About half an hour later, Shien returned to the inn where his group was staying.
"Welcome back."
Lasha was standing on the balcony, as though she knew Shien would return at this time—or perhaps she had been standing there waiting for him all along. She spoke those words to Shien as he descended from the sky.
"Yeah, we're back."
Shien had truly gotten used to it by now. He paid no mind to Lasha's mysterious appearances and disappearances, merely handing Emerald over to her.
Lasha accepted Emerald and pulled her into her arms without changing expression.
Emerald obediently remained in Lasha's embrace, though her eyes continued to rest on Shien, as if she were looking at something only she understood.
As for Shien, he was naturally still carrying the unconscious Foxkin Saintess in his arms.
Lasha naturally had not missed that sight. After glancing at the Foxkin Saintess, she spoke unhurriedly.
"Would you like me to bathe this guest first?"
Lasha said so.
"No, I'll do it."
Shien responded instinctively, his expression unchanged.
Lasha fell silent, yet continued staring at Shien.
"Fine, I was joking." Shien immediately looked somewhat embarrassed. As he handed the Foxkin Saintess over to Lasha, he said, "Wash her clean and send her to my room—ptui! I mean, wash her clean and check whether anything is wrong with her!"
"Yes." As though she did not have the slightest desire to comment, Lasha took the Foxkin Saintess and turned to leave.
Lasha took Emerald with her as well, and Emerald's gaze finally left Shien.
Only then did Shien return to being alone and let out a breath.
"What an eventful night."
As he said that, Shien turned to look in the direction of the temple.
Perhaps because he had already gone there once, Shien could now clearly