The two dwarves approached Hex and greeted him with wide smiles. "Welcome! My name's Gruppy, and this here is my twin brother, Graphy. We own this establishment."
Gruppy's long, braided hair and matching mustache gave him a rugged look, while Graphy sported a full beard and kept his hair tied in a neat bun. They had the same sturdy build and quick smiles, but each carried himself with a unique, almost opposite energy—Gruppy was animated, while Graphy had a more composed demeanor.
"What can we do for you today?" Graphy asked with a wink. "We've got all sorts of services—even a hot spring."
Hex and Perus exchanged a surprised look, brows raised.
"Are you serious?" Hex asked, folding his arms skeptically.
Perus chimed in, his brow furrowing. "How can there be a hot spring here? There's no volcanic activity around Jiron…" He hesitated, then added, "Or could it be magic?" The idea seemed doubtful; after all, dwarves were hardly known for magical prowess. Only a rare few had any abilities, and even then, it was little more than a flicker.
Graphy chuckled knowingly. "It's no such thing. Just a touch of dwarven ingenuity. It may not be natural, but it's as good as any real hot spring you'll find."
Hex nodded thoughtfully, while Perus stroked his chin. Jiron was indeed unique in allowing dwarves and other so-called "lesser races" to run large businesses. In most cities and towns in Estria, such privileges were unheard of; lesser races could only work under others and were barred from ownership.
Perus's gaze flickered over to Gruppy. "Maybe we'll take a look at it later, after we're done here. For now, my friend needs a haircut."
Gruppy clapped his hands, grinning broadly. "Say no more!" He motioned Hex to a nearby chair, spinning him around and securing a cloth around his shoulders in one swift move. "So, how do you want it?"
Hex looked up at Gruppy's expectant expression, then shot a glance at Perus, as if seeking his approval. "Anything but military," he replied dryly. "Just a trim and wash."
Gruppy let out a soft chuckle as he went to work, scissors flashing as he snipped away with practiced precision. Each cut sent light, even strokes through Hex's coarse hair, and a fresh, herbal scent wafted through the room as he massaged a wash into Hex's scalp, rinsing away dirt and sweat from the road. Hex's shoulders gradually relaxed, his usually guarded posture softening under Gruppy's expert care.
Finally, Gruppy stepped back and admired his work with a satisfied nod. "All done." He whisked away the cloth, revealing Hex's refreshed look.
Hex stood, running a hand over his shorter hair, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Perus regarded him with a half-smile. "Well, would you look at that. You actually look halfway decent."
Hex turned to the mirror, visibly pleased with the result. "Wow. You really know your stuff, Gruppy."
Gruppy chuckled, scratching his beard. "Glad you like it. Nothing a little dwarven touch can't fix."
Perus gave a quick nod. "He's also going to need somewhere to bathe. Do you have a bathhouse?"
Graphy, overhearing, smiled and gestured to a doorway at the back. "Yes, indeed. Right this way."
It might seem unusual elsewhere, but in this part of the kingdom, bathhouses often accompanied barbershops, creating a full-service experience. Hex followed Graphy through the door, stepping into the bathhouse beyond.
The bathhouse was dimly lit and filled with a pleasant steam that softened the air. Light flickered on polished stone walls, casting rippling shadows as patrons lounged in pools of hot water. The scent of lavender and eucalyptus hung thick in the air, mingling with the mineral-rich scent of the baths. Hex exhaled, letting the warmth wash over him as he sank into the water, the tension in his muscles slowly unwinding.
After some time, Hex emerged from the bath, toweling off with a sense of calm he rarely felt. "Wow, that felt amazing," he said to no one in particular. "I think I'll be coming here more often." he put on his clothes and walked out to meet Perus.
Perus came over, sniffing the air around him dramatically. "That's better. You're finally presentable." He reached into his pocket, pulling out six silver coins and handing them to Graphy.
Graphy took them, then held out a few coins, shaking his head. "This is too much. We only charge two."
Perus waved it off. "Keep it. Consider it a tip. I might just become a regular while I'm in town."
Graphy grinned. "Well then, we'll be happy to have you."
Hex gave him a friendly clap on the shoulder. "Now, about that hot spring…" He turned to Gruppy, his eyes lighting up, but Perus placed a firm hand on his shoulder, holding him back.
"We're running a little late. Maybe next time."
Hex sighed, watching the doorway wistfully. Is there really going to be a next time? he wondered, but kept the thought to himself. He and Perus waved to the brothers and walked out, heading toward the carriage waiting for them outside.
The driver glanced at them with a grin. "How was the barbershop? Did you try the hot spring?"
Hex's shoulders slumped, and he pointed at Perus with a mock glare. "I didn't—all because of him," he said with a playfully grumpy tone.
Perus ignored him and replied to the driver. "It was wonderful. Those two dwarves are rather cheerful."
The driver chuckled. "Those are my nephews. I raised them myself. I've got another nephew in the capital, but he's not quite as cheerful." He gave Hex a knowing look. "Maybe next time, you'll get to try the hot spring."
Hex sighed, muttering, "If wishes were horses."
They both climbed into the carriage. Security around the town was still tight due to the recent golem incident, and checkpoints grew more frequent as they headed toward the center of town. At last, they reached the station, where Dahlia stood waiting.
The driver nodded to her, and she returned the gesture. As the carriage door opened, Perus and Hex stepped out. Dahlia's eyes widened for a brief moment, clearly taken aback—she could barely recognize Hex.
"You clean up nicely for a street urchin," she said, crossing her arms with an amused smirk.
Hex grinned, tugging at the collar of his coat. "Not half bad, am I? Careful, or you might just fall in love with me."
Perus burst into laughter, clutching his stomach as he doubled over, his hearty laughter filling the air. The cheeriness in Dahlia's expression quickly faded, replaced by her usual cool demeanor.
"Don't get cocky. You're still a mole," she retorted sharply.
Hex's eyes narrowed, but he kept his composure, glancing over at Perus, who was still laughing. "What's so funny?" he muttered, giving Perus a light shove. Perus barely reacted, his laughter still bubbling over.
"Alright," Dahlia cut in, her tone returning to business. "Follow me. I'll take you to your room."