Irregular Curved
Chapter 17: Lodging

This city has not changed.

Darkness enveloped the sky of the capital. Seeming clear without the presence of clouds, the atmosphere of spring is so supportive of the economic activity of the people of the capital even at the time when the sun has set.

Lodging wrapped in a hood. Light is in the middle of the crowd, looking for something to eat using the money he managed to hide from his father while taking the spoils of war.

Now, what am I supposed to do?

I can't go back to my dorm room for now.

While eating the meat skewers as a hunger restraint, Light considered the decision he had to take for now.

As a student of the academy, Light actually got a private room which was the facility he got from the academy. However, every time Light entered his room, it was always in a state of chaos.

Walls full of scribbles in the form of insults and swearing, furniture and personal belongings do not escape being victims of the violence of irresponsible hands. Just because Light was disliked by the princes—including the second prince who was in the same class as Light and Selene—because he was a descendant of Renesse, almost all the students turned to dislike him.

His only escape during his studies at the academy was the library as well as the back building of the academy that had been unused for a long time.

Light lives his days in a bad situation and chooses to remain silent. If he made a sound, Light knew no one would come to his aid. To that end, he chose to be humble, grateful that his choice did not cause the students to bother him more than this.

Right after parting ways with Jade and Colin, Light was not given a penny to bear the cost of living himself. Light only relied on the food provided by the dormitory, he himself was already quite satisfied with it.

However, the graduation ceremony now only counted the days. Light had to find another source of income, there was no way he would continue to rely on the academy to endure his daily needs.

With a sum of money worth ten imperial slices of gold in hand, at least it would be enough to bear Light's living expenses for four to six months depending on how he spent the money.

"Hey, do you know where the cheap inns are around here?" The grilled meat skewer seller stared in surprise at Light over the question he had just asked.

"Are you a traveler from across the sea, sir?" In response to Light, the seller's hand remained motionless, "If you're looking for a 'normal' inn around here, you need an identity or an original identifier given by the guard knight."

Light is now in the capital's trading district. Unlike the upper district where the nobles and knights were housed, the trading district had many races passing by in it.

Although the empire is a country that embraces human supermation, it may only apply in jargon. Nobles could not turn a blind eye to the skills possessed by other races with the potential to significantly improve the economy of the country.

"I don't have a problem with that." Light's appearance was so suspicious, to the point that the butcher mistakenly thought Light was from another continent.

"If so, come to the 'Cresent Moon.' Inn.' It was the best inn around here at a fairly affordable price. The food is good, they don't discriminate against other races either." The meat seller smiled kindly to Light, recalling the innkeeper's kindness.

"Thank you." Light put down the bronze coins as gratitude, he rushed to find the location according to his memories during the disguise in the capital several years ago.

Light did a search after a while. The inn that only showed the sign of a crescent moon hanging above the entrance, Light was sure if this was the inn that the skewer merchant recommended to him.

Cklangs!

The strange bell sound welcomes Light's arrival. Away from the shadows, the bar that doubles down on the dining hall was the room he first encountered.

"Welcome to Crescent Moon Inn!" The cat beastman girl greeted Light and walked up to him after he served a customer's dinner, "Include me, my name is Selka! Can I help you, sir?"

Selka hid the plate tray behind her back. The smile she had on her face was so cute, her small stature adding to the impression that she was one of the promotional girls.

"I need an empty room for the next month." Along with the conversation of the two, Light was guided towards the counter.

Selka looks for room availability on the list, "If you don't mind, is the room just for you, Mister?"

"right."

"Bingo! One room with one mattress is still available, sir!" Selka reached for the key under the counter table, the service she showed was adorable even though it had no effect on Light, "But, you are required to give identi—"

"No problem." Light gave his academy identity.

Not that Light is currently living on the run. Light doesn't think a false identity is a necessity. So, it does not matter if Light blatantly shows his identity and data.

All over Selka's body instantly trembled, seeing the existence of a noble right in front of her actually made her mentally fall to the bottom of the abyss. The bitter memories of Selka with a noble in the past can not be forgotten.

"I hope you don't say unnecessary things." Light warns Selka to take her back to duty seriously.

"La—lalu... a—do I have to hide your identity, Sir?" Selka stammered, her excessive fear and desire to call her superiors became the main reason for her nervousness.

"Well, that doesn't mean I'm trying to hide it. So you're free to tell me where I am if you're asked or even in danger." Light gave the rescuer an answer.

"Ba—Good... The Mu—"

"Master or customer, that's enough." Light cut Selka's words.

"B—baik, Sir... La—lalu... charged bill is 2 gold coins if you order breakfast and dinner. Ka—we peg the rate of only 5 large silver if you intend to rent it without getting a dish."

Light reached into his leather bag and took out 2 sliced gold coins on the table, "Enough?"

"I—iya... Mister..." Light leaves Selka who is still a little scared just like that right after the room key is given to her.

"Master owner! Madam!" Selka rushed in to meet the innkeeper who had been taking care of her since long ago right after Light who had climbed the stairs was no longer visible.

Light grasped the sword handle with his right hand as he climbed the stairs, feeling the need for new gear after all the weapons he had were heavily damaged.

I think I need a sword for now... After all, I cannot attend classes with this shattered sword.

......................