MTM 128

“Ugh! The atmosphere here is incredible, but why is the hospitality so stingy? They don’t sell alcohol! What kind of inn is this!”

Allen started grumbling the moment they stepped out of the restaurant. He had just eaten greasy meat and wanted to wash it down with a cold glass of beer. Etheria, a strictly alcohol-free zone, was nothing short of cruel to him. The owner had kindly explained that the entire village strictly prohibited alcohol to prevent accidents during hot spring baths, but that didn’t soothe Allen’s irritation.

“But wasn’t the food really delicious?”

Harto spoke in a bright voice to calm the fuming Allen.

“He’s right. I’ve never tasted meat that tender before. The meat glazed in salty soy sauce just melted in my mouth. They said it’s a traditional Carseon recipe; I’ll have to ask for their tenderizing secret before we leave.”

Leon, who was always serious about cooking, chimed in with sparkling eyes. Regardless of Allen’s complaints, Harto and Leon chatted happily, still savoring the lingering taste of dinner.

“What did you think, Ser?”

“Um… it was edible.”

Ser gave a short response to Harto’s question. Perhaps he was thinking about how he’d soon have to leave the group for the Verdant Guild, or maybe he just didn’t want to be a burden while they traveled together, but he had become reserved lately.

“Alright, what’s next? The hot springs?”

Allen asked while scratching the back of his head. Harto’s eyes lit up as if he’d been waiting for that.

“I love hot springs!”

“Oh, the clerk told me there’s a very big public bath where everyone can bathe together!”

“Really? Then we can all go together!”

Harto made a purely innocent face at Leon’s suggestion. He thought just soaking in a warm tub with everyone would be fun enough.

“…….”

On the other hand, Zed’s brow twitched slightly. He was already feeling irritated because he’d barely had any time alone with Harto since leaving the Grenhardt mansion, and now he had to share Harto’s bare skin with everyone else? He didn’t even want to imagine it.

“The group bath is probably closed for the day.”

Right then, Ser spoke as if he’d read Zed’s mind.

“Huh? When I asked the clerk earlier, they said it stays open late…”

Leon couldn’t even finish his sentence. Allen quickly moved behind Leon, wrapped an arm around his neck, and shouted.

“Hey! Did you forget you promised to go to the candy shop with me!”

“Candy? There’s a candy shop here?”

Startled by the sudden headlock, Leon asked. Allen pointed toward the village entrance with a solemn expression.

“Yeeess! I spotted an amazing place on the way in. My blood sugar is low, so let’s go, hurry!”

“But we just ate…”

“I said let’s go!”

Allen’s eyes briefly met Zed’s as he shouted. It was a signal that said, Take him and get out of here! Zed smiled as soon as he understood.

“A candy shop? Wow, I want candy too…!”

Harto tried to head toward Allen. Right then, Zed caught Harto’s waist with one hand and pulled him into his arms.

“Wh-woah?”

He didn’t even have time to be surprised. Zed tucked Harto under his arm and began running toward the annex. Leon watched the two of them disappear in the blink of an eye with his mouth open.

“Uh… Harto likes candy too…”

“Hey, did you already forget the advice Reina gave you? Shut up and follow me!”

Allen flicked Leon’s head and dragged him away in the opposite direction. Ser took a quick look toward where Zed and Harto had vanished and then quietly followed after them.

***

Splash!

Muffled sounds drifted over the small hot spring attached to the annex. Mir swam happily in the warm water and let out a “Pyu!” while splashing a droplet, which made Spi, who was basking in the pale steam at the edge of the tub, jump and shiver. Meanwhile, Krom dove fearlessly into the water. He spat out a trail of bubbles as he sank straight to the bottom.

“There, I made this just for you guys. Play nice and don’t fight.”

Harto carefully scooped Krom up from the bottom. He had gathered small stones to create a tub just for the elementals. For Spi, who was in danger if he touched water, he had rolled up some rice straw to make a soft, cozy seat.

