"So, let's get you unpacked," the receptionist said, finally turning toward us once Riahana had left. She looked more energetic, practically bouncing as she held out her hands towards our luggage.
I adjusted liona on my back and handed over our things.
Her eyes glanced up at me with a faint, somewhat secretive smirk.
"Follow me," she said, glancing back over her shoulder as she headed to the inn's stairs, carrying our luggage with ease. "Your room's this way!"
I followed behind, moving carefully. That's when Liona leaned a little closer and whispered.
"Ren… do you notice how… strange she's acting?"
I frowned, looking up at the moving figure ahead of us. "I know, right?"
"Mhmm. Something feels... off about her and Riahana. I just can't put my finger on it."
I shrugged, trying not to overthink it. I mean, sure it was a bit strange, but we ourselves didn't even know much about this place or its locals. "Eh… Riahana's probably just popular around here, or something. Who knows?"
Liona huffed lightly, clearly unconvinced, but she didn't press the matter.
We started climbing the stairs, and I kept Liona balanced against my back. One of the steps creaked dangerously under our combined weight.
"Watch the third step!" the receptionist called again from above. "It's loose!"
I nodded, still holding on tightly to liona. Finally, we reached the top. The receptionist pushed open a wooden door and gestured for us to enter.
The room looked neat, with a tidy bed, a small desk, and a window letting in warm evening breeze.
She set our luggage down with a little thud and looked at us expectantly. "Is there anything you need while you settle in?"
I nodded. "No… we're fine for now."
The receptionist smiled and gave a light bow. "Alright. If you do need anything, don't hesitate to come find me." And just like that, she turned and left.
I exhaled heavily and gently set Liona down on the bed. "Man… what a day,"
"Mmm-hmm," she murmured, reaching for her wounded side. "Just look at this mess… this injury. It's going to leave a nasty scar."
She reached for her bag, and dipped her hand inside, pulling out a folded piece of cloth and pressing it against her wound.
Next, she pulled out a small vial containing a strange, powdery substance with an eye-watering smell.
She sprinkled a bit onto the cloth and pressed it firmly against her side. Slowly, the wound's jagged edges seemed to settle down, the blood was mostly contained, but the wound still looked jagged.
I could only stare as she bandaged her wound calmly, like it was just a scratch to the knee.
"Hey," she said suddenly, catching me staring. "What's with that look, Ren?"
I turned away almost immediately. "What else am I supposed to do?" I muttered, running a hand over my forehead. "You got hit by an arrow. You're not supposed to be this… calm."
She sighed softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Like I said before, I'm no fragile egg. A single arrow isn't enough to take me out."
Her gaze flicked down at the bloodstained clothes draped over the bed. "…Though I guess I've lost a fair amount of blood," she added.
I rubbed my palm over my forehead again and started pacing the small room. "Then… that means we'll have to hold off meeting the princess, at least until you're fully recovered."
Liona stretched on the bed. "Mmm-hmm…" but her words were cut short by a sharp gasp of pain.
"Are you okay?" I asked, glancing at her. She didn't answer at first, just let the silence hang.
Then she gave a small strained smirk. "My back hurts," she said, reaching behind to trace her fingers along the small of her back. Her eyes glanced at me, expectant.
I folded my hands and sighed. "You're going to have to change your clothes first... amd take a bath too."
Her smirk faded slightly and her expression dulled a bit, but she didn't argue. Instead, she sat up slowly. "Okay."
She swung her legs off the bed and stood. Then, turning toward me, she presented her back.
"Help me undress."