It’s hot.

On top of the magic-drunk haze, the heat was unbearable—especially in a kid’s body. Oni-girl, carrying me on her back, was drenched in sweat as well.

By the time we returned to the cheap inn we’d left that morning, the piercing sun had already turned orange..

A private room was two copper coins—two thousand sheep. I still didn’t understand the currency’s true value, but it had to be dirt cheap. As I requested, Abby secured a private room for me. The others shared one.

“Di, would it be fine if we just get food from a vendor tonight?” Abby asked in a coaxing, cat-like voice.

“Up to you. I don’t care what it is. Just make sure there’s plenty of it.”

“Got it.”

Perhaps because she expected money tomorrow, too, Abby nodded.

Cat-girl and Oni-girl, however, frowned at our exchange. It was only a matter of time before complaints started spilling out.

Abby led me, still perched on Oni-girl’s back, into the private room.

The space was shabby; drafts slipped through the cracks. Yet it had a bath and a fireplace, which made it a luxury..

Oni-girl set me down on the bed with an oddly solemn expression, brows knit tight. All the kids had followed us inside.

They were wide-eyed, fascinated by a private room they’d never seen. But kids were kids; if left alone, they’d start wreaking havoc in minutes.

That wouldn’t do. I decided to chase them out quickly.

“This’ll do. Abby, stay with the others.”

“Huh? Wh-why?”

Abby’s surprise was evident, but it didn’t matter.

“I mean… It’s fine if I stay, right? I’m the best one here, aren’t I? I’ll treat you well.”

Best one? Treat me well? What the hell is she thinking? Brat acting grown-up…

“You’re the leader, Abby. If you’re not with the group, who else will be?”

It was important to assert that. Oni-girl and Cat-girl clearly didn’t approve of how Abby handled me.

As the newcomer but No.2, resentment was natural.

Abby clasped her hands behind her back, smiling down at me.

“These guys can be left to Ashita and Eva. It’s my call. They won’t dare complain.”

That's exactly the problem.

I sighed, shaking my head.

“Abby, I want to rest. Quietly. Do you understand?”

I turned to Dwarf-girl.

“Let Zoë stay.”

Zoë grinned, but then averted her eyes when Abby shot her a glare.

“…”

Abby narrowed her brows, eyes flicking between me and Zoë, licking her lips as if in thought. And then a voice cut off.

“I-I’ll help too.”

It was Oni-girl.

What's she up to?

Cat-girl’s eyes widened in shock.

“Y-you’re weak right now, and there’ll be heavy work too. Zoë alone might not be enough…”

Her voice faltered.

I shook my head.

“I don’t need you. Zoë is enough.”

“…”

My curt reply made Oni-girl scowl. 

Meanwhile, Zoë couldn’t hide her smile.

Cat-girl glared daggers at me. Abby, displeased as well, was lost in thought.

“And Abby—there’s something important I need to tell you. Come later. Alone.”

“…”

She didn’t look convinced, but gave me a small nod and turned on her heel.

You lot just wanted to stay in a private room, didn’t you?

Watching Abby lead the other kids out, I let out a long, exasperated sigh.

◇◆

Alone in the private room with Zoë, the place finally fell quiet.

“Wow…”

Zoë wandered around, curious, peeking at everything. Her eyes brightened when she spotted the fireplace; she fished out a poker and stirred the coals absentmindedly.

“Can I light it tonight?”

“Yeah. Do whatever you like.”

I collapsed onto the bed.

“Zoë, I’m exhausted. I’ll sleep for a bit, but I’ll take a bath and eat too. When Abby comes, I’ll talk to her. Everything else—I leave to you. Okay?”

“Okay~”

Cheerful, Zoë tossed some firewood into the hearth, a small, lively figure.

Dwarves—second only to gnomes among earth folk—were known for their faith and high affinity with Asclepia. No wonder she’d been kind to me from the start.

The bed was stiff and musty, but the moment I lay down, it felt like it was pulling me in, and my consciousness sank into sleep.

◇◆

I had healed only three people, yet my divine power was completely drained.

Magic drunk.

The term described the collapse that hit sorcerers and clerics alike when their magical or divine energy ran dry. I had succumbed so easily because my bond with Dietrich hadn’t yet solidified. With time, that connection would strengthen.

When that finally happens, Dietrich and I will be one. 

From another world, priest of Asclepia, Dietrich Becker.

◇◆

Even though I felt drained, I hadn’t slept long.

Twilight had painted the light indigo when I opened my eyes. Zoë bustled about, hanging lanterns on the walls.

“Abby’s not here yet?”

“Oh, you’re up~? Abby’s fighting with Ashita and the others, y’know? Might take a while~.”

“I see.”

Not surprising. Abby had been slighting the veteran kids; it’d be stranger if there wasn’t conflict.

Zoë came over, a smudge of soot from the fireplace marking her cheek.

“Maybe I’ll take a bath first…”

I muttered vaguely. For some reason, there was a strange pause.

Zoë froze, sniffing faintly, then stood.

After a breath or two, she replied.

“Okay…”

What was that pause?

It felt… oddly suggestive.

We headed together to the bath. The stone room hinted of wood and water, the floor slatted, a wooden tub set in the center like a makeshift bath.

I frowned at the lack of taps, but Zoë tossed a small blue stone into the tub.

It rattled against the wood, then water gushed.

“Ohh…”

Magic at work.

While I marveled, Zoë tossed in a red stone. This one shimmered, radiating heat into the water.

Blue stones held water. Red stones stored heat. Commonplace items, judging by how easily Zoë handled them.

As Dietrich’s memories flickered back, I noticed Zoë’s expression. 

She stared at the steaming tub, tense.