
The horse carriage that Shinnichi and Genia were riding on shook as it passed through the forest. Avoid trees and bushes that are too thick. Shinnichi held the restraint rope tightly.
It had been more than five hours they were heading to a city in the East direction. And during those five hours, Shinnichi and Genia did not say anything. Maybe every now and then Shinnichi would offer an apple and drink to Genia, but other than a few words, a long conversation did not occur. Of course, Shinnichi could not speak because he needed to focus, if one looked at him carefully, he could see that Shinnichi's hand was actually trembling. Covered by the shock of a horse carriage, Genia was unaware of it.
In addition to his mental strength, he had also been sitting on the shaking wood for five hours, his buttocks ache. Shinnichi hopes the city is near. He really wanted to sleep on the bed.
Before he began to complain, his chariot came to a path. It was a little rough, but he could see the wheel tracks and horseshoe on it. His eyes twinkled, Shinnichi whipped his rope. The two horses were walking a little faster.
And after fifteen minutes, Shinnichi could see it. Walls made of wood. A stone gate and a city behind it. Civilization! Shinnichi could barely hold back his smile. He is now one step closer to his goal.
Shinnichi approached the gate. A pair of chest-plated men guarded the gate. Holding a spear was like a cliche fantasy gatekeeper.
“Stop.” A guard stands in front of Shinnichi's horse carriage. The horses stopped their steps. At the same time, another guard rushed to check his car.
“Who are you? Identify yourself.”
Shinnichi lowered his robe. Gave the friendliest look he had. “Good afternoon, I'm a traveller. I needed to refill my supplies, so I came here.”
“A traveler ‘kah?” The guard looked at Shinnichi suspiciously. His eyes fell towards Genia. The poor girl looked frightened under the gaze of the guard.
Genia bowed her head. Her rabbit ears drooped. Body shakes. He was terrified.
“He's your slave?” The guard asked.
Shinnichi glanced towards Genia. Not bothering, Shinnichi just nodded.
“Bos!” The guard who was inspecting the horse carriage earlier exclaimed. “This horse carriage belongs to Greenmile company!”
“Greenmile?” The guard that the boss called back looked at Shinnichi suspiciously. “After some thought, there was a horse carriage from Greenmile that just left yesterday. And the train looks exactly the same as this train..” He overestimates his gestures and style of speech.
Shinnichi sighed. He knew what was on the guard's mind. He threw a piece of gold coin towards the Boss. Without a jolt, he caught the coin. Smiling faintly.
“I'm a little rushed. So, can I just pass right away?” Shinnichi asked, still polite.
“Of course, mr. traveller. Oh! Open gate!” The boss's behavior changed 180 degrees. Money seems like it will be important to him after this.
Shortly after the boss called out his order, the gate made of large wood opened. Show the city behind the wall.
“Does this city have any lodging?” Shinnichi asked again.
“Oh, of course. I recommend the Three Egg Pavilion. A little expensive, but I guarantee the quality is appropriate. Just follow the road, and you'll see the logo. Do you need an introduction?” The guard gave a complete clue.
Shinnichi just shook his head. “Not need, thank you.”
“Alright then. Enjoy your time at Iedrich.” The boss smiled happily. Waving his hands like a sneaky employee.
Shinnichi lightly whipped the restraint, the two horses returning to walk. Entering the city called Iedrich.
❂❂❂❂❂❂
Iedrich is a small town. Surrounded by four-meter-high wooden walls, a wide variety of buildings fill the city. The sound of hot iron being smashed out of a gun shop, the tantalizing aroma wafted from one of the food stalls, the simple and beautiful clothes displayed proudly behind the glass. The economy is growing well in this city
People are moving here, taking care of their own interests. Mothers carry their babies, children run to play, men are busy at work. Iedrich is a peaceful city in the eyes of Shinnichi.
Shinnichi held himself back from jumping down and then ran towards one of the food stalls. The shadow of good food is really tempting, but he at least needs to find a place to stay first. Shinnichi glanced behind him, fleeting but clear. He ignored it for a while.
