After their encounter with the first bandit group, the merchant cart traveled safely to Valmere City.
The only disturbance they encountered was little assault from magical beasts, which they easily repelled.
Isaac had been wondering how different a city would be from his village. After all, the only things he knew about a medieval era came from movies and history subjects in his past life.
Now, he was standing outside what was called a city in this world.
The perimeter of the land was barricaded with high walls. On these walls, several guards armed with javelins and bows stood, accompanied by mages who were alert and ready.
'This level of development…'
Isaac was awed and impressed. Perhaps his more than a decade in the village had made him accustomed to a rural setting.
Their carriage paused at the towering gates, joining the queue of people who wanted to enter the city.
"Verification?" He asked curiously.
Reymond smiled and nodded. "I don't know why you use such an advanced word, but yes. They have to check every person entering the city to avoid spies or criminals sneaking in."
"Eh?" Isaac frowned. "Why would a criminal sneak into a city? Shouldn't they go hide in remote places?"
His father hummed, "You're still young and don't know much. You can find some valuable materials only in cities. As wanted mage, they can't openly try to purchase these things. Therefore, they have to sneak around."
"Ah…!" The boy gasped in understanding. "So they basically need things in the City, but can't get any easily."
Reymond nodded, proud his soon understood him quickly. Very soon, it was their turn to be checked.
The guards at the gate checked their faces, then scanned through the goods in their cart. After ensuring that there was nothing suspicious in their group, the guards allowed them entry into the city.
Once again, Isaac was awed. Most of the buildings were made of brick, and covered with metal roof. Back in the village only his father and a few wealthy people lived in brick houses.
'I really am a village pumpkin.' He laughed sarcastically.
"Sir Reymond, why don't you leave the trading to us? You should give your son a tour around the city."
Josh suggested, gazing at the two with a warm smile.
"Is that fine?" Reymond asked, turning to the others.
"Leave it to us and enjoy your time."
They agreed.
"Then I'll have to trouble you." He bowed slightly, then climbed down the carriage with Isaac.
"Father, where are we visiting first?"
"Hm, let me show you to the Restaurant Alley first."
"Restaurant Alley?"
"Yes. Their dishes are great over there."
"Woah! Amazing, let's get going!"
The duo walked the streets, heading towards a quieter part of the city. It wasn't really quiet, but it was evident that only the rich or slightly average people could visit this area.
Perhaps because of their attire, the father and sun duo got weird stares from the passersby.
Of course they both ignored it, and headed straight towards one of the restaurants in the alley.
"Welcome to the Crusty Crabs, sirs."
A young girl in slightly revealing maid outfit greeted them, ushering them into the restaurant.
Isaac stared at her torso a bit longer, making the girl bashful. He immediately looked away, a bit ashamed of himself.
'Damn it! Am I getting lustful at the age of twelve?'
He mentally chided himself, then followed his father to get a table.
A waiter came up to them and showed them the menu.
"Give us the Spiked Turtle Meal Set." Reymond said.
He returned the menu to the waiter, who immediately went to get their food ready.
Leaning forward, he addressed his son. "I noticed you were looking at that girl. Well, what do you think?"
Isaac's forehead creased. "What? What do you mean what I think?"
Reymond smirked teasingly. "Don't play coy, son. I noticed how you stared at her."
Isaac immediately panicked. "Ah? That's… I was just curious about her… err, outfit! Yes, that's it!"
"Hehehehe," Reymond laughed. "Did you know? This was where I met your mother too. Ah, memories."
He glanced at Isaac, expecting to see a word expression on his face. Instead, the boy had a look of disgust on his face.
"Father… don't you feel ashamed? Picking up girls from a restaurant. So perverted."
Reymond's nose twitched. "Tch, you sharp-tongued brat! It's called love at first sight, something you can never understand yet."
Isaac fell silent, his head lowered. He didn't know why, but Reymond's statement made him remember his fiance on Earth. The first time they had met… it was simple but unforgettable.
"Son, don't look so glum. You'll find your own other half when the time is right!"
The man encouraged his son, sporting a faint awkward smile.
Thankfully, the waiter arrived immediately, delivering their meals.
The two said their prayers, then began eating. At the first bite, Isaac's expression brightened.
"Woah! It's really tasty!"
His eating speed increased, making Reymond smile.
"Of course it is! I'm a regular customer over here." The man grinned proudly, wolfing down the meal before him.
"That's… nice. You're really… amazing, father."
He said in-between his ravenous eating, staining his lips with soup.
The taste of the Spiked Turtle itself was truly appealing, even more than the best meals he had eaten in his past life.
The two finished their food under five minutes, then cooled off with fruit juice and wine. Of course Isaac's father took the wine, leaving the juice to his son.
Just then, Isaac caught whispers of an event from some guys eating at a different table.
"That kid of the Veyren family is a monster. Did you see how he crushed the heir of the Dalem family? It was a crushing defeat."
One of them said, his expression full of excitement.
"Tch, he's too arrogant though. I don't really like the Veyren family."
His friend replied, looking displeased.
Isaac grew interested in their talk and asked. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Hah?"
The two grown men turned to him, surprise and displeasure in their expressions.