Another world, Celeste

Chapter 38, pt 2

Erissa found me slumped on the upholstered chair in the inn's lounge, and I briefly tell her about the request. Till the end, Erissa doesn't comment on my decision about accepting the request without giving it further thought which to others may look like a hasty move.

Instead, Erissa pulls me out of the chair while saying, "You can't be sitting down all day, come with me."

I don't even try to protest as she brings me out of the inn.

We walk around aimlessly while avoiding the more crowded area. Though it feels like I'm walking and exercising at the same time due to the extra weight in my arms. Since I left the pet carrier bag behind at the inn, I have to keep holding Archie the entire time.

"Iris, there's a shop selling candles just ahead. Would you like to go?"

"Sure, as long as I can put Archie down."

After a bit more walking, we stop in front of a building with the exterior decorated like a dainty cottage. The scent of vanilla with a hint of spice wafts out when Erissa opens the door to the shop.

"Welcome, dear customer."

The store clerk, unfazed by Erissa's appearance, greets us.

Before looking around the shop, I gain permission from the store clerk to let Archie down.

"If there's a specific scent you're looking for, please let me know," the store clerk says.

Erissa immediately takes on the store clerk's words.

After reminding Archie who's already distracted by the scents to not wander too far from me, I look around, amazed, at the diversity of candles in different shapes and colours. Curiously, I pick up a thin, ash-coloured candle and try to sniff it when a store employee stops me with a panicked face.

"Dear customer, that candle is used by farmers to repel insects. They have a strong, unforgettable scent."

I put the candle back down after knowing it.

This time with the assistance of my Appraisal skill, Archie and I sniff other unfamiliar scented candles. An hour passed by just like that and another half an hour waiting for Erissa to finish her business. During that extra time, I chat with the store employee who seems to be knowledgeable about the medicinal effects of scented candles.

We head back to the inn when the sky dyes crimson orange with a satisfying purchase of scented candles, and coincidentally meet up with Polina's group who are also just returning.

Syl immediately notices when we walk over to her side.

"Why is there a strong scent of the ocean coming from the two of you?"

"Impressive," I express my amazement before pointing over my shoulder and giving an answer. "Erissa bought scented candles, a lot of them."