CHAPTER 114: CH 114: RELAXING TIME? - PART 1

Kana felt tense the entire day, her body wound tight like a coiled spring, waiting for something—anything—to happen.

After everything with the temple guards, she couldn’t relax no matter how hard she tried.

Every time the shop door creaked open, her head would snap up, expecting trouble. Every passing guard on the street outside made her grip the counter a little tighter.

But the hours crawled by in complete, unnatural peace. Nothing happened. No suspicious figures lurking outside.

No temple guards barging in. No ominous letters slipped beneath the door.

And somehow... that made her even more nervous.

By noon, her hands were trembling slightly as she worked, her thoughts scattered in a constant cycle of What if something happens next?

As a result, she started making mistakes—knocking over displays, misplacing labels, and nearly dropping an entire crate of dried herbs on the floor.

From the front desk, Penelope watched her with a blank stare, sipping her tea as Kana nearly tripped over her own feet for the third time.

Finally, the old woman sighed, shaking her head.

"Kana, "if you’re going to keep pacing like a frightened rabbit, at least don’t drag my entire shop into your panic."

She called, her tone sharp.

Kana froze mid-step, cheeks heating as she turned toward her.

"I-I’m trying! I really am, but it’s hard to focus when—"

Penelope waved a hand, cutting her off.

"You’re all pent up."

Kana blinked.

"...Excuse me?"

"You heard me. If you’re going to twitch and jump at every shadow, maybe you should... take care of your urges."

Penelope leaned back, crossing her arms as her eyes narrowed.

Kana’s jaw dropped.

"W-What?! I—no—why would you even—"

"I’m just saying. Call those two lovers of yours. Get it out of your system. You might actually function like a normal person afterward."

Penelope said calmly, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

Kana turned red all the way to the tips of her ears.

"T-They’re not my lovers! Lysera and Irielle are just... just people who help me out sometimes!"

She stammered, nearly dropping the small pouch of dried petals she was holding.

Penelope raised a perfectly unimpressed brow.

"...Right. And I’m the queen of the empire."

"That’s not fair! If anything, you should feel sorry for me! Ever since this whole temple mess started, I haven’t had a single moment of peace! I think I’m actually going to get sick from worrying so much."

Kana puffed her cheeks, trying to glare but failing miserably.

Penelope let out a soft snort and sipped her tea again.

"Then maybe you should stop borrowing trouble. It’s your fault you’re like this, you know."

Kana’s shoulders slumped as she pouted silently, resigned to defeat.

A few minutes later, Penelope disappeared into the back room without another word.

Kana thought the conversation was over—until Penelope returned, holding a neatly sealed envelope. Without explanation, she held it out to Kana.

"Here. Special delivery."

Kana blinked, accepting it carefully.

"...For me?"

"It’s for you to deliver, but there’s something else."

Penelope corrected dryly.

She gestured for Kana to open it.

Inside was a letter and a glossy pass. Kana unfolded the paper and blinked at the words, realizing it wasn’t just a delivery slip—it was a formal invitation.

"A... private beach resort?"

Kana muttered aloud, glancing up in confusion.

Penelope hummed, leaning against the counter.

"I was planning to use it myself, but after watching you stumble around like a lost deer all morning, I’ve decided you need it more than I do. You can take the delivery, drop it off, and stay there a few days. Relax. Get your head on straight."

Kana stared at the pass again. Then she noticed something.

"...This is... only for one person."

Penelope gave her a flat look.

"...Yes. Because I only had one invitation."

Kana fidgeted.

"So... I’d be going alone?"

"You can invite others, but they’ll have to pay their way in themselves. This pass is my gift. If you want to drag those two shadows of yours along, that’s your problem, not mine."

Penelope allowed, raising a brow.

Kana hesitated before finally pocketing the pass, murmuring a quiet thank you.

That evening during dinner, she brought up the conversation with Lysera and Irielle, placing the invitation on the table.

"What do you two think? Penelope said I could go, but... I don’t know if it’s a good idea."

Kana asked nervously.

Lysera picked up the pass, examining it closely before her brows arched slightly.

"This is one of the top-rated resorts on the southern coast. It’s very exclusive. Even nobles wait months for a reservation."

She said thoughtfully.

Irielle frowned, leaning in to read over Lysera’s shoulder.

"...Then you definitely shouldn’t go. At least, not alone."

Kana blinked, surprised at Irielle’s firm tone.

"You think so too?"

Irielle crossed her arms, her gaze sharp.

"We won’t be able to accompany you, Kana. My current assignments make it impossible, and Lysera has her hands tied with security work. If you go by yourself, it’s risky."

Kana’s shoulders slumped a little, chewing on her lip.

"...Yeah, that’s what I thought."

But before she could say anything else, Lysera set the pass back on the table and said calmly.

"I disagree."

Kana and Irielle both turned toward her in unison.

"...What?"

Lysera leaned back slightly, meeting Irielle’s gaze.

"Opportunities like this don’t come often. If Kana wants to go, she should go. We shouldn’t interfere just because we’re worried."

Irielle frowned.

"It’s not just worry, Lysera. After everything that’s happened, letting her wander into a crowded resort—"

"—wouldn’t necessarily be dangerous."

Lysera interrupted smoothly.

"If anything, being surrounded by wealthy, influential people might actually make it safer for her for a while."

Kana watched the two of them quietly, unsure whose side to take.

Finally, Lysera glanced at Kana and said gently.

"In the end, it’s your choice. No one else’s. If you want to stay, we’ll respect that. If you want to go, we’ll make sure you’re prepared."

Kana lowered her eyes to the pass resting in her hands. The soft shimmer of its design caught the light, almost daring her to decide.

Her chest tightened.

She hadn’t felt at ease for weeks, maybe months. The thought of being able to relax—really relax—sounded... tempting.

But deep down, she couldn’t ignore the unease in her stomach.

Did she really want to go alone?