After a while, Shinnichi could see it; the Inn of the Golden Egg. A three-story white wooden building. Where does Shinnichi know? A sign hung in front of the building. Three cracked eggs with a pair of wings coming out from it. Where else if that's not the place?
Shinnichi stopped in front of the inn. He went down, Genia followed behind him. He opened the door of the inn.
Inside, a bar at once a place to eat. Out of the dozen tables there were, almost half were filled with people. In the front seat of the bar, three men were laughing while drinking alcohol. They are unaware, or rather, unconcerned by Shinnichi's presence. Lunch time, so Shinnichi is no wonder this place is full.
Shinnichi walks towards the reception desk. A short blonde-haired young lady sat behind a desk, taking notes on something. Realizing the customer's presence, the woman raised her head and pushed her glasses.
“Welcome to the Three Eggs Pavilion. Our inn is as comfortable as a nest for bird eggs. I am Annie, how can I help?” With perfect smoothness, Annie the receptionist greets Shinnichi. Smiling friendly.
“I want to stay here.” Shinnichi answered the receptionist's question. A little surprised by the polite welcome.
“Ah, of course. How long will you stay here?”
Shinnichi thought for a moment. It can't be too long. He just needs a place to rest while he gathers his information and supplies. Shinnichi. “Three days.”
“Good.” The receptionist wrote something in her book. Then he took a piece of paper. Brochure of sorts. He breathed in the plan and then began to explain.
“We have three offers for you. Regular, Gold, and Premium. If you choose regular, we will provide a regular room with three meals a day. If you are not satisfied with it, you can choose the Golden Package, where you will get a special room, three meals a day plus your private bathroom. While our Premium package offers maximum service. Special rooms, private bathrooms, full dishes with Premium dinner. Complete with appetizers, main meals, and desserts. Not to forget too, “night” special room service typical Three Egg Pavilion.”
Shinnichi was speechless. He had no idea that the receptionists in this world were so professional. He could only imagine what “night” room service meant.
A little hesitant, Shinnichi pointed to the middle. “Err... I choose gold package only.”
“Good choice, mr.” Annie nodded her head. “The price is six silver coins per night. So, the total amount was 18 silver coins. You need to pay 30% of the total amount as an advance payment; five silver and 40 bronze coins. Please sign and write your name here."
Shinnichi nodded. He took the pen provided and wrote the name and put the signature in the place provided. Then, he took his money bag from [Storage] under his cloak. Put a piece of gold coin on a tray. Skilfully, Annie the receptionist counted her change. Ninety-four silver coins with 60 bronze coins.
Annie gives a key to Shinnichi. Putting the change in a bag, Shinnichi receives the key. The keychain shows the number 12.
“Your room is on the second floor. Breakfast is available from 8-10. Lunch starts from 12-3. And dinner, 5-9. Enjoy your time with us.” The receptionist smiled again.
“Thank you.” Shinnichi held the key in his hand before recalling something. “Ah, horse-carriage-“
“Of course, Sir. Your vehicle has been moved to the rear at this time also.” Annie replied, cutting Shinnichi off. This inn was too High-spec to the point that Shinnichi was a little scared.
Gawat, I only booked one room. Shinnichi scratched his head. He went back to the reception desk.
“Excuse me, can I book one room la-”
“Ti-no need!” Genia interrupts before Shinnichi finishes his words.
“What do you mean?” Shinnichi faces Genia. Not understanding his way of thinking.
“A-I don't need a room..” Genia answered slowly. Subduing then shaking his head while gripping his shirt.
“... It's up to you.”
Shinnichi gives up after seeing Genia. He walked up the stairs. Genia followed him with her head bowed. Dare not to raise his head to look at Shinnichi.
Shinnichi opened the door to his room. An ordinary room, the first thing that takes notice is a pair of twin-size mattresses in that room. Shinnichi sighed. Relieved that there were two beds there.