Harto smiled brightly, looking satisfied as the elementals enjoyed their leisure in their respective spots.

“Harto.”

“Yes?”

Harto turned around at Zed’s call.

“Come here. Have some fruit.”

“Okay!”

As Harto waded through the rippling water toward Zed, he saw rare golden fruit from the southern regions sitting on a wooden tray. The scent of fresh juice spread through the steam the moment the skin was peeled. It looked similar to a tangerine at first glance, but the taste was a mysterious, sweet blend of strawberry and orange.

Harto’s eyes widened after taking a bite; the flavor was exactly what he liked.

“Here.”

Seeing Harto shiver because it was so delicious, Zed peeled the fruit himself and picked out the soft flesh. He then put them into Harto’s mouth like he was feeding a small bird.

The two of them sat side by side and enjoyed the hot spring while sharing the sweet fruit. When they looked up, the black night sky was studded with stars, and the Milky Way flowed leisurely like a river. This was the first peaceful rest the two of them had enjoyed since the desperate struggle in the empire.

“Zed.”

“Yes?”

Harto suddenly turned his head toward Zed. His golden hair was wet and clung to his forehead, his cheeks were flushed from the heat of the spring, and moist droplets slowly slid down his slightly tanned skin… Harto found himself captivated by Zed, who looked unrealistically handsome in that moment.

“Harto? What is it?”

“Oh… uh, well…”

Harto looked away quickly and spoke in a rush.

“We agreed to meet someone called the Seeker once we get to Carseon.”

“…That’s right.”

Zed had explained that they needed to meet the Seeker in Carseon to completely settle the things Magnus had done.

He knew he couldn’t keep things hidden from Harto forever.

‘Ares, there’s something I’m curious about.’

Before leaving the Grenhardt mansion, Zed recalled a private conversation he’d had with Isadora about Harto.

‘I didn’t see it myself because I lost consciousness from my injuries… but what exactly did Harto look like? Prince Damien praised him as a “Guardian Deity,” was that true?’

‘Harto was…’

Zed couldn’t answer Isadora’s question immediately. It was mostly because Harto was far from the Guardian Deity Damien described.

Harto had ruthlessly torn apart the giant spider’s body and tried to greedily swallow something from inside it. That was the Harto Zed knew, but at the same time, it was the form of a strange and alien predator he’d never seen before. Zed couldn’t bring himself to explain that dissonance he’d felt from him.

He thought it was only natural for Harto to have questions about this journey. If he asked about that day in detail, Zed was prepared to be honest this time instead of avoiding it.

“Zed… are you alright?”

But Harto said something completely unexpected.

“Well… since it’s where your mother lived. I was worried you might feel bad…”

“…….”

Zed froze, he even forgot to breathe for a moment. Harto’s kindness, trying to soothe Zed’s wounds rather than focusing on his own doubts or confusion about his identity, was warm. So warm that the anxiety and suspicion felt like they were melting away.

“…I’m fine, Harto.”

“That’s a relief…”

Harto breathed a sigh of relief when Zed answered with a gentle smile.

“Ah.”

Just then, a cold sensation landed on the bridge of Harto’s nose.

“It’s cold… wait, snow!”

Starting with that one flake, white snow began to fall, decorating the black night sky. Harto opened his eyes wide and looked up at the sky.

“It’s so beautiful!”

He spread his palms to catch the snowflakes in wonder, and white snow blossoms began to pile up on his black hair. More than any scenery, Zed’s eyes were filled with the sight of Harto in front of him.

“Yes, beautiful…”

Harto turned his head around, he met Zed’s gaze, which burned hotter than the hot spring. Harto felt his heart race as he saw his own reflection in those golden eyes, he tried to turn away.

“Harto.”

“Mmhmm…”

“Don’t turn away; look at me.”

“I’m… I’m embarrassed…”

Zed gently tugged on Harto’s chin as he tried to flee. He watched a snowflake melt as it hung precariously on the tip of Harto’s wet eyelashes; he finally couldn’t hold back anymore and swallowed Harto’s red lips.