Night had already fallen when they entered the house. A serene silence blanketed the place like a veil of stillness. The young girl reached out toward a group of old candles carefully arranged on a low wooden shelf. Her fingers seemed to know exactly what to do. Although darkness wrapped the room like a cloak of blackness, her steps were unwavering. Her wide eyes guided her forward with an unusual confidence, as if the light within her could never be extinguished.
She lit the first candle, and a soft glow gradually emerged. At first, the light was shy, slipping through the glass before slowly expanding, pushing the shadows back inch by inch.
She continued lighting the candles one by one. Once the room was bathed in light, it transformed into a warm and lively space, infused with a fragrant scent mixed with the aroma of old wood. In that moment, Ace felt something stir. It wasn't just the light that illuminated the shop—it was something deeper: the soul of the place, perhaps even the spirit of the girl who brought it back to life with gentle gestures and a quiet smile.
The girl turned and kindly signaled for him to follow her upstairs. Her voice was soft, laced with confidence and calm, as if she knew exactly what he needed at that moment. Ace reached for his small bag and offered to carry her large one, but Emilia shook her head with a smile and told him there was no need. The staircase was narrow and steep; he wouldn't manage with both bags. Indeed, the wooden stairs were wedged between two walls, showing signs of age with every creak.
Once they reached the upper floor and lit the candles there, Ace found himself in a different scene. The place resembled a small apartment, filled with the scent of wood and mild spices, as if the walls had stored the memories of its former inhabitants. A low ceiling, embroidered curtains, and warm-scented candles added a profound sense of comfort and belonging—as though he had stepped into a place he'd never visited but somehow felt at home.
Emilia entered one of the rooms, leaving Ace to take in the surroundings. His eyes wandered over the framed pictures on the wall and the neatly arranged books on wooden shelves. Every detail seemed to tell a story he had yet to discover. Moments later, the girl returned, carrying a set of men's clothes: gray cotton pants and a beige-white soft fabric shirt. The outfit appeared both comfortable and elegant, as though chosen to match his calm nature.
She handed him the clothes and directed him to the bathroom at the end of the hallway, smiling gently, then mentioned she would begin preparing dinner. He thanked her softly, with a sincere smile of gratitude, then pulled a bottle of body wash from his small bag and stepped into the bathroom.
It was a simple, small bathroom with a distinct traditional feel, almost as though time had paused there decades ago. The walls were covered with a yellowish-white material, and on the floor stood a small wooden bucket filled with water beside a low wooden stool, clearly worn from years of use. A coarse cloth hung on the wall, likely used for scrubbing. On a small wooden shelf, a faintly glowing candle released a floral scent—the same one Emilia had given him before he entered.
Ace sat on the stool and began washing his body for the first time in days. The water trickled over him gently, as if washing away layers of exhaustion and displacement rather than just dirt. Despite everything he had been through, he didn't smell unpleasant. His body seemed to maintain its cleanliness in its own way.
As he scrubbed his skin with the cloth, he felt like everything he had endured in recent days was being shed with each motion. After a few minutes, he emerged from the bathroom clean, dressed in the fresh clothes that brought him comfort. His body felt lighter, refreshed, and even the lingering pain in his left arm had completely vanished, as if the water had washed away his aches as well.
As soon as he stepped out, the smell of delicious food greeted him like a warm embrace. Emilia stood in the small kitchen, gently stirring a pan while steam rose like little clouds, carrying mouthwatering aromas. Ace sat on the nearby couch, taking in the space again as if seeing it for the first time.
Moments later, Emilia came out of the kitchen carrying a wooden tray with several dishes. She placed it on the table, but before arranging it, she suddenly paused. She felt something different. She approached Ace, eyes filled with curiosity, then, without saying a word, closed her eyes and leaned in, smelling him once, then again, as if trying to confirm a strange sensation that had awakened within her.
Her lovely face glowed—not with exterior light, but with something from within. Ace was taken aback by her sudden behavior, his eyes wide, and he asked in a hesitant, almost whispering voice:
"What are you doing?"
She didn't answer. She was focused, absorbed in the moment, as though discovering something new for the first time in her life. She extended her slender fingers and gently brushed his clothes. Then she said slowly, with a tone of awe, as if savoring each word:
"What a beautiful scent! I don't remember the clothes ever smelling like this before…"
Ace blinked several times, trying to process the situation, then cleared his throat and replied, attempting to explain:
"It's the body wash."
Emilia raised her eyebrows in innocent surprise, her wide eyes sparkling with childlike curiosity:
"Body wash? What's that?"
Her voice carried a sincere desire to understand. Ace began explaining in a calm tone:
"It's a scented liquid used for cleaning the body during showers. I brought it from my homeland. It not only removes dirt but also leaves a lasting fragrance."
He smiled, pointing out that he had left the bottle in the bathroom and that she could use it whenever she liked. But then he stopped, his tone turning cautious and serious:
"There are two important things: don't taste or drink it—it's not food or drink, and it can harm you. Second, don't let it get into your eyes. It could cause a burning sensation. So, rinse it thoroughly after use."
"That's amazing! You really make things like that in your country? ... I can't wait to try it. But for now, let's enjoy the meal!"
