Short Rest

After thinking for a while, I notice that Fern and Doggy are both done. It seems the Rambit ended up surrendering, it just laid there waiting instead of fighting back. Not that it could since it was so tired at that point. They're both running back so I get up.

"Was it fun?" Fern and Doggy reach us, they seem to both be basking in their victory. Looking like little soldiers coming back triumphantly from a successful mission. Both standing there, stars in their eyes, and tails high confidently.

"Very fun, Master!" Doggy chimed in excitement. They had dragged both corpses back as well, something I didn't ask them to do but I'm happy about it nonetheless. I'm glad they're both so strong, cause I didn't want to walk over to the forest to put away the corpse. I just reach down and put them into the item bag. To be clear, I don't actually have to touch it to put it inside, it just seems to teleport or materialize in there. It vividly reminds me of how it felt to be randomly shifted to the tea area where I met the God of Laziness, who sat there quite unbothered by the whole thing.

"Alright, let's head back to the inn." I'm not sure what time it is exactly but it seems like it's around afternoon right now. I would have continued watching them but I wanted to check in on Grace. Plus, now that I know that they can handle it on their own, I was going to trust them to [Hunt] while I was gone. I'm thinking about giving them more freedom but I'm not sure how exactly to do it yet. I'll give it some thought.

The walk back to the Inn was short, on the way back we met up with Grace who was being petted by a little girl. The little girl seemed to be telling Grace all about her family, I looked at Grace subtly and she slowly blinked. Those love blinks, so cute. I melt a little inside, this is the pure happiness I long for. She gets up and the little girl waves goodbye with her sad eyes.

"I'm tired." Grace reaches us, complaining while stretching her body. Well, she was outside in the heat for a while. The forest area had more of a breeze but where Grace was, all she got was sun. I wonder if I can get a bowl of water at the Inn...

I open the door at the inn, it's definitely lunchtime right now. There's a lot of people sitting around eating their meals, which all smell amazing. Areth looks over at me and welcomes me back. She seems to always be sitting here at the front, gazing at the door waiting for the next person to open it. She appears to be a very hard worker, it makes me curious about her full story.

"Welcome back! Oh- I don't think I know your name yet." Areth thinks for a while. I didn't know my name yet either, to be honest. I feel like sticking with Lottie is a good idea, it reminds me of some of the few good memories of my past life.

"It's Lottie." Should I still pretend not to know the language or should I just tell her that I'm a fast learner? But it's only been a day, can normal people learn that quickly? Probably not. I won't risk it. I'll just keep up the charade for a little longer.

"Oooo, nice to meet you Lottie. Wow, you're learning quickly. Can you say a full sentence already?" Areth smiles really wide. Uhh, I can but...

"Uh.. no... I.. just a little..." I pretend to speak the language poorly. I'll take it slowly. The cats are all itching to get some rest after their busy day, and so am I. I'm looking forward to having some kitty cuddle time, the perfect end to every day.

"Awww, it's alright. Can I help you with anything?" Areth waits, giving me her full attention. I guess I'll ask for a bowl, and a glass of water... and a blanket? Is that suspicious?

"Can you bring up an extra blanket, a bowl of fruit and a glass of water please?" I guess I'll have some fruit as a snack. I ate something for breakfast but to save money I'll skip lunch. Areth promised to offer me free meals but I really don't want to take advantage of her kindness. For today, I'll be okay. Tomorrow I'll absolutely make sure to have a bigger meal.

"Sure thing, I'll bring it up in a minute." Areth goes to the back of the inn. Probably to fetch it, so I go up the stairs. The cats follow intently, matching my pace as I go up the stairs likely because of the [Orbit]. When I arrive at the door, I can hear someone scratching in desperation. They're so cute.

I open it slowly and spot Hana peering outside the door. Cats are such curious animals, she was probably sad from being cooped up all day long. Especially with only Tulip to keep her company, the rest of the cats that stayed home are rather eccentric. Tulip likes to be treated like a princess, meanwhile Grace is extremely kind. Of course, Hana and Tulip are close but Grace is like their mediator sometimes. Hana being left with Tulip would be a disaster in the past. Tulip is a little arrogant and Hana is a little cowardly, so they matched up pretty poorly if left to themselves. Hopefully Hana will forgive me though, if she doesn't I'll feel terrible.