Crimson Overlord
Chapter 404: Most needed rest

Chapter 404: Most needed rest

The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of the forest surrounding the ruins, casting dappled light on the ground where Orpheus and Luna sat beside their small campsite. The air was crisp, the scent of damp earth and charred wood from last night’s fire still lingering. After the grueling challenge of the previous ruin, Luna’s body was sore beyond words, every muscle protesting even the slightest movement.

Orpheus, as usual, seemed completely unaffected.

"We’re heading to the city today," he said, casually tying back his long dark hair.

Luna groaned, rubbing her aching shoulders.

"Please tell me we’re not training."

He smirked. "No. You earned a break."

Relief washed over her, and she exhaled loudly. "Finally."

Still, going into a city meant blending in. Given their notoriety, it wouldn’t do to walk around as themselves. Orpheus handed her a small vial.

"Disguise potion?" she guessed.

"Something like that."

She downed the bitter liquid and felt a strange sensation ripple over her skin. Her golden hair darkened into a rich chestnut brown, her glowing violet eyes dulled into a soft hazel, and even her facial features shifted slightly, making her appear like an entirely different person. Orpheus underwent a similar transformation, his normally striking white-silver hair turning a deep black, his golden eyes darkening to a stormy gray.

Satisfied with their disguises, they left the wilderness behind and made their way to the nearest city.

Arrival in the City of Ashdell.

Ashdell was a bustling trade city nestled between the mountains and the sea, known for its vibrant markets and luxurious hot springs. The streets were alive with energy—merchants shouting about their wares, travelers bargaining for goods, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with the aroma of sizzling meats from street vendors.

Luna’s eyes lit up as they stepped into the crowded marketplace. After days of grueling trials, she was ready to indulge.

"So," she turned to Orpheus with a grin.

"Where do we start?"

He crossed his arms. "This is your day. Do whatever you want."

A dangerous offer.

Luna’s grin widened. "Bad move."

And so their day of leisure began.

Their first stop was the food stalls lining the main square. Luna wasted no time sampling everything—crispy honey-glazed duck, spiced lamb skewers, roasted nuts coated in caramelized sugar, fresh fruit drizzled with sweet cream. She made Orpheus try everything, grinning at his rare expressions of approval.

At one stall, she excitedly bought two bowls of thick udon noodles, steaming with fragrant broth and tender slices of beef.

"Here." She handed him one.

He raised an eyebrow. "You’re feeding me now?"

"Shut up and eat."

He didn’t argue, taking a bite. A slow nod of approval.

Luna smirked. "Told you it was good."

For the first time in what felt like ages, she could simply enjoy food without worrying about survival.

Next came the markets. Rows upon rows of colorful fabrics, handcrafted jewelry, enchanted trinkets, and exotic spices lined the streets. Luna dragged Orpheus from stall to stall, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she examined fine silk scarves, crystal charms, and strange relics.

At one point, she came across a stand selling animal masks and immediately grabbed one. It was a fox mask, beautifully painted in red and gold.

She turned to Orpheus, holding up a wolf mask. "You’d look good in this."

He gave her an unimpressed look. "No."

"Oh, come on," she teased, slipping the fox mask onto her own face. "It’s for fun."

He sighed but finally humored her, putting on the wolf mask.

Luna burst out laughing. "See? You look—"

Before she could finish, Orpheus suddenly turned and loomed over her, his masked face inches from hers. His voice dropped to a low murmur.

"And what do I look like?"

Luna gulped. Damn it, why does he do that?

"Dangerous," she muttered, quickly turning away.

He chuckled. "Good."

Still, she bought both masks.

After hours of eating and shopping, Luna’s body demanded relaxation. Thankfully, Ashdell was famous for its hot springs, and Luna was not leaving without visiting.

They found a secluded bathhouse nestled in the mountains, where the mineral-rich waters were said to rejuvenate the body.

Separated by the gendered bathing areas, Luna sighed in contentment as she sank into the steaming water. The soreness melted from her muscles, the warmth enveloping her like a comforting embrace. The surrounding garden was peaceful, cherry blossoms drifting into the water as soft lanterns flickered in the evening light.

A pair of skilled attendants later provided a deep tissue massage, working out the knots in her back and shoulders from all the grueling training. Luna felt like she was floating by the time she was done.

When she finally met up with Orpheus again outside, her entire body felt loose and relaxed.

He studied her with amusement. "You look half-asleep."

"I feel reborn," she sighed happily.

He smirked. "Good. Because tomorrow, we’re heading for another ruin."

Luna groaned. "You just let me enjoy one peaceful day, and now we’re back to death traps?"

"Enjoy the rest of the night while you can," he said, walking ahead.

She scowled but followed after him.

Rather than staying at an inn, they chose to camp just outside the city. With supplies they had bought from the market, they built a comfortable little resting spot beneath a cluster of trees.

As the fire crackled, Luna sat with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, gazing up at the star-filled sky.

Orpheus sat beside her, arms resting over his knees. "Feel better?"

Luna exhaled. "A lot better." She gave him a small smile. "Thanks."

He didn’t respond, but there was a faint softness in his gaze as he looked at her.

The fire burned low, the world quiet except for the rustling leaves and the distant hum of the city behind them.

For the first time in a long while, Luna felt at peace.

Tomorrow, they would dive back into danger. But tonight?

Tonight, she could just be.

She was just having fun.