[15] Ronoa Country II
Finally, there is a city I can visit. There aren't many villages around this snowy forest, but after walking for a week, I have finally found a human city. Unlike the last time I was captured and enslaved, this time I feel a glimmer of hope.
However, the question now is how to gain entry. Will there be a fine or do I need an identification card to enter the city?
[If we consider the taxation system in this world, there is indeed an entry fee to a city depending on the policies of the kingdom or regional ruler. However, you can pay 10 copper coins as an entry fee, since you are not registered as an adventurer but as a traveller.]
Ciel-sensei's explanation was easy to understand. Fortunately, I have 30 copper coins, a gift from the villagers I saved. Although they were initially reluctant to give it, they insisted I accept it as a token of gratitude.
'Beloved God, I am grateful and thankful for the path you have made easier,' I prayed silently. I continued towards the gate guarded by soldiers.
Seeing me approach, their expressions were slightly surprised and wary as I came nearer.
"Hello... I am a passing traveller, may I enter the city?" I said, removing my hood to reveal my dog-like ears, which resembled those of a Shiba Inu.
The two guards exchanged puzzled looks.
"Beastfolk? It's quite rare for your race to speak the human language," said one of them, holding a spear in his hand.
"Are you from the great forest on the Milis continent?" asked the other.
My smile froze. I inquired about what they mentioned to Ciel.
[The continent located to the southeast of the world, where the holy kingdom of the Milis religion, founded by Saint Milis, stands. It is also inhabited by various races, including beastmen.]
I see, just as I expected in another world. I need to find out what the Milis religion is like.
"That's correct, I've been travelling from my home, coming from the northeast, then north, and ended up here," I said, fabricating a story.
"Wow, that's truly impressive. You must be quite a skilled fighter to have travelled so far and still be intact," said the guard, astonished by my claim.
"Well then, forgive us. Are you registered with an adventurers' guild? May we see your guild card?" asked the other.
"Sorry, but it seems I lost it during my journey here. Can I still enter? It's been a long time since I've stayed in a city," I said sincerely.
Seeing their confusion, they exchanged glances and sighed wearily. "Alright, just pay 10 copper coins as the entry fee, and for the guild fine, you can go to the town square where the adventurers' guild is located," said one of them.
After paying the 10 copper coins, they allowed me to enter the city. I thanked them and walked through the gate, feeling relieved that I had finally made it into Ronoa.
...
Now, it's time to find accommodation. After asking the gate guards, they kindly informed me of where to find an inn, and I headed there according to their directions.
"How much is a room for one night?" I asked the receptionist, a middle-aged man who looked friendly.
"Young man, we don't accept guests per night. If you want to stay, you must book for at least a week," he replied.
Hmm, I understand. It seems the price would be too low for just one night. Besides, this inn is indeed aimed at adventurers passing through.
"Alright, what's the price?" I asked.
The man held up five fingers and said, "5 copper coins."
'Hmm, quite affordable,' I thought. I reached into my pocket and handed him five copper coins.
"Good, here's your room key. It's located at the far end of the second floor," he continued, handing me the key.
I took the key and went up to the second floor. The corridors were simple, with wooden walls that gave a warm and cosy feel. Arriving at my room, I opened the door to find a simple yet clean space. There was a fairly large bed, a small table in the corner, and a window overlooking the city streets.
I placed my large bag on the floor and stretched out. Finally, a place to rest comfortably after a long and exhausting journey.
Before sleeping, I decided to freshen up first. In the corner of the room were a bucket and a basin for washing. After cleaning myself, I felt refreshed and ready to rest.
.
The next morning, I immediately planned my activities. First, I need to sell all the hides I have to the adventurers' guild or another option. Next, I plan to buy some fabric. Considering my clothes are made from hides with an old-fashioned design, I think about creating my own clothing model. With my knowledge from another world, I am confident I can create an interesting new style.
Then, of course, I need to visit a trader willing to buy my rock salt. After all that, I need to think about the next steps or seek more detailed information about this world, such as the various races, countries, continents, and anything else that could be useful.
After putting on my usual clothes, I took the large bag containing the items I wanted to sell. Due to the lack of information about the city, I had to ask the innkeeper about where I could go to sell my goods.
A few hours later, the transactions were complete, and I managed to make 3 gold coins, 10 silver coins, and 300 copper coins. The highest price I received was for the rock salt. Modern methods of processing it allowed me to produce salt of superior quality.
The shop owner was astonished by the product I brought. I chuckled, remembering their amazed expressions.
As I walked towards a bar, someone with hurried footsteps began to follow me. Not just one person, but several. As I suspected, this journey was unlikely to be smooth.
Alright, let me give these people a lesson in life.
Quickly, I stepped into a narrow alley between two buildings. The atmosphere grew dark and confined, but it was the perfect place to confront them without drawing attention.
I could hear their footsteps getting closer, and calmly prepared myself. When they appeared at the end of the alley, I saw them clearly. There were three of them, looking rough and menacing.