Goldhaven

"What is it?"

"What shall we answer to that guard? He filled that poor man with questions, and he was just asking his permission to come in. His children were terrified," Yoichi asked, pretending to look forward.

"I don't know. Honestly, I didn't remember the controls being so invasive. My father never told me about it, something must have happened..." the merchant admitted, barely opening his lips to speak.

"And so what? You didn't answer my question and..." Yoichi spoke, immediately interrupting his words. One of the guards in line began to look at him.

"Don't worry. Just be quiet, let me talk," Enatsu commanded, coughing and restoring order.

"Next!" the chief of the guards exclaimed, inviting the two adventurers to step forward.

Sora was perched on the merchant's shoulder, while Kenji followed Yoichi near his feet, never losing sight of him.

Before speaking, the man in heavy armor looked at the two demons, then crossed his eyes with their tamers. "Yes?" he asked, waiting for either of them to start talking.

"Hello. We are here in Goldhaven to shop at the Old Bazaar. I'm from Silvertide Village and my friend is a Bronzeforest farmer," Enatsu broke the ice, with a fake smile painted on his lips.

"What about these little ones?" the guard inquired, pointing to Kenji and Sora with his hand.

"Um... are our Oracles, sir. I am a merchant, not a fighter, while my friend is..."

"Is he deaf?" the head of the guards interrupted, squaring Yoichi from head to toe.

After that statement, one of the guards in line chuckled. Kenji's menacing gaze remained fixed on the man in front of its master.

"No, he... he..."

"I am just a farmer, sir. My Nekage helps me drive the wolves off the farm and gives me a hand with the sheep", Yoichi affirmed with conviction. Although that excuse was invented at that very moment, the serious tone with which it was said made it seem incredibly believable.

Enatsu was amazed at his companion's ability to improvise. Not knowing what else to add, he limited himself to confirm with his head.

"Impart on your pet to stop looking at me like that, otherwise I'll send you back to the Bronzeforest kicking your ass" the guard ordered, referring to Kenji.

Yoichi's foot gently hit his Oracle's side, making it sat next to him, showing itself to be obedient. "I beg your pardon. It is not used to seeing people in armor. It's just scared," Yoichi promptly explained, bowing his head slightly out of respect.

Unlike his permissive behavior with the other travelers, the chief of guards began to walk around the two adventurers, verifying that they had nothing to hide.

"A farmer, ah?" he asked, awaiting Yoichi's answer. The young tamer chose to remain silent, implicitly confirming that question.

The guard stood behind the two companions, who remained with their eyes turned towards the door. Yoichi closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"You are an unusual couple," the guard commented, crossing his arms. "Go, get off my lawn" he continued, allowing them to get through the Main Gates.

"Th... thank you!" Enatsu stammered. Yoichi remained silent and, along with his friend, finally entered Goldhaven.

When the two adventurers were far enough away from the men guarding the entrance, Enatsu vented the tension accumulated in those interminable moments. "Holy shit! I nearly soiled myself! I thought your words didn't convince that guy."

"Well, I thought so too," Yoichi added, lowering himself to Kenji and petting its head. "Mmh... this is so annoying..." he mumbled, getting up and sticking a hand in his trousers.

"Yoichi! Does it feel like the time to get naked? People can see you and..." the trader immediately shut up when his companion pulled out the dagger hidden in his trousers.

"The blade kept moving up and down. It cut all my leg hair! Hahaha!" Yoichi laughed.

Beneath Enatsu's astonished gaze, the young tamer had managed to trick the chief of guards into hiding his weapon in advance. Before interacting with that giant in armor, he had placed the dagger into the backside of his belt. When that man started walking around them, he managed to slide it in the direction of one leg, hiding it.

"I must admit, my friend: you'll never stop surprising me!" Enatsu cheered, sighing.

"Did you think I was going to let that guy see the dagger? Hey there, I'm a farmer and I brought with me the blade I use to harvest wheat... hahaha! I'm not stupid!" the young tamer chuckled, simulating the talk with the guard at the Main Gates.

After a few genuine laughs, useful to strengthen the bond of friendship in that bizarre couple of friends, they found themselves beyond the great white walls of the capital.

Thousands of small torches hung here and there on the walls and streets, made Goldhaven an incredibly atmospheric place: its tall buildings were highlighted by the same white stone as the outer walls, durable and elegant. A lot of people walked left and right, for work or just for pleasure.

The tiled street decorated with flowers and curved street lamps was full of people and the confused chatter was enriched by pleasant background music, coming from some bard looking for alms.

The real Goldhaven was much prettier than that described by Enatsu. Its warm evening colors infused the spirit of the two travelers with an unexpected serenity, estranging them for a few moments from the raw reality.

The capital was the largest city in Tentochu, yet, every spot was treated in the smallest detail. Nothing seemed to be built randomly. The streets, bridges, and shape of the buildings were in perfect harmony, making such an immense place on a human scale.

Admiring the surrounding sight, Yoichi and Enatsu approached a large wooden sign. Arrows pointed to places of interest, helping foreigners like them to orientate.

"The Old Bazaar is that way," Yoichi announced, trying to go back to reality. Although the atmosphere was calm and relaxed, he had never forgotten his true mission.