"That would be 1 silver, sir. Ohhh, if I may suggest, would sir like to gain access to the private baths? The additional fee would only be 10 copper coins." Even though the receptionist tried to keep a straight face, her twitching nose betrayed it.
"Ohh, that's good. I would like access to the private bath." I said with a smile.
"Okay then, that would be 1 silver and 10 copper coins, or 30 copper coins in total."
The lady smiled.
I nodded, with a wave of my hand four golden coins fell on the desk.
Whooaah!
The lady was shocked speechless.
I noticed that a lot of people were shocked at my action.
'Is this a lot?' I wondered with raised brow.
"Si-sir, this is more than enough, one gold coin will do. Pl-please wait a moment, I'll get your change." The lady quickly acted with nervousness.
Is that so...
I actually got this money from the bandits. Pretty ironic huh? Bandits being the one getting their money stolen. It was probably from the helpless people that fell prey to their theft.
Anyway, it was mine now.
"Here it is sir, exactly 28 silver coins and 10 copper coins." The lady pushed a few coins towards me.
I didn't bother counting and just sent them towards the separate space.
"Right this way sir, I'll lead you to your room and then the private bath."
She led the way, and I followed, we went upstairs where my room was.
"Umm, sir...if I may ask, are you a mage?" Along the way, she threw the question abruptly.
I nodded in affirmation, I really didn't have any reason to lie, also, I heard mages are treated highly and is a respected profession.
A trace of reverence shone in the woman's eyes.
"We-well, this inn is actually run by my parents, e-even though it is unceremonious, I can convince them for you to stay here for free no matter how long." She said in a trembling voice, her eyes shinning.
I was silent for a second, I was skeptical, no doubt, but I answered anyway, "I'll think about it..."
I was shown my room and was then led towards the private bath.
Before closing on the door, the woman introduced herself, "My name is Gianna sir, I hope that you have a good time in our inn." She said with a bow, there was an unknown glint in her eyes.
With a nod, I closed the door.
The room was spacious enough, with a basin made up of hard wood and with a faucet that filled it with warm water.
The bath smelt great and relaxing.
I showed a smile, I took off my dirty clothes and threw the Night Shade — the long cloak I acquired in the Labyrinth, to the separate space.
With my body fully naked, my muscles were finally out in the glory. A lean and muscular body that brimmed of vitality.
I soaked in the waters and felt my whole body relax.
Haaahh...
This life was great. I thought.
I closed my eyes and let my body sink in the comfort of the waters.
_________
I found my way back to my room in a neat, clean white robe.
I looked absolutely refreshed, my hair was cascading down my neck like waterfall. My skin was smooth and unblemished, rivaling that of a girls. I looked very charming to say the least, I touched my chin and nodded. Now, I had the confidence to say that I was a handsome kid compared to the people I saw outside.
Anyway, this bathrobe came along with the private bath. It wasn't proper clothes, but it would do, at least until I bought a proper set of clothes.
I eyed the ring on my finger and sent my consciousness inside, my body followed after, leaving the room and arriving in the separate space.
I appeared in the still-unfamiliar place. The space was a grassland, plain and smooth, grass swayed as if wind was around.
I could feel the fresh mana in the atmosphere, it was everywhere!
I looked around and saw Neph floating mid-air, trying her best to absorb the mana in the mana ore — which was as big as her, if not even a little bigger.
When she noticed my presence, she quickly stopped what she was doing.
"Master!" She threw herself at my face. Neph had grown in intelligence quite a lot, she even started addressing me as Master.
"So, how is it?" I asked. Neph knew what I was asking about and, with a troubled face, said, "It's going well, I can feel myself growing stronger, and the mana contained in the mana ore is very good."
Hearing that, I doubted and asked another question, "Then why the long face?"
"Well, Master...when can I leave this place? It's very lonely here." She said with a pout.
"You can play with Goliath over there." I joked, pointing at the golem standing motionless.
Neph didn't appreciate the joke and knitted her brows tighter looking like she was about to cry.