Bumpy roads, driving carts, and hundreds of people walking and talking all around the place, sharing news and information, and daily experiences. That's what welcomed me when I arrived late afternoon at my first destination.
"Capital of Herion," I spoke as I read the sign in front.
I'm tired from all this walking; it's almost midnight now.
"You there! I can see it's your first time around here at Herion!" Greeted by someone. I look back at him.
A young man with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a hat partnered with a commoner's attire, was waving at me.
"Yes, I came from the village far from here."
"Oh! Mesiah village, huh. I heard it's a quiet and peaceful village to live in.... Wait, did you just walk from the village to the capital?" He shockingly asked me.
"That's right, I did. Also, everyone is good in Mesiah village."
"Aint that right, well, welcome to Herion Capital! The Capital of the Heriondial Dukedom," He excitedly said as he showcased the castle using his hands.
"Heriondial Dukedom... I see, does that mean all dukedoms had their own Capital?"
"Damn right! Although Marquis, Counts, and Barons only have their own towns, just like how Mesiah Village, which falls under the ruler, Count Bevisto."
"Oh- I didn't know that. Thank you for informing me."
"It's nothing, young lad. Anyways, getting sidetracked. Why'd you come here for? Tired of living the peaceful life?" He teasefully remarked.
That's actually the opposite reason why I left the village.
"Nothing much, just want to travel around."
"Oh- a traveler, huh. We don't usually meet travelers these days. All of them are adventurers now."
"Really?"
"Yeah, there was once a time for travelers, but now that monster roams freely, it's not really safe to travel around. Especially alone"
"I see."
"Well, anyway, why don't you visit the guild? They had lots of things there; they could also help you find some inns around here."
Guilds? They also had those kinds of organizations here, huh. I thought this was just some normal world with an old-fashioned lifestyle. I mean, he said there are monsters, so maybe mercenary guilds are normal then.
"Thanks, I'll check it out."
"Great! Then see you around, White Lad," he tapped my back as encouragement and walked away.
"White lad, huh. I hope the nickname won't stick around that much."
I walked as I followed around the signs hanging in the posts until I arrived at the guild.
"Massive House. Looks like a Wooden mansion with 5 floors..." I spoke as I entered the Building. "Oh- High cielings. So that's why it looks big outside," I commented to myself.
"Hi there! Welcome to the Herion Capital Guild. What can I help you with?" Greeted by the woman at the front desk.
Oh, they also have a front desk receptionist in this world. That kinda made me miss my previous world.
"Uh, hi, I'm from Mesiah Village, and I'm hoping to know where I could stay for a couple of days. I'm a traveler." I explained
"I see, a traveler. Are you traveling to find the best place to settle, or haven't yet thought of that?" She asked.
"Uh, not yet. I haven't really thought of that. This is my first travel after all." I replied.
"Oh! First-time traveler! If that's so, here's a map. You can stay in the guild inn or the inns outside, around the corner."
"Oh, thanks. How much for the room here at the guild?"
"Apologies, but our normal fair price is 2 silver per night. The price in the guild is usually lower, but it requires you first to be a guild member."
Oh, so like a membership card, huh. Even in my previous world, we had a membership card for discounts.
"Would you like to avail for one? Although registering for the guild requires you to take and pass an exam."
"Exam?"
"Yes, to avoid raising the number of deaths. We avoid allowing non-combatants or civilians to join the guild."
"Is that so... Is this card usable to all guilds?"
"Yes, you can use the Guild card at all guild stations around the globe. It also works as an identification card for traveling and so on."
"Oh. Like a passport, huh?"
With that, I could lessen my spending, which will help me in my travels.
"Hm? Excuse me, but what is a Passport?" She curiously asked
"Oh, it's nothing important. Anyway. What's the kind of Exam?"
"It's a physical test."
Oh. Maybe I can do it. It's not written, so I might have a chance of passing with flying colors
"All right, I'll take an exam."
"Great!" She excitedly said as she pulled out a floating paper
"Oh- wait, wait, is this Poltergeist?" I shockingly said
"Poltergeist?" she asked curiously
"I mean, your paper is floating!"
"Oh, yes, the magic around Herion Capital is allowed as long as permitted by the guild."
Magic....
"WHAT MAGIC?!" I screamed as I slammed on her table
"Y-yes, please calm down."
I embarrassingly cough as I stand straight again.
"There's magic in this world?"
"Hm? Yes, since the world was created by the gods. It's been active since."
I was surprised.
Magic? Really? I thought I got reincarnated in an old-century world. Suddenly there's magic!
"Oh, I think I understand why you're confused. You said you're from Mesiah Village, yes?"
"Uh.... yes," I dumfoundedly replied as she smiled at me.
"Mesiah village is known for being peaceful. It's all because Count Bevisto only accepts people who don't have an affinity for magic. I remember they had an Orphanage there that sheltered children with magic deficiency".
I see, so that's why everyone in that place was normal for me. That's why I felt at home in that place.
"Magic deficiency, is that a sickness?"
"Not really, but it's something some other people think of as a curse. You know, as a world with mana, they said that having a magic deficiency means you're forsaken by god or something."
