Kael came out of his room and came downstairs. His first task was to gather some information. Since it was still early in the morning, there were no customers here yet. Kael did not see the owner of the inn. However, he did see a girl who was cleaning.
Her ears twitched at his approach, though she didn't look up. Long, silver-blonde hair obscured her face, but the sharp curve of her pointed ear was unmistakable.
An elf.
He paused, unsure. Back home, elves were creatures of legend, pages in dusty books. This one looked like she might stab him with her broom if he spoke too loudly.
He cleared his throat. "Excuse me—"
"What do you want?"
She straightened, wiping her hands on her apron.
Kael offered a cautious smile. "My name's Kael. I'm new here. Just arrived, actually. I was hoping you might spare a few minutes to answer some questions."
Her gaze flicked over his jeans and hoodie, lingering on his sneakers. "Your clothes scream outsider. But I'm busy."
"I'll pay."
Her fingers stilled. "Two bronze."
Kael pulled a few coins from his pocket and slid them across a table. The coins clinked softly before settling. She snatched them up with the quickness of a practiced hand and nodded to a nearby chair.
"Sit."
He obeyed. Once seated, Kael placed a copper, a bronze, and a silver coin on the table between them.
"First, could you explain the monetary system here?"
The elf glanced at the coins, then met his gaze. "It's evident you come from a distant land if you're unfamiliar with our currency," she remarked. "Our system comprises five primary coins: copper, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. One bronze coin is equivalent to ten copper coins. One silver coin equals ten bronze coins, or a hundred copper coins. And one hundred silver is equal to one gold coin. In daily life, copper and bronze are most commonly used for everyday transactions. Silver is typically reserved for more substantial purchases or monthly wages. Gold is used for significant transactions, such as purchasing property. There is also another type of coin, which is the platinum coin. It is the most valuable. It is used by the highest-level people in the country. A platinum coin is equivalent to 100 gold coins. This is a coin that, if you see it even from a distance in your life, you can consider yourself lucky. They're used for major state-level transactions or by the elite."
Kael absorbed the details, nodding thoughtfully. "That clarifies a lot. Thank you."
The elf inclined her head slightly. "Is there anything else you wish to know?"
"Yes," Kael replied. "Could you tell me about the average income in this city? Also, where are we? What is the name of this place?"
She considered his question for a moment before answering. "If you want to know about the average income, then according to my knowledge, the average monthly income for a common laborer is approximately five silver coins. Skilled workers or those in specialized professions may earn more, sometimes up to ten silver coins monthly. High-ranking officials or wealthy merchants might see incomes reaching two to three gold coins per month." She gestured subtly around them. "As for where we are, this is the city of Ginip. It's the fourth-largest city in the western region of the Blue Kingdom, ruled by the Matgorat family. We're part of a county, not a province. Although it is not that a big city, it is not a small city either."
Kael leaned forward, intrigued. "I've been considering joining the Adventurer's Guild. Could you guide me on how to proceed?"
A faint smile touched the elf's lips, the first hint of warmth he'd seen from her. "To register with the Adventurer's Guild, you'll first need to obtain an identification card from the city's town hall. Once you have that, you can approach the guild for registration." She hesitated briefly before continuing. "Given your unfamiliarity with the area and, if you don't mind me saying, your apparent lack of combat experience, it might be prudent to consider acquiring a companion to assist you on missions."
Kael's brow furrowed. "A companion? Are you suggesting hiring a mercenary?"
The elf shook her head gently. "Not quite. I was referring to purchasing a slave."
His eyes widened in surprise. "A slave?"
She met his gaze steadily. "I understand it may be unfamiliar or even uncomfortable for you, but in our kingdom, slavery is a legal and regulated institution. Many adventurers employ slaves, particularly those trained as warriors, to ensure their safety and success during quests."
"I see," Kael said slowly. "How does one go about purchasing a slave here?"
"There's a slave market within the city," she explained. "There, you can find individuals of various skills and backgrounds. I suggest you buy a warrior slave. Most of them know swordplay, tracking; some even know magic," the elf continued, her voice smooth but clipped. "It depends on how much you're willing to spend."
Kael leaned back in his chair, mind spinning. He stared down at the coins on the table—simple pieces of metal. Yet in this world, they could buy something as significant as another person's life. Even on Earth, in shadows and silence, people were bought and sold. The difference was that here, it was done in the open—and no one flinched.
"How much would a warrior slave cost?"
"A low-tier one? Maybe twenty to thirty silver coins. A skilled one could go for a hundred or more. And as for the more powerful slaves, although I don't know their price but I've heard nobles pay gold for them, many golds— but the market near the docks sells cheaper stock."
"That's… a lot."
The elf shrugged with the faintest lift of her narrow shoulders. "You get what you pay for. A poorly trained slave will get you killed out there. A good one will keep you alive. Maybe even make you rich."
Kael narrowed his eyes, still uncomfortable. "And they… don't resist? Try to escape?"
"They're bound by magical contracts. No betrayal. No rebellion. Some even choose this life. Debtors. Orphans. Criminals. You'll see all kinds at the market."
Kael was silent for a long moment. Then he spoke again.
"Can I… free them? If I wanted to?"
That made her pause. She looked at him—really looked at him for the first time. "You could. If you're their legal master, the contract responds to you. But… why would you?"
The elf leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady. "This world doesn't work like yours, Kael. People do what they must to survive. Freedom isn't always the dream people think it is."
He exhaled slowly. "Thanks. For all the information."
She stood, lifting her broom again.
"Wait," he said. "I didn't get your name."
"Alenia," she replied, and turned away.