CHAPTER 86: TENSION TO COMFORT

Realizing he was staring, Nolan raised a brow. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Damien quickly rubbed the back of his head and chuckled. "Don’t mind me. I was just curious. Tell me, what rank are you?"

"Rank E," Nolan said flatly.

For a moment, Damien just blinked. Then he let out a disbelieving laugh. "That must be a joke. A Rank C wouldn’t even be able to wear that kind of enchanted suit you’re wearing."

"Well... it is what it is," Nolan replied coolly. "And I don’t like people prying too much."

Damien raised both hands. "Fair enough. Don’t mind me. Since Lucan personally recommended you, you’ll have the best hospitality here." He turned toward the women. "So, ladies, what are your names?"

"I’m Celia," she said politely.

"Linda," Linda added with a small nod.

"I’m Lyra," Lyra finished.

"You’re all beautiful... absolutely gorgeous," Damien said with a grin. "And all of you will be participating in the tournament as well?"

"Yes, we are," the three replied together.

Damien folded his arms, his eyes sweeping over them. They don’t actually look that strong. Even this Nolan guy... he’s clearly powerful, I can sense that. But is he strong enough to win? Some of the participants will be Rank S. Some are even said to rival the companions of the previous Hero. His eyes lingered on Nolan once more. Lucan must have seen something in him. I wonder just how far this one can go.

"Hey, so, where are we going? And... where can we get something to eat?" Nolan asked, his stomach growling slightly.

Damien chuckled and waved his hand. "Vivian, come here," he called. The receptionist hurried over.

"Take them to the place they’ll be staying," Damien instructed.

"Yes, Guild Master," Vivian said with a polite nod. She turned to Nolan and the others with a smile. "Please, follow me."

They left the Adventurer’s Guild and walked down a broad stone-paved street. Shops lined both sides, merchants shouting to advertise fresh produce, meat, weapons, and armor. The city truly felt alive. After a few minutes of walking, Vivian stopped in front of a two-story house. Its whitewashed walls and wooden beams gave it a homely look.

"This will be your residence," Vivian said, pointing at the sturdy gate. "It has five bedrooms and should be more than enough for your stay."

"Is this where we’ll be staying?" Nolan asked.

"Yes," Vivian nodded. "Go on in."

"Alright. Thank you," Nolan said, pushing the gate open. The others followed him inside.

Vivian gave them a final wave. "Goodbye—and welcome to the Empire." With that, she turned and headed back to the guild.

"Now then, let’s check this place out," Nolan said, stepping up to the wooden door. He knocked twice.

The door opened, and a woman appeared. She had gentle features, a pair of horns curling back from her head, and a soft cow-like tail swaying behind her—clearly a demihuman. She wore a neat apron and blinked at them in surprise.

Nolan instinctively stepped back. "Ah—sorry about that. Are you the one we were supposed to meet?"

Her expression softened. "Oh! You must be the guests Master Damien mentioned. Please, come in." She bowed her head slightly. "My name is Cynthia. I’ll be taking care of the house while you stay here."

Nolan relaxed. "Nice to meet you, Cynthia. I’m Nolan. These are Lyra, Linda, and Celia." He gestured to each of them in turn.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you all," Cynthia said warmly, her voice carrying a quiet kindness.

The three companions smiled and gave polite greetings.

"Yeah, it’s nice to meet you too," Nolan said, rubbing the back of his neck. "And don’t worry—we won’t cause you any problems."

Cynthia smiled faintly, her tail swaying. "Then please, come inside. You must all be hungry."

They all followed Cynthia into the living room and settled onto the chairs around a low wooden table. The house smelled faintly of herbs and baked bread, a homely scent that instantly put them at ease.

"I’ll bring you something to refresh yourselves," Cynthia said kindly before slipping into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned carrying a tray with fresh bread and tall glasses of milk.

"Here, please enjoy," she said, setting the tray down.

Nolan reached first, lifting a glass and taking a long sip. His eyes widened. "Wow... this is really fresh."

The others didn’t hesitate. Celia quickly emptied one glass and grabbed another. Linda did the same, and even Lyra—usually reserved—drank hers eagerly.

Cynthia smiled. "Yes, this is some of my freshest milk."

Nolan paused, blinking. "Wait... is it from your—?"

"Yes," Cynthia answered plainly, her tone calm and unbothered.

The room went silent for a beat. Celia and Linda nearly choked on their bread, their eyes darting toward Cynthia’s chest. Nolan’s face turned bright red, and he quickly looked away, coughing into his fist.

Cynthia only chuckled softly at their reactions. "Don’t be shy. It’s perfectly natural."

Trying to change the subject, she straightened her apron. "Now then, let me show you to your rooms. Would you prefer to stay together or separately?"

Before Nolan could answer, Celia quickly leaned forward. "I’d prefer to stay in the same room as Master."

"Same here!" Linda chimed in without hesitation.

Nolan froze, his cheeks still flushed. Lyra crossed her arms with a faint smirk. "Please, don’t mind them. We’ll be staying in separate rooms."

Cynthia giggled at the little tug-of-war, her tail swishing behind her. "As you wish. I’ll prepare the rooms accordingly."

"

Thank you," Nolan said with a smile.

"Well, if you’re done," Cynthia replied, "I really recommend waiting until evening. That’s when it feels best—when the moonlight hits the surface. You can use the hot spring in the back of the yard."

Nolan froze. "Hot spring?" He slammed his palm lightly on the table and stood up, eyes wide.

The others looked at him curiously, and he slowly sat back down, trying to act composed.

"You’ve never been in one before?" Cynthia asked with a knowing smile.

"Yes... it’s my first time," Nolan admitted.