By the time June Astral and Lucas de Hein reached the nearest town, the sun had already set.
Warm lights glowed from the windows of a small roadside inn, the only place still open for travelers.
June stepped inside first.
The smell of warm food and wood smoke filled the room.
Behind the counter, the innkeeper looked up.
"Two rooms?" he asked.
June smiled politely.
"Yes—"
But the innkeeper scratched his head awkwardly.
"Ah… sorry, miss."
"Festival travelers filled most of the rooms today."
He raised one finger.
"I only have one room left."
June blinked once.
"…One?"
The innkeeper nodded apologetically.
"Yes."
For a moment the room was quiet.
June slowly turned her head toward Lucas.
Lucas looked completely calm as usual.
June sighed softly.
"Well…"
She looked back at the innkeeper.
"We'll take it."
A few minutes later, they entered the room upstairs.
It was simple but comfortable.
One bed.
A small table.
A window showing the quiet night outside.
June stood in the middle of the room and looked around.
Then she turned to Lucas.
"Well, Tower Master."
She crossed her arms.
"Looks like we're sharing."
Lucas closed the door behind them.
"…It's only for one night."
June walked toward the window and opened it slightly.
Cool night air entered the room.
"That's fine with me."
She glanced over her shoulder.
"Try not to be too nervous."
Lucas sat calmly in the chair near the table.
"I'm not."
June laughed softly.
"You're surprisingly calm for someone sharing a room with a princess."
Lucas looked at her quietly.
"You jumped from a balcony and fought an army today."
He paused.
"A room is hardly dramatic compared to that."
June smiled.
"Fair point."
She sat on the edge of the bed, stretching her legs slightly after the long ride.