Chapter 20 Innkeeper
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After leaving the Alchemy Guild, he had just sold the potions he’d brewed at a shop beneath the Elandric Merchant Guild’s branch. He had mentioned the branch manager, Baldric, by name. In his possession were 200 silver coins, 50 silver coins, and about 130 copper coins — spoils taken from the bandits he’d defeated before reaching this bustling town. Now, riding his horse through the cobbled streets, he sought an inn, asking passersby for directions.
Looking around, he saw townsfolk working busily in varied attire. Travelers like himself carried daggers for protection, blending in with the commerce-driven atmosphere. Occasionally, rough-looking criminals with scars across their foreheads and weapons slung casually over their shoulders strolled freely. This place was unmistakably a commercial town.
He thought to himself, Thanks to that, even with a criminal record for theft and a handful of bandits killed, I’m still allowed to enter. The thought felt strange. Despite the bad luck that had brought him here, he already identified somewhat with these criminals.
(Maybe I can erase my criminal record with a church indulgence or something?) he wondered quietly.
It sounded optimistic, but settling in a decent part was a sincere hope. As this thought crossed his mind, he arrived at the inn. He tied his horse at the stable and stepped inside.
”Excuse me—if I may,” he called out.
The innkeeper, a middle-aged man, responded and approached. “Are you here for a meal or to stay?” he asked.
”I’d like to stay. How much is the fee?” he replied.
”How about 50 copper coins for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s breakfast?” the innkeeper proposed.
He immediately added, “I’ll need hot water to clean up, and hay for my horse at the stable.”
After a brief pause, the innkeeper countered, “In that case, how about one silver coin for two nights? That covers accommodation, meals, and everything.”
Having already decided to stay, he readily accepted the offer.
He paid one silver coin in advance and was shown to his room. It wasn’t private; instead, it was a relatively spacious dormitory with nine bunk beds tightly packed together. He was told valuables could be locked in a trunk, the key handed over for safekeeping. He was momentarily stunned but told himself it was better than sleeping outdoors or on the hard ground.
Still, after camping so long, this was a definite improvement. The meal was also better — a lightly salted soup with a few ingredients and bread, far superior to the dreadful dried meat scavenged from bandits. He would sleep in a simple bed with clean sheets laid over hay, a luxury he hadn’t experienced in weeks.
Moreover, there was no longer a need to squat outdoors. The inn boasted a pit toilet with privacy protection, allowing him to relieve himself at any hour.
What surprised him most was how early bedtime was—an effort to save candles and fuel.
After a long, exhausting day, he finally lay down to sleep.
(I want to return to the original comfortable world… quite seriously,) he thought, eyes closing slowly.
Notes:
• Elandric Merchant Guild – A merchant guild with a branch where the potions were sold.
• Baldric – The branch manager of the Elandric Merchant Guild.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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