The two-story house was not very big. There were three bedrooms on the upper floor, while the dining room, kitchen, and living room were on the ground floor.
"Ahh~ I'm hungry," Joshua complained while stretching his body.
"I'll make dinner," I offered without much thought.
Arion nodded in approval, while Joshua and Weston threw themselves onto the sofa.
"In that case, I'll help," Dante offered with a friendly smile.
I nodded and walked toward the kitchen, followed by Dante. We opened the ingredients and utensils we had previously bought in Cairnfall City.
"How about we make meat soup and toasted bread?" I asked, turning to Dante.
He thought for a moment before nodding. "Good idea. I'll chop the ingredients."
I prepared a pot and started heating the water, while Dante grabbed a knife and began slicing the vegetables skillfully. The kitchen felt quiet, with only the sound of the knife hitting the cutting board and the water beginning to boil.
I took a pan and poured in a little oil, waiting for it to heat up before adding the onions. A fragrant aroma spread through the air as the onions softened and turned golden. After that, I added the chopped meat, then seasoned it with salt and pepper.
After the meat started changing color, I transferred it into the pot of boiling water, then added the carrots and potatoes. We let everything simmer slowly, occasionally stirring to ensure the seasoning was evenly distributed.
While waiting for the soup to cook, Dante began slicing the bread into several pieces. He prepared a baking tray, arranged the slices neatly, and spread butter over them with quick yet precise movements. I added a bit of chopped garlic on top to enhance the aroma.
The broth thickened, and a savory scent filled the kitchen. I added a bit of celery and a pinch of black pepper before tasting it.
"The taste is just right."
Dante opened the oven and took out the baking tray with the toasted bread, now golden and giving off a delightful aroma. I quickly poured the soup into bowls and carried them to the dining table, followed by Dante, who brought the bread.
Joshua, who had been lounging around, immediately came over with wide eyes.
"Finally! I was almost starving to death!"
Arion, as usual, simply took his seat without saying much. Weston also sat down, looking a bit restless.
Dante and I sat down after making sure everything was ready.
"Bon appétit,"
"Bon appétit~"
For a moment, the atmosphere became quiet, filled only with the sound of spoons clinking against bowls.
.
.
.
"We'll take shifts," Arion said, lighting the oil lamp.
"I'll keep watch with Weston until 2 AM, then Dante and Joshua will take over until morning. As for you, you can go straight to rest."
He then handed me the oil lamp.
"Is that alright? I mean, do I not need to join the watch?"
"It's fine."
With that, I headed up to the second floor and entered my room.
I changed my clothes, then brushed my hair in front of the mirror. After that, I lay down on the bed.
"Ahh, I forgot to mention something about those people earlier."
Well, never mind. I can tell them tomorrow or whenever. After all, they don't have any ill intentions.
With each blink, my eyes grew heavier.
I guess it's time to sleep.
And before I knew it, my eyes were closed.
***
"Are you sure about this?"
Weston, who had been silent until now, could no longer hold himself back from asking.
"Yes. Their aura is strange, but I don't sense any ill intentions coming from them."
Arion then glanced at Weston before continuing his words.
"But I didn't expect them to actually appear and greet us."
"Are you really telling me you didn't see them at all during the three days we've been here?" Joshua asked, curiosity in his voice.
"Yes, I didn't see them at all."
"It's fine, we'll proceed with our original plan. Weston will come with me and Joshua."
Arion then glanced at Dante.
"You and Eira can start from the town square. I think you'll be able to gather something from there. But return as soon as you sense any danger."
"Understood," Dante replied with a friendly smile to Arion.
"Alright, you two can rest first."
"Okay~"
Without saying much, Dante and Joshua headed upstairs, leaving Arion and Weston in the living room.
The atmosphere grew quieter. Weston, who had been slightly tense, leaned back against the sofa.
"Is this something you want to try?"
"Yes, I'm curious about the locals who told your companion to stay the night."