Curse....
The moment I thought of Mesiah village, it reminded me of everyone in there: Cielo, Madam Leila, Mr. Roberts, Father Shane, and the others.
"But they'ren't Cursed."
"I understand, please worry not. The guild isn't biased to believe random rumors and theories with no factual and logical explanations. So please rest assured, we will respect you in this place."
Her words made me feel relieved
"Thank you"
"With all that said, I shall write your information for the guild exam. Can you please tell me your name, sir?"
Sir... Oh, right, I'm in my disguise. Do I really look like a man just because I wear a hat and manly clothes? Now that I think about it, even in my previous world, I dressed and looked like a man for my age.
"Um, im Leciro Green."
I invented it using the first two letters of Madam Leila, Cielo, and Mr. Roberts' name. I hope they won't mind me using their surname, though.
"Le, ci, ro, Green. Alright, your age?"
I look at the clear window glass reflecting my image. "I'm 20."
"Alright, 20 jero-old."
"Jero?"
"Hm? Yes, Jero old count, coming from our world name, Jerozias."
"Oh, yes, yes."
That's some weird name right there. Jerozias huh. I kinda miss the name, Planet Earth now.
"Can I know what element you are attributed?"
"Uh, come again?"
"Your elemental affinity. The magic you are given the moment you are born?"
Oh shucks. Yeah, I forgot this was a fantasy world. How I miss Earth so much.
"Can I just write none for now? Or like confidential? I kinda don't like it to be known."
Or more like 'kinda don't know my arse.'
"Is that so? It's alright. The guild Handles Confidentiality with utmost respect and importance. After all, a lot of runaway nobles who signed up for the guild don't want their family to know where they are by tracking their elemental affinity records."
Thank god that's a thing here. Appreciate it, run away nobles!
"With that said, the examination shall happen 2 jero days from now. The address is written behind your enrollment form. Please be advised to arrive at 8:00 jero morning time," she smiled as she gave me the paper.
Jero, huh, why does it sound like a frog in my ears?
"Thanks. I'll take a room for three days in advance for now."
"Great, then that's 6 silver."
I pulled out my pouch, counting six silvers, and gave them to her.
She is writing something again on her paper, and suddenly a key pops out.
"Here's your key. Your room number is 307, located on the 3rd floor to the left of the hall. Please have a pleasant stay, Mr. Leciro."
"thanks"
I walked towards the stairs, arriving at my room door. Using the key, I opened it and was immediately greeted by a room not too fancy but something normal, like an apartment
"Oh yes, a bed, bathroom, and a sink. It's good they have these ready. I gotta do some laundry after bath, so I'll be needing food for my dinner."
I walked towards the window and saw a dining stall outside.
"That should do."
I set up my things, walk outside again, and approach this small dining stall.
"Soupalizouz" reading the advertisement
Isn't that like Soup delicious or something?
"You have great taste, young sir, would you like a bowl of my special Soup!" He offered.
Why does that context sound sus? Anyways, one Copper, huh. That's pretty cheap.
"Alright, give me one."
"Coming right up!"
I sat in the corner as he readied the soup. He poured it into a bowl and gave it to me.
Oh, so there's still meat. I thought it would be like, just soup.
"Eat well," he happily exclaimed as he called for more customers.
Tasting it, the soup isn't bad. It's actually well seasoned for a low price.
"Delicious," I unconsciously spoke
"I heard it's the best around here," a low voice of someone replied to me.
I was surprised, so it made me jolt a little.
Its a person who sat beside me here in the corner.
I didn't even notice him approach.
"Is that so? I never know. It's my first time here."
"I can tell," he replied as he stared at his soup.
He might be wearing a hood. But he can't really hide his physical appearance that much. He has black hair and Gold eyes that look like honey dripping out.
What a handsome face. Out of this world. He has a robust build, too.
"Why aren't you eating?" I asked
He consciously stirred his soup.
I don't know what got into me, but I suddenly took a spoonful out of his soup, tasting it.
"Hmm! Taste good."
WHY DID I DO THAT?! That's some borderline creepiness act!
Despite what I did, he finally took a spoonful of soup. Drinking it to the very last drop
"It is indeed delicious."
"Rigggghhht? Haha. Now I'm full."
"What's your name?" he suddenly asked.
"Oh, me? I'm Leciro Green. I'm a traveler. Although it's actually my first time traveling. I'm from Mesiah village," I replied
"Nice to meet you, Leciro. I'm Lucian lo--shlangx," he suddenly bit his tongue
"Wha- are you alright?"
"Yes. Im Lucian shlangx"
Why does that sound like a last-minute made-up surname? But who am I to comment? I'm also a fraud.
"Nice meeting you, Lucian. Anyway, I'll be needing to go for now. Hope to cross paths with you again soon," I cheerfully told him
In this life, I want to experience a life of fulfilment by actually interacting with people.
He nodded at me, so I smiled back.
"Your soup was the best, Uncle!" I shouted as I paid 3 coppers and slowly walked away
"DAMN OF COURSE! Come back anytime!" He waved happily.
Alright, time to rest up! Tomorrow shall be another peaceful day!