Lein ignored them. His gaze went straight to the reception desk in the corner of the room. Behind it, a middle-aged man with a long beard was arranging some documents. The white robe he wore had red accents at the waist, giving him a simple yet dignified appearance. At a glance, he looked like an ordinary person. However, Lein could sense a stable aura of power—at the Master level.
Lein approached the large wooden desk where the man was seated. As he got closer, he noticed an emblem of a winged sun pinned to the man's chest—a symbol that seemed to hold significant meaning in this place.
"Welcome to Solareon, Sir. How may I assist you?" the man asked in a calm, experienced voice.
"We need a few caravan carts for transportation within the city," Lein said without unnecessary small talk. With a casual motion, he pulled out a small pouch containing several Gold Cosmos coins and placed it on the table with a soft clinking sound.
The man glanced at the pouch briefly, raising his eyebrows slightly before looking back at Lein. "Of course, Sir. We have several options..."
A faint smile appeared on his lips. With deft movements, his hands counted the coins before nodding. "We have various types of carts. For a group your size, I recommend the medium type, which can hold up to eight people. The rate is one silver coin per day, including a driver."
Lein nodded without much comment. It was a fair price. After completing the transaction, he asked another question, "We also need a decent place to stay. Any recommendations?"
The caravan owner stroked his chin, pondering for a moment before replying, "If you're looking for comfort, I recommend Auberge Lux in the city center. It's the finest inn, frequently used by distinguished guests from various realms. However, the price is quite high. If you're looking for a more affordable option, Silver Rest is comfortable and strategically located."
Lein considered for a moment before making a decision. "Auberge Lux sounds like a good choice. Thank you for the information."
After securing the caravan, Lein and his group began traversing the main streets of Solareon. The city was bustling with activity. Majestic buildings with luminous architecture lined the streets, towering pillars emitting a soft glow that eliminated the need for torches or lanterns.
Along the way, an open market displayed a variety of goods. Lein saw vendors selling radiant fabrics that emitted soft hues, floating crystals that hovered steadily in the air, and foods exuding a sweet and spicy aroma. The Seraphin race, with their golden wings, were busy making transactions, while several humans and other races mingled among them.
Lein's eyes briefly caught Laras, who seemed mesmerized by a food stall on the roadside. Her gaze was fixed on the displayed delicacies, almost unblinking, as if she hadn't eaten in days.
Lein smiled slightly. "Laras, how about we go food hunting when night falls?" he asked casually.
Laras, who had been entranced by the food, shuddered slightly, then glanced at him with a startled expression before quickly nodding. "Alright, Brother Lein," she replied, slightly flustered.
Lein noticed her cheeks turning faintly red, but before he could comment, Laras shifted her gaze—directly at Efan.
Efan looked different than usual. The man, known for being serious and proactive, was now busy glancing at the Seraphin women mingling in the streets. His blue eyes sparkled, almost like a child discovering a new toy.
Laras rolled her eyes and chose to ignore Efan completely.
Lein chuckled before jokingly commenting, "Efan, I fear you won't want to leave this realm."
Efan didn't respond immediately. His gaze was still fixated on the golden-winged women in the distance, making Lein even more certain that the man was truly captivated by the allure of the Seraphin.
Efan shivered at Lein's remark. Somewhat stiffly, he pulled his gaze away from the window and gave an awkward smile. "It's not like that, Brother Lein," he said, his voice slightly shaky. "I'm just curious... how can they be that beautiful?"
The man's cheeks were almost turning red—something rare for him.
Lein chuckled lightly. "As long as you can keep yourself in check, everything will be fine," he said casually, not overly concerned about Efan's behavior.
With that, Lein shifted his attention back to the scenery outside, observing the city of Solareon.
In some areas, exclusive shops stood grandly. There was a workshop displaying gleaming weapons behind glass showcases, their polished surfaces reflecting the light. Not far from there, an herbal store was filled with seemingly living plants, their leaves trembling as if responding to the presence of customers. Across the street, an academy stood magnificently, with a star symbol adorning its gates, a mystical aura surrounding the building.
Lein took in every detail with keen interest. This city was not only beautiful but also held many things worth exploring.
Upon arriving at Auberge Lux, Lein and the others disembarked from the caravan. The inn stood tall and majestic, its golden pillars adorned with sun and moon carvings, radiating luxury in harmony with the city.
As they stepped into the lobby, they were greeted by an elegant atmosphere. The high ceiling was adorned with glowing crystals, casting a soft light that created a warm ambiance. The polished marble floors gleamed, reflecting their steps with a subtle shimmer. A refreshing floral fragrance filled the air, enhancing the comfort of the surroundings.
Behind the reception desk, a graceful Seraphin woman stood. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, and her golden eyes shone gently as she smiled in welcome.
"Welcome to Auberge Lux. How may I assist you?"
Lein stepped forward. "We'd like to book a few rooms. One for me, one for Laras, and one for Efan. As for the rest, arrange accommodations for our crew according to the available capacity."
The woman nodded, her hands swiftly noting the details in the reservation book. "We have luxurious rooms on the upper floors for the three of you. For your crew, we will provide group accommodations on the middle floors. Does that sound acceptable?"
Once the reservation process was complete, Lein turned to face his crew. His gaze swept over them one by one before he spoke, his voice firm but not restrictive.
"You're free to explore the city, but make sure not to cause any trouble. If there's an urgent matter, contact me."
The crew nodded, then dispersed in various directions, some looking eager to explore this unfamiliar city.