink after the bath was delightful. She downed nearly half in one go and exhaled softly.
"What are you drinking?"
"Local sake from the archipelago. What was it called...? 'Dragon Slayer (Beowulf)?'"
"That’s right."
Eleven’s bottle still held about half its contents.
From the name's imagery, it seemed quite a strong drink. Bringing the bottle’s mouth close, Rizel noticed a unique scent she wasn’t familiar with.
About to place the bottle on the table, she stopped. Seeing Jill’s small glass was nearly empty, she tilted the bottle toward it.
Sighing, Jill lifted the glass, and Rizel carefully poured the clear, transparent sake.
"Ah, that’s cheating! Me too, me too."
"Is that how you’re supposed to drink it?"
Rizel chuckled watching Eleven gulp the remaining sake.
It didn’t seem like the kind of drink meant to be consumed that way. From her non-drinker perspective, she wondered if that was alright.
Pouring carefully so as not to spill, Eleven drank it contentedly this time, savoring each sip properly.
"Is it good?"