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.