Althea allowed them to absorb the new sight for a few moments before speaking, "We are on the trial version now, only these few are available at the moment. We called them so the injured people could go ahead."
The people looked at her in awe.
Drake walked to Althea and made the standard salute, rightfully given to an elder, that also solidified Althea's elevated status amongst the newcomers.
"We will go ahead to take the injured people to the clinic, located near the main square." He turned to the others. "It is near the village center, you can follow if you want."
He turned his concerned gaze back to Althea. "Are you sure you're not coming with us?" He asked, referring to riding the carriages with the heavily injured people.
Althea nodded under the people's stares. "I'm planning to introduce some of the territory as we walk." She said.
There were too many injured people, she didn't want to take their comfortable space.
As such, the most heavily injured people were placed in the carts, with their friends and family walking closely following.
Luke said a temporary goodbye to Ansel and his goddess, before leaving to follow the cart where his brother was.
Ansel looked at their backs in worry and Althea couldn't help but pat his shoulder. "He'll be fine. We have a healer here."
Althea saw him surprised and realized most of the other territories couldn't have upgraded their village centers to level 2, simply because of its cost. It was the Lord's prerogative to upgrade and she wouldn't be surprised if they ignored it.
Speaking of cost, upgrading territories themselves required huge amounts of gold.
Which made her wonder what happened if the 100 hours leeway was over, but the territory didn't have enough money to upgrade… would it be in debt?
At this point, Althea wasn't wrong.
Such territories would indeed fall in debt, and the interest rate was staggering.
"Where did healers come from?" Ansel asked.
"They're… aborigines hired by the territory by special means." Althea answered very vaguely, "From what I heard, it had to do with an upgraded village center." Was all she said, before walking forward with her brother.
Many people looked curiously for her to speak more, but no one dared ask.
Who told them to have such a high image of Althea after she rescued them so grandly, and with the guards following her orders so respectfully?
Ansel was also very curious, but he didn't ask. They'd have plenty of time to chat later on.
The group continued, walking along the avenue with a bit of wonder and extreme curiosity, following its path and not noticing the time.
Before they knew it, they were starting to hear some buzzing and they understood they were getting closer to people.
But, it's just daybreak, right?
"The day is just starting. People wake up early to prepare their shops and some need to buy breakfast before going to hunt or to work." One of the guards explained, a bit proud.
"Shops? People prepare shops?" The woman asked, "The restaurant and other stores are always open, aren't they?"
Another guard butted in with a smug smile. "They are shops owned by the citizens here."
The group was taken aback. "What? What could people sell?"
They knew of stalls, as they were available everywhere, but the term used was 'shops'.
This time, none of the locals spoke. Instead they gave out sly smiles. "You'll find out soon."
The crowd was still chattering at this point, but then they all stopped. Because they started smelling the amazing aroma food.
Their stomachs churned. Ordering them to follow the smell or else they'd eat themselves!
The pace of walking had visibly hastened and the newcomers soon arrived at the active commercial streets.
Although it wasn't as lively as it was when the stalls were here, it was energetic enough even at this time so early in the morning. A lot of people had to eat breakfast before running to their respective jobs or going outside to hunt monsters, after all.
The guards, already used to this, decided to part with them when they reached a large intersection.
It was the handsome Helios who gave the instructions. "We will leave you here to explore on your own.
"Basically this avenue contains the most important facilities." He then pointed at his left and right. "This is a new street, called Market street, which only takes in foot traffic.
"If you're on a budget, there are Marketplaces at the end of each street, where various stalls are located. As far as I know, the food sold there is much cheaper and simpler than those in the big stores."
The marketplace where the stalls (which could be rented on a per-day and per-week basis) were placed right in front of the garden squares of Market Street.
This was also to ensure that the majority of traffic would reach the supermarket.
He sneaked a peek at Althea, who smiled and nodded. "There is also a supermarket on the end of this street." He pointed along the northeast side. "I heard it's opening later in the day.
"And finally," He pointed further to the avenue they were walking in. "If you wish to become residents, find a place to live, find a job, etc. do register in the village center at the end of this avenue."
He then faced the refugees with a friendly smile, absolutely charming the women.
"That's it: Welcome to Altera!"
With this, the guards were done with their jobs and headed to the barracks to report.
Of course, the guards all greeted Althea before segregating from the group, offering to escort if she needed.
Althea shook her head, and told them she'd be spending the morning with her brother.
Crow and the others knew Ansel had found his sister, so they didn't stick with him. They simply thanked everyone for their rescue and promised to treat them to food when they earned money.
Seeing everyone go their own ways, Althea grabbed Ansel's arm, dazzling him a bit.
"So…shall we go see the children, Uncle Ansel?"