As Captain Ina herself claimed, she could even sleep while flying. Right now, she hovered mid-air in the warehouse and dozed off in moments.

We lacked her skill, so we’d packed sleeping bags in our storage gear—super convenient to pull out and use. We placed three side by side at the warehouse’s far end.

“What next? Just sleep?” I asked. After that stimulant earlier, I still had no drowsiness. How Captain Ina fell asleep so fast? I guessed she forced hibernation to stay sharp on missions.

“I’m tired. Resting now. Don’t bother me unless urgent,” Anan said, then burrowed into her sleeping bag, curling up. Today’s non-stop encounters had drained her physically and mentally. She needed rest desperately, so I stayed quiet.

“Well, I…” Mistflower started climbing in too, but I grabbed her arm.

“Think I can’t tell? You’re not sleepy at all,” I said. She looked wide awake—hitting the sack now would be pointless.

“Come play with me! Rare to reach a new city, let alone an unseen Undercity.” I dragged Mistflower out without hesitation.

“Wait! We’re on a mission. Roaming’s bad,” she protested as I pulled her along.

“Hmph. Captain said free time. Just don’t expose identities. We can’t stay clueless about this Undercity, right?” I shrugged.

To avoid thugs like earlier, I pulled two swords from my Collar. I gave one to Mistflower to wear, hung the other on my waist. This’d stop Undercity folks seeing us as easy targets—flower vases. Mistflower couldn’t sword-fight, but faking it worked.

An hour later, at a street souvenir shop, I browsed the counter. The Undercity had few specialties—mostly ores—but trinkets from Habbs Kingdom abounded. I bought souvenirs. Mistflower soon relaxed, charmed by the novelty. Yep, playfulness is youth’s nature.

“After playing, I’m hungry. Haven’t eaten since afternoon. You?” I scanned the street, spotting a tasty-looking spot fast.

“Hmm, now you mention it… Are there eateries?” Mistflower looked around. I patted her shoulder, pointing to a corner.

“Tavern for drinks and snacks. Decision made!” I grabbed Mistflower toward it.

“Wait! Dad said good kids avoid taverns. Ugh…” Her protest failed. Like before, she was dragged in helplessly.

The tavern was quiet, sparsely crowded with a few tables. Slightly cramped. Scantily-clad waitress girls moved between wooden tables, trays wafting food and ale aromas—mouthwatering. I glanced around. Yep, my favorite vibe. Nostalgic—I hadn’t visited a bar in ages.

But as I sought a seat, I spotted a familiar figure. Damn it—we locked eyes instantly.

“Lefur! Junior Mistflower! Fancy meeting you in Sarona Undercity! Such a coincidence!” Imet greeted cheerfully.

What a ‘coincidence.’ I’d been with him in the Imperial Capital yesterday. How’d he end up here today? This Undercity isn’t small—why this tavern? Great. We just said not to expose identities, and now this.

“Haha, such a coincidence, Se~ni~or I~met~,” I said with icy sarcasm that made him flinch. “What brings you here for fun?”

“Heh, not for fun. Scenery’s unique. Seeking inspiration.” Of all places in the Empire of Aifei, he picked this one.

“Well, since we met, I’ll treat you. Thanks for last time?” Imet sensed my anger, offering to pay. Fine—we bumped into each other. Eat it is. I nodded.

We sat at a round table, clapped for service. A cute Catgirl handed me the menu.

“Hmm, Evil Moon Beer, Rock-Grilled Snake Meat, Salted Starlight Moss, Roasted Underground Lizard Meat, Pan-Fried Subterranean River Fish…” I picked the priciest items deliberately. Hmph, let’s see if I bankrupt you!

“Ah, we can’t finish all that…” Mistflower tugged my sleeve.

“No worries. Big boss pays. Don’t hold back. Take leftovers home,” I snapped. Imet could only smile bitterly.

“Sorry for trouble, senior. I don’t know why Lefur’s moody.”

“No problem. Let her order. I can afford this.” Huh? So this guy actually has cash?