Chương 41: The Life of the Resort

Galan finished the last of the snacks, washing them down with a generous gulp of Ootake Maru's wine.

"Thanks," he mumbled around a mouthful of tuna.

"You're welcome," the blue oni said, watching his rival devour the food with a mix of awe and mild regret. A young crew member approached, bowing deeply.

"Excuse me, Dear God. I'm here to collect the bowls."

"Right on time," Galan grinned. He flicked a gold coin into the air. It bounced off the oni's chest and landed perfectly in his palm.

"Thank you, Dear God!" the crew member beamed.

"You are truly generous."

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Now go do your job."

"Of course." The oni scrambled to clear the table, bowing again before retreating.

"Are you always this generous?" Ootake Maru asked.

"Only to those who deserve it." Galan shrugged.

"No use rewarding the rich or the bad."

"That is a sensible reasoning." They relaxed in the water, watching Shuten Dooji flex for his adoring fans. The crimson champion posed dramatically, the light of the lanterns highlighting every corded muscle as the crowd cheered. Galan's gaze drifted past the spectacle, drawn to the smaller, quieter moments of life around the pool. Wealthy patrons exited from a row of doors that led to private hot springs, housing the true, naked only experience. So that's where they get the kogan from the rich locals, he thought.

They really thought of everything. Looking behind him, he saw merfolk children by the fish pond, reaching for the water while their parental figures held them back. Near them, a merfolk child calmly ate the fish food herself, causing her to be taken away in her mother's arms as she cried. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Ootake Maru smiled, noticing Galan's focus.

"Hmph."

"What?"

"It is nothing. I am merely curious as to how you can be so enraptured by such mundanity."

"Didn't I already explain it?"

"Yes, although—""Oh, come on!" Shuten Dooji bellowed, wading towards them.

"Are we seriously out here partying while you two are having a philosophy lesson in your own little world?" The crowd laughed.

"Unlike you," Ootake Maru retorted, "I care to learn more about someone than just knowing their raw strength."

"Hah! I like the way you think, Mountain Goat!" He grabbed a massive gourd.

"Now, let's learn just how much rice wine our Gaijin Shin can take!" He passed it around the circle until it landed in Galan's hands.

"Alright! Watch this!" Galan declared. He lifted the gourd and began to drink. Gulp after gulp, he drained the vessel, the crowd watching in stunned silence. Even the stoic dwarves lowered their beards in respect. Daphne covered her mouth, eyes wide. Galan turned the empty gourd upside down, shaking out the last few drops. The hot spring erupted. Cheers, whistles, and splashing water filled the air. Shuten Dooji grinned, knowing he just won another bet against Ibaraki Dooji.

"Alright, everyone!" he shouted.

"With our snacks and drinks depleted, I think it's time to continue the party with some real delicacies! Follow me!" He led the crowd out of the water, leaving Galan and Ootake Maru to have a moment for themselves.

"If you're still curious about why I like mundane things so much…" Galan said softly.

"It's because I fight to keep the good guys safe and happy… To remind myself what will be lost if the bad guys win." Ootake Maru stared at him. The pieces clicked into place—the power, the kindness, and the ruthlessness. Turns out he was just trying to understand someone that's just like him this whole time.

"I... didn't know you carried such a burden, Lord Oda."

"Don't say that as if your work is any different," Galan scoffed, standing up.

"Our past responsibilities were pretty much the same."

"I suppose that's true," Ootake Maru murmured.

"Then I hope we don't repeat our mistakes as we protect what's precious to us." Galan extended a hand. Ootake Maru took it, feeling the immense power in his grip as he was pulled to his feet with ease.

"Yo!" Shuten Dooji's voice roared from the side passage.

"Are you two coming to the restaurant or not?!"

"Yeah! We'll be there!" Galan yelled back.

"He really needs to learn some patience," Ootake Maru grumbled, adjusting his loincloth.

"He wouldn't have rallied so many oni if he were like you, y'know?"

"Point taken." As they wade through the water, Galan turned towards to the cervitaurs.

"See you later, Daphne," he called in Greek. Daphne squealed and hid her face, her friends giggling around her. She peeked through her fingers as he walked away, whispering to herself.

"I... I'll wait for you..."