From Real to Realm

Val ended up being the first person awake in the morning. The sun was just barely peeking over the horizon when her eyes opened.

“Oh, thank god,” she whispered to herself.

No tent was being pitched beneath the covers. Then she realized she wasn’t beneath the covers to begin with. It was likely she kicked the covers off during the night.

“At least I’m not sweating.”

Val slowly sat up on her side of the bed. Both Cera and Amarisse were sound asleep. After last night, it was likely that both Weyland and Thais were knocked out in their room.

What should I do? I could try going back to sleep, but…

The idea of going back to sleep appealed to her.

Fuck it.

It didn’t take long for Val to fall back asleep once she was comfortable.

An undetermined amount of time later, someone was shaking Val.

“Val, get up.”

The sun was now beaming through the window into their room. Cera’s bed was empty, and the girl was nowhere to be seen.

“I’m up, I’m up,” Val said, sitting up, rubbing her eyes.

Amarisse stepped to the side. “Sleep well?”

Val yawned. “Better than I expected. Nice to sleep in a proper bed instead of my bedroll again.”

“That, we can agree on,” Amarisse said, walking to the door. “Hurry up and come down for breakfast.”

The click of the door latching was the last thing Val heard before the room went silent.

I barely remember falling back asleep.

Val stood up and stretched, hearing a few small pops from her body. It didn’t take long for her to swap into a more casual set of clothes for the day. Amarisse wasn’t wearing her armor, so Val saw no reason to either. Val chose a set of leather pants and a brown tunic top with a string. She tucked the tunic into her waistband and headed down to meet her group.

As she walked down the stairs to the main floor, she saw everyone sitting at the same table. There were already a few platters of food set in the middle. She walked over and took her spot between Thais and Amarisse.

“Feeling alright?” she asked Thais.

He was currently biting off a piece of what looked like ham. “Absolutely.”

Weyland, on the other hand, looked like he was struggling. He glared at Thais. “Remind me to never drink with you again.”

Everyone laughed while Weyland just continued to nibble on his food.

“So, what are everyone’s plans for the day?” Val asked, piling some eggs on her plate.

Amarisse shrugged. “Don’t have any, really.”

“I planned on visiting their medical ward,” Cera said. “I could possibly help anyone injured.”

Val raised an eyebrow. “That’s really sweet of you, Cera.”

Cera blushed immediately. “I—It’s really nothing. I just want to help.”

“I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to help with the wagons,” Weyland said, looking at Thais. “Maybe I should drag you along. Make use of your energy.”

Thais paused his chewing, shaking his head in response.

Weyland only grinned back.

Amarisse sat back in her chair. “What about you, Val?”

“I just figured I’d walk around, explore a little.”

“Want some company?” she asked.

Val shrugged. “Sure, if you want to.”

The rest of breakfast was relatively quiet. Thais tried worming his way out of helping Weyland, but failed spectacularly. Cera was the first to excuse herself from the table. It wasn’t much longer before Weyland practically dragged Thais out to find the wagons.

“That was really good,” Val said, leaning back in her chair. “The eggs were perfect.”

Amarisse was sipping on her drink. “I agree. So, where are we exploring today?”

A waiter stopped by to pick up all the plates and silverware.

“I just figured we’d walk around?” Val suggested. “I doubt they have much here, but this is my first time outside of Phylandair.”

Amarisse stood up, chuckling. “Trying to find a memento or something?” She grinned. “Or maybe looking for a gift for Lynesia?”

Val stood up, rolling her eyes. “I wouldn’t be opposed to getting her something, but this is a farming town. I’m not bringing her a packet of seeds back.”

The two of them dropped by their room to grab their shoes. Val opted for her usual leather boots, while Amarisse slipped on something simpler.

“Ready?” she asked.

Val nodded. “Ready.”

Things weren’t very different from what Val expected. Plenty of buildings filled the streets, but only a handful were stores. Most of them sold farming implements made by the local blacksmiths. A few sold seeds, plants, and other gardening essentials.

“Damn, you weren’t wrong,” Amarisse said as they walked along. “There really isn’t much.”

Val sighed. “I figured. A farming town doesn’t exactly do much other than farming, I guess.”

Soon, the smell of smoke filled Val’s nose.

Clang! Tink, tink. Clang! Tink, tink.

Down a smaller alley to their right was a sign hanging over an open walkway.

Angel’s Forge

“Looks like a blacksmith’s shop,” Val said. “Want to check it out?”

Amarisse shrugged. “Sure, might as well.”

The two of them walked down the narrow alley toward the loud noises. Once they were through the walkway, they looked around. The walls were covered in smithing implements of various sizes and weights. A large coal forge was built into the wall, with a chimney rising through the roof. A long, solid stone trough sat on the ground next to the forge, its dark, brackish liquid inside.

“Can I help you?”

