Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 77 (Part 1)
The port city of Lanse was the second most bustling city in the Beros Kingdom, after the capital. Trade caravans and the goods they distributed, regularly coming from the central continent, attracted the majority of merchants from Beros.
Lanse, which already had a large population and a significant floating population, saw an even greater influx of people recently. Refugees fleeing from the war and those seeking exile or escape to the central continent gathered, creating a chaotic atmosphere.
Where there are people, businesses thrive. As the crowds swelled, trade caravans from the central continent began sending countless shipments to the port cities of the western continent.
The central continent’s merchants unloaded goods at the southern port cities of the Thirteen Nations Alliance and loaded up with the western continent’s specialties. In the remaining space, they took in exiles or escapees for a hefty fee.
With the constant flow of people between the central and western continents, Lanse had become even more lively than before the war.
As soon as Rodin arrived in Lanse, he sold all the horses at the market, including the well-fed horse he had grown fond of over time.
“Brother Rodin, there are so many people.”
“Make sure you don’t let go of my hand. Larry, you take good care of Bianca.”
“Yes, leave Bianca to me.”
“No! Bianca is taking care of Brother Larry!”
The bickering was a perfect reflection of Marlon and Ellice. Somehow, Rodin could almost picture them ten years from now.
‘It’s better to find a place to stay before securing a ship.’
Since the dock was on the opposite side of town, Rodin decided to look for lodging first.
‘No one is trying to hustle customers? That means business is good.’
He entered a nearby inn to inquire about a room, but as expected, there were no vacancies.
“This is troublesome.”
“What should we do, big brother?”
“This isn’t the only inn. Let’s look around a bit more.”
They asked around for available rooms, but every inn was fully booked.
One inn did have a room, but Rodin immediately turned around and left. The dining area on the first floor was full of rough-looking thugs. It was not the kind of place he wanted to stay with children.
“I’m fine with anything, big brother. Do as you see fit.”
“I’m okay too.”
They continued their search for a place to stay, and even Larry and Bianca, who had been excitedly looking around, began to fall quiet.
‘Are we going to end up sleeping outside in the city?’
After searching for quite some time, they arrived at a large inn located in the center of the commercial district. Just by its appearance, it was several times larger than any inn they had seen so far.
“big brother, won’t this place be expensive?”
“You don’t need to worry about money.”
The size of the inn was impressive, even the entrance was large with double doors made of high-quality materials.
*Jingle!*
They entered the inn, and a young woman in her twenties at the counter greeted them with a smile.
“Welcome! How can I assist you today?”
“We’re looking for a room.”
“Ah, I’m sorry, but we’re fully booked at the moment.”
This inn also had no available rooms. Rodin began to feel a bit anxious. At this rate, they would end up camping in the city.
“Are there absolutely no rooms?”
“There is one annex left.”
“What’s the situation with the annex?”
“Prices start from 800 gold per day and go up to 2,000 gold, depending on size and quality.”
Fortunately, there was still an available room. Rodin wasn’t concerned about the price. Since the annex was a separate space, it would be perfect for staying with the children.
“How many rooms does the 800-gold annex have?”
“It consists of three rooms and a shared space. There’s also a separate bathroom, and if you need a bath, you can call a servant. Of course, the meals are also upgraded to a more luxurious fare.”
“That sounds good. We’ll take it for three days.”
Rodin pulled out a bundle of gold coins from his backpack. It wasn’t enough, so he took out more until he had the full 2,400 gold.
“Thank you, sir. Here’s the key to your annex. Jimmy! Please guide the guests to annex number 8.”
“Yes, sir. This way, please.”
A young man, who appeared to be in his early twenties, guided them to the back of the inn. Along the main road, large mansion-like houses were lined up.
They were led to the building closest to the inn’s main structure.
As described, the annex had three rooms connected to a large common area. In front of the rooms was an open yard spacious enough for some exercise.
“This is your place, sir. Do you see those two people over there?”
“Yes, I see them.”
“They are the staff responsible for this annex. If you need anything, just ask them. And if they don’t meet your expectations, feel free to inform the front desk.”
“Thank you.”
Jimmy left, leaving a good impression with his courteous manner.
“Wow!”
“Big brother! This house is huge. Are we living here?”
“No, we’ll stay here until we board the ship.”
“Are we going on a ship?”
“Yes, we’re heading to the central continent.”
Rodin inspected each room in the annex with Larry and Bianca. Everything was well-maintained and spotless.
“Excuse me.”
Rodin raised his hand, and one of the staff members quickly approached with a slight bow.
“Did you call for me, sir?”
“We haven’t had dinner yet. Can we eat now?”
“Of course, guests of the annex are entitled to six meals per sitting, free of charge.”
The number of free meals provided was fixed based on the number of rooms in the annex. Since this annex had three rooms, they were entitled to six meals at each meal time, though they could order more for an additional cost.
“That sounds good. Please bring us six meals.”
“Understood.”
Rodin unpacked his belongings in one of the rooms, while Larry and Bianca each chose a room for themselves.