Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 67: Difficulties

Riku’s mind was already forming plans. This blight was more complex than a simple curse. He had to study it more carefully to figure out what was going on.

The trio stayed in the Underbelly for a few more hours, ensuring the recovered were comfortable and had enough provisions. It was a very joyous occasion, and all the people from the Underbelly came forward to express their gratitude.

Eventually, they got up to leave. They were accompanied by a few familiar faces as they headed towards the entrance of the Underbelly.

"Master Riku. Thank you once again for everything, and I sincerely apologize for my earlier behaviour." Kruger said, slightly bowing.

"Enough with this already," Riku said in playful anger. "I already said that I don’t want your apologies. Just your friendship."

"All I ask of you is that you help me in some small matters later." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

"Of course, Master Riku. In case there is anything that we can do for you, you only need to ask." Borin said politely.

"Don’t worry. It won’t be much. However, remember to stay cautious about the Crimson Creep. The affected are still sick, though not in any immediate danger." Riku reminded Borin.

"We will take care, Master Riku. However, if more of us fall sick..."

"We will return soon, Elder Borin," Riku promised, as he waved goodbye. "Once we find out more about this blight, and hopefully, a true cure."

Korgin and a few other kids waved them off, their faces bright. Even Durnik managed a gruff but sincere farewell.

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"Well," Lila said, stretching, "that was... something. I was not expecting to see such a big dwelling under the city. No matter what others might say, they were really good people."

"Yup, as I said before. They are often misunderstood. Nevertheless, this won’t be the last time we are meeting them." Riku said.

"So, what now?"

Riku gazed at the sun setting over the buildings.

"It is already late today. Let us rest. Tomorrow, we will go visit the church once again."

They found a modest-looking inn called "The Sleeping Dragon" just off a busy thoroughfare. Elara, mindful of her condition, had pulled the hood of her cloak low, shadowing her face.

The innkeeper, a portly man with a suspicious squint, eyed them as they approached the counter. "Travellers. Looking for a place to stay?" he grunted.

"Yes, please," Riku said. "Two rooms for the night."

The innkeeper’s gaze lingered on Elara. "You there, girl. Hoods off inside. House rules."

Elara hesitated, her hand instinctively going to the edge of her hood. Lila gave her an encouraging nod. Slowly, Elara lowered her hood.

The crimson marks on her forehead and cheeks were stark in the lamplight of the inn.

The innkeeper recoiled as if struck. "By the gods! The Creep!" He slammed his hand on the counter. "Out! Get her out! I’ll not have that sickness in my establishment! Think of my other guests!"

"Sir, please," Lila began, stepping forward. "She’s not contagious in the way you think. She’s already been treated—"

"I don’t care what she’s been through!" the innkeeper snarled, his face reddening. "The city guard has issued warnings! No one with the marks is to be housed! It’s for the safety of everyone! Now, leave, before I call them myself!"

"But...," Elara whispered, tears slightly appearing in her eyes.

"Not my problem!" the innkeeper spat. "Out!"

Dejected, the trio left The Sleeping Dragon. They tried two more inns in the vicinity, one slightly more upscale, the other a bit more rough-and-tumble. The result was the same. The moment Elara’s marks were revealed, they were met with fear, disgust, and threats of the city guard.

"This is hopeless," Lila said, her voice laced with frustration as they stood on a dimly lit street corner. "They’re treating her like a witch."

Riku sighed. He looked at Elara, who was trying hard to be brave but was clearly distressed. "Alright, new plan." He focused his mana. "Skill activate: Disguise."

A faint shimmer enveloped Elara. Riku concentrated, trying to weave an illusion over the crimson marks, to make them appear as simple birthmarks or faded scars. But the magic seemed to slide off the affected areas, like water on oiled parchment. The crimson patches remained stubbornly visible, perhaps even a fraction more vivid against the flickering illusion.

"It’s no use," Riku said, frustration in his own voice. "This blight... it resists all forms of magic. The disguise won’t hold over the marks." This was another piece of the puzzle – the Creep wasn’t just a physical ailment; it had some sort of inherent magical resistance.

Elara looked down, her shoulders slumping. "I’m sorry. I’m causing you so much trouble."

"Don’t be silly, Elara," Lila said fiercely, putting an arm around her. "It’s not your fault these people are ignorant."

"Come on, I don’t believe that we won’t find a place. Otherwise, we will just go back and ask Borin for a place to stay." Riku nudged them.

They walked on, enquiring at all the inns they came across. However, none of them allowed them in, even when RIku offered five times the payment.

They kept walking until they found themselves in a quieter, less prosperous part of the outer district. They approached a particularly run-down establishment called "The Respite," its sign creaking mournfully in the evening breeze.

An elderly woman with kind eyes and a weary smile greeted them from behind a scarred wooden counter. "Looking for a room, dearies?" she asked, her voice soft.

Riku nodded. "Yes, ma’am. If you have any." He glanced at Elara, then back at the old woman. "But... our young friend here... she’s unwell."

He gently helped Elara lower her hood. The old woman peered at the marks, her expression becoming grave, but not fearful. Her husband, an equally ancient man with gnarled hands, emerged from a back room, wiping his hands on an apron. He too looked at Elara, then at his wife.

A small gasp passed between the old couple.