The city of Dotsk, east of the Barak Empire.
This place was closer to Solen than the capital of the Barak Empire.
The merchant caravan had originally planned to head straight to the capital, but after suffering two ambushes along the way, they changed course to the nearer Dotsk.
The horses were exhausted, and the mercenaries were worn out from the unexpected battles. The servants were in the same boat. It was time for proper rest and reinforcements.
I decided to part ways with the caravan here.
"Th, Theodor, please reconsider."
The merchant wanted to keep me on, since I'd been the most active during the ambushes, but I turned down his pleas.
Continuing to guard a caravan that was so obviously a target now would be insane.
Whoever they were, they'd even brought a troll into the mix. No ordinary madman would do that.
And there were other suspicious things too.
In the ashes of the blazing troll, I'd found the exact same black gem as the one from the shadow wolf's scruff.
'It melted away so I couldn't take it, but it was definitely the same black gem.'
Someone controlling the troll.
We'd dealt with it somehow, but I never wanted to run into them again.
Quitting midway meant my pay would be halved, but after handling the shadow wolves and then the troll, I'd ended up earning far more than originally expected.
So there was even less reason to keep going.
One thing still nagged at me, though...
"If that's your decision."
I fiddled with my coin pouch and glanced at the merchant, who showed no sign of handing over the money.
"Instead of the excess pay beyond the original amount, give me one sack of tea leaves."
"Tea... leaves?"
His eyes widened, as if it were the last thing he'd expected.
And who could blame him?
A mercenary asking for tea leaves instead of gold? That was bizarre on a whole other level.
I gave him a small smile.
"You'll need that much to hire other mercenaries to escort you to the capital."
"W-Well, yes..."
The merchant mumbled as he slyly tucked the coin pouch behind his back.
"I'm not so heartless."
"..."
"We're all just trying to make a living. I'm changing plans and heading to Solen. Tea leaves should sell well there. Let's make that my pay."
"I-Is that really okay?"
"Yes. But I'll pick the sack myself."
It was a pretty good deal—no, way too favorable for the merchant.
"Ah, may the goddess of mercy, Nemeia, bless your merciful soul!"
"Thanks for the kind words."
I nodded in thanks and headed to the cart stacked with tea sacks.
"You don't need to give me the good stuff. You have to sell that in the empire, right?"
"Oh, my goodness. A fine young man like you in these times... Blessings on Theodor's path ahead!"
The merchant was praising me like he was about to burst into tears.
Ignoring him, I rummaged through the tea sacks.
'This one.'
I pulled out the smallest, shabbiest sack in the corner.
"That one?"
He must have thought I had no eye for quality, because he let out a sigh and raised a hand to stop me.
"Theodor, I'm not a total cheapskate. At least take one of the mid-grade ones over there..."
"It's fine. This size is perfect for carrying alone."
I lifted the sack, sniffed it.
'As expected...'
There it was.
That smell.
'The old lady warned me to be careful with this...'
I'd learned it the hard way, so the memory was crystal clear.
It had been masked by the stronger scents from the other sacks...
But this was definitely the smell of Black Opium.
I pulled out a thick Royju leaf sack, wrapped it around once more, slung it over my shoulder, and stood.
"This'll do."
The merchant hesitated, his conscience pricking him, but his empty pockets won out, and he nodded.
He handed me the leather pouch with the rest of my pay.
Even subtracting the tea's value, it was generous.
"Thank you. I pray you arrive safely in the capital."
"And I pray you reach Solen safely."
"Take care."
I nodded lightly and walked away.
It would take about two days to Solen.
'Recovering my energy beforehand isn't a bad idea.'
Just then, I spotted a street lined with inns.
I started toward my usual rundown cheap one, then stopped under a certain sign.
[Jade's Apple Tree].
The well-kept door stood open, and from inside came the sizzle of something grilling, along with a mouthwatering aroma.
...I'd gotten good pay, so maybe I could splurge tonight?
-Creak.
I pushed open the door to the upscale inn.
"Welcome!"
A friendly innkeeper greeted me. He was grilling thick cuts of meat over charcoal. I couldn't tear my eyes away as I said to him,
"I'd like a room..."
"We've only got one 5-silver room left right now. Shall I show you?"
