15 Return to The Noble Lady (2/2)
I continued walking as directed by the guard until I finally reached The Noble Lady.When I stepped inside the building, a pop-up appeared that read, ”Innate Ability ACQUIRED: Navigation-Sense, Level 1.+100 XP.”Now, this was interesting.By engaging in mundane tasks, I could acquire new skills and accompanying experience too!I decided to consider the implications of this discovery later.When I dismissed this message, another one immediately took its place: ”Minor quest COMPLETED.+100 XP, +25 Reputation, +50 XP.”It took a moment for me to realize the quest I had completed referred to the mop-up of my mess near the pond.I shook my head to remove the thought of my experience at the dojo from my mind.
I looked around the common room and saw that it was starting to attract the dinner crowd.Since I was still injured and exhausted, I decided it was best for me to head back to my guest room.When I walked past the bar, I saw Vern working as the bartender.”Please bring my dinner upstairs,” I requested politely.
The tavern keeper grunted as he continued pouring drinks for his patrons.
As I started climbing the stairs, that was when the toll of today's physical activities finally hit me.My back started locking up and my hips barely moved.I had to lean on the railing to pull myself up the stairs, one slow and painful step at a time.
Other guests behind me squeezed past me on the staircase because I was walking so slowly. When they looked down at me, many were surprised to see that I wasn't an elderly person but rather a much younger looking man.However, none of them bothered to talk to me or offered to help me up the stairs.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally reached the top of the staircase.
”Are you alright, milord?” a light voice said as I felt my arm being grabbed.I looked up and saw that it was Amelica. I smiled sheepishly and said, ”Let's say I've had better days.”
The kind woman held onto my arm and walked at my pace until we reached the door.She then took out another copy of the key to my room and opened the door for me.She guided me to the seat in front of the window and then lit the lamp.
Once I was seated, Amelica knelt down before me and said, ”I need to go back down and help with the dinner rush.Whenever I get a chance, I promise to come back up with your dinner.”
”Thank you,” I replied.
My angel squeezed my hand reassuringly and smiled warmly.She got back to her feet and walked across the room.When my angel left the room, she closed the door behind her and locked it from the outside.
I guess we just confirmed that the staffers had spare keys to the guest keys; thus, my decision not to leave my platinum coins in the storage chest was correct.With that thought in mind, I rested my head on the nightstand and quickly drifted asleep.