Late Night Fatigue Recovery Soup
While investigating what Carmen might be hiding, I got intel that she sneaks out every night.
The source was her next-door neighbor, so it seemed credible.
I followed her at a distance so she wouldn't notice, until she arrived in a wide, empty clearing.
After a quick warm-up, Carmen immediately began practicing with her shield and sword.
No... It has to be faster! Hagh...!
After finishing a chain of movements, she panted hard and pulled something from her coat to chug down.
Whew...
A breeze swept through, and her silver hair shimmered in the moonlight like a painting.
...Unfortunately, the wind also blew dust straight at me.
Nose... itchy... must... hold strong...
Aah... Aah...!
AAAH-CHOO!
...?
Carmen spun around, and her eyes widened when she saw me.
...*Cough* *Cough*
C-Captain?! What are you doing here...?
I heard you've been sneaking out every night.
...
Haha. So you've been secretly tailing me, huh?
Ahem! That's not what I meant.
As your Journey Captain, it's only natural I look into whatever you might be hiding from me.
Haha. You're flustered. Did I hit a nerve?
But what exactly am I hiding?
The fact that you're training in secret every night.
Haha. You have the wrong idea.
I just couldn't sleep, so I came out for a light workout.
...Our training session earlier today was already intense enough.
Pushing yourself too far can be worse than not doing anything at all.
I appreciate your concern.
But really, I'm fine.
During the Knights' Endurance Week, we would march for three days straight without sleep.
But that's not something you do every day...
Besides, even the worst fatigue can be wiped away with this berserker broth—
I mean, this fatigue recovery soup.
The berserker what now?
Haha. You misheard. It's definitely fatigue recovery soup.
Fatigue recovery soup, huh?
Yes. It's a traditional herbal soup recipe from the Monastir Knights.
Even soldiers who collapse from a three-day march jump back into battle after one sip.
Honestly, the first name you said suits it better.
No, no. It's fatigue recovery soup
Would you like to try some?
Don't worry, I can get more. It's the most overstocked item in our supplies.
If you want, I can even feed you myself. Haha.
I'll pass...
Don't be shy. Just take one sip.
Here. Open wide!
Mmph! Mmph...!
The so-called fatigue recovery soup tasted awful.
A strange tang I couldn't quite identify, plus an overpowering smell.
And the surprise texture of mystery chunks made it truly unpleasant.
But surprisingly, I felt much lighter.
How do you feel, Captain?
I hate to admit it... but it works.
Haha. Told you so.
Now that I've had my fatigue recovery soup, I should exercise a bit more.
You should head back and get some rest, Captain.
I'm perfectly fine, so there's no need to worry.
I'll stay. It's lonely training alone.
...
Haha. All right.
Then let's give it our all for the sake of a good night's sleep.
Was it because I was training under the moonlight...?
But I passed out in my bed the moment I got back.