Chapter 21

It is now time for Xianth to learn more about this world, especially its customs, and geography. While the library is not the best place for that, it's not like he can simply ask anyone the common knowledge of this world. That would just cause him to attract suspicions and unwanted attention

"A library... ah yeah, we have that close to the town square but it's a bit far from here. Walking takes around 30 minutes and it takes less time if you were to ride a public carriage" the kid said and since Xianth wants to reach the library as soon as possible, he decided to hire a public carriage

"Come on then, we'll ride a carriage" Xianth said but the kid shook his head with an ashamed expression on his face

"Mister, no coachman would let me ride on their carriage" the kid said while looking at himself from top to bottom

Indeed, if Xianth was the coachman, he also wouldn't want a beggar to ride on his carriage because of how dirty they are

"Then just guide me to where I can hire a carriage and I'll pay you the remaining gold coins" Xianth said and since this works, the kid excitedly guided him on the streets, specifically to where he can hire a public carriage

When they arrived, Xianth saw a line of horses and carriages. There were more than five of them in this area and even if one carriage were to be hired, another carriage would arrive to make up the numbers

It seems like this place is similar to the bus terminal of Xianth's previous world which was convenient since he doubts that a car exists here. If his destination is far, he would have to ride on a carriage

"Here, take this with you. Be careful on your way" Xianth said and instead of handing just 50 gold coins to the kid, he gave him 200 gold coins

"M-mister! T-this is t-too much!" The kid said while staring at the two 100-denomination gold coins that Xianth gave to him

"Just take it and get yourself something nice" Xianth replied before he continue walking towards the coachmen

As much as he felt bad for that beggar, his kindness also has a limit. He can't take pity on every beggar he encounters and take care of them. Might as well just give them a bit of money to help

"Sir, to the public library" Xianth said to the coachman and the middle-aged man nodded his head

"That would be 75 gold coins" the coachman said

For a carriage ride that takes less than 30 minutes, Xianth does not know if 75 gold coins are such a large sum for the fare. But considering that this world does not have public transportation like buses or trains and can only ride on a carriage that is limited on how many people could ride at a time, 75 gold coins might not be that large of a fare

Xianth rode on the carriage while his eyes roamed the city outside. This place really gives an old and medieval-like vibes

There were no modern cars, towering buildings that reaches the skies, and other such things. It's a dream destination for medieval enthusiasts

Along the way, Xianth also saw the Town Square. It was a wide open space where many kids are running around and families were out on a picnic. In the middle of the square was a fountain and there are also many people around this fountain

Just like what the kid said, the public library is near the town square and he soon reaches his destination

After paying the fare, Xianth went out of the carriage and went straight to the library

As a place that holds many books, the library's building was bigger than other buildings but it only has two floors. High-rise buildings are not common in this world. Most buildings and houses only have a single floor while the more uncommon ones have two floors

There were two guards standing outside the library's door but Xianth acted normal as he entered the building's premises

Just at the side of the entrance was a counter where an old woman could be seen. Since Xianth is still not aware of how things work here, he approached the counter where the old woman was sitting and smiled politely at her

"Hello, good afternoon. May I know the library's policy and system?" Xianth asked and the librarian looked at him with raises brows

"If you don't have a library card, you have to pay for one and it costs 3,000 gold coins. With the library card, you can read the books while inside the library but if you want to take them home, you have to pay a rental fee. The fee depends on how rare or in demand the book was. Any other question?"

Despite the fact that the librarian explained the things that Xianth wanted to know, her tone was far from being friendly. This made him wonder whether librarians no matter what the world is would always be grumpy old ladies

"I want a library card" Xianth replied while feeling a bit of pain in his pocket

While this sum was not exactly astronomical, it was still a lot even though Xianth have tens of thousands of gold coins with him

If converted into meals, 3,000 gold coins range from 30 to 60 meals. That half a month to a full month's worth of meals if you only eat cheap things twice a day

Xianth gritted his teeth as he handed three 1,000 denomination gold coins to the librarian and he was given a wooden card in return

"Show that library card every time you enter the library. Now, go" The old lady sounds as if she was shooing Xianth and instead of dealing with her, the young man just decided to search for books that would help him understand the Osmeon Continent better since Ischyros is not really helpful at that