[AFYC] Chapter 18

“Is this the room?” she asked cautiously. 

The attendant nodded and opened the door wider, stepping inside to light a lamp. The room was dimly lit but not overwhelmingly luxurious. It reminded her of the tiered train or ship seating, with different comfort levels depending on the price. 

“What are you waiting for? Come in.” 

The voice came from behind her, and Seo Ah turned to see the innkeeper smiling kindly as she approached. The woman entered the room ahead of Seo Ah, shivering slightly. 

“It’s starting to get chilly at night now that autumn’s coming. We should turn up the heat a bit.” 

“Yes, ma’am,” the attendant replied. 

The innkeeper gestured for Seo Ah to enter the room. “Come on in.” 

Seo Ah stepped into the room and took in her surroundings. It was a small, square space with a standing coat rack, a single bed barely large enough for one person, a dressing table with a mirror, and a tall brazier in the corner. 

As she looked around, the innkeeper opened a small door and gestured inside. “It’s a bit cramped, but you can wash up here.” 

Then she turned to Seo Ah and frowned slightly. “Goodness, take off that coat. It’s not cold enough at night to be wearing that. Don’t you have anything else to wear?” 

“…” 

“Come on, hurry up. Just looking at it makes me feel hot.” 

“I’ll do it myself.” 

Seo Ah quickly turned her back to the innkeeper and removed her coat. As she hung it on the rack, the innkeeper brushed past her and asked, “Have you eaten?” 

“…” 

“No response? That means you haven’t. I’ll have a meal brought to your door. Eat after you’ve washed up.” 

“…Yes. Thank you.” 

“No need to thank me,” the innkeeper replied, guiding the attendant out of the room. 

Thud. 

After the door closed, Seo Ah stood still for a few moments. Then she went to the door and locked it securely, sliding the bolt into place. She also checked the window to ensure it was locked before drawing the curtains tightly shut. After a quick inspection of the bathroom, she found nothing unusual. 

The only thing that stood out was the heating system in the corner, which she couldn’t figure out how to operate. It seemed connected to the rest of the building and emitted a faint warmth. 

Not knowing the customs and systems of this place meant she could not tell what was suspicious and what was not. 

In the end, Seo Ah decided to stop overthinking. Even if she were to leave, where could she go at this hour? 

She took off the heavy dress and stockings and quickly washed herself in the bathroom. The water was cold, but it was refreshing. After changing into the spare dress she used as nightwear, she washed her undergarments and stockings and hung them up to dry. Just as she finished, she heard movement outside the door. 

“Here’s your meal and a set of nightclothes.” 

She waited until the sound of footsteps had faded before unlocking the door and peeking out. After ensuring the coast was clear, she opened the door fully. 

A tray with food and neatly folded white clothes were placed on the floor. Seo Ah brought them into the room and sat down, the meal’s aroma filling her senses before she lifted the lid. 

Underneath the lid was a steaming bowl of stew. 

Is this something I should be suspicious of? 

She hesitated, stirring the red, meat-filled broth with a spoon before taking a tentative sip. Even that small taste sent warmth flooding through her body. Only then did she realise this was her first proper meal of the day. 

In no time, she had finished the entire bowl of stew. Exhausted from the long day and the rush of eating, she felt a wave of drowsiness over her. She hadn’t slept properly for the past three days during the train ride to Felphe, knowing that someone had been watching her every move. The nightgown looked comfortable, but she was too tired to change into it. She barely managed to brush her teeth and push the empty tray aside before collapsing onto the bed. 

Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, there was a knock at the door. 

Knock, knock, knock.

“…” 

She hadn’t heard anyone approaching. 

How could that be?