5 silver.
Pricey.
But tonight, I desperately wanted a good room to crash in.
A good room, good bed, good food...
"That one."
He chuckled, surprised that someone in my grubby state would ask for a 5-silver room without hesitation.
"Right away, sir. Hey, Caitlin!"
At his call, a woman who worked at the inn came down the stairs.
"Show this gentleman to his room. Help with his luggage too."
"No, my bag's fine."
I stopped Caitlin as she reached for the sack on my shoulder and followed her up the stairs.
The inn was so well-maintained, not a single creak from the steps.
"Prepare a bath too, please."
"Yes, sir. We have regular baths and premium ones..."
"Premium."
"Got it. Be right with you."
While Caitlin prepared the bath, I sorted my gear. Toss what could be tossed, keep what mattered. Not much to toss, really—just a truly worn-out pouch and some clothes...
Once I sold the Black Opium, I'd get some proper clothes too.
"All set!"
Steam billowed out as she opened the bath door.
Premium meant herbal-infused water; a fragrant scent filled the air. Bath salts too.
"Call if you need anything."
"Thanks."
After Caitlin left, I sank into the hot bath.
"Ahh..."
This was it.
Fatigue finally melting away.
Even on the safe Golden Road, endless walking was exhausting.
Like an interminable cross-country march.
And with luggage? Forget comparing it to that.
On top of it all, beasts and a troll...
"Hoo, perfect..."
Finally felt alive.
Fully submerged, eyes closed, I organized my plans.
I'd unexpectedly scored some Black Opium, so now I had to figure out how to handle it.
'Best to sell it quick.'
Mages would flip at the chance for Black Opium; they were everywhere.
Key was selling to the right buyer at the right price.
"Claude..."
The name came to mind, but I shut my mouth.
In this world, Tower Master Claude hadn't appeared yet.
He'd just entered the academy around now.
Who then?
'A bit risky, but is he the only option?'
The guy who popped into my head wasn't ideal, but no better came to mind.
Couldn't keep carrying Black Opium around.
Needed money for
I roused my languid body and left the bath.
-Nggh.
I'd kept her close all day, but separating even briefly had made Isla that upset; she whined and burrowed back into my arms.
"Alright, alright, time for dinner."
It was evening already; the first floor was packed.
The innkeeper and his wife bustling in the kitchen, Caitlin rushing plates around, patrons laughing and sharing drinks...
"Ah, sir!"
Caitlin spotted me first and led me to the best seat.
Perks of a 5-silver room.
"Thanks."
"Figured you'd want dinner. We've got fresh lamb that came in today—top quality."
"Sounds good. Lamb then..."
"Beer?"
"No alcohol."
Getting drunk in a place like this was asking to get rolled.
I glanced around the hall, then continued ordering.
"One rack of roast lamb, a bowl of beef stew, grill the chicken leg with plenty of butter and herbs, two white rolls with butter and jam. Oh, and one fig and a cup of goat milk."
She double-checked—guessed I'd ordered more than expected—then headed to the kitchen.
The aroma of grilling meat wafted over. She wasn't kidding; it was incredible.
As the wait dragged, the food arrived.
I started with the golden-brown roasted lamb rack. One bite, and fatty meat filled my mouth, juices bursting. Man, this hit the spot. Shame about no beer. Back home, I'd pair lamb skewers with it often...
The beef stew was hearty, with fresh tomatoes and potatoes. The melt-in-your-mouth beef kept my spoon moving. I dunked one roll in the stew, slathered the other with butter and jam. After constant hard grain bread, this white bread was so soft and sweet...
The butter-and-herb chicken leg vanished in bites. Damn, this place was good.
Pricey, but the food in this world wasn't half bad.
Craved sweet grape wine, but I tamped down the urge and sipped the fresh goat milk.
-Kiiing, ngh, nggh.
Isla poked her head out from my arms.
"Eat slow."
I set her on the table, poured some goat milk into a wide dish.
-Lap lap lap.
She emptied it as fast as I did.
"Your pup takes after her owner."
"You think?"
Caitlin brought extra figs as a complimentary touch.
"You and me are alike, says Caitlin, Isla."
-Ng?
Isla just stared at me with golden eyes, clueless.
A peaceful night after so long.
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