On the table, Emilia placed a large dish filled with slices of fresh bread, still warm and fragrant. Next to it were pieces of grilled meat seasoned with spices, each bite promising a distinct taste. On the other side lay an assortment of fresh fruits, their vibrant colors resembling a painted canvas—the deep red of apples, the warm yellow of bananas, and other hues arranged with evident care. Beside the food were two glass cups filled with fruit juice.
Ace took his first bite, and his face lit up with delight. The flavors danced on his tongue, harmonizing beautifully. He looked up and said, filled with admiration:
"This food… I haven't tasted anything this delicious in a long time!"
Emilia's cheeks flushed. She looked like someone trying to hide her joy but couldn't resist a pure smile, her face beaming with pride and happiness. Then Ace lifted the juice glass, took a sip, and his eyes widened in appreciation:
"This juice… it's delicious and amazing!" he said, making the girl giggle.
After finishing their meal, Ace offered to help with the dishes, but she gently refused, insisting she couldn't allow her guest to do such a task. After she finished cleaning, she returned to find Ace sitting on the couch. She was still wiping her hands on a white apron when she said:
"Mr. Ace, I'll be assigning you my grandmother's old room for the night. No one's entered it in a long time, but it's clean and quiet."
He thanked her, and she led him to the room. As soon as he entered, he noticed it was a small room with old furniture and the scent of time lingering in the air. It combined simplicity and warmth, with faint cracks visible on the walls.
Ace placed his bag near the small bed and thanked the girl for her generous hospitality. Emilia, her voice soft, full of excitement and bashfulness, said while rubbing her hands together that she was going to take a shower.
Ace immediately understood the reason for her eagerness—she wanted to try the body wash. He reminded her of his earlier warnings. She nodded quickly to show she understood, then gave him one last glance, mumbled something he couldn't hear. When he asked her if she said anything, she shyly denied it and wished him a good rest before quickly closing the door behind her, as if fleeing any added embarrassment, leaving the young man alone under the gentle flickering light that danced with every movement.
Ace used the soft lighting to organize his few belongings, then took out the book he had purchased earlier and sat beside a small candle. He opened it, flipping through pages written in what the shopkeeper had assured him was the local language.
He studied the letters, feeling their shape. The ink was slightly raised. He became immersed for several moments until his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden cry. He jumped from his seat and rushed to the bathroom, calling:
"Are you okay?!"
Silence followed for a moment, then Emilia's trembling voice came, laced with pain and surprise:
"My eyes! My eyes are burning!" Her voice was full of groans, yet she added, attempting humor despite her pain:
"Ah, what a fragrant scent! But it's painful! Really painful!"
Ace let out a soft, ironic smile and replied calmly after a sigh:
"Rinse your eyes gently with water. Don't rub them. Things will get better quickly."
He returned to his book, flipping through a few more pages until he heard the bathroom door open. A few minutes later, Emilia's footsteps approached, and she knocked gently on the door, asking permission to enter. When he allowed her in, she peeked her small face through the door before opening it fully—and Ace's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sorry if I disturbed you. I noticed the light was still on, so I thought you might still be awake. I came to see if you needed anything before I went to bed."
But Ace's surprise wasn't from her words—it was her appearance. She wore a unique one-piece pajama shaped like a small brown bear, complete with rounded ears and a fluffy tail. It made her look younger, more innocent, almost like a stuffed toy. Her wet, wavy hair framed her small face like a golden frame around a precious painting.
Her cheeks were flushed—perhaps from earlier embarrassment or maybe how she always looked after a bath. Ace noticed the tiredness and sleepiness in her eyes. Still, she made sure to check on her guest before giving in to slumber. He admired her hospitality, but also seized the chance to bring up something on his mind. With a firm tone, he said:
"Emilia, I know this might sound sudden, but I want to participate in the annual tournament."
As soon as she heard his words, her expression changed—like a painting altered with a single brushstroke. Her gentle features turned tense, her eyes narrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line of concern and disapproval.
"I understand your worry, but despite how I may look, I possess great strength."
He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, then continued:
"Also, I don't plan to join the tournament right away. First, I'll work as a beginner adventurer. I want to gauge my strength compared to others. If I find it's beyond me, I'll withdraw and give up on the tournament as well."
He clenched his fist tightly, a sign of deep determination—something Emilia noticed even in the dim light. He added:
"I want to use these days to earn as much money as quickly as I can. I desperately need it to continue my journey."
Silence lingered between them. Emilia studied his face intently, as if trying to uncover what lay beneath his calm confidence. After several moments of reflection, her soft face slowly flushed with a deeper blush. She tried hard to maintain her seriousness, but her embarrassment showed in her small, nervous movements. Finally, she spoke in a tone filled with slight uncertainty:
"You really do seem confident in your skills." She paused, closed her eyes, and let out a deep sigh before continuing:
"Alright then, I'll take you to register at the Adventurers' Guild tomorrow morning. You need a good night's rest to prepare for the tests."
"The test—"
He hadn't finished the word when Emilia raised her hand firmly, signaling that the conversation was over and it was time for sleep. Her voice carried an unexpected authority, contrasting sharply with her petite and adorable appearance. She began closing the door while saying:
"Good night."
Her voice was low, tinged with concern for what lay ahead.
"Good night," he replied, his tone filled with gratitude and a touch of apology.
Once the girl closed the door, Ace blew out the candle and headed to the bed. As he lay down, the mattress creaked beneath a weight it hadn't borne in years. He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought… wondering what the days ahead would bring.