章節 6: Exploring the town
The next morning, I made my way to the innkeeper, who greeted me with a warm smile. She suggested that I freshen up and offered to provide me with hot water for a bath. Grateful for the opportunity to cleanse myself, I gladly accepted her kind offer.
She noticed that I hadn't brought any spare clothes and kindly offered me a change of clothes from her own collection. Sigrid, the innkeeper, disappeared into a small room and returned with a simple yet clean set of garments.I gratefully accepted the spare clothes.
The innkeeper led me to a small room with a basin of steaming water. I undressed and immersed myself in the comforting warmth. It was a luxurious experience, as I had never before enjoyed the luxury of bathing with hot water. The sensation of relaxation washed over me, and I felt rejuvenated.
After the refreshing bath, I wrapped myself in a towel and dressed quickly, feeling a renewed sense of comfort. The fabric was soft against my skin, and it seemed as though it had been well-cared for.
Just as I was about to head to the common area, a young woman, presumably Sigrid's daughter, emerged from another room. She carried a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and freshly baked bread. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her delicate features and expressive eyes. She set the tray on the table without uttering a word, her demeanor reserved and distant.
I thanked her for the meal, but she did not respond. Instead, she quietly retreated back into her room. I settled down at a table near the fireplace and savoured the delicious soup and bread.
As I finished my meal, I approached Sigrid, the innkeeper, who was bustling about attending to various tasks behind the counter.
Me: "Excuse me, Sigrid. I wanted to inquire about the bill for yesterday's stay and today's meal."
Sigrid looked up from her work, a warm smile gracing her face.
Sigrid: "Ah, yes, of course. Yesterday's stay amounts to 1 silver and today's meal is 3 copper coins."
I reached into the pocket that Kana gave me, expecting to find the necessary coins for payment. However, to my surprise, I discovered only gold coins inside. A total of 10 gold coins, which exceeded the amount required. I hoped the currency would be different here, but real gold for coins!, even though the coins were smaller but it was inscribed very delicately.
Me: "Sigrid, it seems I only have gold coins at the moment. Would you be able to provide the change?"
Sigrid's brow furrowed slightly as she checked her own cabinet, realizing she didn't have the necessary smaller denominations.
Sigrid: "I apologize, but I don't have the change at the moment."
"However, I can deduct the expenses from your remaining gold coins and inform you when the value starts to dwindle. Is that acceptable?"
Me: "Certainly, that would be most convenient. Please let me know when the balance begins to decrease significantly."
Just as I finished speaking, Bjord, the guard who had accompanied me to meet the chief, entered the inn. He stood tall and sturdy, with a rugged appearance.
Bjord: "Good day, stranger. I trust you had a restful night?"
Me: "Indeed. The accommodations were excellent, and I appreciate your assistance in escorting me here."
Bjord: "I'm glad to hear that. The chief would like to see you once again. He refrained from questioning you last night, knowing you needed rest, but he has some lingering inquiries. When you're ready, I can escort you to his quarters."
I nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for Bjord's understanding and consideration. It seemed the chief's curiosity hadn't waned.
Before leaving the inn, I turned to Sigrid, the innkeeper, who had been observing our conversation. Her kind eyes met mine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity and trust in her presence.
Me: "Sigrid, I appreciate your hospitality. I will return shortly"
Sigrid smiled warmly, her voice laced with a motherly concern.
Sigrid: "Take your time, dear. The chief's quarters are just a short walk from here. Should you require anything later, don't hesitate to come back."
With Sigrid's reassuring words, I followed Bjord out of the inn and into the crisp morning air. The small town began to stir as the villagers started their daily routines. I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me in the chief's quarters and what answers I might find there.
As we walked through the town, Bjord's presence exuded a sense of duty and authority. His gaze swept over the surroundings, ever watchful for any signs of trouble.
The chief's quarters stood at the edge of the village, overlooking the vast expanse of the surrounding countryside. It was a modest yet dignified building.
Bjord led me through the entrance, where we were greeted by the chief himself. The elder's piercing eyes met mine, studying me with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
Elder: "Welcome back, my young inventor. I trust you had a restful night. Please, come in."
I stepped inside the chief's quarters, the air filled with a sense of reverence and ancient wisdom.
Elder: "Sit, sit. Let us delve into the matters at hand. I have questions that have lingered in my mind since our first encounter."
I took a seat, bracing myself for the forthcoming conversation. The chief's expression was both stern and inquisitive, and I knew that the answers I provided would shape his perception of me.
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts, knowing that my responses would shape the path of my journey in this fantastical world.
Elder: "Tell me, young inventor, from what land do you hail?"
Me: "Far away."
Elder: "And what of your belongings? Bjord said you arrived empty-handed."
Me: "Bandits took them."
Elder: "And what might be your name, young inventor?"
Me: "Zane Sage."
Elder: "A rather odd name, I must say. With a surname, you must belong to a noble family. Why are you here in our humble town?"
I am in silence for quite some time.
Elder: "And what of your belongings? Bjord said you arrived empty-handed."
Me: "Bandits took them."
Elder: "Bandits, you say?"
The room fell silent as the Elder fixed his piercing gaze upon me. The weight of his question hung in the air, creating a tense atmosphere that seemed to squeeze the very breath out of the room. His voice was firm and unwavering as he spoke his final inquiry.
