Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

Chapter Eighty

Zzzzz...

"...Iss?"

Zzzz...

"...llo, miss?"

Zzz...

"Hello, miss?"

Slowly, heavy eyelids fluttered open. The olive-haired girl groggily blinked, her golden eyes adjusting to the light. Standing above her was a rabbit-eared woman, her soft features creased with concern.

"Miss? Oh, you're awake," the woman said, her long ears twitching slightly. "Please, you can't sleep here. My manager will be here soon."

The Harpy yawned, stretching her wings lazily as she sat up. She blinked around in confusion, her fingers brushing against the soft fabric beneath her.

"Huh? Manager? What are you talking about?" she mumbled, glancing around. "This bed is so comfy. And the fabric... it's just amazing. I'm going to sleep here every day." She flopped back onto the plush mattress with a content sigh.

The rabbit-eared woman, clearly a member of the Haulia tribe, shook her head, hands raised in a gentle but firm protest. "Miss, I can't allow that. These mattresses are for sale. While it's not against store policy to sample our goods, we can't let you sleep in front of the store."

The Harpy sat up, blinking owlishly. Only now did she realize she was lying on a pink mattress, positioned neatly at the storefront, right in the middle of the bustling market.

Shoppers passed by, casting curious glances at the strange sight of a Harpy napping on display.

The Harpy tilted her head, considering the situation. "...Oh," she muttered. "Is that why everyone's staring?"

The Haulia offered an apologetic smile. "It's alright, miss. Happens more often than you'd think. But if my manager sees you, I might get in trouble."

Standing, the Harpy stretched her wings and glanced longingly at the mattress. "Shame. It really is a great bed."

"Well," the Haulia chuckled, "if you decide to buy it, you can sleep on it all you want."

The Harpy slumped. "I don't think I have the funds for that. But for now, I'll just dream about it."

With a casual wave, she stepped away from the store, blending back into the lively marketplace.

The Haulia shook her head with a soft laugh, watching her go. "Strangest customer I've had all week."

The Harpy yawned as she walked through the bustling streets, her thoughts lingering on the soft, luxurious bed she had been forced to leave behind.

"That bed was heavenly," she muttered, wings drooping slightly. "Where am I going to sleep now? A mere inn might not have something that amazing..."

She paused at an intersection, glancing down each path. The marketplace stretched on, vibrant and alive, but none of the sights eased her growing concern.

"But I don't have a choice," she sighed. "Sleeping is the most important thing in the world, after all. I guess I'll have to settle for an inn."

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.

.

.

"A... Mattress?"

.

.

For a moment, Edward just studied her, as if weighing her words. Then, unexpectedly, his stern expression eased into something that almost resembled amusement.

"That’s... a first," he said lightly. "Most people come to me about crime or disputes. Not sleeping arrangements."

The Harpy's cheeks flushed. "W-Well, sleep is important. If I can’t sleep, I can’t function. And if I can’t function, how can I contribute to the city?"

Edward chuckled under his breath, but it wasn’t mocking. "Fair point."

He glanced toward his companions, exchanging a silent look, before turning back to her. "Alright. I can’t exactly hand out mattresses, but I can direct you to someone who might help. She's in charge of making the mattresses."

"Whoa!" Her eyes widened, stars twinkling within them. "You know the person who made them? They must be a divine creature, no, a god! Yes, they must be a god, and their mattresses are a path to heaven itself!"

Edward chuckled, the sound low but genuine. "I don't know about calling Sylra a god, but I will admit, the mattresses she makes are of unmatched quality. I stand by that statement, there’s nothing better in the entire city."

The Harpy grinned, her feathers fluffing slightly in excitement. "Ah, I see you understand the path. A fellow person of culture." She stepped closer, walking beside him as the crowd instinctively parted to give space to the captain of the guard and his strange new companion.

Edward shook his head lightly, amusement dancing in his gray eyes. "Kids these days," he mused before glancing at her. "So, where are you planning to put this mattress? Have you already purchased a house in the city, or are you planning to take it with you?"

The Harpy froze mid-step, her wings tensing slightly. "Eh?" The realization hit her like a gust of wind. Her eyes widened, and she stared at him, blinking rapidly. "A... house?"

Edward’s laugh was heartier this time, though not unkind. "You didn’t think that far ahead, did you?"

Flustered, she looked away, scratching the back of her head. "I-I mean, I figured... I’d just... find a place?"

He shook his head, still smiling. "You’ll need more than a mattress to claim a corner of this city. But don’t worry, I’ll have someone direct you to the housing officer. They’ll help sort out accommodations."

She sighed, her wings drooping slightly. "I guess I got ahead of myself. I just really wanted that mattress."

Edward chuckled again. "And that’s admirable in its own way. A good night's sleep is worth chasing, after all."

His easy demeanor made her smile, even as she realized she had a few more steps to take before she could rest easy.

"So, what brought you to Maple city?"

"Hmmmm? Actually, I don't remember anymore. It's probably not important."