Book 14 Chapter 46
Episode 48
After leaving the Geram region, where small streams refreshingly moistened the land, they arrived at an area where low hills flowed like rolling hills across the horizon.
“Whew, it’s starting to get hot. Lin, are you okay?”
December, year 1103 of the Era.
The Badantio Mountains, on the border between the Holy Human Empire's central ‘Richland’ and southern ‘SunsetLand’.
“I’m fine. This damn thing is very useful in times like these. Very cool.”
“Gyugyung!”
“This is why Imperial gentlemen are useless. What’s so hot about just this much?”
In front of the mountain pass, considered a thoroughfare between the central and southern regions, a small city called <Twins> boasted its majestic stone walls.
The city’s name was said to originate from the fact that an identical castle stood on the opposite side of the pass.
Fride, the crazy shaman who had grown up in ultra-luxurious facilities since childhood, as if she were an imperial princess, said:
“I’m a bit tired. We’ve been sleeping outdoors lately whenever something happens. Let’s rest here for about two days before we go.”
I agreed.
As the southern part of the Empire was the birthplace of magic, there might also be Genesis texts here necessary for establishing the Osarius-style runes.
Fride, who had generously brought Golden Dragon coins, immediately entered the highest-class inn located in the center of the small city.
“Rooms are categorized by the number of beds: 1, 2, or 4. Which would you prefer?”
“What do you want to do, Lista?”
“Hmm~ I like anything.”
“Then one with two beds and one with one bed. You two share a room. Aren’t you two in a relationship where you even cook for each other?”
As Fride winked playfully, Lista’s face flushed red, and she shook her head.
“Wh-What are you talking about? No. That’s ethically absolutely impossible!”
“Really? Then Lin, let’s share a room.”
“No, I told you that’s not possible. What happens if a grown woman and man share a room?”
Fride and I looked at Lista with narrowed eyes.
“There’s always someone who says ‘anything’s fine’ but is pickier than anyone else. ‘I don’t like this, I don’t like that…’ So what do you want me to do?”
“Wh-What, are you saying my reaction is wrong now?”
“Sharing a room saves money, isn’t that a benefit? It’s not my money, so why are you nitpicking?”
“No, this is absurd! We should either use three rooms with one bed each, or if we’re really short on money, Fride should just share a room with me!”
Fride clicked her tongue.
“Tsk, you caught me.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk.”
Lista, who had been catching her breath after refuting Fride, turned to me and sternly raised her index finger.
“Lin, from now on, if *any* woman suddenly asks to share a room! Absolutely! Never! You mustn’t agree to it. Understand?”
“That argument has a logical disqualification. Why should I refuse free lodging?”
“Th-That? I mean? Uh, um… an erotic painting might be drawn!”
“Erotic painting?”
“It would be a big problem if [the Strongest Mage] had their weakness exploited, right? Like last time! So, a man and a woman sharing a room is only possible between married couples. There’s no risk of exploiting each other’s weaknesses then.”
Hmm, indeed, if it’s an issue involving a weakness, it can’t be ignored.
Fighting while having a weakness exploited is on [The Strongest Mage’s Bucket List], but if there’s a weakness when facing a strong enemy like last time, it might be quite dangerous?
“But if that’s the reason, wouldn’t party members also not really matter?”
For some reason, Lista was sweating profusely, while Fride, who was leading the way to the room, kept chuckling.
“Uh… that… what if someone has stolen a comrade’s appearance?”
Aha, so that’s it. Is it that you can only trust yourself?
As expected, the strongest officially recognized by the Papal See…!
I solemnly nodded at Lista’s advice given as the strongest.
“Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind.”