Elder: "Do you mean any harm here, Zane Sage?"
I could feel the gravity of his words, the underlying concern and caution. Every eye in the room seemed to be fixed on my response, waiting with bated breath. The weight of their suspicions and uncertainties pressed upon me, urging me to choose my words carefully.
Me: "No, I mean no harm."
The simplicity of my answer echoed through the room. Though my words were few, I hoped they carried the weight of truth, assuaging any doubts that lingered.
The Elder's eyes softened ever so slightly, his brow easing as he seemed to contemplate my response. A flicker of understanding and acceptance danced within his gaze, hinting at a glimmer of trust. He nodded, as if acknowledging my words, and a small sigh of relief escaped the lips of those around us.
Elder: "Very well, Zane Sage. I am Rigmrir, the Chief of this town. You may stay here until the merchants arrive, and I will assist you in finding a way to leave with them."
With those words, the tension began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of cautious acceptance.
Elder Rigmir: "Bjord, my son, can you please show our guest around the town?"
Bjord nodded in response to the Elder's instruction, his stoic expression showing no hint of reluctance. He turned to me, his gaze firm but not unkind.
Bjord: "Come, Zane. I will show you around the town and help you find what you need."
I followed Bjord as he guided me through the village, his footsteps steady and purposeful. We passed by the blacksmith's shop, where the ringing of hammers against anvils filled the air. The blacksmith, a burly man with soot-stained hands, nodded at Bjord and me as we walked by. His wife, equally skilled with a hammer, smiled warmly and greeted us.We passed through many stores on our way offering many services and goods, they all were working hard on their jobs, but when Bjord came by they all stopped their work and interacted with him.
We continued our tour until we reached the magic equipment shop. Its modest size belied the treasures that lay within. Scrolls and runes adorned the shelves, shimmering with arcane symbols.
Store owner: "Welcome to my humble shop. I am Xiang, a student of the arts of Winterboon Magic Academy."
Me: "Pleasure to meet you, Xiang. I am Zane."
Xiang's disciplined demeanor was evident in the way he spoke, his words measured and precise. I could sense a tinge of sadness in his eyes as he mentioned his past.
Xiang: "Hello Bjord, how are you today?"
Bjord smiled at him and both shook their hands.
Bjord: "My friend Xiang here was one of the brightest students the academy had ever seen."
Bjord said in a tone that almost felt like proudness.
Xiang: "It's not true, I just had an explosive academic growth because every other student was busy on their important research"
Me: "Congratulations on graduating on top of your class"
Xiang: "Actually, I had to leave the academy when my parents fell victim to a monster raid. I returned to take care of my younger brother and manage this shop."
Bjord chimed in, his voice filled with warmth and friendship.
Bjord: "Xiang and I have been friends for years. He's a skilled magician and knows a thing or two about magic items."
Xiang turned his attention to me, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
Xiang: "So, Zane, what is your mana affinity? Have you discovered your magical inclinations?"
I paused for a moment, realizing that I had no knowledge of mana or any understanding of magical abilities. I chose my words carefully, not wanting to reveal my lack of familiarity.
Me: "I'm not sure. I don't seem to have any specific mana affinity."
" I mean not everybody uses magic, right?"
Xiang nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with knowledge.
Xiang: "Indeed, everyone possesses some level of affinity, even if they do not actively use spells. It comes down to mana control, the ability to channel and manipulate magical energy, and the capacity of one's mana reserve."
Before Xiang could ask me another question, I interrupted him, pointing to a brown scroll amidst the green ones on the shelf.
Me: "What about that brown scroll over there? What does it signify?"
Xiang smiled, taking the scroll into his hands and examining it.
Xiang: "Ah, that is a scroll for earth magic. Each color represents a different elemental affinity. Brown signifies earth, while green scrolls are neutral, without any specific affinity."
He went on to show me various scrolls with different purposes. There were scrolls for cleansing the meridians, enhancing the flow of mana within one's body. Others were meant for house protection, creating barriers or warding off unwanted energies. And then there were scrolls that, when mana was injected into them, could imitate low-tier spells, useful for amateur magicians in combat situations when they couldn't concentrate fully on their spellcasting.
Xiang: "These scrolls can be valuable tools for those still honing their magical abilities or in situations where precision spellcasting is challenging. They offer a temporary solution, allowing users to tap into a pre-designed spell effect."
I listened intently, intrigued by the versatility and practicality of these scrolls. It seemed that even without a strong grasp of spellcasting, I could still find a way to harness magic in a different form.
Bjord's face filled with curiosity as he posed the question,
"Zane, what is it that you wish to create here?"
The air grew still, and the conversation came to a sudden pause.
Me: "I... I don't know yet."
I replied with uncertainty, my voice trailed off, unsure of what direction my path would take in this unfamiliar town.
Xiang: "You're always welcome to purchase the items you need. In fact, I might even offer you a newcomer's discount."
As the afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the town, Bjord and I decided it was time to head back to the inn. We bid farewell to Xiang, expressing our gratitude for his guidance and the offer of a discount.
Returning to the inn, the comforting aroma of a delicious lunch wafted through the air. Sigrid's daughter had prepared a hearty meal, enticing my senses with its enticing flavors. Although she remained quiet and reserved, her culinary skills spoke volumes. Sigrid served us her homemade pickels and fed me and Bjord until we were full.
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