Chapter 191 A Dwarf's Home
Aleshia noticed that the dwarf's eyes seemed to peer right through her. She stood her ground. The dwarf kept up his probing approach, getting closer, his alcoholic breath wafting around her. Suddenly, he was struck hard on the shoulder, jolting him awake.
"That's enough. Aleshia here is our friend, so there's no need for that," Tristan said.
The dwarf glanced to his side and replied, "Alright then, but don't come crying to me if she does something." His mood soured, and he stubbornly stomped back into the house while avoiding certain spots on the floor as he walked.
Rey, who had worked with the dwarf for a time, reassured Aleshia, "Don't let him get to you; he's like this with everyone. He may not be very trusting, but he'll come around. Don't worry about it. Now, get moving."
Following Rey's words, Aleshia walked to the door, saying, "No, it's alright. I've encountered my fair share of people like this before." With that parting sentence, she stepped inside the home.
Inside the home, it resembled the dilapidated camp where she had been staying for several weeks, according to Lucia's count. However, this place was much smaller yet also significantly brighter, thanks to sticks embedded with magical devices illuminating the space. Aleshia half expected to find liquor scattered about, but instead, she discovered rotting wood flooring with weeds growing between the decaying boards.
After getting a good look at the first room of the house, Aleshia entered the next room, which was below a small stairwell leading down to a basement. A few members of the group were already there, cleaning the space. It was clear to Aleshia that this second level was not what one would typically expect in a slum dweller's home. Looking around, the walls were dirt, supported by beams strategically placed in various areas. To the side, a well-crafted wooden beer shelf displayed various bottles of alcoholic drinks, all neatly organized. In contrast, a few open bottles rested on a table that showed much more wear and tear than the well-built shelf.
The others had already gone ahead of her and cleaned a portion of the room, but it seemed they had skipped the shelves, which already appeared well-maintained. From Aleshia's perspective, everything else looked dusty or grimy.
Aleshia began cleaning and searched for a rag or cloth. Finding one readily, she wet the fabric with magic and began to scrub the comparatively dirty area.