A beautiful woman approached from the left. Her long white-silver hair flowed with her movements while her mercury colored eyes took in the two of them. She had on a sleeveless top. Her skin was damp with sweat, and soot dotted it as well.

In the back of the room, another woman was slamming a thick hammer against a piece of heated metal.

“We just heard the noise and wanted to check it out,” Amarisse said.

Val’s gaze was on the woman across the room from them. The metal she was working seemed to almost move with her. It didn’t seem like she was putting much strength into her swings. Her hair was a burnished silver, roughly shoulder-length. She wore something like work overalls, which showed off more of her back. Four large wings were tattooed across her back, from what Val could tell.

Suddenly, she set the hammer down before shoving the metal back into the forge. “Sorry about that,” she said, turning around. “Have to work the metal while it’s screaming hot or else you can cause imperfections to show up.”

Val noticed her eyes next. The color resembled molten steel, with white flecks across it. There was also what looked like a fractured halo tattoo on her right collarbone.

“That’s alright,” Val said. “You looked very focused.”

The first woman smiled. “She gets like that anytime she works.”

The smith rolled her eyes. “I’m Tamariel, this is my wife Arael. Welcome to Angel’s Forge.”

Val nodded her head. “It’s nice to meet you. This is Amarisse, and I’m Val. We’re the adventurers who escorted the caravan from Phylandair.”

Tamariel’s face fell. “Oh fuck, was that today?! Shit, I’ll have to drop by later to get my order.”

Arael giggled, rubbing Tamariel’s back. “You always get sucked into your work.” She turned to Val and Amarisse. “It’s a struggle to get her to take a break sometimes.”

Tamariel kissed Arael’s cheek. “Shush now.” She put a hand on her hip. “So, were you looking to buy something? You’re heading back soon, right? I can forge something, but it’ll cost more for a rush job.”

Val shook her head. “No, we’re just exploring mostly. I’ve never been to Edmur, so I wanted to see the town.”

Tamariel chuckled. “Crops and dirt. That’s about it.”

Arael gently slapped Tamariel’s arm. “There’s more to it than that.” She turned to the girls. “There are a few alchemy and potion shops. Other than that, you’re probably only going to see farms.”

“See,” Tamariel said, rolling her eyes. “I was right.”

Arael sighed. “Only partially.”

Tamariel smirked. “I have to get back to my work, or else I’ll burn the metal. If you want to buy anything, Arael should be able to help.”

With another kiss on the cheek, Tamariel went back to the forge. Within seconds, she had the metal back on her anvil and was hammering away.

“She seems dedicated,” Amarisse said.

Arael looked over, a surge of affection in her expression. “It’s why I fell for her. She’s always been so creative.”

Val smiled, suddenly feeling a bit homesick for Lynesia. “I know what it’s like to fall hard for someone, too.”

Amarisse smiled knowingly at whom Val was talking about.

Arael turned back to them. “So, were you looking to buy something? We do a little bit of everything here.”

She led them through the forge and into the building it was connected to. When they walked through the door, they realized they originally approached from the back of the store.

“I didn’t realize that was the back,” Val said, rubbing the back of her neck. “Sorry about that.”

Arael waved her hand. “It’s alright. It’s not the first time it’s happened. That’s why we added a sign back there as well.”

Along the walls, shelves, and display cases were various implements. There were farming tools, weapons of various sizes, and even some armor.

“Damn, there’s a little bit of everything here,” Amarisse said, looking at one of the walls.

Arael giggled. “Tam does most of the weapons and farming tools. I handle the armor and jewelry.”

Amarisse turned around, eying Val. “Might be able to find something for Lynesia.”

Immediately, Arael lit up. “Oh! Of course! I guess she’s the one who made you fall so hard?”

Val blushed lightly. “Yeah, she got me good, that’s for sure.”

“Would there be anything in particular she’d like?”

“Well, I just bought her an amulet before I left for this escort,” Val said, looking in a display case full of different jewelry.

“Then what about a ring?” Arael suggested. “Does she have a specific jewel she likes?”

Val paused, feeling stupid. “I hate to say I’ve never asked her. Seems like something important to know.”

Arael giggled. “It is. Now you know to ask when you see her next.”

“The amulet she picked out was green, so maybe something with that color?”

Arael looked through the glass of the display case as well. “Hmm. What about this one?”

She opened a door to the case on her side and reached in. She pulled out a small case holding a ring and set it on the glass.

“Nothing extravagant, but cute in my opinion,” Arael said, smiling.

The ring itself was made of silver, based on its shine. It had a small green stone set flush into the band.

“I think it’ll be perfect for her,” Val said, smiling. “How much?”

“Ten marks.”

Val picked the ring up and examined it. “Did you make this all in-house?”

Arael nodded. “A ring like that isn’t difficult. However, being able to set the gem into the band flush so it doesn’t snag is much more difficult.”