Now, the question is whether this is standard for other rooms or is it dominated by the receptionist? Imagining the woman pushing her glasses, smiling as she muttered “As planned.” That's a little scary now.
Shinnichi checked the room. A pair of mattresses, a set of tables and chairs, as well as an empty closet. At the end of the room, there was another door. Bathroom, complete with tub, soap, some towels, and toilet seat. To the standards of this world, the inn was quite good. Too good, if Shinnnichi knows the conditions of the other inn.
He turned towards Genia. The girl is still dirty and messy. His hair was matted and greasy, the seedy cloth he wore also smelled. Shinnichi didn't say it straight away, he still knew manners.
“You take a shower first.” Shinnichi. Pointing towards the bathroom with her thumb. “I'll be gone for a while.”
Genia hesitated a little, but she nodded her head before entering the bathroom.
Shinnichi sighed. Scratching his head, he came out of his room.
“Schwarz, are you there?” Shinnichi called the dragon's name.
“I'm here. What's up?” Schwarz replied shortly afterwards.
“No, nothing. You haven't spoken much lately.” Shinnichi stops in front of the reception desk. He asked Annie. “Sorry, is there a shirt store here?”
“Of course. There's a dress shop across the street. Shop Arville.”
“Thank you.” Shinnichi nodded before walking out.
“Only that?” Schwarz replied. Half surprised. “We are in civilization. And I'm inside your head. You talking to me is like talking to yourself. You want to look like a crazy person?”
“Oh, true also.” Shinnichi stopped by the side of the road. Look back and forth, making sure no horse-drawn carriages or carts pass by.
“So, you're not lonely?” he asked again, looking unconcerned with Schwarz's previous words.
“Omong empty what is it? Of course not!”
“He~h, I thought you were quiet for sulking. You tsundere so hard to know.”
“I'm not tsundere!”
“And that's the thing a tsundere.” would say Shinnichi smiled mischievously, crossing the street.
“Whispering, boy. Never mind, I better close my eyes.”
“Oke, good night.”
“….”
Schwarz did not answer. Very rude, Shinnichi batted in his heart. Unknowingly, he had already arrived in front of Arville's clothing store.
Shinnichi went inside. The ringing of the bell accompanied his first step into the store. At first glance, the store was not much different from the clothing store in his world. Shelves everywhere, mannequins wearing the latest clothes, even places to try clothes.
Shinnichi looked around at the clothes inside the store. Starting from robes, pants, tunics, shirts, dresses, even shoes. This shop looks complete.
“Welcome to Arville~” store
A suspicious voice came from behind the shop. Shinnichi felt his hair standing up. A sensation that was much different from the one in his realm in a dungeon. Shinnichi can feel his instinct telling him to leave.
However, he was late.
It's come.
Shinnichi felt someone was behind him. He turned his body. The first thing he saw was a muscle wrapped in a pink cloth.
Shinnichi swallowed his saliva. He had to raise his head before he could see his face. He regretted doing that. Even with his experience within the Dungeon, he had never seen this kind of creature.
In front of him, a man with a thick beard. A gorilla with the same muscle size. Wearing a pink gothic dress, complete with gloves and a small hat and cat ribbon on her bald head. The appearance is capable of making anyone want to wash their eyes with holy water and soap.
“Dear customers, is there anything I can help~?” The man, raising both his hands then took a peaceful pose that did not match his appearance. The sound in it doesn't help either.
Shinnichi swallowed his saliva. “Uh... Ti-no, I think I entered the store wrong. Excuse me..”.
Shinnichi turned his body to run. However, the man quickly caught her hand.
“Take it easy, sir! I'll serve you well~! So, let me choose a shirt for you~”
“Tu-Wait! I'm not pe-Huh?” Shinnichi could not let go of the man's hand. Its vit that exceeds 450 is less powerful to match this pink-ribboned man.
Cold sweat came down his back. That's where Shinnichi learns; the monsters outside turn out to be even scarier than inside the dungeon. It also got a nice discount for four sets of clothes, so it wasn't too bad.