At least, that’s the plan. First, I have to make my way over to Selina’s inn.
It seems the Marshall Trading Company sent a carriage just for her, which means I’m stuck walking to this “Morton Hotel” they mentioned.
“Heh. Might as well look for instruments and sheet music on the way,” I mutter to myself.
I’ve never been in a city this big before. Besides, Selina is probably taking a nap right now, so I have some time.
Since it’s right on the main street, I spot the Morton Hotel almost immediately.
“Whoa. It’s enormous.”
I don’t know if Chairman Willy knows Selina is a noble, or if he just really, really didn’t want to be turned into a pig. But either way, he booked her into the most magnificent hotel in sight.
Here on the main thoroughfare of Alina, the inn signs don’t have pictures of beds on them. I wonder if you’d find illustrated signs on the backstreets.
It sends a clear message: if you can’t read, you’re not welcome.
Come to think of it, the sign for the Marshall Trading Company was just text, too. So I guess in Alina, you can’t even get into the best shops if you’re illiterate.
Does that mean they just turn away anyone from the shantytown on the outskirts?
Then again, maybe that’s what it takes to maintain order.
If I had a Guild Pass, I could enter the city freely, but that costs a silver crown and five copper pennies.
I’m not sure I even had that much before I became an adventurer. I think I just scraped by, but still.
Whether we actually stay here is up to Selina, but I figure I just need to be back by dinner. Until then, it’s free time.
I still need to get four more axles made back in Lang Village.
Two to convert the current cart for hauling lumber, and two for the new cart I need to build.
But until I get the money from the sale, I need to be smart.
Should I try making the nails myself? If I buy some scrap iron, I bet I could forge them with my little alchemy pot.
I hum a happy tune.
It looks like I can save some money, and the lumber will sell for more than I expected. That means I can buy something.
A new harp, maybe, and some sheet music. Even if it isn’t a magical instrument, I’ve gotten pretty good at pouring my own mana into things.
The main street is lined with huge shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s a little intimidating to go inside… huh? Wait, is that the Adventurers’ Guild?
The sign is the same in Carlton, Raymond, and here in Alina—the one with the crossed sword and shield.
“I bet I can get information on shops in here,” I think out loud. “And I should check for any quests that look like easy money.”
While I’m at it, I want to buy Maggie a souvenir. The only thing I got her from Raymond was a ribbon. It was green with lace trim, and pretty expensive, but she was absolutely thrilled.
The thing is, ribbons don’t last. I want to get her something more permanent this time.
The Guild is huge, too. Even grander than the one in Raymond.
I start to head inside but stop at the door. It’s packed with people, even though it’s just after noon.
Whoa, there’s a tavern in here?
The other guilds I’ve seen had tables for parties to plan things out, but they never served alcohol.
Adventurers are a rougher crowd than your average farmer or merchant. Adding alcohol to the mix seems like asking for trouble.
As soon as I step through the door, all eyes turn to me.
“What’s this, a little kid?” someone mutters.
That stings, but I ignore it. I’ll get taller. Eventually.
“That black robe… is she a witch?”
This, however, could be a problem, especially after Chairman Willy warned me that spellcasters are easy targets for kidnappers.
It’s not just the adventurers drinking in the tavern; there are long lines at the reception counters, too.
I have a bad feeling that if I stand in front of the quest board for too long, someone will definitely try to recruit me for their ship’s crew.
Maybe the best way to find out about quests is just to ask a receptionist.
I have no idea who the “good” ones are here, so I pick a line at random.
The stares from the tavern are making my skin crawl, but since no one is saying anything directly to me, I decide to ignore them.
I discreetly pull a Big Boar magic stone from my Storage and slip it into my robe pocket. I figure the receptionists will be much more helpful if I’m selling something, rather than just asking for information.
It’s a new guild, and I’m a bit of a coward. I need to look like I have actual business here.
Still, my mind keeps wandering back to one thing.
I really hope Selina doesn’t find out I turned Chairman Willy into a frog.