Val set the ring back in its case. “Alright, I’ll take it.”

Arael smiled, closing the ring case. “Perfect. I’ll wrap it in some ribbons for you.”

While Val laid the coins out for the purchase, Arael moved down the counter. Multiple rolls of ribbon were on wooden pegs on the wall. A few minutes later, Arael returned with a ribbon tied into a bow around the case.

“Thank you for your purchase,” she said happily, sliding the coin off the case.

The door from the forge opened, and Tamariel walked in. “I didn’t expect to see you both still here,” she said. “Did you end up finding something you liked?

Arael smiled big. “Val here just bought a ring for her girlfriend.”

Tamariel smiled widely. “Congratulation! When are you going to pop the question?”

Val blushed hard. “Not that kind of ring!”

Tamariel looked confused for a second. “Ah, I might have gotten ahead of myself. Sorry about that.”

Arael was barely holding back her giggling while Val’s heart continued to race.

Amarisse stepped up from behind Val. “That is something you might have to consider one day. I’ve seen the way the two of you look at each other.”

Tamariel was busy glaring at Arael as she struggled to stop laughing. “Hey, stop laughing at me!”

With a finalized purchase and possibly new friends made, Val and Amarisse headed back into the streets.

“Well, Arael mentioned alchemy and potion shops,” Amarisse said as they walked. “Want to check one of them out?”

Val checked her coinpurse. “I’m at the looking and not buying stage until this job is done.”

Amarisse chuckled. “Sounds like someone is spoiling their girlfriend.”

“I can’t help it,” Val said defensively. “Now do you understand why I’m so confused about what to do with Mina? I’m so fucking happy with Lynesia.”

Amarisse gently rubbed Val’s back. “Stop worrying about it for now. Once you talk to her, go from there. Maybe don’t give her the ring before talking to her, though. She might see that as you buying leniency or something.”

Val tilted her head. “Why would she think that?”

Amarisse chuckled again. “Because that’s exactly how I’d see it.”

Val and Amarisse continued exploring for most of the morning and into the afternoon. They did stop by a few alchemy and potion shops, but they were only selling the most basic of supplies. Most of what they had was for injuries or ailments acquired when farming. Nothing worthwhile for people going into the dungeon or fighting.

When the sun was beginning to set, both Amarisse and Val agreed to head back to the tavern. They were getting up much earlier in the morning for the second leg of their escort job. When they walked through the double doors of the tavern, they saw everyone, including the drivers, at a table together.

“I’m going to put the ring in my pack upstairs. I’ll be back in a minute,” Val told Amarisse.

Amarisse nodded before heading to the table. Val did just as she said, heading to their room to put her ring away. After stashing the ring deep in her pack to avoid it falling out, she went back downstairs.

When she finally joined everyone at the table, they were in the process of ordering food for the night.

“They’re ordering platters again,” Amarisse said, smirking. “Easier than individual meals, I guess.”

Dinner went much like the night before, but with a lot less drinking. While Weyland didn’t mind some alcohol, he wanted to make sure it couldn’t negatively affect everyone in the morning.

“So everything is packed and ready now?” Val asked after swallowing a piece of meat.

Weyland and Sturman both nodded together.

“Weyland and Thais’ help made things go much quicker,” Sturman said. “We didn’t expect to be done getting everything loaded until dark. Thanks to them, we actually get to relax for a few hours before hitting the sack.”

Weyland smirked. “I’m sure Thais was more than happy to help us out, right Thais?”

Thais paused what he was doing, glaring at Weyland. “I just have such a big heart I couldn’t fathom not helping.”

Everyone had a good laugh at how sarcastic he was being.

“Regardless of your reasoning, we really do appreciate the help,” Ainz said. “Orion also says thank you.”

Val tilted her head. “Wait, I didn’t hear Orion say anything?”

Ainz chuckled. “Orion can’t speak because of a childhood accident.”

“Oh shit, fuck I’m sorry. My bad,” Val said. “I didn’t know.”

Orion waved his hands and just smiled.

After that little fuck up, everyone fell back into small conversations over a fresh, hot meal. Before long, the platters were empty, and it was time for everyone to get some sleep.

“Alright, everyone is expected to meet around back before daybreak,” Weyland said. “We’ll keep the same posts as before on the way back. Ideally, we’ll be back at that stone outcropping tomorrow night.”

Once everyone had confirmed, he smiled. “Good, get some rest, everyone.”

Sleeping arrangements for Val, Amarisse, and Cera were the same as before. Val felt a bit more comfortable sleeping in the same bed as Amarisse, but didn’t change from what she wore the night before. She doubted she’d ever be comfortable sleeping next to anyone other than Lynesia in the foreseeable future.

“Night,” Amarisse said, curling up on her side of the bed.

“Goodnight,” Cera replied, her back to Val.

Val adjusted her position. “Night.”

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!