章 27: Did you Like it?

Gina reentered the room wearing a new shirt with blood still on her skin. It was visible that she attempted to wipe it off, but the stains of blood are hard to remove. "Oh, good you all got the cakes for me." Gina said.

"You and Joshua need a bath." Doreen said. "You are both covered in blood."

"Together?!" Gina asked in a high-pitched voice. "T-that's too soon."

"Not together." Doreen said. "Unless you want to, I guess, that's on you all. No, I am saying you should both go to the upper city and visit the bath house. I know you can afford it, and now that you are a Knight you are free to come and go as you, please. There is a woman that works there, she is my sister.

Her name is Doretha. Give her your soiled clothing and she will ensure they are cleaned by the time you finish your bath. Just tell her I sent you and she will give you a discount or charge you more. Depends on her mood, really."

"We have to get these cake orders out." Gina said. "They are already paid for, and the nobles will be expecting them."

"I will stay here and hand out the orders." Doreen said. "Just be a simple task for an A-ranked adventurer such as myself. You two run along, Tilly and I have everything covered here. It is just what party members do for one another."

"But I…" Joshua tried to protest.

"No buts!" Tilly said. "We have this, go get cleaned up, you both smell like death and iron."

Not wanting to argue, the two just gave up and left the bakery together. They both had doubts but hoped it would still be standing when they got back.

Gina and Joshua walked side by side down the streets of the lower city. The signs of the battle that had just raged against the hordes of undead were still evident everywhere. "Hey Joshua…" Gina said. "Did you l-like what you saw…"

"You mean earlier?" Joshua asked. "It was a surprise to be sure, a very pleasant one. I am sorry for staring."

"I d-don't mind, as long as it's you." Gina said. "Sorry I freaked out, I just wanted you to see them on my own terms, not because of an accident."

"It's okay." Joshua said. "Besides, I really only saw one. I am sure if the other is as amazing you have a wonderful pair."

Gina turned red again, embarrassed by Joshua's praise of her body.

[Crap!] Joshua thought to himself when he noticed her embarrassment. [I must have gone too far when I praised her, but what man wouldn't enjoy the sight of perfect breasts?! I am not at fault! Should I have acted disinterested? Dealing with women is hard!]

"Thanks." Gina said with a big smile. "It makes me beyond happy that you like my body."

"Of course!" Joshua said. "There isn't a man alive that wouldn't find you attractive!"

Gina became embarrassed again and looked at the ground in the opposite direction of Joshua.

Some of the citizens that were picking up the rubble on the street noticed Joshua as he walked by. They had witnessed him earlier as he fought the hordes of skeletons by himself. They saw firsthand as he killed two hundred skeletons on his way to save Gina.

They started to clap and cheer for him, as he and Gina passed. They did not know his reason was just to save the girl that he cared for. All they knew is that he ran by swiftly and dispatched the threat to their homes and their lives.

"Why are they clapping for you?" Gina asked.

"I don't know?" Joshua replied.

Tonya was leaning against the entrance of the guild and saw the two as they were about to pass. "Joshua a moment." She yelled out.

"I just wanted to say the people here view you as a hero." Tonya said. "I have never witnessed another throw themselves at a horde of skeletons and charge through like a stampeding bull, leaving nothing but ash and bone in their wake. Your current rank does not fit your abilities, so we will be advancing you to B-rank.

I wanted to advance you higher but, sadly the rules are clear about A-rank and above. You must pass the A-rank certification test if you wish to ascend to that level." She pulled out a new guild card for him. "Please keep this with you. It certifies you as a B-rank adventurer. When you are ready to attempt the trials, just let me know."

"Tonya, do you know if my mother is fine?" Joshua asked, realizing he did not check on her during the assault at all.

"As far as I know, none of the skeletons made it to that part of the lower city." Tonya said. "She should be fine."

"That's a relief." Joshua said, raising his cursed arm behind his head, inadvertently giving Tonya a clean view.

"Joshua." Tonya said coldly. "I notice you have a certain tattoo."

"Right." Joshua said. "I suppose you would want to know as well."

"Want to? No. Need to? Yes." Tonya said. "I assume you are both going to the upper city to the baths. You know you are more than welcome to use the one at my husband's shop. Would save you a few coins."

"B-but there's only one, right?" Gina asked.

"Afraid of showing this young man the goods?" Tonya laughed. "That's adorable."

"Don't tease her Tonya." Joshua said. "She shouldn't have to share a bath with a man if she doesn't want to."

"I suppose you are right." Tonya said with a sigh. "It's just funny because she obviously likes you, Joshua."

Gina's face became red from embarrassment again.

"I know." Joshua said. "I care for her too."

"Judging by your cursed arm, I would wager that you do." Tonya said laughing. "Be sure to give me a full report on the matter when you return. That is an order."

"Yes mam." Joshua replied.

The two of them then gave Tonya a slight bow of their necks and started walking towards the upper city gate.