Just passing by

"Mr. Robert, if I may ask, what is your surname?"

What surname? Well, I have one, but if I remember correctly, surnames aren't common in this period. Rafael thought as they traveled side by side on the road through the plains. The sun had just risen a few minutes ago.

"I don't have one."

"Ohoho, no need to be humble, sir. Someone like you definitely has a surname or at least holds an important position at the capital. Let me guess, hmmm... Are you an emba—no, no, no. Hmm..."

While Aerd continued to ponder, Rafael wasn't particularly interested in engaging in conversation. "Actually, it's hard to guess just from your appearance, so could you tell me a bit about yourself? Just small details so I can try and guess based on that."

This was the last thing Rafael wanted to do, so he bluntly told the guide that he was a merchant and inventor. This dude... sigh, there's still a long way to go, so I'd better use this for something.

"Oh, so you're actually a merchant, huh? And an inventor? Wow, now I'm curious. What have you created?"

"Paper. Do you know it?"

"Paper? Ahhh, I don't think I've heard of it. What is it?"

"It's a thin sheet of a specific material used for writing and other things."

"Amazing. Do you know how to write, Mr. Robert?" Aerd asked with visible surprise and anticipation.

"Unfortunately not, but I plan to learn in the future."

"So, you're traveling for business, aren't you? You're going to sell this paper to Baron Frederic, right?" Aerd didn't seem fearful or apprehensive of Rafael, unlike most commoners.

"Maybe I'll do that." They continued talking, but Rafael always gave vague answers to any questions about himself. Eventually, Aerd realized he wasn't going to learn much more and settled into silence, occasionally making small talk about the scenery, food, or other trivial matters.

During their journey, they encountered two caravans headed to Burmegh. Hm, so there is commerce between cities. That's good and will be important in the near future when I begin to sell paper and other things. They would occasionally stop to relieve themselves and eat while riding to save time.

By the time they arrived at the city, Rafael's butt cheeks were numb from the long ride. "Let's stop for an hour to restock our food and let our mounts rest a bit," Aerd suggested as they passed through the bustling city entrance, weaving through the crowds of commoners.

My God, finally! The feeling of getting off the horse and stretching was pure bliss for Rafael. "Hey Aerd, buy something better to eat, okay?"

"Understood." They had stopped in front of a simple inn, so Aerd went inside to make the purchase. The city was smaller than Floutt's but had similar characteristics, such as better houses in the center, guards stationed on the streets, bustling commerce at the city entrance, and vast fields of crops tended by numerous workers.

A young man exited the inn with a large bowl filled with water, which he placed in front of the donkey. He then went back inside to do the same for the horse.

I'm craving some water, not that beer. Rafael walked inside and asked the same man if they had any water to drink. The innkeeper's eyes widened at the sight of Rafael. "Ah, no-no, sir... Actually, yes, yes, we have water, but it's from the river, and we usually only give it to the animals."

"I saw it, and it looked clean, but to be sure, could you boil a bit for me?"

"Yes, yes, right away." The innkeeper hurried to the kitchen. The inn was entirely made of wood, with no decorations or glass in the windows. The interior was small and didn't have a side room for sitting. Aerd returned from the kitchen, holding a round bag.

"Mr. Robert, I bought the best bread they had and also some fruits and grains." He sat at one of the tables. Rafael didn't want to sit and wait but eventually did after some thought.

If I go for a walk to sightsee, there's a chance something bad will happen, and I'll attract unwanted attention, just like in those novels.

"Despite this being the smallest city in the kingdom, it's actually not the worst. In fact, I prefer this one to any city in the south."

"Why do you say that? And, what fruit did you get?"

"Some apples. Would you like one?" Aerd handed an apple to Rafael after receiving a nod.

"I like this city because it's the right size—not too small and not too big. Also, I heard Baron Ine helps his people and is forgiving," Aerd said, glancing up at the ceiling.

"Forgiving? I don't know much about him, but if you say so, then I guess he's good."

"You don't believe me? I heard he even reduced the taxes the villages under his rule had to pay in these times of war. If that isn't good, I don't know what is."

"Okay, I agree. That's good for the people." They lingered a bit longer before heading outside. Since they were on the outskirts of the city, the houses were simple, and the townsfolk passing by were mostly commoners.

They mounted their animals and continued through the city, this time following the river.

I just hope they've stopped searching for me. I'm in dire need of a safe place to stay, a good bath, and clean underwear... Wait, I heard underwear was invented in the 19th century.

"Hey Aerd, do you have underwear?"

"Underwear? What's that? Is it something new from the capital?" Aerd asked, puzzled.

"No, no, just forget it. It's nothing," Rafael replied. Okay, buttons and underwear are the things I'll introduce along with paper. It's impossible for me not to get rich, even with just those, right?