Hankala Inn

The bells tinkled as I pushed the door open. Merry laughter and out-of-tune singing that permeated the air were what greeted us. From the rows of long tables, groups of men were happily drinking their hearts out. Some of them were already drunk as they did all the crazy things like stripping and dancing. It was funnily chaotic. A frail-looking man can be seen curled into the corner — puking.

I pretended I didn't notice them and headed straight to the front desk just like what Ethan told me earlier. Though I have this one question I'm itching to ask – with the place that we are in, I don't think it's a good idea. I mean… if that meticulous old man is indeed here like what I assumed, then it only means that this place is not as light-hearted and welcoming as it appears to be on the surface.

"Hello, good sir! How can I be of help to you?" asked the young man with tawny hair at the front desk. He wore a very welcoming smile.

"A room for one please."

"How long will you be staying and will you bring that adorable rabbit as well?"

"I'll check out first thing in the morning tomorrow. And yes, I will be bringing this with me."

"A meal service?"

"No, thank you."

"Okay," he said before flipping through what appears to be a record book. After quite some time, he finally raised his head to look at me. "A room for one till tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. with a pet with no meal service. That will be 25 demi."

25 demi is a tad expensive for just one night but I did not complain. He gave me the key to my room after he made me fill a piece of paper with some information.

When I found room 301, I heaved a sigh of relief and didn't waste any time getting inside. And as soon as I saw the room's interior, I finally understood why it was a little pricy.

A simple wooden bed with a mattress, it was only big enough for one person my size but it looked very comfy compared to what I had in my apartment. There's also a squarish table and a chair by the corner. And I tell you, I have not expected this inn to have a decent room at least because of how it was on the first floor but I'm surprised! You really shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Not to mention that it was well-ventilated.

"You can rest for a while. I can wake you up when we're about to leave," Ethan said after he transformed into his human form as grayish-white smoke emanate from his body.

"Wait! We're not meeting the old man here?" I asked. A little confused because I definitely assumed that he was staying at this very inn.

"Idiot! And why would an overly meticulous person who would go the extra mile to hide stay at this kind of place?

"Well, you have a point. But it's not really far fetched, you know? Just like what other say, the best hiding place is in plain sight."

"Whatever. Just go to sleep, will you? Well, if you wanted to that is. But don't blame me if you can't keep up with me later," he said as he sat on the chair — cross-legged.

'If I can't keep up, it's only because you're a shapeshifter. I'm just a normal human, you know?' I complained inwardly but still went to bed after putting my bag by the headboard.

"I only thought about it now but Ethan, I haven't asked you about the old man's name, have I? I've only been calling him old man ever since. You too!"

"No use! No use even knowing about it. He always change his name. And trust me when I say no one knows about his real name and age."

"So how are we going to address him then? Don't tell me we're just going to keep on calling him old man?"

"You can address him however you like. You can call him John, Bob, Patrick… He doesn't really care about such trivial matter."

No, you don't understand, Ethan. It's not trivial at all! Just thinking about it, I already know that we are in for an awkward conversation.

Sigh!

"Any warnings before I sleep? Reminders?" I said all while pulling the sheet up to my neck.

"Hmm… Nothing. Just… prepare yourself. He's kind of weird."

"How weird?" I asked. But to be honest, though, I don't really mind if he has a certain degree of quirkiness. I mean, aren't we all? So long as it's not on the same level as that recluse scientist I know, Dr. Stitch.

"You will know once we get there."

"Very reassuring," I said sarcastically.

We didn't speak again after that and so, I resigned to my sleep.

Somehow, even though I am already half asleep, I can't help but compare this bed to the one I had in the apartment.

Heh! When will I ever become wealthy enough to afford my desired living condition? A year? Five years? Ten?

Well, whatever. My safety is my priority at this moment. What will I do to riches if I'm dead?

I don't know when exactly did I fall asleep but I was awoken when someone shook my shoulder in a not so gentle manner — it was Ethan.

I noticed that he was already wearing the dark hooded cloak. He threw the other one to me and said, "Quick! We don't have much time."