Arion then crossed his arms and leaned against the wall while looking out the window.
"The fog that night was thicker than this."
Arion didn't answer, merely staring out the window, watching the dark night sky.
"Why do you want to keep watch with me?"
"Hmm? Are you curious?"
"It's not exactly curiosity..."
"Looking at your gear, you're a close-quarters fighter, aren't you?"
"Yes. I fight on the front lines."
"My weapon is a sniper rifle, so I'm in the back. If an unexpected situation arises, I could throw you as bait."
Arion smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously as he watched Weston shiver.
"Aren't you supposed to protect me?" Weston asked, slightly annoyed.
"No, no," Arion waved his hand casually. "Who said you can do it all on your own without needing protection?"
Weston furrowed his brow, "You're not wrong about that. But... damn, I'm starting to regret being on the same team as you."
Arion chuckled, then leaned against the wall.
"Don't worry. As long as you're useful, I won't let you die."
Weston sighed, feeling that those words didn't make him feel any more at ease.
"And also, Weston."
"Huh? What is it?"
"I'm still waiting for you to tell me everything."
Weston's eyes widened, surprised by Arion's statement, as though he knew exactly what Weston was hiding.
Weston didn't answer and simply lay back on the sofa.
Time passed, and now it was already two in the morning.
"Good night."
A familiar voice echoed from the stairs. Dante descended casually, waving at them. Even though it was late, he still looked fresh.
Weston opened one eye and glanced at him.
"You're really weird. How are you still so fresh at this hour?"
Dante only chuckled softly.
"It's a habit. Besides, there are plenty of interesting things you can do at night, right?"
Arion snorted and crossed his arms.
"You sound like a thief."
"Hey, hey, I'm just enjoying my free time," Dante shrugged casually.
"Where's Joshua?"
"Seems like he's still asleep."
"This damn guy, really can't be on time. I'll wake him up."
With that, Arion headed upstairs to wake Joshua from his deep sleep.
Dante glanced over at Weston, who was still lying on the sofa with a slightly gloomy expression.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Weston sighed, rubbing his face with one hand.
"Not really."
"I see."
Arion quickly made his way to Joshua's room on the second floor. Upon arriving at the door, he didn't bother knocking and simply opened it.
Inside, Joshua was still fast asleep, the blanket half hanging off the bed, and one of his arms dangling to the side. His breathing was steady, completely immersed in his sleep, as if the world outside was at peace without any disturbances.
Arion clicked his tongue in annoyance. "This bastard... really too relaxed."
Without further hesitation, he grabbed the blanket and yanked it off with force. "Wake up."
Joshua only mumbled indistinctly and shifted slightly, not at all affected.
Arion scoffed. "Then don't blame me."
In a swift motion, he grabbed the collar of Joshua's shirt and yanked him out of bed. Joshua woke with a start, blinking his eyes in confusion.
"Eh? What? What's happening?" he muttered in a groggy voice.
Arion didn't answer and simply dragged him out of the room. Joshua, still half-conscious, was dragged along, his feet dragging lazily across the floor.
"Oi... Arion... I can walk on my own..." he protested.
"Too late," Arion replied coldly, continuing to pull him toward the stairs.
By the time they reached the bottom floor, Dante and Weston turned to look at the sight of Joshua, half-asleep and being dragged like a sack of potatoes.
Dante chuckled. "You're really merciless, huh?"
Joshua groaned, finally attempting to stand up with difficulty. "Damn, I'm still sleepy..."
Weston stood up from the sofa, stretching his body. "In that case, it's my turn to rest."
He walked up the stairs to the second floor, leaving the chaos below.
Arion released his grip on Joshua as they reached the living room. "Now, sit down and don't make excuses."
Joshua sighed, ruffling his messy hair. "Why do I feel like I just got kidnapped?"
Dante chuckled again, while Arion simply crossed his arms, staring at him with a blank expression. The night was still long, and it seemed Joshua wouldn't be allowed to sleep peacefully.