Chapter 171
Chapter 171
Alavin couldn't get out of bed until the following evening. On the surface, he seemed to have no wounds, but his internal injuries were quite severe. Cedrick's strike had nearly cleaved his life in twain.
He moved around his room for a short while, then left the courtyard to seek out Cedrick.
Cedrick's injuries were also grave, but his soul had suffered the most, having been harrowed by the Shadowlord's killing realm. His flesh wounds were minor in comparison, and his gaze was still as sharp as ever.
"Let’s take a stroll through the town," Alavin suggested.
"Drink. You won, so you're buying," Cedrick replied, ready to stretch his legs a bit.
"Let's find a tavern." Alavin hadn't walked far when he suddenly asked, "Do you have any coin on you?" All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
"None."
"What shall we do then?"
"We'll barter with Elixir Fruits."
"Let's go."
"Hey, where are you two off to?" Balder arrived, carrying a meal box.
"We're dining out today."
"Are your wounds healed?"
"They're not serious."
"Good, let's go then. Who's treating today?"
"You are," Alavin and Cedrick chimed in unison.
"Let me check if I brought any money." Balder fumbled about himself for a moment, then scampered back to his room, only to return soon after, chuckling and jingling a bag of gold coins. "I'll take you to a fine place, with ale, meat, and maidens."
"Where is it?"
"A place you'll never want to leave."
Seraphic Springs, located in the eastern corner of the ancient city within Warriors' Vale, was a renowned healing sanctuary, nestled among rolling hills and shaded by verdant trees. It boasted numerous pools, each filled with medicinal waters carefully concocted to nourish the skin, mend injuries, and even prolong life. These effects were no mere legend!
Many a mighty mage would take residence here to heal and rejuvenate. The place was also a prized asset of the noble House of Doramon. Guards were everywhere, both inside and out. Though no one dared to cause trouble here, the patrons were either wealthy or noble, and security was tight to ensure their protection.
"This is the place. I've heard of it before; it's famous throughout the Northlands." Balder led them to the grand entrance. His round face was beaming with delight.
"Ah, if it isn't Master Alavin and Master Cedrick. Please, come in." The lead guard recognized them and greeted them warmly.
"Do you have any fine medicinal pools available? Don't worry about the cost. We can afford the best."
"There's one at the back. Top quality, three thousand gold coins for the night."
"That's highway robbery." Balder whistled but still followed with a grin.
The scenery was breathtaking, with lush greenery and meandering streams. The undulating hills were dotted with pavilions and misty towers, all seeming like something out of a dream.
As they followed the winding path into the pool area, they were surrounded by a magical mist filled with the fragrance of flowers and herbs. Each pool was secluded within its own chamber, shrouded in steam and the scent of healing herbs, with the laughter of maidens echoing faintly.
Rich young scions emerged from the pools with dazzling young girls at their sides. The air was filled with their merry laughter and flirtatious banter.
"Alavin? What brings you to a place like this?" A door opened nearby, and a Protégé stepped out, his arm around a voluptuous beauty.
"Just taking a bath, relaxing a bit," Alavin said with a light chuckle.
"I see, ha! I get it." The Protégé winked suggestively before hurrying back inside, calling out softly, "Alavin's here for a soak."
"Who else?"
"Cedrick."
"Heh, looks can be deceiving, eh? He seems so straight-laced but not when it comes to his pleasures."
"Ha ha."
Alavin heard everything clearly and urged the lead guard to hasten their way.
Seraphic Springs, being one of the most distinctive places in Warriors' Vale, had many Organization Protégés coming to unwind. They had just rounded a corner when a gaggle of girls in bathrobes, arms and legs alluringly exposed, approached.
"Alavin?" A cheerful maiden recognized them immediately.
"Lady Lylian, you're here for a soak as well," Alavin recognized them, too, the beautiful Protégées of the Floral Enchantress.
"Aren't you under sixteen? Is it appropriate for you to be here?" Lylian's comment set her friends off in a fit of laughter, as they teasingly wrapped their robes around themselves, their charms barely concealed.
"It seems you're not sixteen either."
"I'm a girl."